Varicose veins, more commonly known as varicose veins, occur when the veins become stretched and enlarged, turning a blue-purple or red color due to the accumulation of large amounts of blood.This is a common condition that most often occurs in the legs (most commonly in the calf muscles), but can also occur in other parts of the body.
In general, the blood supply to the cells, as is known from biology studies, takes place as follows: oxygen-containing blood flows from the left ventricle via the aorta into the arteries and from there into smaller blood vessels up to the capillaries, through which the body's organs and tissues receive oxygen and the substances they need.The blood is then collected from the capillaries with the help of small blood vessels called “venules” and enters larger veins, whose task is to carry the blood back to the lungs and heart, where it is enriched with oxygen and repeats its route.The mechanism that directs blood to the heart is called the venous pump.
Veins are blood vessels that return blood from body tissues to the heart.
Some veins have one-way valves that open to allow blood flow to the heart and close to prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction.
In fact, this is how varicose veins develop: When the valves are damaged and do not block blood flow, the blood pools in the veins, causing them to swell and stretch, resulting in varicose veins.Angiosurgeons claim that varicose veins are a pathological process that leads to changes in the venous wall with subsequent valve insufficiency.
In varicose veins, blood flows back (reflux) due to a dysfunction of the valves.They do not close the venous cavity, which allows blood to flow in the opposite direction.This creates increased venous blood pressure, which violates the integrity of the vein walls - they expand and protrude under the skin.
Since varicose veins are a change in the veins, the pathology is considered not only a vascular disease, but also a cosmetic problem.Normal veins and varicose veins – when there is reverse blood flow and dilation of the veins due to valve malfunction.
Why are the legs most commonly affected by varicose veins?
There are three types of veins in our legs: superficial veins, which are closest to the skin;deep veins, located in the muscles and connected to the largest vein in our body - the vena cava, which leads to the heart;and perforating veins, which connect the superficial and deep veins.The varicose veins we see appear precisely in the superficial veins closest to the skin.
When we are in an upright position, the blood in the legs should be directed up to the heart and resist gravity.To do this, the leg muscles contract and press on the deep veins, forcing blood towards the heart.When the leg muscles contract, the valves in the veins open.However, when the muscles relax, the valves close, blocking blood flow to the feet.
As you may have guessed, varicose veins are more common in the legs because the pressure of gravity, which increases when sitting and standing, has the greatest impact on venous circulation in the lower extremities.
How dangerous are varicose veins?
For most people, varicose veins are primarily an aesthetic problem and do not initially pose a threat to health. Swollen, unsightly veins can affect the appearance of certain parts of the body, but in most cases do not affect blood flow.It is noted that if proper attention is not paid to combating varicose veins, the appearance of varicose veins worsens over time and complications may arise.
Causes of varicose veins
A number of factors can increase your risk of varicose veins:
- Factor #1 – Heredity.If someone in your family has or has had varicose veins, your chances of inheriting them increase.
- Floor.Varicose veins are more common in women than in men.
- Old.As we age, our veins and valves become weaker.
- Disturbance of blood flow between arteries and veins.
- Hormonal changes.Hormonal changes during pregnancy, the premenstrual period, and menopause increase the risk of varicose veins.During pregnancy, the growing fetus puts pressure on the veins in the legs.Varicose veins that appear during this period become less noticeable 3-12 months after the birth of the child.In addition, each additional pregnancy increases the risk of varicose veins.
- Overweight or obesity.Excess weight puts a lot of pressure on the veins, which can lead to varicose veins.
- Sitting and standing work and a sedentary lifestyle.Standing or sitting for long periods increases your risk of developing varicose veins.This is because veins have a harder time carrying blood to the heart when they are inactive for a long time.
Symptoms of the development of varicose veins
In addition to the appearance of bulging dark blue or purple veins, here are the main signs of the development of varicose veins:
- Slight swelling of the ankles and feet, especially after standing for long periods.
- Pain, burning and heaviness in the legs.
- Leg cramps and throbbing sensation.
- Itching in the ankles and lower legs that is often misdiagnosed as dry skin.
- Change in skin color in the area where varicose veins develop (appearance of bruises).
How to prevent varicose veins
According to experts from the Department of Surgery at the University of California, the first thing a person can do to prevent varicose veins is to change their lifestyle and adopt new habits.Although these changes do not help to eliminate varicose veins that have already formed, they reduce the likelihood of their appearance worsening, relieve pain, and protect other areas of the veins from the formation of varicose veins.
What needs to be done to reduce the likelihood of varicose veins or to protect already affected veins from getting worse:
- Do not sit or stand in one place for long periods of time.Try to exercise at least every 30 minutes.
- When sitting, do not cross one leg over the other.
- If possible, elevate your legs when resting while sitting or lying down.Try to raise your legs so that they are above the level of your heart.
- Exercise.This allows your leg muscles to move and move blood more efficiently through your veins.
- If you are overweight, try to get your weight back to normal.This improves blood circulation and reduces strain on the veins.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing, especially around the waist, hips and legs.
- Do not wear high heels too often or for long periods of time.Low-heeled shoes help tone the calf muscles, allowing blood to flow more easily through the veins.
- Exercise regularly.This will help improve blood circulation, get rid of extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight.
Complications of varicose veins
According to the Circulation Foundation, varicose veins do worsen over time, but this process takes a long time.It is also noted that in some people with varicose veins, high pressure in the veins can lead to damage to the skin in the ankle area and a change in its color, as well as the appearance of white scars.
If left untreated, progressive varicose veins can have more serious negative consequences:
- The appearance of ulcers
- Phlebitis
- Bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
If a person develops eczema (red rash), they may later develop ulcers that need to be surgically removed.
Phlebitis is an inflammation of the veins that is often accompanied by thrombosis in the affected vein, which becomes hard but brittle.In most cases, this condition does not pose a serious health risk, although it is often mistakenly confused with a more serious pathology - deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Many people worry that accidental contact with a varicose vein could cause bleeding, but this is rare.In this case, the bleeding is stopped by applying a tight gauze bandage and applying ice.A person must lie down so that their legs are higher than their heart and seek medical attention immediately so that specialists can perform procedures that will reduce the risk of rebleeding.
Some patients suffering from varicose veins later face another pathology - deep vein thrombosis.Science isn't entirely sure whether varicose veins directly increase the risk of DVT.Symptoms of DVT include swelling, pain, and hot skin to the touch.According to experts at the US National Library of Medicine, deep vein thrombosis primarily affects large veins in the thigh and calf muscles, and DVT is found to almost always develop in only one leg.
Treatment of varicose veins
Compression therapy
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is recommended to wear compression clothing.Stockings, tights, or leggings apply gentle pressure upward from the bottom of the leg, reducing blood pooling and swelling.However, the effect only occurs if you wear them regularly.Although wearing compression stockings does not cure varicose veins that have already developed, they can prevent or reduce enlargement of the veins and other complications.
In addition, the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) states in its clinical guideline for the treatment of patients with varicose veins of the lower extremities and pelvis: "Wearing stockings is the first therapeutic procedure for patients who have had ulcers removed as varicose veins progress."
Endovenous ablation (radiofrequency or laser)
During endovenous ablation, the varicose vein is closed or removed using laser or radiofrequency therapy.The doctor makes a small incision in the skin near the vein and inserts a catheter.A special device is then connected to the tip of the catheter, which heats the catheter and closes or removes the varicose vein (depending on the ablation method chosen).The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the patient usually returns home the same day.
Endovenous ablation is one of the most effective and safe methods for treating varicose veins.The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) recommends this procedure over surgery to treat superficial varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
This is another gentle method of treating varicose veins.During the procedure, a special substance is injected into the vein affected by varicose veins, which destroys the inner lining of the vein and causes blood to clot in the vein.Over time, the vein collapses and disappears.
Surgical method
When varicose veins are advanced, gentler treatment methods no longer help to remedy the situation.In this case, the person is referred for surgery to surgically remove the superficial vein.Indications for surgery are:
- ulcers or the risk of their occurrence,
- Bleeding
- Phlebitis.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and the patient is usually sent home the same day.A person may experience pain and discomfort for two weeks after surgery.
The Circulation Foundation notes that deep vein thrombosis can sometimes develop after surgery.However, the risk of this pathology can be reduced by wearing compression stockings and maintaining high physical activity of the person.
Varicose veins and training
A lot of exercise and moderate sport are the most important helpers in the fight against varicose veins.
But while some training methods are useful and recommended for preventing varicose veins, others can be harmful.
Moderate, rhythmic physical activity (e.g. walking) positively contributes to preventing the development of varicose veins and helps minimize the likelihood of complications, as dynamic muscle movements help direct blood from the periphery to the heart.
Go
Walking is one of the best movements for preventing varicose veins and promotes healthy blood flow by stretching and contracting the vein pump in the calf muscles.Walk for at least 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.
Low intensity running
Running at a slow pace trains the calf muscles well, but it has one disadvantage: running puts strain on our joints.Unless you're ready to replace running with another activity, run on grass or rubberized paths rather than hard asphalt.
Elliptical trainers and exercise bikes
When training on the cross trainer and ergometer, the calf muscles are actively stressed and healthy blood circulation is promoted.Additionally, unlike running, these workouts put less strain on your joints.
Strength training
People with varicose veins should avoid excessive, very intense strength training.If muscle tension is irregular for a long time, the leg muscles and the ventilation pumps do not contribute to the return of blood via the veins to the heart.For this reason, blood pools in the leg veins during exercise, which can only contribute to the further development of varicose veins.In addition, the increase in intra-abdominal pressure during exercise also hinders blood circulation.
Among the exercises that have a negative effect on venous blood circulation, specialists from the Venous Clinic in Georgia particularly mention squats, lunges and crunches.
People with varicose veins need to train with light weights and perform relatively high repetitions per set without reaching muscle failure.To restore normal blood circulation after completing strength training, it is also recommended to pedal on an exercise bike or exercise on an elliptical machine.Wearing compression socks during and after strength training is also recommended.
Why do veins bulge more in summer?
As specialists from the vein center named after him noted.St. John's and Hospital.In St. Joseph Wayne, veins bulge more in the summer as they expand under the influence of high temperatures, filling with more blood and thereby increasing in size.
To reduce the swelling of the veins in the summer, you must follow simple recommendations:
- Moisturize your skin with a thick layer of hydrating SPF cream.
- If you're going to be outside for a long time, try to hide in the shadows.
- Don't sunbathe for too long.
- Swim regularly.In this way, you perform cooling treatments on your body without giving the veins the opportunity to enlarge.
- Try wearing flats/low-top shoes and sandals instead of high-heeled shoes.
- Drink more fluids.
You shouldn't allow the situation to get worse;You must take immediate action.