Varicose veins, more commonly known as varicose veins, occur when the veins become stretched and enlarged, turning blue-violet or red in color due to the accumulation of large amounts of blood.This is a very widespread disorder, which in most cases appears in the legs (most often in the calf muscles), but can also form in other parts of the body.
In general, the blood supply to the cells, known from the biology course, occurs as follows: from the left ventricle of the heart oxygenated blood flows through the aorta into the arteries and from there into smaller blood vessels to the capillaries, through which the organs and tissues of the body receive oxygen and the substances they need.Subsequently, with the help of small blood vessels called "venules", the blood is collected by the capillaries and enters the larger veins, whose task is to send the blood back to the lungs and heart to enrich itself with oxygen and repeat its journey.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 inside them that open to allow blood to flow towards the heart and close to prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction.
In reality, varicose veins happen like this: if the valves are damaged and do not block the flow of blood, this accumulates in the veins, causing them to swell and stretch, which leads to varicose veins.Angiosurgeons argue that varicose veins are a pathological process that involves a change in the venous wall resulting in valve insufficiency.
In varicose veins, a reverse flow (reflux) of blood is created due to valve dysfunction.They do not close the venous cavity, which makes it possible for blood to flow in the opposite direction.As a result, an increase in venous blood pressure is created, which violates the integrity of the walls of the veins: they expand and protrude under the skin.
Since varicose veins are a modification of the veins, the pathology is considered not only a vascular disease, but also an aesthetic problem.Normal veins and varicose veins - when, due to malfunction of the valves, reverse blood flow and dilation of the veins occurs.
Why are legs more often affected by varicose veins?
There are 3 types of veins in our legs: superficial veins, those closest to the skin;deep veins, which are located inside the muscles and connect 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 to each other.The varicose veins that we see are observed precisely in the superficial veins, located closest to the skin.
When we are in an upright position, the blood in the legs should be directed upwards, towards the heart, resisting the force of gravity.To do this, the leg muscles contract and press on the deep veins, pushing blood towards the heart.When the leg muscles contract, the valves within the veins open, but when the muscles relax, the valves close, blocking the flow of blood to the feet.
As you may have guessed, varicose veins are more common on the legs because the pressure of gravity, which increases when sitting and standing, has the greatest effect on venous circulation in the lower extremities.
How dangerous are varicose veins?
For most people, varicose veins are primarily a cosmetic problem and do not initially pose a health threat.Swollen and unsightly veins can ruin the appearance of some parts of the body, but in most cases they do not affect blood circulation.Please note that if you do not pay due attention to the fight against varicose veins, its appearance worsens over time and complications may develop.
Causes of varicose veins
A number of factors can increase the risk of varicose veins:
- Factor no.1 – heredity.If someone in your family has or has had varicose veins, your chances of inheriting them increase.
- Flooring.Varicose veins are more common in women than in men.
- Age.As we age, our veins and valves become weaker.
- Interruption 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 baby is born.Additionally, each subsequent pregnancy increases the risk of varicose veins.
- Overweight or obesity.Excess weight puts a lot of pressure on the veins, which can lead to the formation of varicose veins.
- Sedentary and standing work and sedentary lifestyle.If you stand or sit for long periods of time, you increase your risk of developing varicose veins.This happens because during prolonged periods of inactivity it is more difficult for the veins to carry blood to the heart.
Symptoms of the development of varicose veins
In addition to the appearance of dark blue or purple protruding veins, here are the main signs of the development of varicose veins:
- Slight swelling of the ankles and feet, especially after standing for a long time.
- Pain, burning and feeling of heaviness in the legs.
- Leg spasms and throbbing sensation.
- Itchy ankles and lower legs, which 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 instill new habits.Although these same changes will not help get rid of already formed varicose veins, they will reduce the likelihood of deterioration of their appearance, as well as reduce pain and protect other areas of the veins from the formation of varicose veins.
What you need to do to reduce the likelihood of varicose veins or protect already affected veins from worsening the condition:
- Don't sit or stand in the same place for a long time.Try to move at least every 30 minutes.
- When sitting, do not cross one leg over the other.
- If possible, raise your legs when resting while sitting or lying down.Try raising your legs so that they are above heart level.
- Exercise.This will allow your leg muscles to move and circulate blood through your veins more efficiently.
- If you are overweight, try to bring it back to normal.This will help improve blood circulation and reduce stress on the veins.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing, especially around the waist, hips and legs.
- Don't wear high heels too often or for long periods of time.Low-heeled shoes help keep your calf muscles toned, allowing blood to circulate more easily through your veins.
- Exercise regularly.This will help improve blood circulation, shed extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight.
Complications with varicose veins
According to the Circulation Foundation, although varicose veins deteriorate over time, this process takes a long time.Also note that in some people with varicose veins, high pressure in the veins can cause 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 lead to more serious negative consequences:
- The appearance of ulcers
- Phlebitis
- Bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
If a person develops eczema (red rash), it may later progress to ulcers that will need to be surgically removed.
Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein that is often accompanied by thrombosis within the affected vein, which becomes hard but brittle.In most cases, this disorder does not represent a serious health risk, although it is often mistakenly confused with a more serious pathology: deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Many people worry that accidentally hitting a varicose vein will cause it to bleed, but this rarely happens.If this happens, the bleeding is stopped by applying a tight gauze bandage and applying ice.A person needs to lie down so that his legs are higher than his heart and, without delay, seek medical help so that specialists can perform procedures that will reduce the risk of rebleeding.
Some patients suffering from varicose veins subsequently 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 skin that is warm to the touch.According to experts at the US National Library of Medicine, deep vein thrombosis mainly affects the large veins of the thigh and calf muscles, and it has been observed that DVT almost always develops 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.Socks, tights or leggings apply gentle pressure from the lower leg up, reducing blood pooling and swelling.However, the effect is only achieved if you wear them regularly.Although wearing compression stockings will not cure varicose veins that have already formed, it will help prevent or reduce enlargement of the veins and further complications.
Furthermore, the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), in its clinical guidelines for the treatment of patients with varicose veins of the lower extremities and pelvis, notes: “Wearing stockings is the first therapeutic procedure for patients who have had their ulcers removed as varicose veins progress.”
Endovenous ablation (radiofrequency or laser)
Endovenous ablation involves the use of laser or radiofrequency therapy to close or remove the varicose vein.The doctor makes a small cut in the skin near the vein and inserts a catheter.Next, a special device is attached to the tip of the catheter with which the catheter is heated and closes or removes the varicose vein (depending on the chosen ablation method).The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the patient usually goes home the same day.
Endovenous ablation is one of the most effective and safe methods for treating varicose veins.The Society of Vascular Surgery (SVS) recommends this procedure over surgery for the treatment of superficial varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
This is another gentle method to treat varicose veins.During the procedure, a special substance is injected into the vein affected by varicose veins, which destroys the internal lining of the vein and causes the blood inside it to clot.Over time, the vein collapses and disappears.
Surgical method
In advanced cases of varicose veins, more gentle treatment methods will not help correct the situation.In this case, the person undergoes surgery, during which the superficial vein is surgically removed.The indications for surgery are:
- Ulcers or the threat of their appearance,
- Bleeding
- Phlebitis.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and the patient is usually sent home the same day.A person may feel pain and discomfort for 2 weeks after surgery.
The Circulation Foundation notes that deep vein thrombosis can sometimes develop after surgery, but the risk of this condition can be reduced by wearing compression stockings and maintaining a person's high physical activity.
Varicose veins and training
Moving a lot and doing moderate physical activity are the main helpers in the fight against varicose veins.
However, while some training methods are helpful and recommended for varicose vein prevention, others can be harmful.
Moderate, rhythmic physical activity (such as walking) contributes positively 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.
Walk
Walking is one of the best movements to prevent varicose veins and promotes healthy circulation by stretching and contracting the venous 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 works the calf muscles well, but it has a disadvantage: running puts a strain on our joints.If you're not ready to replace running with another activity, run on grass or rubberized paths instead of hard asphalt.
Elliptical and exercise bike
Workouts on the elliptical and stationary bike actively engage the calf muscles, promoting healthy circulation.Plus, unlike running, these workouts put less stress on your joints.
Strength training
Individuals with varicose veins should avoid excessive amounts of very intense weight training.During prolonged muscle tension of an irregular nature, the leg muscles and ventilatory pumps do not contribute to the return of blood to the heart through the veins.For this reason, during training, blood accumulates in the veins of the legs, which can only contribute to the further development of varicose veins.Furthermore, the increase in intra-abdominal pressure during exertion also hinders blood circulation.
Among the exercises that negatively affect venous circulation, specialists at the Venous Clinic in Georgia especially note squats, lunges and crunches.
People with varicose veins need to train with light weights and perform relatively high repetitions per set without reaching failure.Also, in order to restore normal blood circulation after finishing strength training, it is recommended to pedal on an exercise bike or exercise on an elliptical trainer.It is also recommended to wear compression stockings during and after strength training.
Why do veins swell more in summer?
As noted by the specialists of the Venous Center of the same name.San Giovanni and Hospital.Saint Joseph Wayne, veins swell more in summer because, under the influence of high temperature, they expand and fill with more blood, increasing in size.
To reduce swelling of the veins in summer, you need to follow simple recommendations:
- Lubricate your skin with a thick layer of SPF moisturizer.
- If you're going to be outside for a long time, try hiding in the shade.
- Don't sunbathe for too long.
- Swim regularly.This way you will carry out cooling procedures for your body, without giving the veins a chance to increase in size.
- Try wearing flat/flat shoes and sandals rather than high-heeled shoes.
- Drink more fluids.
You shouldn't let the situation get worse;you must act now.