Varicose veins can appear in many different parts of the body, but the most common are varicose veins in the lower limbs. This disease is characterized by blood flow disorders and stagnation in the veins of the legs. In medicine, varicose veins of the lower extremities are understood as a disease that is accompanied by an increase in length, the appearance of tortuous tortuous veins, as well as an increase in their lumen resembling a bag. The disease is recorded in 17-25% of the population. Furthermore, women suffer from this disease three times more often than men.
Cause of the disease
The main causes of the disease are:
- genetic;
- old age;
- overweight;
- wearing tight as well as uncomfortable underwear, especially tight high heels.
The influence of genetics on the appearance and development of varicose veins has not yet been proven. However, it should be noted that some families have frequent varicose veins in many generations. It should be noted that the main factors that cause the onset of the disease are nutrition, specific lifestyle and changes in the hormonal cycle.
The main risk factor for 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 prevail and the intake of plant fibers found in raw vegetables, berries and fruits is in short supply. Vegetable fiber is essential for strengthening blood vessel walls and reducing intra-abdominal pressure, which also helps reduce the risk of disease.
In addition to proper nutrition, the working process needs to be properly organized. As a rule, a person spends a significant amount of working time in a standing or sitting position, which negatively affects the functioning of the venous valve apparatus. Heavy work associated with heavy loads on the legs when lifting heavy objects is considered equally disadvantageous. Another risk factor that affects the development of the disease is long-term travel or air travel, accompanied by blood stagnation in the veins of the legs.
Another urgent cause of this disease is fashion. Therefore, tight underwear will compress the veins in the inguinal fold area, and corsets significantly increase intra-abdominal pressure, leading to varicose veins. Wearing high heels is considered extremely harmful, especially when combined with uncomfortable arch supports.
A proven risk factor for venous disease is multiple pregnancies, which lead 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 limbs
The main symptoms of this disease are:
- veins protruding from under the skin,
- swelling,
- leg pain, especially in the evening,
- feel tired
- changes in the appearance of the skin - pigmentation, thickening,
- loss of skin elasticity, hair loss in areas with varicose veins.
The main visible signs of varicose veins are saccular or cylindrical dilation of superficial veins. The veins become abnormally tortuous, protruding above the skin surface in the legs and feet. The largest varicose veins will be cured after long periods of physical labor.
In the early stages of varicose veins, symptoms are few and non-specific. The only symptom of this stage is a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Also of concern is rapid fatigue, burning sensation in the legs, and discomfort after physical activity. Sometimes short-term swelling and pain occur along the vein. Characterized by mild swelling of the instep and ankle, usually occurring in the evening after prolonged monotonous exercise. In the morning, the swelling disappeared without a trace and no dilation of the veins was observed.
If these signs appear, it is necessary to promptly see a specialist, this will stop the progression and development of the disease. In case of improper treatment, neglect will lead to chronic venous insufficiency.
An important symptom of varicose veins is spider veins - a dilated network of capillaries (0. 1 mm or more) visible through the skin. Women consider such "stars" to be aesthetically flawed, but men simply do not pay attention to them. Sometimes this is just a manifestation of hormonal disorders, abuse of saunas and sunbathing. 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, you should definitely consult a specialist.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
A vascular surgeon can diagnose varicose veins through routine examinations, ultrasound of the veins, and the use of venography, that is, injecting special drugs into the veins and monitoring the reaction of the veins. they.
When you see your doctor, you will be asked for a special examination that includes a number of procedures.
- Blood test (general), will show the degree of thickening, coagulation (prone to thrombosis), presence or absence of inflammation (confirming thrombophlebitis).
- Ultrasound of veins, identifying affected areas. A vascular ultrasound should be performed to identify signs of varicose veins, even if spider veins are present.
- Rheovasography is a method of determining the deficiency of blood supply (nutrition) to tissues using mathematical calculations. This is how the stage of the disease is determined, which is necessary for choosing treatment.
- Surgical methods, such as venography (see above), are very rarely used to evaluate the condition of the venous system.
Methods of treating varicose veins
Treating varicose veins is quite difficult, so prevention is necessary. Conservative treatment methods include taking special pills and ointments prescribed by your doctor, and wearing special tights and drawstring socks. Varicose veins can also be treated surgically, in which the varicose veins are removed from the body using traction. Laser therapy and sclerotherapy are considered very effective.
Varicose veins are an extremely worrying problem for patients in terms of aesthetics. Doctors deemed it necessary to perform surgery. To reduce the risk of complications and speed up recovery, experts prescribe a special micronized drug that increases tone in the veins, reduces inflammatory reactions and stimulates lymph flow.
Non-surgical treatment
Non-surgical treatment of varicose veins is only successful when the disease first begins, if the skin manifestations are mild, and the ability to work is moderately reduced. Conservative treatment is performed if surgical treatment is contraindicated. This method is also mandatory in the postoperative period to prevent disease recurrence.
Conservative treatment is:
- reduce the influence of risk factors,
- full physical activity,
- elastic compression,
- medicine,
- Use physical therapy.
People who have risk factors for developing varicose veins or have a genetic predisposition should consult a surgeon twice a year, having an ultrasound of the veins performed.
With conservative treatment, it is necessary to constantly train the veins, keep the legs elevated for a long time and wear only comfortable, pleasant shoes.
Walking is shown, as well as swimming or cycling. Physical activity should be performed only in conditions of elastic compression. Elastic compression is a conservative method of treating varicose veins using elastic bandages or medical knitted garments. Contraindicated for participation in sports that cause injury such as soccer, volleyball and others.
For varicose veins, it is recommended to use phlebotonic drugs. The action of these drugs is aimed at strengthening the walls of the veins.
All folk remedies, including medicinal herbs, will never be as effective as pharmaceuticals. You should not self-medicate, any drug treatments should only be used as prescribed by your doctor. Local treatment is performed only if there is no thrombosis or thrombophlebitis.
Surgical treatment methods
Complete cure of varicose veins of the lower extremities is achieved only by surgical treatment.
The following surgical treatments are used:
Removal of veins- Eliminate varicose veins during surgery. This procedure is contraindicated if the patient has severe concomitant disease or late stages of varicose veins.
Surgery is not performed during pregnancy, when there are purulent processes in the body or for the elderly.The use of endoscopic treatments makes the operation as safe as possible as well as providing cosmetic benefits. The set of measures aimed at 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 aesthetic defects, it is necessary to exclude rough mechanical effects on them (use a hard sponge, tight clothesclose, uncomfortable). Do not wash with hot water. After surgery, elastic compression must be used for 6 months. In the future, compression knitwear will be needed for "harmful" loads (heavy lifting, long journeys).
sclerosis- inject into the vein a special substance (sclerotic substance) that "sticks" to the vein wall to stop blood flow. In this way, the cosmetic defect will be eliminated because the veins will become invisible. This method is only effective when expanding small branches of the main venous trunk. After the venous sclerotherapy procedure, the patient does not require rehabilitation.
Laser coagulation— destroys the walls of veins under the influence of laser rays, thereby "sealing" the veins. Indicated for people with varicose veins no more than 10 mm. This procedure requires anesthesia, early patient activation, and long-term elastic compression.
Prevention of varicose veins of the lower limbs
Nowadays, 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, measuring the alternation of long static loads with other types of physical activity, such as walking, running, cycling, swimming and performing simple exercises at work.
- Always keep your legs in an elevated position.
- Maintain your diet and monitor your weight.
- Wear comfortable shoes with a heel size of no more than 4 cm, using orthopedic insoles is helpful.
- When using estrogen, birth control pills or during pregnancy, you need to have a lower limb vein ultrasound.
Our health depends only on us, and to always be a cheerful person, not bothered by diseases, it is important to carefully monitor your lifestyle, be physically active and eat right. physical.