Varicose veins can appear on 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 a serpentine tortuosity of the saphenous veins, as well as a bag-like increase in their lumen. The disease is recorded in 17-25% of the population. Moreover, women are affected by this disease 3 times more often than men.
Causes of disease
The main causes of the disease are:
- heredity;
- old age;
- excess weight;
- wearing tight underwear, as well as uncomfortable, especially tight, high-heeled shoes.
The influence of heredity on the origin and development of varicose veins has not yet been proven. However, it is noticed that some families have varicose veins quite often in several generations. It is noted that the dominant factors in the development of the disease are diet, specific lifestyle and changes in the hormonal cycle.
The main risk factor in the onset of the disease is obesity, and the incidence of varicose veins increases depending on the severity of obesity.
Excess weight follows a sedentary lifestyle and an improperly organized diet. For example, in the modern world, processed food prevails, and there is a lack of consumption of plant fibers contained in raw vegetables, berries and fruits. Plant fibers are necessary to strengthen vascular walls and lower 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. Heavy physical work associated with a heavy load on the legs when lifting heavy objects is considered equally unfavorable. Another risk factor that affects the onset of the disease is long trips or flights, which are accompanied by the appearance of blood stagnation in the veins of the legs.
Another immediate cause of illness is fashion. Such tight underwear compresses the veins in the area of the inguinal folds, and corsets significantly increase intra-abdominal pressure, which leads to 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, which leads to changes in intra-abdominal pressure, while the hormone progesterone has a negative effect on 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 under the skin,
- swelling,
- leg pain, especially in the evening,
- feeling tired
- changes in skin appearance - pigmentation, thickening,
- loss of skin elasticity, hair loss in areas where varicose veins are located.
The main visible signs of varicose veins are bag-like or cylindrical enlargements of the superficial veins. Veins become unnaturally tortuous, protruding above the surface of the skin in the area of the legs and feet. The largest varicose veins are repaired after long physical work.
In the first stage of varicose veins, the symptoms are few and non-specific. The only symptom of this stage is a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Rapid fatigue, burning in the legs, which disturbs after physical activity, is also a concern. Sometimes short-term swelling and pain occur with the veins. It is characterized by mild swelling of the dorsum of the feet and ankles, which often occurs in the evening hours after prolonged monotonous exercise. In the morning, the swelling disappears without a trace, and the visible expansion of the veins is not observed.
If these signs appear, it is necessary to consult a specialist in a timely manner, this will prevent the progression and development of the disease. In case of improper treatment, the neglected situation results in chronic venous insufficiency.
An important symptom of venous insufficiency is spider veins - a network of dilated capillaries (0. 1 mm or more) that are visible through the skin. Women consider such "stars" a cosmetic flaw, but men simply do not notice them. Sometimes it 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 such a disorder on the skin, be sure to consult a specialist.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
A vascular surgeon can diagnose varicose veins with a routine examination, ultrasound of the veins, but also with phlebography, which is injecting special drugs into the vein and monitoring their reaction.
When you visit the doctor, you will be offered a special examination consisting of several procedures.
- Blood test (general), which will show the degree of thickening, blood clotting (propensity for thrombosis), presence or absence of inflammation (confirming thrombophlebitis).
- Ultrasound of the veins, which identifies the affected areas. A vascular ultrasound is recommended to identify signs of varicose veins, even if the veins have appeared.
- Rheovasography is a method by which mathematical calculation determines the lack of blood (food) supply to tissues. Thus, the stage of the disease is determined, which is necessary for the selection of treatment methods.
- Surgical methods, such as venography (see above), are very rarely used to assess the state of the venous system.
Methods of treating varicose veins
Treatment of varicose veins is quite difficult, so prevention is recommended. Conservative treatment methods include special tablets and ointments prescribed by the doctor, wearing socks and stockings with special laces. Surgical treatment of varicose veins is also possible, whereby the dilated veins are removed from the person using the traction method. Laser therapy and sclerotherapy are considered very effective.
Varicose veins are extremely concerning for patients from a cosmetic point of view. Doctors believe that it is necessary to perform an operation. In order to reduce the risk of complications and speed up recovery, experts prescribe a special micronized drug that helps increase the tone of veins, alleviate 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, moderately reducing the ability to work. Conservative therapy is carried out if surgical treatment is contraindicated. This method is also mandatory in the postoperative period in order to prevent recurrence of the disease.
Conservative treatment is:
- reducing the impact 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 and undergo an ultrasound examination of the veins.
With conservative treatment, it is necessary to constantly train the veins, keep the feet in an elevated position for a long time and wear only comfortable and comfortable shoes.
Walking, swimming or cycling is shown. Physical activity should be performed only under the condition of elastic compression. Elastic compression is a conservative method of treating varicose veins using an elastic bandage or medical knitwear. Playing traumatic sports such as football, volleyball and others is contraindicated.
For varicose veins, the use of phlebotonic drugs is recommended. The action of such drugs is aimed at strengthening the vein walls.
All folk remedies, including herbs, will never be as effective as pharmaceutical drugs. You should not self-medicate, any drug therapy is used only according to the doctor's recommendation. Local treatment is carried out only if there is no thrombosis or thrombophlebitis.
Surgical methods of treatment
Complete healing of varicose veins of the lower extremities is achieved only by surgical treatment.
The following methods of surgical treatment 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 in pregnancy, 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, but also cosmetically useful. The set of measures aimed at rapid recovery after surgery depends entirely on the complexity of the surgical intervention, while respecting the 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 influences on them (use of hard sponge, tight, uncomfortable clothes). Do not wash with hot water. After surgery, elastic compression must be used for 6 months. In the future, compression stockings will be necessary for "harmful" loads (lifting heavy loads, long trips).
Sclerosis- injection into the vein of a special substance (sclerosant) that causes the vein walls to "stick" to stop blood flow. In this way, the cosmetic defect is removed, because the vein becomes invisible. This method is effective only when the small branches of the main venous trunks are expanded. After vein sclerosis treatment, patients do not need rehabilitation.
Laser coagulation- destruction of the vein wall under the effect of the laser, due to which the lumen of the vein is "sealed". Indicated for those whose varicose veins are not 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 extremities
Currently, great importance is attached to the prevention of varicose veins. It is necessary to regularly implement 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.
- Often keeping the legs in an elevated position.
- Maintaining a diet and monitoring body weight.
- It is useful to wear comfortable shoes with a heel no higher than 4 cm, to use orthopedic insoles.
- 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 troubled by any diseases, it is important to carefully monitor your lifestyle, be physically active and eat properly.