If the veins on the legs are very large and clearly visible to the naked eye, then this is not a reason for pride at all (well, these are actually not muscles). However, they don't look as attractive as quadriceps, for example. Therefore, most people usually hide them. Also from doctors. Which, by the way, is completely wrong. After all, if you have problems with the condition of the veins and blood vessels, you should show them to a doctor specializing in this - a phlebologist. But first, read this article: in it you will learn how to treat varicose veins in the legs, what are their symptoms and what procedures are used to get rid of them.
Varicose veins of the legs: symptoms
The symptoms of this disease depend on its stage:
So, at the first stage, the patient is disturbed by a feeling of heaviness in the lower extremities, muscle spasms (more often during sleep), itching or burning, swelling of the legs. Sometimes there is pain in the legs, especially in the veins. Often there are telangiectasias.
In the second stage there are vascular networks and all the symptoms inherent in the first stage, but already more pronounced. The visibility of the veins is also significantly increased: they can even be observed with the naked eye.
The third stage is characterized by all of the above symptoms. At the same time, the swelling becomes almost permanent. Sometimes they can pass in the morning, but at the same time reappear in the evening.
In the fourth stage, the skin color changes. It can turn brownish or even black. Inflammation occurs, skin atrophy is possible. In this case, blue or purple spots appear on it.
At the fifth and sixth stages, a trophic ulcer is formed: healed and not healed, respectively.
Varicose veins of the legs: treatment
Today, the treatment of varicose veins in the legs can be done in several ways:
Laser sclerotherapy of veins. This is a high-tech procedure that is performed using modern equipment - a medical laser device. The device is equipped with a flexible light guide, which is inserted through a puncture or incision to a certain depth into the lumen of the problematic vessel. After that, the phlebologist turns on the device, and the tip of the light guide begins to emit a continuous stream of light. Light has such a wavelength that the rays are absorbed by the walls of the veins, causing them to heat up and solder. Control over the implementation of the procedure with the help of an ultrasonic laser makes it possible to treat varicose veins in the legs even more accurately and efficiently. After some time, the glued veins dissolve. The light guide has a special design, thanks to which the entire inner circumference of the vessel is processed at once. The required treatment time is achieved by the doctor gradually pulling out the light guide. Laser ablation has an average session length of 2-4. 5 hours, but this inconvenience is offset by the fact that varicose veins can be treated with just one laser ablation session. And since the procedure requires a small incision (no more than 0. 3 cm), there is no need for stitches after the session.
miniphlebectomy. This procedure also requires a puncture or incision (and also no more than 3mm). It is required to extract the affected area of the vein. After that, the phlebologist removes the extracted vein, and its ends are compressed. Treatment of varicose veins of the legs with this procedure does not involve suturing, since the puncture is small - usually it is covered with a plaster and bandaged. That's enough to heal.
sclerotherapy. You don't need to make an incision for this procedure - the session is entirely injectable. A special liquid (or in the form of foam) preparation is injected into the skin with a syringe, which glues the walls of the veins. As with laser vein occlusion, the glued vessel dissolves in the tissue after some time.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins in the legs. This operation is performed under local anesthesia. During the operation, the doctor removes the skin in the area of the removed veins, after which he removes them. In addition, the cause of the blood reflux is eliminated at the same time. After surgical treatment, a fairly long recovery period is required, which is accompanied by mandatory bandages.
It is worth remembering that after any procedure, you must follow certain instructions that the doctor will give upon completion. Therefore, it is necessary to refrain from any kind of tanning and not to go to the sauna or bath for several months after the treatment of varicose veins of the legs. It is also forbidden to remain standing or sitting for a long time. A special moment for achieving the effectiveness of the procedure, as well as for a faster rehabilitation period, is wearing compression underwear. At the same time, it is enough to adhere to this rule around the clock for the first few days. In the future, compression underwear may only be worn during the day. Incidentally, even uncomfortable shoes (high heels, tight) must first be given up. Two to three weeks after the procedure, it is advisable to wear comfortable and spacious shoes.
Causes of varicose veins
Experts call one of the main reasons for the appearance and development of varicose veins of the legs a genetic predisposition. Therefore, if a person is diagnosed with varicose veins in one of the relatives, the risk of this disease is significantly higher than in people whose relatives did not suffer from varicose veins. However, there are many other factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins on the legs:
Sedentary lifestyle.
Wearing uncomfortable or high-heeled shoes.
Postponed leg injuries.
Increased loads: obesity, weight lifting.
Wrong diet.
pregnancy and childbirth.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Weakened vascular tone.
Taking certain hormonal drugs.
smoking and alcohol abuse.
Diseases of the pelvic organs.
Constant stress and emotional tension.
High blood viscosity.
Varicose veins are more common in older people (because vascular tone decreases with age). However, it can also occur in young people up to the age of 30. This disease affects both sexes.
Why you need to treat varicose veins in your legs
If the elimination of varicose veins in the legs (treatment) is not timely, various complications are possible, including a non-healing trophic ulcer. Subsequently, such an ulcer can cause gangrene, which can already be accompanied by lower extremity amputation and disability. In addition, the treatment of any disease is easier to carry out at the initial stage of the disease.
Also, do not forget about the possible development of thrombophlebitis. One of the complications of this disease is pulmonary embolism, which can generally be fatal.
Prevention of varicose veins in the legs
A good preventive measure against varicose veins on the legs is to wear compression underwear, which can apply even pressure to the entire surface of the leg. It is also recommended to follow other tips:
Do not neglect sporting activities: cycling, swimming, hiking, etc.
Avoid uncomfortable shoes (especially high heels).
Take a contrast shower.
In addition, if you have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins (or other factors), you should visit a phlebologist at least twice a year.