The problem of varicose veins in women is one of the most common problems in the world. This pathology occurs in 80% of cases in women for several reasons: genetic predisposition, hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy, sedentary lifestyle and excess weight. Thanks to an integrated approach, varicose veins of the legs in women are successfully treated - the main thing is to take all the necessary measures on time.
Causes of varicose veins
Experts identify several common causes of varicose veins:
- The hereditary predisposition is often transmitted through the female line - in 75% of cases in patients with varicose veins, relatives (grandmothers, mothers) encountered the same problem. At the same time, varicose veins of the legs in women are not hereditary, but congenital pathologies of the structure of the veins are observed (weakness of the vascular walls, lower valves, etc. ).
- The cause of varicose veins in women is often associated with an unbalanced pace of life. Constant wearing of high heels, sedentary work, lack of physical activity or overloading the legs due to prolonged standing lead to a decrease in vascular tone and stagnation of blood in the veins. To compensate for this imbalance, the veins dilate, while women still experience swelling and a feeling of heaviness.
- A hormonal imbalance can also contribute to the development of varicose veins in women. This can be due to hormonal fluctuations from one menstrual cycle to the next, the use of oral contraception, etc.
- The appearance of varicose veins can be associated with pregnancy and labor. At this stage, the constantly growing child compresses the veins of the pelvis and the amount of blood and hormones in the woman's body increases. Under the influence of such factors, the ligaments of the woman's pelvis become more elastic, and the extensibility of the veins and their walls increases.
If a woman has problems with her veins before pregnancy, this can ultimately affect her progress. Pregnant women with varicose veins are at risk of bleeding after delivery, untimely discharge of amniotic fluid, and weak labor. Therefore, in case of pathologies of the veins or in the presence of a hereditary predisposition during pregnancy, it is necessary to be observed by a phlebologist.
Signs of varicose veins in women
From the point of view of modern phlebology, venous lesions take into account both any functional changes in the venous system, as well as long-term symptoms and signs indicating the need for examination and treatment of patients. The list of symptoms of venous pathology includes pain, cramps, a feeling of heaviness, fullness, tingling and fatigue in the legs.
In turn, signs of vein damage include:
- venous reflux,
- telangiectasia,
- reticular veins,
- swelling,
- skin pigmentation,
- phlebeurism,
- venous ulcers.
Our numerous observations indicate that the symptoms of venous diseases can manifest themselves both in the early stages of the pathological process, long before the formation of venous reflux or varicose transformation, and much later.
In most cases, the first clinical manifestations of varicose veins are limited to telangiectasias or reticular varicose veins. Further aggravation of venous hypertension, inflammatory changes in the walls and their valves lead to the formation of a typical symptom complex:
- increased fatigue,
- heavy legs at the end of the day,
- pain,
- burning,
- cramps in the calf muscles.
Due to pathological changes in the veins, skin hyperpigmentation progresses, lipodermatosclerosis with thinning of the skin and thickening of subcutaneous fatty tissue are noted. An increase in the severity of trophic disorders is associated with the occurrence of dry or oozing eczemas and, ultimately, venous ulcers.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are caused by venous hypertension and inflammation of the system, which interfere with the normal flow of blood and cause disturbances in the microcirculatory bed. The main role in the development of hypertension is played by changes in the structure of the vein wall (collagen / elastin ratio) and the hormonal state of the body, hemodynamic changes, congenital or acquired insufficiency of the apparatusvalvular.
Long-term hypertension leads to the formation of endothelial dysfunction, which is accompanied by activation and adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells, enhanced by the production of anti-inflammatory mediators responsible for damage to the walls. and the appearance of valvular insufficiency; increased capillary permeability, as well as pain in the lower extremities. It is important to consider that in the absence of adequate treatment, the pathological process in the vascular bed progresses steadily.
What is the prevention of varicose veins?
Preventive measures in the fight against varicose veins have 2 objectives.
First, it is about preventing the development of the disease in women who are predisposed to it. If there is at least one risk factor for the appearance of varicose veins, there is no need to wait for the appearance of ugly clusters on the legs, unpleasant symptoms and, even more so, complications, if all this canbe avoided. Secondly, in the case of existing varicose veins, prevention will avoid the progression of the disease and the development of complications. In each of the two cases, preventive measures consist of eliminating and minimizing risk factors for the development of varicose veins, which can only be achieved by changing several aspects of life:
- First of all, it is necessary to return weight to normal through dietary correction and exercise. When playing sports, it is best to focus on exercises on weight machines in a lying or reclining position. Such training practically does not exert long-term stress on the superficial veins of the legs, but at the same time strengthens the muscles and improves blood circulation.
- Avoid prolonged stress on the legs - sitting, standing, lifting heavy objects. If such a regime is due to the peculiarities of a woman's work, it is worth taking breaks as often as possible, doing special gymnastics, walking up and down the stairs.
- When resting or sleeping, you should keep your legs 15 cm higher than your heart level. Simply use small pads or cushions to achieve this position.
- Review your wardrobe. He must not wear clothing restricting movement of the hips and shoulders, nor shoes with heels higher than 4 cm or flat soles. This does not mean that a woman should completely abandon tight clothes and beautiful high-heeled shoes - just choose more comfortable clothes for everyday wear and leave the rest for special occasions.
- Fans of exotic tanning should avoid regular visits to the solarium and prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Foot care is also important in preventing varicose veins. A cool shower with emphasis on the legs and a nightly massage of the legs and feet are helpful. Additionally, you can use special massage baths and small massagers, refreshing foot gels.
- A good prevention of varicose veins is elastic compression - special stockings, tights and socks. Under the influence of compression stockings, the speed of blood flow increases and venous congestion disappears. The selection of knitwear should be carried out in strict accordance with special tables by a phlebologist.
What treatment is prescribed for women?
The modern treatment strategy for women suffering from varicose veins is based on the use of an integrated approach aimed at reducing the negative impact of risk factors and lifestyle changes. In addition, various methods of surgical correction of venous pathology, laser therapy and sclerotherapy are widely used. With the help of such modern techniques, you can not only restore women's health, but also make their legs beautiful and light through aesthetic correction.
By contacting a phlebologist of a specialized medical center, you can obtain a comprehensive diagnosis of the state of the venous system, comprehensive treatment of varicose veins and any other similar pathologies using advanced techniques and equipment. Modern methods of getting rid of venous problems are designed to make the healing process quick, as effective as possible, without consequences for women, painless and not traumatic. Medical centers are designed to make women's lives healthy and therefore happy. Be active, full of strength and energy, and the specialists of any qualified clinic will help you with this.