Varicose veins of the lower extremities, also known as varicose veins, manifest themselves in an enlargement of the superficial leg veins, which is accompanied by a circulatory disorder and valve insufficiency.Nowadays, varicose veins are very common: they are observed in about 17-25% of people.At a young age, before puberty begins, this disease develops equally frequently in both sexes.However, varicose veins are twice as common in adult women as in men.This picture can be explained by significant hormonal changes at the beginning of menstruation, during pregnancy.As a result, the tone of the veins is weakened, they expand and venous blood circulation is disrupted.
Predisposing factors for varicose veins
Today, experts tend to support many theories indicating why varicose veins appear in the legs.However, speaking about the main cause of this disease, one should note a violation of the valvular apparatus of the veins.If the venous valves are inadequate in a person who has stood up, the blood flows downwards under the influence of gravity.When walking, the lower leg muscles surrounding the deep veins contract.Accordingly, the veins empty and there is an increase in venous pressure.This causes blood to enter the superficial veins, which stretch and varicose veins develop.
There are a number of factors that directly influence the progression of varicose veins.In women, varicose veins often develop as a result of pregnancy.During this period, the volume of blood in the female body increases significantly.The enlargement of the uterus puts great pressure on the veins extending from the legs.In addition, the condition of the venous wall during pregnancy is influenced by hormonal changes in the body.In many cases, varicose veins during pregnancy are reversible, meaning they gradually disappear after birth.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are very common in people who have to stand for long periods of time while working.Another risk factor for varicose veins is obesity: overweight people have increased intra-abdominal pressure and, as a result, dilatation of the veins.The veins often expand in people who tend to exercise regularly.This happens with chronic constipation, cough, prostate adenoma and other diseases.Varicose veins can sometimes be the result of leg surgery.
Another factor that promotes varicose veins is a person's age.Typically, valves and vein walls age over time.As a result, elasticity is lost and the veins stretch.Varicose veins often occur in patients suffering from deep vein thrombosis and congenital blood vessel abnormalities.
Symptoms of the development of varicose veins of the legs
The visible symptoms of varicose veins on the legs are, first of all, the appearance of a network of thin veins on the surface of the skin of the legs.Such symptoms mainly occur in the thigh area.Such varicose veins are most easily recognized in people who suffer from cellulite.Sometimes it is cellulite that becomes a kind of harbinger of varicose veins.Fat deposits due to cellulite often compress the venous vessels, making blood circulation more difficult and causing varicose veins.
In some cases, swelling in the legs indicates the appearance of varicose veins.However, such a sign may be a symptom of other diseases (heart failure, kidney urolithiasis).Therefore, in this case it is impossible to speak unequivocally about the development of varicose veins before making the diagnosis.A symptom of varicose veins is often pain in the legs.The pain can be acute and can also have excruciating symptoms.The most common symptom of varicose veins is pain in the calves.It occurs mainly in the afternoon, after some strain on the legs.There may be a strong feeling of heaviness in the legs, cramps may occur at night, and trophic changes in the legs gradually appear.
Therefore, a person who observes the appearance of a capillary network, as well as periodic manifestations of pain and swelling, should consult a doctor and undergo the necessary examinations.There are various tests that allow you to assess the condition of the veins and the degree of development of the disease.If a patient has uncomplicated varicose veins, in most cases instrumental diagnostic procedures are not used.
Principles of treating varicose veins
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.
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 lose excess weight.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.
However, the most radical method of treating varicose veins is surgery.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.
Prevention of varicose veins on the legs
Prevention of varicose veins includes a number of measures to prevent symptoms of the disease.It makes sense for everyone to put their feet up regularly, take breaks from sedentary work and not wear underwear that puts strain on the body.A good way to prevent varicose veins would be to take a contrast shower, include blood-boosting foods in the diet and do some physical exercises.At the first signs of varicose veins, you should see a doctor to prevent the disease from progressing.