Varicose veins can appear in different parts of the body, but the most common are varicose veins in the lower extremities. This disease is characterized by a violation of blood flow, which stagnates in the veins of the legs. In medicine, varicose veins of the lower extremities are interpreted as a disease that is accompanied by an increase in length, the appearance of serpentine tortuosity of the saphenous veins, as well as a sac-shaped increase in their lumen. The disease is observed in 17-25% of the population. Furthermore, women are affected by this disease 3 times more often than men.
Causes of the disease
The main causes of the disease are:
- heredity;
- advanced age;
- overweight;
- wear tight underwear, as well as uncomfortable shoes, especially narrow and high-heeled shoes.
The influence of heredity on the occurrence and development of varicose veins has not yet been proven. However, it is noted that some families often have varicose veins in several generations. It is noted that the predominant factors in the onset of the disease are diet, specific lifestyle and changes in the hormonal cycle.
The main risk factor for developing the disease is obesity, and the incidence of varicose veins increases depending on the severity of obesity.
Excess weight is accompanied by a sedentary lifestyle and poorly organized diet. For example, in the modern world processed foods predominate and there is a shortage of consumption of plant fibers contained in raw vegetables, berries and fruits. Vegetable fiber is essential for strengthening vascular walls and reducing intra-abdominal pressure, which also helps reduce the risk of disease.
In addition to adequate nutrition, the work process must be well organized. As a rule, a person spends a significant period of work standing or sitting, which impairs the functioning of the valve apparatus of the veins. Hard physical work associated with a large load on the legs when lifting heavy objects is considered equally unfavorable. Another risk factor that influences the development of the disease is long trips or flights, which are accompanied by the appearance of blood stagnation in the leg veins.
Another pressing cause of the disease is fashion. Thus, tight underwear compresses the veins in the inguinal fold region, and corsets significantly increase intra-abdominal pressure, causing varicose veins. Wearing high-heeled shoes is considered extremely harmful, especially in combination with uncomfortable arch supports.
A proven risk factor for venous diseases is repeated pregnancy, leading to changes in intra-abdominal pressure, while the hormone progesterone negatively affects the walls of the veins and destroys collagen and elastic fibers.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities
The main symptoms of this disease are:
- veins bulging under the skin,
- swelling,
- leg pain, especially at night,
- feeling tired
- changes in the appearance of the skin - pigmentation, thickening,
- loss of skin elasticity, hair loss in areas where dilated veins are located.
The main visible signs of varicose veins are sac-shaped or cylindrical dilations of the superficial veins. The veins become abnormally tortuous, protruding above the surface of the skin in the leg and foot area. The largest varicose veins are corrected after long physical work.
In the first stage of varicose veins, symptoms are few and nonspecific. The only symptom at this stage is a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Also worrying is rapid fatigue, a burning sensation in the legs, which is uncomfortable after physical activity. Sometimes swelling and severe pain occur along the veins. Characterized by mild swelling of the back of the foot and ankles, which usually occurs at night after prolonged monotonous exercise. In the morning, the swelling disappears without a trace and no visible expansion of the veins is observed.
If these signs appear, it is essential to consult a specialist in a timely manner, this will prevent the progression and development of the disease. In case of inadequate treatment, a neglected situation results in chronic venous insufficiency.
An important symptom of venous insufficiency is spider veins - a web of dilated capillaries (0. 1 mm or more) that are visible through the skin. Women consider these "stars" a cosmetic defect, but men simply do not notice them. Sometimes this is just a manifestation of hormonal disorders, sauna or solarium abuse. However, in most cases, spider veins are one of the first signs of venous congestion and the development of varicose veins. If there is a relatively small area of this skin disorder, you should definitely consult a specialist.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
The vascular surgeon can diagnose varicose veins through a routine examination, ultrasound of the veins and also through phlebography, which is the injection of special medications into the vein and monitoring its reaction.
When visiting a doctor, you will be offered a special examination consisting of several procedures.
- A blood test (general), which will show the degree of thickening, blood clotting (susceptibility to thrombosis), the presence or absence of inflammation (confirming thrombophlebitis).
- Ultrasound of the veins, which identifies the affected areas. It is recommended that a vascular ultrasound be performed to identify signs of varicose veins, even if spider veins have already appeared.
- Rheovasography is a method that determines the insufficiency of blood supply (nutrition) to the tissue through mathematical calculations. This is how the stage of the disease is determined, which is necessary for choosing treatment methods.
- Surgical methods, such as venography (see above), are very rarely used to assess the condition of the venous system.
Treatment methods for varicose veins
Treating varicose veins is quite difficult, so it is recommended to prevent it. Conservative treatment methods include special pills and ointments prescribed by the doctor, wearing tights and stockings with special laces. Surgical treatment of varicose veins is also possible, in which dilated veins are removed from a person using the traction method. Laser therapy and sclerotherapy are considered very effective.
Varicose veins are extremely worrying for patients from an aesthetic point of view. Doctors consider it necessary to perform an operation. To reduce the risk of complications and speed up recovery, experts prescribe a special micronized medicine that helps increase vein tone, relieve inflammatory reactions and stimulate lymphatic flow.
Non-surgical treatment
Non-surgical treatment of varicose veins is only successful at the beginning of the disease, if the skin manifestations are mild, moderately reducing work capacity. Conservative therapy is carried out if surgical treatment is contraindicated. This method is also mandatory in the postoperative period to prevent recurrence of the disease.
Conservative treatment is:
- reducing the influence of risk factors,
- adequate physical activity,
- elastic compression,
- medicines,
- use of physiotherapy.
People who have risk factors for the development of varicose veins or a hereditary predisposition should consult a phlebologist twice a year, performing an ultrasound scan of the veins.
With conservative treatment, it is necessary to constantly train the veins, keep your feet elevated for a long time and wear only comfortable and comfortable shoes.
Hiking is shown, as is swimming or cycling. Physical activity should only be performed under conditions of elastic compression. Elastic compression is a conservative method of treating varicose veins using an elastic bandage or medical mesh. It is contraindicated to practice traumatic sports such as football, volleyball and others.
For varicose veins, the use of phlebotonic medications is recommended. The action of these medications is aimed at strengthening the walls of the veins.
All folk remedies, including medicinal herbs, will never be as effective as pharmaceutical medicines. You should not self-medicate, any drug therapy is used only as prescribed by a doctor. Local treatment is carried out only if there is no thrombosis or thrombophlebitis.
Surgical treatment methods
Complete cure of varicose veins of the lower extremities is only achieved with surgical treatment.
The following surgical treatment methods are used:
Phlebectomy— removal of varicose veins during surgery. This procedure is contraindicated if the patient has severe concomitant disease or late-stage varicose veins.
The operation is not performed during pregnancy, in the presence of purulent processes in the body or in the elderly.The use of endoscopic treatment methods makes such an operation as safe as possible, as well as aesthetically beneficial. The set of measures for the purpose of quick recovery after surgery depends entirely on the complexity of the surgical procedure, taking into account general principles. The final seams are formed after 6 months, therefore, to avoid damage and aesthetic defects, it is necessary to exclude harsh mechanical impacts on them (using a hard sponge, tight and uncomfortable clothing). Do not wash with hot water. After surgery, elastic compression should be used for 6 months. In the future, compression stockings will be needed for "harmful" loads (weight lifting, long trips).
Sclerosis- injection into a vein of a special substance (sclerosing agent) that causes the venous walls to "stick together" to stop blood flow. This way, the cosmetic defect is removed, as the vein becomes invisible. This method is effective only in expanding small branches of the main venous trunks. After the venous sclerosis procedure, patients do not need rehabilitation.
Laser coagulation— destruction of the vein wall under the action of a laser, due to which the lumen of the veins is "sealed". Recommended for those with dilated veins no greater than 10 mm. The procedure requires anesthesia, early patient activation, and long-term elastic compression.
Prevention of varicose veins of the lower extremities
Currently, great importance is attached to the prevention of varicose veins. It is necessary to regularly carry out simple measures that can significantly reduce not only the risk of occurrence, but also the development and progression of the disease.
- Active lifestyle, measured alternation of prolonged static loads with other types of physical activity, such as walking, running, cycling, swimming and performing simple exercises at work.
- Often keeping the legs in an elevated position.
- Maintain a diet and monitor your weight.
- Wearing comfortable shoes with heels no higher than 4 cm and wearing orthopedic insoles is helpful.
- When using estrogens, contraceptives or during pregnancy, it is necessary to do an ultrasound scan of the veins of the lower extremities.
Our health depends only on us, and in order to remain a happy person and not bothered by any illness, it is important to carefully monitor your lifestyle, be physically active and eat well.