How to get rid of varicose veins in the legs? Varicose veins of the lower extremities are the scourge of modern man.
There are many people in the world who have been suffering from this terrible disease for quite a long time. What kind of disease is this, and what does it "eat" with.
Varicose veins
This vascular disease, varicose veins, has occupied one of the first "important places", among all other types of vascular disease, as it is most often diagnosed in the dilated veins in the legs. .
With this disease, the walls of the saccular veins enlarge. From there, the length of the veins increases, and we can see with the naked eye their zigzag, as well as spherical extensions (knots) throughout.
Between 17-25% of the whole world has this disease. And if in young age, the frequency of detection of this disease is more or less the same between the sexes. Then, in adulthood, women become leaders compared to men, practically outpacing them by twice.
There is a version that hormonal changes during menstruation and during pregnancy lead to weakening of the veins, causing them to significantly dilate and disrupt venous circulation in women.
Causes of varicose veins
There are many reasons that lead to the appearance of symptoms of the disease. Below I will list the main ones, read carefully if you have one of these diseases, varicose veins can be contracted at the same time.
The disease is genetically determined due to immature valvular function of the veins, which is aggravated by underdevelopment of the connective tissue components within the vessel walls.
And now there is an increase in pressure in the vessels themselves, and from childhood, as soon as the first physical activity appears, varicose veins appear.
This group includes people with congenital hypercoagulability factors. Leads to the formation of blood clots, not allowing blood to flow freely and leading to dilation of the vessel lumen.
About the menstrual cycle and pregnancy in women, I have already presented it above. The age of menopause plus age, estrogen decreases, progesterone increases simultaneously, and this is an additional reason, because, in general, clotting factors increase.
And also reduces the synthesis of collagen, elastic fibers, loss of function inside the wall and reduces the tone of the venous wall. Such a picture is a decrease in blood flow, the appearance of heart valve failure and the formation of blood clots.
It is one of those risks that cannot be ignored. Especially with the abdominal type, becoming obese has a mechanical effect on the venous wall due to increased pressure below the areas of compression.
With regards to insulin deficiency, the overall metabolism in the body is skewed.
Hyperglycemia leads to a decrease in the elasticity of the blood vessel walls and dilation of the lumen.
Alcohol has the ability to remove fluid from the body. Thus, dehydration leads to increased blood clotting and disrupts blood flow.
If you are regularly exposed to intense physical activities, or you constantly have to stand on your feet. In such people, the risk of developing diseases due to stagnant blood in the lower extremities and very high intra-abdominal pressure, which does not allow blood to reach the heart at an adequate level, increases.
When constipated, the pressure in the abdomen increases when the patient pushes. Thus, you can monitor the rational development of varicose veins - the dilation of the venous lumen.
And in general, due to many factors: wearing high heels, previous abdominal surgery, severe cardiovascular disease with circulatory failure, chronic inflammatory processes of the pelvic cavity (prostatitis in men, inflammation of the appendages in women). ) and of course, smoking.
- Due to heredity. The disease is genetically determined due to immature valvular function of the veins, which is aggravated by underdevelopment of the connective tissue components within the vessel walls.
- Due to pathology of blood clotting. This group includes people with congenital hypercoagulability factors.
- Due to hormonal changes. This group includes the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopause.
- due to increased body weight. Especially with the abdominal type, when obesity mechanically affects the venous walls.
- Due to diabetes. Related to insulin deficiency, the body's metabolism is wrong. Hyperglycemia leads to a decrease in the elasticity of the blood vessel walls and vasodilation occurs.
- Because of alcoholism. Alcohol has the ability to remove fluid from the body. Dehydration leads to increased blood clotting and impedes blood flow.
Symptoms of varicose veins
There are first signs of the symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities. It is worth paying attention to them. The main thing is not to miss them in order to start treatment in time.
- The appearance of spider and reticular veins, due to small blood vessels that have enlarged and are even visible through the skin
- In the second stage, we observe the formation of convex nodes, which zigzag and arrange in clusters.
- Legs begin to swell and become noticeably tired, people begin to experience frequent leg cramps (more at night), feel itchy, feverish, crawling "goosebumps"
All of these symptoms appear depending on the classification of varicose veins.
About the classification of varicose veins
The international scientific community has introduced a systematization of varicose veins using the special classifier CEAP (Clinical Etiology Anatomy Pathology). This classification implies 6 clinical stages in varicose veins:
- Zero. The patient subjectively complained of unknown etiology, suspected of having varicose veins, but according to the results of examination and visual studies, no clear signs were identified.
- I degree. A network of small blood vessels visible through the skin, mild swelling, infrequently, appearance: heavier, burning, "humming" sensation in the legs
- Degree II. This is already the starting point that shows true varicose veins. It has obvious external manifestations of enlarged vessels, the formation of venous nodes, which increase after a long time in the legs or sitting for a long time. It is from this stage that the possibility of thrombus formation can be observed
- Degree III. Here, the symptoms of the second group are aggravated by frequent swelling, most noticeable late in the day, and pulled, aching calves.
- Grade IV. Nutritional changes are visible in the skin. From the accumulation of many pigments in the epidermis, the skin turns from dark brown to black. Small local inflammations that appear and develop as erythema or lacrimation, over time, cause dermis atrophy and ulceration.
- Grade V. A similar course of symptoms, as in the fifth stage, but with a healed fungal ulcer
- Degree VI. Caused by advanced disease and the formation of non-healing wounds and sores
Treatment of varicose veins is imperative, otherwise you may develop complications in the form of acute thrombophlebitis and perforation of the nodes (when even the slightest mechanical impact can lead to dilated and thin vein walls). to the breaking point); In this case, heavy bleeding will lead to a lot of blood loss.
Diagnose
You should make an appointment with your phlebologist. Who will be able to identify varicose veins at a glance, but nevertheless, gather a medical history, listen to your complaints.
There are special functional tests that a doctor must prescribe.
In addition, instrumental diagnostic methods will be available, including X-ray contrast angiography and duplex Doppler ultrasound.
All about varicose veins treatment
Decades ago, there was still such a thing, he went to a vein doctor, he will have 100% vascular surgery, otherwise the veins will not be treated.
However, in the past 10-15 years, less invasive and high-tech techniques have been used, such as:
- Sclerotherapy (artificial cleaning, the vein walls are "glued" with a special solution, it is injected with microneedles)
- Applications of laser therapy
- Radiofrequency ablation therapy (the thinnest probe is inserted into the vein, and gradually removed, the walls are "welded")
In these cases, you no longer have to endure a major, traumatic surgery.
In addition, a powerful therapy with a complex nature is also added, which includes the appointment of antidotes, anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Good effect brought to use:
- Elastic bandages and compression stockings
- Hirudotherapy
- Diet
- Therapeutic Exercises
- Water supply process
Attention: elastic bandages or knitwear can only be used after consulting a doctor (in particular, the doctor will explain in detail the technique of dressing - you need to start with the fingers, it is necessary toGrasp the heel and gradually loosen. Compress closer to the knee. )
But, we should not completely forget that varicose veins are still a surgical disease. And if according to the severe stage as indicated, it is necessary to have a radical impact, then only surgery can be done.
One of the basic operations is surgical removal of veins. The veins are removed, and the dry residue has a functional viability of only 10% of the norm.
However, it is better to do it without letting it get to an extreme stage, varicose veins of the lower extremities can be completely cured without delay, (however, this applies to any disease)), you consult a vein doctor.
There is absolutely no need to bring the problem to "big" surgery: varicose veins of the lower extremities are now completely cured, but the disease does not "go away on its own".
Inference
No wonder they say: "man's salvation, in man's own hands. " And although varicose veins are not an easy disease, and tend to progress rapidly, it just needs to be. 10 years is enough, from grade 0 venous insufficiency to progression to grade 6 pathology.
In total - that's what you need, carefully consider the first manifestations of symptoms and consult a doctor - a specialist in veins.
Take care of yourself, paying attention to the first news that the body will give you about the onset of pathological changes in the veins. Prevention is always easier than curing the severe stage of any disease. All health.