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 that is accompanied by an increase in length, the appearance of serpentine tortuosity of the saphenous veins, as well as a sac-like increase in their lumen. The disease is noted in 17-25% of the population. Moreover, women are affected by this disease 3 times more often than men.
Causes of the disease
The main causes of the disease are:
- heredity;
- elderly age;
- excess weight;
- wearing tight underwear, as well as uncomfortable, especially narrow, 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 quite often have varicose veins in several generations. It is noted 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 bad effect on the functioning of the valvular apparatus of the veins. Hard physical work associated with heavy load on the legs when lifting heavy objects is considered equally unfavorable. Another risk factor influencing the development of the disease is long travel or flights, which are accompanied by the appearance of stagnation of blood in the leg veins.
Another pressing cause of the disease is fashion. Thus, tight underwear compresses the veins in the area of the inguinal folds, and corsets significantly increase intra-abdominal pressure, leading to varicose veins. Wearing high-heeled shoes is considered extremely harmful, especially in combination with uncomfortable arch supports.
A proven risk factor for venous disease is repeated pregnancy, leading to changes in intra-abdominal pressure, while the hormone progesterone adversely affects the vein walls 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,
- pain in the legs, 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 area of the legs and feet. The largest varicose veins are fixed after long physical work.
At the first stage of varicose veins, symptoms are few and nonspecific. The only symptom of this stage is a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Also concerning 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 exercise. In the morning, the swelling goes away without a trace, and visible expansion of the veins is not 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 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 such "stars" to be a cosmetic defect, but men simply do not notice them. Sometimes this is just a manifestation of hormonal disorders, abuse of the sauna or solarium. However, in most cases, spider veins are one of the first signs of vein congestion and the development of varicose veins. If there is a relatively small area of such 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, blood clotting (susceptibility to thrombosis), the presence or absence of inflammation (confirming thrombophlebitis).
- Ultrasound of the veins, which identifies the affected areas. Vascular ultrasound is recommended to 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 tissue 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 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 tablets and ointments prescribed by the doctor, wearing tights and stockings with special drawstrings. 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 tone in 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 skin manifestations are mild, moderately reducing ability to work. Conservative therapy is carried out if surgical treatment is contraindicated. This method is also mandatory for the postoperative period in order to prevent recurrence of the disease.
Conservative treatment is:
- reducing the influence of risk factors,
- adequate physical activity,
- elastic compression,
- medications,
- use of physiotherapy.
People who have risk factors for developing varicose veins or a hereditary predisposition should consult a phlebologist twice a year, undergoing 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, comfortable shoes.
Walking is shown, as well as swimming or cycling. Physical activity should be carried out only under the condition of elastic compression. Elastic compression is a conservative method of treating varicose veins using an elastic bandage or medical knitwear. It is contraindicated to engage in traumatic sports such as football, volleyball and others.
For varicose veins, it is recommended to use phlebotonic medications. 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 pharmaceutical 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 a late stage of varicose veins.
The operation is not performed during pregnancy, the presence of purulent processes in the body, or for elderly people.The use of endoscopic treatment methods makes such an operation as safe as possible, as well as cosmetically beneficial. The set of measures for the purpose of rapid recovery after surgery depends entirely on the complexity of the surgical procedure, while taking into account general principles. The final seams are formed after 6 months, therefore, in order to avoid damage and cosmetic defects, it is necessary to exclude rough mechanical impacts on them (the use of a hard sponge, tight, uncomfortable clothing). Do not wash with hot water. After surgery, elastic compression must be used for 6 months. In the future, compression hosiery will be necessary for "harmful" loads (heavy lifting, long journeys).
Sclerosis- injection into a vein of a special substance (sclerosant) that causes "sticking" of the venous walls to stop blood flow. In this way, the cosmetic defect is removed, since the vein becomes invisible. This method is effective only when expanding small branches of the main venous trunks. After the vein 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. "Indicated for those whose vein dilatation is no more 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 perform simple measures that can significantly reduce not only the risk of occurrence, but also the development and progression of the disease.
- An active lifestyle, measured alternation of long static loads with other types of physical activity, such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, and performing simple exercises at work.
- Frequently holding the legs in an elevated position.
- Maintaining a diet and monitoring your weight.
- Wearing comfortable shoes with a heel size of no more than 4 cm, using orthopedic insoles is useful.
- When using estrogens, contraceptives, or during pregnancy, you need to undergo an ultrasound scan of the veins of the lower extremities.
Our health depends only on us, and in order to remain a happy person who is not bothered by any diseases, it is important to carefully monitor your lifestyle, be physically active and eat right.