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 various reasons: genetic predisposition, hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy, sedentary lifestyle and excess weight. When using an integrated approach, varicose veins in women's legs 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:
- The hereditary predisposition is often transmitted through the female line: in 75% of cases of patients with varicose veins, relatives (grandmothers, mothers) encountered the same problem. At the same time, varicose veins of the legs in women are not inherited, but congenital pathologies of the structure of the veins are observed (weakness of the vascular walls, lower valves, etc. ).
- Often the cause of varicose veins in women is associated with an unbalanced rhythm of life. The constant wearing of high heels, sedentary work, lack of physical activity or overloading the legs from standing for a long time causes a decrease in vascular tone and stagnation of blood in the veins. To compensate for this imbalance, the veins dilate, while women continue to experience swelling and a feeling of heaviness.
- Hormonal imbalance can also contribute to the development of varicose veins in women. This may be due to hormonal fluctuations from one menstrual cycle to another, the use of oral contraceptives, etc.
- The appearance of varicose veins can be associated with pregnancy and childbirth. At this time, a constantly growing child compresses the veins in the pelvis and increases the amount of blood and hormones in the woman's body. Under the influence of such factors, the ligaments of the pelvis in women become more elastic and the extensibility of the veins and their walls increases.
If a woman has problems with her veins before pregnancy, this can ultimately affect the course of her pregnancy. Pregnant women with varicose veins are at risk of bleeding after childbirth, premature discharge of amniotic fluid, and weak labor. Therefore, in case of any pathology of the veins or in the presence of a hereditary predisposition during pregnancy, it is necessary to be observed by a phlebologist.
Signs of varicose veins in women.
From the point of view of modern phlebology, venous injuries consider both any functional changes in the venous system and long-term symptoms and signs that indicate the need for examination and treatment of patients. The list of symptoms of pathology in the veins includes pain, cramps, a feeling of heaviness, fullness, tingling and fatigue in the legs.
In turn, signs of venous damage include:
- venous reflux,
- telangiectasia,
- reticular veins,
- swelling,
- skin pigmentation,
- phlebeurism,
- venous ulcers.
Our numerous observations indicate that the symptoms of venous diseases can manifest themselves both in the early stages of the pathological process, long before the formation 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 aggravation of venous hypertension, inflammatory changes in the walls and their valves lead to the formation of a typical symptom complex:
- increased fatigue,
- heavy legs at the end of the day,
- pain,
- fire,
- 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 adipose tissue is observed. An increase in the severity of trophic disorders is associated with the appearance of dry or suppurating eczema and, ultimately, venous ulcers.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are based on venous hypertension and inflammation of the system, which interfere with normal blood flow and cause disturbances in the microcirculatory bed. The main role in the development of hypertension is played by changes in the structure of the venous wall (collagen/elastin ratio) and the hormonal state of the body, hemodynamic changes and congenital or acquired insufficiency of the valve apparatus.
Prolonged hypertension leads to the formation of endothelial dysfunction, which is accompanied by activation and adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells, enhanced by the production of anti-inflammatory mediators responsible for damage to the walls and the appearance of valve insufficiency; increased capillary permeability, as well as pain in the lower extremities. It is important to note that in the absence of adequate treatment, the pathological process in the vascular bed progresses steadily.
What is the prevention of varicose veins?
Preventive measures in the fight against varicose veins have 2 objectives.
First of all, it is about preventing the development of the disease in women who are predisposed to suffering from it. If there is at least one risk factor for the appearance of varicose veins, then there is no need to wait for ugly accumulations on the legs, unpleasant symptoms and, even more so, complications to appear, if all this can be prevented. Secondly, in the case of existing varicose veins, prevention will help avoid the progression of the disease and the development of complications. In either case, preventive measures involve eliminating the risk factors for the development of varicose veins and minimizing them, which can only be achieved by changing several aspects of life:
- First of all, it is necessary to reduce weight to normal through dietary correction and exercise. When playing sports, it is better to give preference to exercising on exercise machines in a lying or reclining position. This type of training practically does not put a long load on the superficial veins of the legs, but at the same time strengthens the muscles and improves blood circulation.
- Avoid prolonged strain on your legs: sitting, standing, lifting heavy objects. If such a regime is due to the peculiarities of a woman's work, then it is worth taking breaks as often as possible, doing special gymnastics and walking up and down stairs.
- When resting or sleeping, it is necessary to keep your legs 15 cm above the level of your heart. Simply use small pads or cushions to achieve this position.
- Check your wardrobe. You should not wear clothing that restricts hip and shoulder movement, or shoes with heels higher than 4 cm or with flat soles. This does not mean that a woman should completely give up tight clothing and pretty high heels; Simply 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 preventing varicose veins. A cold shower with an emphasis on the legs and a nightly massage of the legs and feet are helpful. Additionally, you can use special massage baths and small massagers, refreshing foot gels.
- A good prevention of varicose veins is elastic compression: special stockings, pantyhose and knee-high socks. Under the influence of compression stockings, the speed of blood flow increases and venous congestion disappears. The selection of knitwear should be carried out by a phlebologist in strict accordance with special tables.
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, it is possible to restore not only women's health, but also to make their legs beautiful and light again thanks to aesthetic correction.
By contacting a phlebologist in a specialized medical center, you can obtain 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 getting rid of vein problems are designed so that the healing process is quick, as effective as possible, without consequences for women, painless and non-traumatic. Medical centers are designed to make women's lives healthy and therefore happy. Stay active, full of strength and energy, and the specialists of any qualified clinic will help you in this.