Varicose veins on the legs are not only a cosmetic problem that causes concerns about their attractiveness, but also a dangerous disease that requires appropriate treatment and compliance with preventive measures.
There are many reasons for the appearance of varicose veins: from lack of exercise, physical overload to hormonal imbalances, congenital weakness of the vascular walls and pregnancy.What happens when you have varicose veins?In the case of varicose veins in the lower extremities, they lose their normal elasticity and expand under the pressure of blood pressure.
The valves in the veins are normally closed, and when blood flows through them, they close and allow the blood to flow back.If the valves malfunction, the blood can flow downwards unhindered, which leads to blood stagnation.
The veins cannot withstand the pressure, they expand, the valves are no longer able to close the large lumen... all this provokes the development of the initial stage of varicose veins (see photo).
Reasons
Why do varicose veins arise and what are they?The main risk factors for the development of the disease are genetics and gender.Due to the love of high heels, hormonal changes during pregnancy and the use of contraceptives, women are twice as likely to develop varicose veins as men.
The development of the disease is promoted by:
- Inheritance.It is not the disease itself that is inherited, but rather the genetic structure of the veins: weak connective tissue of the vein walls, congenitally defective venous valves.That is why varicose veins can be observed in young, healthy and active (regardless of gender) people and even in children.According to scientists, genetic predisposition is the main factor in the development of varicose veins in the legs.
- Hormonal changes.Due to the characteristics of women's bodies, periods of hormonal imbalances can lead to blood stagnation.For them, puberty, pregnancy and the postpartum period are the most dangerous periods.The period of menopause is also dangerous.This gender category of patients is two to three times more likely to consult a doctor.The female organs do not have enough hormones, so-called estrogens.Instead, the so-called corpus luteum hormones predominate.It is believed to have a relaxing effect on the muscles.This promotes the expansion of the veins.
- A sedentary, sedentary lifestyle or work that requires standing for long periods contribute to the development of varicose veins.
- Age.Over time, the vein valves and walls become thinner, causing dysfunction.
- Obesity.Excess weight leads to increased strain on the leg veins.
Secondary varicose veins occur with leg injuries, heart defects, liver and spleen dysfunction.In this case, the underlying disease is first treated appropriately.
What causes vein dilatation?
The main risk factors for the development of the disease are genetics and gender.Due to the love of high heels, hormonal changes during pregnancy and the use of contraceptives, women are twice as likely to develop varicose veins as men.
The development of the disease is promoted by:
- obesity
- Prolonged periods of standing or sitting
- Vigorous physical activity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- constipation
- Smoke
Secondary varicose veins occur with leg injuries, heart defects, liver and spleen dysfunction.In this case, the underlying disease is first treated appropriately.
What causes vein dilatation?
The development of varicose veins is due to a congenital weakness of the venous wall, insufficiency of the valves of the superficial veins and a resulting increase in venous pressure.Special one-way valves prevent blood from flowing back and stagnating in one place;When they are destroyed, blood flow from tissue back to the heart is disrupted.It should be noted that conservative treatment does not affect the pressure in the veins.
Steps
When developing varicose veins, there are three stages of disease progression.
- Compensation phase.No complaints.The examination reveals varicose veins on one or both legs.
- Undercompensation level.During the examination, pronounced varicose veins can be seen on the legs.Patients complain of a feeling of fullness, tingling in the lower legs and night cramps.In the evening there is slight swelling in the feet, ankles and legs.In the morning the swelling disappears.
- Stage of decompensation.In addition to the listed symptoms, dermatitis and eczema are added.Patients are bothered by itchy skin.The skin becomes dry, shiny and firmly connected to the subcutaneous tissue.Minor bleeding and subsequent deposition of hemosiderin cause hyperpigmentation.
Varicose veins in themselves are not considered a very serious disease, but if they have already developed, they will never go away on their own, and moreover, they will progress, leading to all sorts of complications that pose the greatest danger.
Sign
The first signs indicating the beginning of the development of varicose veins:
- rapid fatigue of the legs;
- swelling of the lower extremities;
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs.
In later stages, one may notice the appearance of spider veins on the skin, bulging veins and various seals that indicate blockage of blood vessels.
Varicose veins: symptoms
It is quite difficult to diagnose the early stages of the disease, since in the initial stages there are no spider veins and enlarged veins protruding above the skin.
Early symptoms of varicose veins:
- Heavy legs at the end of the day
- fatigue
- Mild to moderate pain
- Increased vein pattern on the skin
Before the first spider veins appear or veins are discovered in places where they were not previously visible, the patient often does not feel any other symptoms of the disease and only cosmetic defects on the skin cause inconvenience.As a rule, the symptoms of varicose veins disappear completely in the early stages or decrease significantly when at rest and therefore often go unnoticed.
One or more varicose vein nodes protruding above the skin indicate the progression and neglect of the disease.When standing for a long time, aching pain occurs in the area of \u200b\u200bthe nodes, numbness, tingling, “crawling” and swelling in the legs are felt.Swelling often occurs at the end of the day and disappears after a night's rest.Swelling can be recognized by the fact that the shoes are loose in the morning and begin to pinch in the evening.
Why are varicose veins dangerous?
One of the most common complications of varicose veins is thrombophlebitis.In addition, increased pressure in the venous section causes red blood cells to penetrate the tissues through the walls of blood vessels.For this reason, skin pigmentation, thickening and tissue hypoxia are observed, which contributes to the appearance of trophic ulcers.Even minor damage to the skin in the area of the lump can cause it to rupture and cause severe bleeding.
diagnosis
To diagnose varicose veins of the lower extremities and prescribe appropriate treatment, the specialist will ask the patient to undergo a comprehensive examination, which includes various methods.
- Duplex examination (ultrasound of the veins) is the most informative method for diagnosing varicose veins of the legs.It makes it possible to get an idea of the degree of venous dilatation, the direction of blood flow through the veins and their patency, and to determine the presence of blood clots (thrombi).
- Contrast venography is an examination method that allows you to detect dilated veins and determine the degree of their permeability to blood.
Only a highly qualified phlebologist can diagnose deep varicose veins.
Consequences
The complicated course of varicose veins is accompanied by the formation of thrombosis and phlebitis, trophic ulcers and skin diseases.These complications are manifested by changes in skin color on the legs, redness, darkening and blueness of the skin.
Also characterized by constant swelling of the ankle, particularly severe when walking or standing.In the calf area, pain occurs when walking, pain along the tortuous vein, thickening of the skin and the formation of ulcers of various sizes.
During pregnancy
Pregnancy significantly increases the risk of developing varicose veins of the lower extremities for the following reasons:
- Hormones circulating in the blood during pregnancy increase the extensibility of the venous wall and contribute to stagnation of venous blood in the legs.
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure in late pregnancy makes it difficult for blood to flow through the leg veins.
- Varicose veins that appear during pregnancy may disappear completely or continue to progress after birth, depending on individual factors (heredity, presence of other factors).
Treatment of varicose veins on the legs
For varicose veins in the legs, treatment may not be medically necessary unless the symptoms are problematic.
However, some people want to seek treatment for varicose veins for cosmetic reasons because they are unhappy with their appearance.
Let's look at the main methods that help get rid of this problem.
- Sclerotherapy.This method of treatment is used both independently and in combination with conservative procedures.Its essence is that a special drug that closes the vein is injected into the vein using a thin needle or syringe, and then the vein completely disappears.Sessions are held once a week, 3 to 6 such sessions are required.This method allows you to avoid scars and scars.
- Non-surgical treatment.If varicose veins are in the early stages and do not cause too much discomfort, elastic compression stockings may be recommended.They are worn during daily activities.They help compress the veins, keep them from stretching and limit discomfort and pain.
- Drug treatment of varicose veins relieves symptoms, reduces swelling and pain, slows down the development process, but is not able to completely stop the disease and restore damaged veins.
- Laser treatment of varicose veins on the legs can be carried out on the surface of the skin.With the help of a small flash of laser light, a sclerotherapy process occurs in the vein wall and the varicose vein disappears as if it had been removed.
Physical activity plays a big role in treatment and prevention - brisk walking, gymnastics, swimming and exercises in water (except sports exercises with heavy loads on the legs - tennis, weight lifting, jumping).
Conservative treatment of varicose veins is primarily prescribed to people who have clear contraindications to surgical intervention.
Such treatment is also indicated if the patient has mild varicose veins, which is a purely cosmetic defect.The aim of conservative therapy is also to prevent further progression of this disease.For this purpose, patients are recommended to bandage the legs affected by varicose veins with an elastic bandage.In addition, compression knitwear is indicated for varicose veins.People who are prone to varicose veins or who already suffer from this disease should regularly place their legs on an elevated surface throughout the day and rest in this way for several minutes.In addition, there are special exercises for the lower leg and foot that are aimed at activating the muscular-venous pump.This involves periodic extension and flexion of the ankle and knee joints.
The patient should be careful not to contract the legs and thighs with various toiletries, as this can significantly impede venous blood flow.
Elastic compression allows you to activate blood circulation in the deep veins, prevent swelling, reduce the amount of blood in the saphenous veins, promote the body's metabolic processes and blood microcirculation.
However, to achieve positive results, it is important to bandage the leg correctly.This procedure must be carried out in the morning before getting up.The bandage begins from the toes to the thigh, where a slight tension of the bandage can be felt.When bandaging, make sure to grab the heel and ankle.For each revolution of the limb, the bandage should cover half of the previous revolution.You should only buy certified elastic bandages and compression stockings.
Treating varicose veins also includes wearing comfortable shoes, which should have a low heel and a firm sole.You should not stand for too long, do not allow physical exertion or stay in rooms with high temperatures and humidity for a long time.When sleeping, it is recommended to keep your legs in an elevated position.
Patients should limit fluid and salt intake and try to get rid of them Overweight.To treat varicose veins, it is necessary to regularly take diuretics, i.e. drugs that improve the tone of the veins.In addition, if necessary, the patient can be prescribed medications that stimulate microcirculation in the tissues.Treatment for varicose veins may also include taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
If the patient has an uncomplicated form of the disease, physiotherapeutic exercises are indicated.Swimming, other water applications, foot baths with warm water to which a 5-10% sodium chloride solution is added are very useful.
Local therapy methods are very often used in the treatment of varicose veins.However, such treatment must be used in combination with other medical methods.Local remedies for varicose veins are produced in the form of gels, ointments and creams.Most of these medications contain Heparin or venoactive components.Ointments for varicose veins help to normalize the tone of the venous walls and can correct disorders of lymphatic drainage and microcirculation.Some topical preparations contain several different active ingredients.
If a secondary infection occurs during the course of varicose vein disease, it is advisable to use external agents Antibiotics or Antiseptics.
Used for treatment since ancient times Hirudotherapy with varicose veins.The use of leeches that secrete hirudin leads to blood thinning and promotes absorption Blood clots, get rid of spider veins and varicose veins.In addition, hirudotherapy for varicose veins can relieve pain in the legs and eliminate swelling.However, it is important to use hirudotherapy in the early stages of varicose veins.This treatment should not be used on people hemophilia, anemia, Hypotension, pregnant women.
However, the most radical method of treating varicose veins is surgery.It is performed to eliminate venovenous reflux.This operation is not performed if the patient has concomitant diseases of the lungs, cardiovascular system, kidneys or liver.This operation should not be performed on pregnant women, as well as people with purulent diseases.Modern technologies make it possible to use endoscopic techniques for such an operation.
If a person only has small branches dilated, sclerotherapy may be used.During this surgery, a sclerosing solution is injected into the vein to seal the vein walls.Repeated injections are then made into other sections of the vein, thereby achieving complete obliteration of the vein.
For varicose veins, combined surgical therapy is also used, in which large trunks of the altered veins are removed and sclerotherapy of small branches is carried out.After surgery, patients are recommended to continue wearing an elastic bandage for 8-12 weeks.
Conservative treatment
Anyone looking for an effective and miraculous cure for varicose veins will immediately be disappointed: even the most modern and expensive drugs cannot completely eliminate varicose veins.They relieve pain, swelling and even improve the condition of the vein wall, but complete recovery does not occur.
In addition, conservative treatment brings a noticeable effect only in the initial stages of the disease and is then carried out to prevent further development of varicose veins.The leading role in the treatment of this disease belongs to herbal medicines based on natural plant substances.However, we should not forget that most venotonic drugs cause photosensitivity;When ingesting, exposed skin should not be exposed to sunlight.
In addition to the use of medications, relaxation measures and special exercises for the legs, doctors strongly recommend regularly wearing compression stockings: stockings, knee-highs, tights.They improve blood microcirculation and prevent the formation of edema.It is very important to choose the right size of elastic stockings and the degree of compression, which can have both a preventive and therapeutic effect.
Treatment with tablets and ointments
To improve vascular tone, venotonic tablets for varicose veins are used - phlebotonics.These drugs are analogues and contain a purified flavonoid fraction, which consists of 90% diosmin.You take one tablet twice a day, the course of treatment is selected individually.
With the help of horse chestnut-based preparations, you can reduce capillary permeability, reduce blood viscosity and increase venous tone
How to treat varicose veins with folk remedies
There are a variety of methods for treating varicose veins on the legs with folk remedies, both external and internal.Below are the most common ones:
- Horse chestnut flowers (50 grams) must be poured with 500 grams of alcohol and then left to infuse for 14 days, shaking the bottle daily.Pour the tincture through the net and take a tablespoon with water three times a day before meals.If you have been treated for a week, take a break for two weeks.The treatment can then be started again.
- For varicose veins, an infusion of dried nettle is used.Dry, crushed leaves of the plant are poured into a thermos with 1/2 liter of boiling water, left for 30-40 minutes, filtered and taken 1/3 cup three times a day 1 hour after meals.
- Tomato compress.Place finely chopped tomatoes on a bandage, put on gauze and apply to the sore spot.For convenience, you can tie it with an elastic band or other bandage.Leave this compress on the vein for 2 hours, then change it for a new one and so on, a total of three times.The advantage of this compress is that it can be repeated every day.
- Oil tincture of walnuts: Chop unripe nuts, put them in a glass container, pour in olive oil and leave in a sunny place for 40 days.Lubricate sore spots with the prepared tincture.The course of treatment, as with the use of Kalanchoe, is lengthy.
In addition to folk remedies, many patients with varicose veins supplement therapy with special gymnastics - Mikulin's exercises allow you to feel significant improvement.
Complications of varicose veins of the legs
Very often it occurs as a complication of varicose veinsacute thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins.Sometimes varicose vein ruptures and bleeding occur as a result of damage.If blood leaks from a ruptured node, very significant blood loss is possible.
In addition, due to increased pressure in the venous system, arterial blood flow slows down.For this reason it can developHypoxiaand beyondLack of oxygen.As a result of the development of this disease, tissue cells may die, which is a dangerous process for the body.Due to the strong congestion of blood in the veins, toxins accumulate in the tissues.
Complications of this disease also include blockage of blood vessels by a blood clot, impaired nutrition of the leg tissues, and the appearance of pigmentation and darkening of the skin.
The subcutaneous fat layer gradually becomes denser anddermatitis,venous trophic ulcers.In very rare cases, such ulcers degenerate into malignant tumors.
If the disease persists for a long period of time, the person may develop it laterchronic venous insufficiency.
But the most dangerous complication of varicose veins isPulmonary embolism.This disease can be fatal.
Preventive measures
If you belong to a risk group, your relatives suffer from varicose veins or your job requires you to spend a lot of time standing, you need to pay special attention to the condition of your legs so as not to miss the first “bells”.
Basic preventive measures help to prevent the onset of the disease and also slow down the progression of existing varicose veins.
Prevention measures:
- Avoid excessive sun exposure and hot baths.Ideally, bathhouses and saunas should not be visited at all.
- Avoid wearing tight shoes, tight stockings, and tight-fitting clothing.
- The optimal heel height is no more than 6 cm.
- Avoid gaining weight.Try to eat a diet rich in fiber, vegetables and fruits.
- Avoid excessively intense physical activity and heavy lifting.
- Perform special exercises for your legs, including lifting them (“bicycle”, “scissors”).
- Perform self-massage if there are no swollen veins.
- At the end of the day, wash your feet in cold water;A contrast shower also has a positive effect.
Despite their prevalence, varicose veins are quite difficult to treat.When the first alarming symptoms appear, you should not delay your visit to the vascular surgeon, because the earlier the disease is detected, the greater the chances of avoiding surgery.
forecast
Varicose veins in the legs are a condition that can be treated for years;Even after surgical removal, 80% of them recur.
The prognosis depends on the stage at which treatment is started.A number of preventive measures in the early stages (treatment of varicose veins with venotonics twice a year and a healthy lifestyle) allow you to stop the further development of the disease.You must adhere to a strict prevention framework throughout your life.
In later stages (with the appearance of severe deformities, nodules, swelling and signs of oxygen starvation in the tissues), the prognosis is determined by the presence of concomitant diseases (diabetes, obesity) and the patient's willingness to follow the doctor's recommendations (conduct an examination, take medications, lose weight).
In diabetes mellitus, complications from varicose veins (thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers) occur in 89%.
Varicose veins are considered a non-life-threatening disease, but their complications can significantly worsen the quality of life and prognosis.With deep vein thrombosis, about 50% of patients die from thromboembolism within 3 months.