The problem of varicose veins in women is one of the most common problems worldwide. This pathology occurs in 80% of cases in women for various reasons - genetic predisposition, hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy, physical inactivity and excess weight. When using an integrated approach, varicose veins on 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:
- 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 inherited, but congenital pathologies of the structure of the veins are observed (weakness of the vascular walls, lower valves, etc. ).
- Often the cause of varicose veins in women is associated with an unbalanced rhythm of life. Constantly wearing high heels, sedentary work, lack of physical activity or overloading the legs due to prolonged standing leads 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.
- Hormonal imbalance can also contribute to the development of varicose veins in women. This may be due to hormonal fluctuations from one menstrual cycle to another, the use of oral contraceptives, etc.
- The appearance of varicose veins may be associated with pregnancy and childbirth. At this time, the constantly growing child compresses the veins in 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 vein problems before pregnancy, this can affect its course. Pregnant women with varicose veins are at risk of bleeding after birth, premature secretion of amniotic fluid, and weak labor. Therefore, in case of any pathology of the veins or in the presence of a hereditary predisposition during pregnancy, it is necessary to consult a phlebologist.
Signs of varicose veins in women
From the point of view of modern phlebology, venous injuries consider both any functional changes in the venous system, and long-lasting symptoms and signs that indicate the need for examination and treatment of patients. The list of symptoms of vein pathology includes pain, cramps, 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 significantly later.
In most cases, early clinical manifestations of varicose veins are limited to telangiectasia or reticular varicose veins. Aggravation of venous hypertension, inflammatory changes in the walls and its 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, hyperpigmentation of the skin progresses, with lipodermatosclerosis with thinning of the skin and thickening of the subcutaneous adipose tissue. An increase in the severity of trophic disorders is associated with the occurrence of dry or exudative eczema and, ultimately, venous ulcers.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are based on 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 venous wall (collagen/elastin ratio) and the hormonal status of the body, hemodynamic changes, congenital or acquired insufficiency of the valve apparatus.
Long-term hypertension leads to the formation of endothelial dysfunction, which is accompanied by the 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 valve 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 to combat varicose veins have 2 objectives.
First of all, it is to prevent the development of the disease in women with a predisposition 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 complications, if all this can be avoided. Secondly, in the case of existing varicose veins, prevention will help avoid the progression of the disease and the development of complications. In either case, preventive measures include eliminating risk factors for the development of varicose veins and minimizing them, which can only be achieved by changing several aspects of life:
- First of all, it is necessary to reduce weight to normal through dietary correction and exercise. When practicing sports, it is preferable to exercise on exercise equipment in a lying or reclining position. Such training practically does not put prolonged pressure 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, then it is worth taking breaks as often as possible, doing special gymnastics, walking up and down stairs.
- When resting or sleeping, you need to keep your legs 15 cm above heart level. Just use small cushions or cushions to achieve this position.
- Review your wardrobe. He should not wear clothes that restrict movement of the hips and shoulders, and shoes with heels greater than 4 cm or with flat soles. This does not mean that a woman should completely give up tight clothes and beautiful high-heeled shoes - just choose more comfortable clothes for everyday life 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 cold shower focusing 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 knee pads. Under the influence of compression stockings, the speed of blood flow increases and venous congestion disappears. The selection of meshes must be carried out strictly according to special tables from a phlebologist.
What treatment is prescribed for women?
The modern treatment strategy for women with varicose veins is based on the use of an integrated approach aimed at reducing the negative impact of risk factors and changing lifestyle. In addition, various methods of surgical correction of venous pathology, laser therapy and sclerotherapy are widely used. With the help of these modern techniques, you can restore not only women's health, but also make your legs beautiful and light again thanks to aesthetic correction.
By contacting a phlebologist from a specialized medical center, you can get a complete 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 eliminating vein problems are aimed at making the healing process quick, as effective as possible, without consequences for women, painless and non-traumatic. Medical centers are designed to make women's lives healthy and therefore happy. Be active, full of strength and energy, and specialists of any qualified clinic will help you with this.