Varicose veins of the lower extremities, also called varicose veins, manifest themselves as dilation of the superficial veins of the legs, which is accompanied by a blood flow disorder and valve incompetence.Currently, varicose veins are very common: they are observed in approximately 17-25% of people.At a young age, before the onset of puberty, this disease develops in both sexes with the same frequency.However, in women of adult age, varicose veins are observed twice as often as in men.This picture can be explained by significant hormonal changes during the onset of menstruation, during pregnancy.As a result, the tone of the veins weakens, they expand and venous circulation is disrupted.
Factors that predispose to varicose veins
Today, experts tend to support many theories indicating why varicose veins develop in the legs.But, nevertheless, speaking about the main cause of this disease, it should be noted a violation of the valvular apparatus of the veins.When venous valves are insufficient in a person who has stood up, blood flows downward under the influence of gravity.When you walk, the muscles in your lower leg that surround the deep veins contract.As a result, the veins empty and an increase in venous pressure occurs.As a result, blood enters the superficial veins, they stretch and varicose veins appear.
There are numerous factors that directly influence the progression of varicose veins.In women, varicose veins often develop as a result of pregnancy.During this period, the blood volume in the female body increases significantly.The expanding uterus puts a lot of pressure on the veins coming from the legs.In addition, during pregnancy, the condition of the venous wall is influenced by hormonal changes in the body.In many cases, varicose veins during pregnancy are reversible, that is, after giving birth they gradually disappear.
Most often, varicose veins of the lower extremities appear in people who are forced to stand for long periods while working.Another risk factor for varicose veins is obesity: obese people have increased intra-abdominal pressure and, consequently, dilation of the veins.Veins often dilate even in people subject to regular exertion.This happens with chronic constipation, cough, prostatic adenoma and other conditions.Varicose veins can sometimes be a result of leg surgery.
Another factor that predisposes to varicose veins is a person's age.Typically, valves and vein walls age over time.As a result, elasticity is lost and the veins become stretched.Varicose veins often occur in patients with deep vein thrombosis and congenital blood vessel anomalies.
Symptoms of the development of varicose veins of the legs
First of all, the visible symptoms of varicose veins on the legs are the appearance of a network of thin veins on the surface of the skin of the legs.Such manifestations occur mainly in the thigh area.Such varicose veins are easier to see 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 and as a result blood flow is complicated and varicose veins form.
In some cases, swelling in the legs indicates the appearance of varicose veins.However, such a sign can be a symptom of other diseases (heart failure, renal urolithiasis).Therefore, in this case it is impossible to clearly talk about the development of varicose veins before making a diagnosis.A symptom of varicose veins is often pain in the legs.The pain can be acute and also present bothersome symptoms.The most common symptom of varicose veins is pain in the calves.It occurs mainly in the afternoon, after a certain load on the legs.There may be a feeling of strong heaviness in the legs, night cramps may occur, and trophic changes gradually appear on the legs.
Therefore, a person who observes the appearance of a capillary network, periodic manifestations of pain and swelling, should consult a doctor and undergo the necessary research.There are a number of different tests that allow you to evaluate the condition of the veins and the degree of development of the disease.If a patient has varicose veins without complications, in most cases instrumental diagnostic methods are not used.
Principles of treatment of varicose veins
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.
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 lose 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.
However, the 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 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.
Prevention of varicose veins of the legs
Prevention of varicose veins includes a series of measures aimed at preventing signs of the disease.It is useful for every person to periodically keep their legs elevated, take breaks during sedentary work and not wear underwear that puts stress on the body.A good method to prevent varicose veins would be a contrast shower, including foods that are good for the blood in your diet and doing some physical exercise.At the first signs of varicose veins, you should consult a doctor to prevent the progression of the disease.