Varicose veins can appear in different parts of the body, but the most common are varicose veins of the lower extremities. This disease is characterized by a violation of blood flow, 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 serpentine tortuosity of the saphenous veins, as well as a sac-shaped increase in their lumen. The disease is observed in 17-25% of the population. Furthermore, women suffer from this disease three times more than men.
Causes of the disease
The main causes of the disease are:
- inheritance;
- advanced age;
- overweight;
- wearing tight underwear, as well as uncomfortable shoes, especially narrow and high heels.
The influence of heredity on the appearance and development of varicose veins has not yet been proven. However, it is observed that some families often have varicose veins in several generations. It is observed that the predominant factors in the appearance of the disease are nutrition, specific lifestyle and changes in the hormonal cycle.
The main risk factor in 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 poorly organized nutrition. For example, in the modern world processed foods predominate and there is a shortage in the consumption of plant fibers contained in raw vegetables, berries and fruits. Plant fiber is essential for strengthening vascular walls and reducing intra-abdominal pressure, which also helps reduce the risk of disease.
In addition to proper nutrition, the work process must be properly organized. As a rule, a person spends a significant period of working time standing or sitting, which has a negative effect on the functioning of the valvular apparatus of the veins. Hard physical work associated with a large load on the legs when lifting heavy objects is considered equally unfavorable. Another risk factor that influences the development of the disease is long trips or flights, which are accompanied by the appearance of blood stagnation in the veins of the legs.
Another pressing cause of the disease is fashion. Therefore, tight underwear compresses the veins in the area of the inguinal folds, and corsets significantly increase intra-abdominal pressure, which causes varicose veins. Wearing high-heeled shoes is considered extremely harmful, especially in combination with uncomfortable arch supports.
A proven risk factor for venous disease is repeated pregnancy, which causes changes in intra-abdominal pressure, while the hormone progesterone negatively affects the walls of the veins and destroys collagen and elastic fibers.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
The main symptoms of this disease are:
- veins protruding from under the skin,
- swelling,
- pain in the legs, especially at night,
- feeling tired
- changes in the appearance of the skin: pigmentation, thickening,
- Loss of skin elasticity, hair loss in areas where dilated veins are found.
The main visible signs of varicose veins are cylindrical or sac-shaped dilations of the superficial veins. The veins become abnormally tortuous and protrude from the surface of the skin in the leg and foot area. Larger varicose veins are repaired after long physical work.
In the first stage of varicose veins, the symptoms are few and nonspecific. The only symptom of this stage is a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Also worrying is rapid fatigue, a burning sensation in the legs, which is annoying after physical activity. Sometimes short-term swelling and pain occur along the veins. It is characterized by mild swelling of the dorsum of the foot and ankles, often occurring at night after prolonged, monotonous exercise. In the morning, the swelling disappears without a trace and no visible expansion of the veins is observed.
If these signs appear, it is imperative to consult a specialist in a timely manner, this will prevent the progression and development of the disease. In case of inadequate treatment, a neglected situation results in chronic venous insufficiency.
A major 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 these "stars" a cosmetic defect, but men simply do not notice them. Sometimes this 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 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 a routine examination, an ultrasound of the veins, and also through phlebography, which involves injecting special medications into a vein and monitoring its reaction.
When you visit a doctor, he will offer you a special examination that consists of several procedures.
- A blood test (general), which will show the degree of thickening, blood clotting (susceptibility to thrombosis), the 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 spider veins have already appeared.
- Reovasography is a method that determines the insufficient blood supply (nutrition) to the tissue by mathematical calculation. This determines the stage of the disease, which is necessary to choose treatment methods.
- Surgical methods, such as venography (see above), are rarely used to assess the condition of the venous system.
Treatment methods for varicose veins.
Treating varicose veins is quite complicated, so prevention is recommended. Conservative treatment methods include special tablets and ointments prescribed by the doctor, the use of stockings and stockings with special laces. Surgical treatment of varicose veins is also possible, in which a person's enlarged veins are removed using the traction method. Laser therapy and sclerotherapy are considered very effective.
Varicose veins are extremely worrying for patients from an aesthetic point of view. Doctors consider it necessary to perform an operation. To reduce the risk of complications and speed up recovery, specialists prescribe a special micronized drug that helps increase the tone of the veins, relieve inflammatory reactions and stimulate lymphatic flow.
Non-surgical treatment
Non-surgical treatment of varicose veins is only successful at the beginning of the disease, if the skin manifestations are mild and moderately reduce work capacity. Conservative therapy is carried out if surgical treatment is contraindicated. This method is also mandatory in the postoperative period to prevent recurrence of the disease.
Conservative treatment is:
- reduce the influence of risk factors,
- adequate physical activity,
- elastic compression,
- medicines,
- use of physiotherapy.
People who have risk factors for developing varicose veins or a hereditary predisposition should consult a phlebologist twice a year and undergo an ultrasound of the veins.
With conservative treatment, it is necessary to constantly train the veins, keep your feet elevated for a long time and wear only comfortable, comfortable shoes.
Walking is shown, as well as swimming or cycling. 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. The practice of traumatic sports such as soccer, volleyball and others is contraindicated.
For varicose veins, it is recommended to use phlebotonic medications. The action of these drugs is aimed at strengthening the walls of the veins.
All home remedies, including herbal medicines, will never be as effective as drugs. You should not self-medicate, any drug therapy is used only as prescribed by a doctor. Local treatment is carried out only in the absence of thrombosis or thrombophlebitis.
Surgical methods of treatment
Complete healing of varicose veins of the lower extremities is achieved only with 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 during pregnancy, the presence of purulent processes in the body or in elderly people.The use of endoscopic treatment methods makes such an operation as safe as possible and also cosmetically beneficial. The set of measures for 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 cosmetic defects, it is necessary to exclude sharp mechanical impacts on them (the use of a hard sponge, tight and uncomfortable clothing). Do not wash with hot water. After surgery, elastic compression should be used for 6 months. In the future, compression stockings will be necessary for "harmful" loads (heavy lifting, long trips).
Sclerosis- injection into a vein of a special substance (sclerosant) that causes the vein walls to "stick together" to stop blood flow. In this way, the cosmetic defect is eliminated, since the vein becomes invisible. This method is effective only when small branches of the main venous trunks are expanded. After the venous sclerosis procedure, patients do not need rehabilitation.
Laser coagulation— destruction of the wall of the vein under the action of a laser, due to which the lumen of the vein is "sealed". Indicated for those people whose venous dilation does not exceed 10 mm. The procedure requires anesthesia, early patient activation, and long-term elastic compression.
Prevention of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
Great importance is currently attached to the prevention of varicose veins. It is necessary to periodically take simple measures that can significantly reduce not only the risk of onset, but also the development and progression of the disease.
- An active lifestyle measured the alternation of prolonged static loads with other types of physical activity, such as walking, running, cycling, swimming and performing simple exercises at work.
- Frequently keep your legs in an elevated position.
- Maintain a diet and control your weight.
- It is useful to wear comfortable shoes with a heel size of no more than 4 cm and use orthopedic insoles.
- When using estrogens, contraceptives or during pregnancy, it is necessary to undergo an ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities.
Our health depends only on us, and to remain a happy and disease-free person, it is important to carefully monitor your lifestyle, be physically active and eat right.