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 several reasons - genetic predisposition, hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy, a sedentary lifestyle and excess weight. When using an integrated approach, varicose veins in 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, inferior 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 blood stagnation 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 contraception, etc.
- The appearance of varicose veins may be associated with pregnancy and labor. At this time, the constantly growing child compresses the veins of the pelvis, plus the amount of blood and hormones in the woman’s body increases. Under the influence of such factors, the ligaments of the women’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 course. Pregnant women with varicose veins are at risk of bleeding after childbirth, untimely discharge of amniotic fluid, and weak labor. Therefore, in case of any 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 standpoint of modern phlebology, venous lesions consider both any functional changes in the venous system, as well as long-term symptoms and signs that indicate the need for examination and treatment of patients. The list of symptoms of pathology in the veins 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,
- phlebeurysm,
- venous ulcers.
Our numerous observations indicate that symptoms of vein diseases can manifest both in the early stages of the pathological process, significantly ahead of 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. Further aggravation of venous hypertension, inflammatory changes in the walls and their valves leads 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 weeping eczema and, ultimately, venous ulcers.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are based on venous hypertension and inflammation in the system, which interfere with the normal outflow of blood and cause disturbances in the microcirculatory bed. The leading 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 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 steadily progresses.
What is the prevention of varicose veins?
Preventive measures in the fight against varicose veins have 2 goals.
Firstly, it is to prevent the development of the disease in women who have a predisposition to it. If there is at least one risk factor for the appearance of varicose veins, then 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 can be prevented. Secondly, in the case of existing varicose veins, prevention will help avoid progression of the disease and the development of complications. In any of the two cases, preventive measures involve 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 playing sports, it is better to give preference to exercising on exercise machines in a lying or reclining position. Such training practically does not put 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, then it is worth taking breaks as often as possible, doing special gymnastics, going up and down the stairs on foot.
- When resting or sleeping, you need to keep your legs 15 cm higher than your heart level. Just use small pads or cushions to achieve this position.
- Review your wardrobe. He should not wear clothing that restricts movement in the hips and shoulders, and shoes with heels higher 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 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 the prevention of varicose veins. A cool shower with an emphasis on the legs and a nightly massage of the legs and feet are helpful. In addition, you can use special massage baths and small massagers, cooling gels for the feet.
- A good prevention of varicose veins is elastic compression - special stockings, tights and knee socks. Under the influence of compression hosiery, the speed of blood flow increases, and venous congestion disappears. The selection of knitwear must be carried out in strict accordance with special tables by 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 such modern techniques, you can restore not only the health of women, but also make their legs beautiful and light again thanks to aesthetic correction.
By contacting a phlebologist at a specialized medical center, you can get a complete diagnosis of the condition 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 problems with veins are designed to make 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 the specialists of any qualified clinic will help you with this.