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, sedentary lifestyle and excess weight. When an integrated approach is used, varicose veins on the legs in women are successfully treated - the main thing is to take all the necessary measures in 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, enlarged leg veins in women are not inherited, but congenital pathologies of the vein structure are observed (weakness of the vascular walls, lower valves, etc. ).
- Often, the cause of varicose veins in women is related to an unbalanced rhythm of life. Constant wearing of high heels, sedentary work, lack of physical activity or overloading of the legs due to prolonged standing lead 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 varicose veins in women. This can be caused by hormonal fluctuations from one menstrual cycle to another, use of oral contraceptives, etc.
- The appearance of varicose veins can be associated with pregnancy and childbirth. At that time, the constantly growing child squeezes the veins of 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 female pelvis become more elastic, and the elasticity of the veins and their walls increases.
If a woman has problems with her veins before pregnancy, this can ultimately affect her flow. Pregnant women with varicose veins are at risk of postpartum hemorrhage, untimely discharge of amniotic fluid, and low birth weight. Therefore, in case of any pathologies of the veins or the presence of a hereditary predisposition during pregnancy, observation by a phlebologist is necessary.
Signs of varicose veins in women
From the point of view of modern phlebology, venous lesions are considered as 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 vein pathology includes pain, cramps, a feeling of heaviness, fullness, tingling and tiredness 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 vein disease can manifest both in the early stages of the pathological process, well before the appearance of venous reflux or varicose transformation, and much later.
In most cases, early clinical manifestations of varicose veins are limited to telangiectasias or reticular varicose veins. Further worsening of venous hypertension, inflammatory changes in the walls and their valves lead to the formation of a typical complex of symptoms:
- 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, lipodermatosclerosis with thinning of the skin and thickening of the subcutaneous fatty tissue is observed. An increase in the severity of trophic disorders is associated with the appearance of dry or weeping eczema and, ultimately, venous ulcers.
Dilated 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 microcirculation. Changes in the structure of the venous wall (collagen/elastin ratio) and hormonal status of the organism, hemodynamic changes, congenital or acquired insufficiency of the valvular apparatus play a leading role in the development of hypertension.
Long-term hypertension leads to the formation of endothelial dysfunction, which is accompanied by the activation and adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells, increased production of anti-inflammatory mediators responsible for wall damage and the appearance of valve insufficiency; increased capillary permeability, as well as pain in the lower extremities. It is important to take into account that in the absence of adequate treatment, the pathological process in the vascular bed is constantly progressing.
What is the prevention of varicose veins?
Preventive measures in the fight against varicose veins have 2 goals.
First, it prevents 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 accumulations on the legs, unpleasant symptoms, and even more complications, if all this can be prevented. Secondly, in the case of existing varicose veins, prevention will help to avoid the progression of the disease and the development of complications. In any of these two cases, preventive measures include the removal of risk factors for the appearance of varicose veins and their minimization, which can only be achieved by changing several aspects of life:
- First of all, it is necessary to reduce the weight to normal through diet correction and exercise. When playing sports, it is better to give preference to exercise on exercise machines in a supine or supine position. Such training practically does not put long-term stress on the superficial veins of the legs, but at the same time it strengthens the muscles and improves blood circulation.
- Avoid prolonged stress on the legs - sitting, standing, lifting heavy objects. If such a regime is a consequence of the peculiarities of women's work, then it is worth taking breaks as often as possible, doing special gymnastics, climbing and descending stairs on foot.
- When you are resting or sleeping, your legs should be 15 cm higher than the level of your heart. Just use small pads or pillows to achieve this position.
- Review your wardrobe. He must not wear clothing that restricts movement in the hips and shoulders, and shoes with a heel greater than 4 cm or a flat sole. This does not mean that a woman should completely give up tight clothes and beautiful shoes with high heels - just choose more comfortable clothes for everyday wear, and leave the rest for special occasions.
- Lovers 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 cold shower with an emphasis on the legs and a night 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 socks, tights and knee socks. Under the influence of compression stockings, the speed of blood flow increases, and venous congestion disappears. The choice of knitwear must be made in strict accordance with special tables by phlebologists.
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 women's health, but also make their legs beautiful and light thanks to aesthetic correction.
By contacting a phlebologist in 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 pathology using advanced techniques and equipment. Modern methods of solving problems with veins are designed to make the healing process fast, as effective as possible without consequences for women, painless and non-traumatic. Medical centers are designed to make women's lives healthy and thus happy. Be active, full of strength and energy, and the experts of any qualified clinic will help you in this.