Varicose veins on the legs are not only a cosmetic problem that makes people worry about their attractiveness, but also a dangerous disease that requires proper treatment and compliance with preventive measures.
The reasons for the appearance of varicose veins are many: from a sedentary lifestyle, to physical overload, to hormonal imbalances, to congenital weakness of the vascular walls and pregnancy.What happens during varicose veins?In the varicose veins of the lower extremities they lose their normal elasticity and stretch under blood pressure.
The valves in the veins are normally locks and when blood passes through them, they close and allow the blood to flow back.If the valves do not work properly, blood can be freely delivered downward, resulting in blood pooling.
In this regard, the veins cannot withstand the pressure, they dilate, the valves can no longer close the large lumen... all this causes the appearance of the initial stage of varicose veins (see photo).
Reasons
Why do varicose veins appear and what are they?The main risk factors for the development of the disease are genetic predisposition and sex.Due to the love of high heels, hormonal changes during pregnancy and the use of contraceptives, women become victims of varicose veins twice as often as men.
The development of the disease is promoted by:
- Inheritance.What is inherited is not the disease itself, but the genetically determined structure of the veins: weak connective tissue of the venous walls, defective congenital venous valves.That is why varicose veins can be observed in young, healthy, active people (regardless of gender) and even in children.According to scientists, genetic predisposition is the main factor leading to the appearance of varicose veins in the legs.
- Hormonal changes.Due to the characteristics of the female body, periods of hormonal imbalance become the cause of blood stagnation.For them, the most dangerous periods are puberty, pregnancy and the period following childbirth.The time when menopause occurs is also dangerous.This gender category of patients consults doctors 2-3 times more often.Female organs do not have enough hormones called estrogen.Instead, the so-called corpus luteum hormones predominate.It is believed to have a relaxing effect on muscles.This promotes the expansion of the veins.
- A sedentary, sedentary lifestyle or a job that requires standing for long periods of time contributes to the development of varicose veins.
- Age.Over time, the valves and walls of the veins become thinner, which leads to disruption of their function.
- Obesity.Excess weight leads to increased stress on the veins of the legs.
Secondary varicose veins occur with leg injuries, heart defects, liver and spleen dysfunction.In this case, first of all, appropriate treatment of the primary disease is carried out.
What causes dilation of veins?
The main risk factors for the development of the disease are genetic predisposition and sex.Due to the love of high heels, hormonal changes during pregnancy and the use of contraceptives, women become victims of varicose veins twice as often as men.
The development of the disease is promoted by:
- Obesity
- Prolonged standing or sitting
- Intense physical activity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Constipation
- Smoking
Secondary varicose veins occur with leg injuries, heart defects, liver and spleen dysfunction.In this case, first of all, appropriate treatment of the primary disease is carried out.
What causes dilation of veins?
The development of varicose veins is based on the congenital weakness of the venous wall, the incompetence of the valves of the superficial veins and the resulting increase in venous pressure.Special one-way valves prevent blood from flowing back and prevent it from stagnating in one place;when they are destroyed, the movement of blood from the tissues to the heart is stopped.It is worth noting that conservative treatment does not affect the pressure in the veins.
Phases
There are 3 stages of symptom progression in the development of varicose veins.
- Compensation phase.No complaints.On examination, varicose veins are observed on one or both legs.
- Undercompensation phase.On examination, pronounced varicose veins are visible on the legs.Patients complain of a feeling of fullness, paresthesias (“pins and needles”) in the lower legs, and nocturnal cramps.In the evening, slight swelling of the feet, ankles and legs occurs.In the morning the swelling disappears.
- Decompensation stage.Dermatitis and eczema are added to the symptoms listed.Patients are bothered by itchy skin.The skin becomes dry, shiny, tightly fused with the subcutaneous tissue.Small hemorrhages and subsequent hemosiderin deposition cause hyperpigmentation.
Varicose veins in themselves are not considered a very serious disease, but if they have already developed, they will never disappear on their own, and, moreover, they will progress, leading to all kinds of complications that pose the greatest danger.
Signs
The first signs indicating the beginning of the development of varicose veins:
- rapid leg fatigue;
- swelling of the lower limbs;
- feeling of heaviness in the legs.
In the later stages you can notice the appearance of varicose veins on the skin, protruding veins and various seals, which indicate congestion of blood vessels.
Varicose veins: symptoms
It is quite difficult to diagnose the early stages of the disease, since in the initial stage there are no varicose veins and dilated veins rising 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
Often, before the first varicose veins appear or veins are discovered in places where they were not visible before, the patient does not feel other symptoms of the disease and only cosmetic defects on the skin cause inconvenience.As a rule, in the initial stages, the symptoms of varicose veins disappear completely or significantly decrease with rest, and therefore often go unnoticed.
One or more varicose nodes protruding above the skin indicate the progression and abandonment of the disease.When standing for a long time, aching pain is felt in the area of \u200b\u200bthe nodes, numbness, tingling, "creeping" and swelling are felt in the legs.At the end of the day, swelling often occurs which disappears after a night's sleep.Swelling can be judged by loose shoes in the morning, which begin to press in the evening.
Why are varicose veins dangerous?
The most common complications of varicose veins include thrombophlebitis.In addition, increased pressure in the venous section leads to the penetration of red blood cells through the walls of blood vessels into the tissue.For this reason, skin pigmentation, thickening and tissue hypoxia are observed, which contribute to the appearance of trophic ulcers.Even with minor damage to the skin in the knot area, it can crack and cause severe bleeding.
Diagnostics
To diagnose varicose veins of the lower extremities and prescribe adequate treatment, the specialist will ask the patient to undergo a comprehensive examination, which includes various methods.
- Duplex scanning (ultrasound of the veins) is the most informative method of diagnosing varicose veins of the legs, allowing you to get an idea of \u200b\u200bthe degree of dilation of the veins, the direction of blood flow through the veins and their patency, as well as detecting the presence of blood clots (thrombi).
- Contrast venography, which is an examination method that allows you to detect dilated veins and know the degree of their patency for blood.
Only a highly qualified phlebologist can diagnose varicose veins of the deep veins.
Consequences
The complicated course of varicose veins is accompanied by the formation of thrombosis and inflammation of the veins, trophic ulcers and skin disorders.These complications are manifested by changes in skin color on the legs, redness, darkening and bluishness of the skin.
Also characterized by constant swelling of the ankle, particularly severe when walking or standing.In the calf area, pain is felt when walking, pain along the tortuous vein, thickening of the skin and the formation of ulcers of various sizes on it.
During pregnancy
Pregnancy significantly increases the risk of developing varicose veins of the lower extremities, for the following reasons:
- The hormones that circulate in the blood during pregnancy increase the distensibility of the venous wall and contribute to the stagnation of venous blood in the legs.
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure at the end of pregnancy makes it difficult for blood to flow through the veins in the legs.
- Varicose veins that appear during pregnancy may disappear completely after giving birth or progress further, depending on individual factors (heredity, presence of other contributing factors).
Treatment of varicose veins on the legs
For varicose veins in the legs, treatment may not be a medical necessity unless symptoms are problematic.
However, some people may want to undergo varicose vein treatment for cosmetic reasons because they are unhappy with their appearance.
Let's look at the main methods that will 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 seals it is injected into the vein with a thin needle or syringe, and subsequently the vein disappears completely.Sessions are held once a week, 3 to 6 such sessions are needed.The method allows you to avoid scars and scars.
- Non-surgical treatment.If varicose veins are in their early stages and are not causing too much discomfort, elastic compression stockings may be recommended.They are worn during daily activities.They help compress the veins, preventing them from stretching and limiting any discomfort or 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 for varicose veins on the legs can be used on the surface of the skin.With the help of a small flash of laser light, a process of sclerosis develops in the venous wall and the varicose vein disappears, as if it had been removed.
Physical activity plays an important role in treatment and prevention: brisk walking, gymnastics, swimming and water exercises (excluding sports exercises with a large load on the legs - tennis, weight lifting, jumping).
Conservative treatment of varicose veins is prescribed mainly to those people who have clear contraindications to surgical intervention.
Furthermore, such treatment is indicated if the patient has slight varicose veins, which are purely a cosmetic defect.The goal of conservative therapy is also to prevent further progression of this disease.For this purpose, patients are advised to bandage their legs affected by varicose veins with an elastic bandage.Furthermore, compression knitwear is indicated for varicose veins.People who suffer from varicose veins or who already suffer from this disease should regularly place their legs on an elevated surface during the day, resting in this way for several minutes.There are also special exercises for the lower leg and foot, aimed at activating the musculovenous pump.This is the periodic extension and flexion of the ankle and knee joints.
The patient should be careful not to allow the legs and thighs to be brought together by various toilet items, as this may significantly impede the flow of venous blood.
Using elastic compression it is possible to activate blood flow in the deep veins, prevent swelling, reduce the amount of blood in the saphenous veins, promote the body's metabolic processes and blood microcirculation.
But to achieve positive results it is important to bandage the leg correctly.This procedure should be done in the morning, before getting out of bed.The bandage starts from the toes up to the thigh and you should feel a slight tension in the bandage.During the bandaging process, be sure to grasp the heel and ankle joint.With each turn around the limb, the bandage should cover half of the previous turn.You should only purchase certified elastic bandages and compression stockings.
Treatment of varicose veins also involves the use of comfortable shoes, which should have low heels and hard soles.You should not stand for a long time, allow physical stress or stay in rooms with high temperature and humidity for a long time.It is recommended to keep your legs in an elevated position while sleeping.
Patients should limit fluid and salt intake and try to eliminate them excess weight.To treat varicose veins it is periodically necessary to take diuretics, drugs that improve the tone of the veins.Furthermore, if indicated, the patient may be prescribed drugs that stimulate microcirculation in the tissues.Treatment of varicose veins may also include taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
If the patient has an uncomplicated form of the disease, physiotherapy exercises are indicated.Very useful are swimming, other water treatments, foot baths with warm water, to which a 5-10% sodium chloride solution is added.
Most often, local therapy methods are used in the treatment of varicose veins.But such treatment must be used in combination with other medicinal methods.Local remedies for varicose veins are produced in the form of gels, ointments and creams.Most of these drugs contain heparin or vasoactive components.Ointments for varicose veins help to normalize the tone of the venous walls and can correct disorders of lymphatic drainage and microcirculation.Some local preparations contain various active ingredients.
If a secondary infection occurs during the process of varicose veins, it is advisable to use external agents antibiotics OR antiseptics.
It has been used for treatment since ancient times hirudotherapy with varicose veins.The use of leeches that secrete hirudin allows the blood to thin and promotes reabsorption blood clots, eliminating varicose veins and varicose veins.Additionally, hirudotherapy for varicose veins can reduce leg pain and overcome swelling.However, it is important to use hirudotherapy in the early stages of varicose veins.This treatment should not be used in people with haemophilia, anemia, hypotension, pregnant women.
However, the radical method of treating varicose veins is surgery.It is carried out to eliminate veno-venous 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 and people suffering from purulent diseases.Modern technologies allow the use of endoscopic techniques for such an operation.
If a person has only small dilated branches, sclerotherapy may be used.This operation involves the injection of a sclerosing solution into a vein to seal the venous walls.Subsequently, repeated injections are carried out in other sections of the vein, obtaining complete obliteration of the vein.
For varicose veins, combined surgical therapy is also used, in which the large trunks of the affected veins are removed and sclerotherapy of the small branches is performed.After surgery, patients are advised to continue wearing an elastic bandage for 8 to 12 weeks.
Conservative treatment
Anyone looking for an effective and miraculous cure against varicose veins will immediately be disappointed: even the most modern and expensive drugs cannot completely eliminate varicose veins.They help relieve pain, swelling and even improve the condition of the venous wall, but complete recovery does not occur.
Moreover, conservative treatment has a noticeable effect only at the initial stage of the disease, after which it is carried out to prevent the further development of varicose veins.The main role in the treatment of this disease belongs to herbal medicines, which are based on natural plant substances.However, we must not forget that most venotonic drugs cause photosensitivity;exposure of exposed skin to sunlight should not be allowed during intake.
In addition to the use of medications, relaxation measures and special leg exercises, doctors strongly recommend regularly wearing compression stockings: thigh-highs, knee-highs, tights.They improve blood microcirculation and prevent the formation of edema.It is very important to choose the correct size of elastic stockings and the degree of compression, which can be both preventive and therapeutic.
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 consisting of 90% diosmin.They take one tablet twice a day, the course of treatment is selected individually.
You can reduce capillary permeability, reduce blood viscosity and increase the tone of the veins with the help of horse chestnut preparations
How to treat varicose veins with folk remedies
There are numerous methods of treating varicose veins on the legs with folk remedies, both for external and internal use.Below are the most common:
- Horse chestnut flowers (50 grams) should be poured with 500 grams of alcohol, then left to ferment for 14 days, shaking the bottle every day.Pass the tincture through the net and take a spoonful with water three times a day before meals.Once you have been treated for a week, take a break for two weeks.Then the treatment can be started again.
- For varicose veins, an infusion of dried nettle is used.The dried, chopped 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 3 times a day 1 hour after meals.
- Tomato wrap.Finely chopped tomato, placed on a bandage, gauze and applied to the sore spot.For convenience, you can tie it with a rubber band or other bandage.Keep this compress on the vein for 2 hours, then replace it with a new one and so on a total of 3 times.The convenience of this compress is that it can be repeated every day.
- Walnut oil tincture: chop unripe walnuts, pour them into a glass container, pour in olive oil and leave for 40 days in a sunny place.Lubricate the painful areas with the prepared tincture.The course of treatment is long, as with the use of Kalanchoe.
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
Most often it appears as a complication of varicose veinsacute thrombophlebitis of superficial veins.Sometimes, due to damage, varicose veins rupture and bleed.When blood leaks from a burst node, very significant blood loss is possible.
Furthermore, due to increased pressure in the venous system, arterial blood flow slows down.Because of this, it could develophypoxiaand beyondoxygen deficiency.As a result of developing this condition, tissue cells can die, which is a dangerous process for the body.Due to severe stagnation 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 formations.
If the disease continues for a long 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 have suffered from varicose veins or are forced to spend a lot of time on their feet due to their occupation, you need to pay special attention to the state of your legs so as not to miss the first “bells”.
Basic preventive measures help prevent the onset of the disease and also slow the progress of existing varicose veins.
Prevention measures:
- Avoid overexposure to sunlight and hot baths.Ideally, bathhouses and saunas should not be visited at all.
- Avoid wearing tight shoes, tight socks and tight clothing.
- The optimal heel height is no more than 6 cm.
- Avoid weight gain.Try eating a diet rich in fiber, vegetables and fruit.
- Avoid excessively intense physical activity and heavy lifting.
- Perform special exercises for the legs, including lifting (“bicycle”, “scissors”).
- Do self-massage if there are no swollen veins.
- At the end of the day, wash your feet in cool water;even a contrast shower has a positive effect.
Despite its prevalence, varicose veins are quite difficult to treat.When the first alarming symptoms appear, do not delay the visit to a vascular surgeon, because the earlier the disease is detected, the higher the chances of avoiding surgical intervention.
Forecast
Varicose veins of the legs are a disease that can be treated for years;even after surgical removal, 80% of them reappear.
The prognosis depends on the stage at which treatment is started.A set of preventive measures in the initial stages (treatment of varicose veins with venotonics twice a year and a healthy lifestyle) allows you to stop the further development of the disease.You will have to adhere to a strict prevention framework throughout your life.
In the later stages (with the appearance of serious deformations, knots, swelling and signs of oxygen deficiency in the tissues), the prognosis is determined by the presence of concomitant diseases (diabetes, obesity) and by the patient's willingness to follow the doctor's recommendations (visit, take medications, lose weight).
In diabetes mellitus, complications of varicose veins (thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers) develop in 89%.
Varicose veins are considered a non-life-threatening disease, but its complications can significantly worsen the quality of life and prognosis.With deep vein thrombosis, approximately 50% of patients die of thromboembolism within 3 months.