Varicose veins can appear in different parts of the body, but the most common are varicose veins of the lower extremities. This disease is characterized by a violation of the outflow of blood, which stagnates in the veins of the legs. In medicine, varicose veins of the lower extremities are interpreted as a disease accompanied by an increase in length, the appearance of serpentine tortuosity of the saphenous veins and a bag-like 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:
- inheritance;
- elderly age;
- excess weight;
- wearing tight underwear and uncomfortable shoes, especially narrow and high-heeled ones.
The influence of heredity on the appearance and development of varicose veins has not yet been proven. However, it is noticed that in some families varicose veins occur very often in several generations. Note that the predominant factors in the onset of the disease are nutrition, specific lifestyle and changes in the hormonal cycle.
The main risk factor in the development of 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 improperly organized nutrition. 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. Plant fiber is essential for strengthening vascular walls and lowering intra-abdominal pressure, which also helps reduce the risk of disease.
In addition to proper nutrition, the work process should be properly organized. As a rule, a person spends a significant period of working time in a standing or sitting position, which has a negative effect on the functioning of the valvular apparatus of the veins. Hard physical work associated with a heavy load on the legs when lifting heavy objects is considered equally unfavorable. Another risk factor that influences the development of the disease is long journeys or flights, accompanied by the appearance of blood stagnation in the veins of the legs.
Another urgent cause of the disease is fashion. Therefore, tight underwear compresses the veins in the area of the inguinal folds, and corsets significantly increase intra-abdominal pressure, causing varicose veins. Wearing high-heeled shoes is considered extremely harmful, especially in combination with uncomfortable orthotics.
A proven risk factor for venous disease is repeated pregnancy, which leads 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 protruding from under the skin,
- swelling,
- leg pain, especially in the evening,
- 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-like or cylindrical dilations of the superficial veins. The veins become unnaturally tortuous, protruding above the surface of the skin in the leg and foot area. Larger varicose veins are repaired after long physical work.
In the first phase of varicose veins, the symptoms are few and nonspecific. The only symptom of this phase is a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Also worrying is rapid fatigue, a burning sensation in the legs, which is disturbing after physical activity. Sometimes short-term swelling and aching pain occur along the veins. Characterized by mild swelling of the dorsum of the foot and ankles, which often occurs in the evening after prolonged monotonous physical 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 imperative to consult a specialist in a timely manner, this will prevent the progression and development of the disease. In case of improper treatment, a neglected situation causes chronic venous insufficiency.
An important symptom of venous insufficiency is varicose veins, a network of dilated capillaries (0. 1 mm or more) 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, abuse of sauna or solarium. However, in most cases, varicose veins are one of the first signs of venous congestion and the development of varicose veins. If there is a relatively small area of \u200b\u200bsuch a disorder on the skin, you should definitely consult a specialist.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
A vascular surgeon can diagnose varicose veins through a routine examination, ultrasound of the veins, and also using phlebography, which is the injection of special drugs into a vein and monitoring their reaction.
When you visit a doctor, you will be offered a special examination consisting of several procedures.
- A blood test (general), which will show the degree of thickening, clotting of the blood (susceptibility to thrombosis), presence or absence of inflammation (confirmation of thrombophlebitis).
- Ultrasound of the veins, which identifies the affected areas. It is recommended to perform vascular ultrasound to identify signs of varicose veins, even if varicose veins have already appeared.
- Rheovasography is a method that determines the insufficiency of blood supply (nutrition) to tissues by mathematical calculation. 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 evaluate 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 compresses 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 a cosmetic point of view. Doctors consider it necessary to perform an operation. To reduce the risk of complications and speed up recovery, specialists prescribe a special micronized drug that helps increase the tone of the veins, relieve inflammatory reactions and stimulate lymph flow.
Non-surgical treatment
Non-surgical treatment of varicose veins is successful only at the beginning of the disease, if the skin manifestations are mild and moderately reduce working capacity. Conservative therapy is performed if surgical treatment is contraindicated. This method is mandatory even in the postoperative period to prevent recurrence of the disease.
Conservative treatment is:
- reduce the influence of risk factors,
- adequate physical activity,
- elastic compression,
- drugs,
- 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, undergoing an ultrasound of the veins.
With conservative treatment, it is necessary to constantly train the veins, keep the feet elevated for a long time and wear only comfortable, comfortable shoes.
He is shown walking, swimming or cycling. Physical activity should be carried out only in conditions of elastic compression. Elastic compression is a conservative method of treating varicose veins using an elastic bandage or medical knitwear. It is contraindicated to play traumatic sports such as football, volleyball and others.
For varicose veins, the use of phlebotonic drugs is recommended. The action of such drugs is aimed at strengthening the walls of the veins.
All folk remedies, including medicinal herbs, will never be as effective as drugs. 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 methods of treatment
Complete cure of varicose veins of the lower extremities is achieved only 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 a severe concomitant disease or an advanced stage of 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 rapid 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 cosmetic defects, it is necessary to exclude gross mechanical impacts on them (the use of a hard sponge, tight and uncomfortable clothing). Do not wash with hot water. After surgery it is necessary to use elastic compression for 6 months. In the future, compression stockings will be necessary for "harmful" loads (heavy lifting, long trips).
Sclerosis- injection into a vein of a special substance (sclerosing agent) which causes the "adhesion" of the venous walls to stop the blood flow. In this way the aesthetic defect is removed, since the vein becomes invisible. This method is effective only when expanding small branches of the main venous trunks. After the venous sclerosis procedure, patients do not require rehabilitation.
Laser coagulation— destruction of the venous wall under the action of the laser, thanks to which the lumen of the veins is "sealed". Indicated for those whose vein dilation is no more than 10 mm. The procedure requires anesthesia, early activation of the patient and long-term elastic compression.
Prevention of varicose veins of the lower limbs
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.
- An active lifestyle, a 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 your legs in an elevated position.
- Maintain a diet and monitor your weight.
- It is useful to wear comfortable shoes with a heel no higher than 4 cm, use orthopedic insoles.
- When using estrogens, contraceptives or during pregnancy, it is necessary to undergo an ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities.
Our health depends only on us, and to remain a happy person who is not disturbed by any disease, it is important to carefully monitor your lifestyle, be physically active and eat well.