Varicose veins in the legs (varicose veins - common name) - externally visible enlargement of the clear veins, which develops as a result of varicose veins or post-thrombotic syndrome and is accompanied by a sharp violation of the venous outflow in the lower extremities.
Modern methods allow the radical treatment of varicose veins without incisions and pain.
Complaints with varicose veins
For many people, varicose veins and varicose veins are just an aesthetic problem. In others, varicose veins cause pain and discomfort. Varicose veins sometimes lead to more serious problems and complications - thrombophlebitis or the appearance of food ulcers. The treatment consists of removing or closing the deformed veins, which is the work of a venologist.
Varicose veins are a complete degeneration of the venous wall, which is associated with the weakness of the connective tissue (varicose veins of the lower extremities) or develops with a sudden violation of the venous outflow, due to obstruction or overflow of the veins.
Causes of varicose veins of the lower extremities
Varicose veins of the lower extremities
The disease, as a cause of varicose veins, occurs in 20-40% of the population of the developed countries of the world. For a long time, varicose veins are just a cosmetic defect, but the progression of the disease leads to pain, swelling of the feet and legs and in advanced stages to dark skin of the feet, inflammatory changes and varicose veins ulcers.
Hereditary predisposition is the main cause of primary varicose veins, however the disease develops with excessive stress in the veins. The trigger mechanism for varicose veins of the lower extremities is a sudden physical strain, pregnancy and childbirth. In this case, there is a sharp increase in pressure in the veins of the lower extremities and damage to the valve device, which activates the mechanism for the development of the disease.
Metathrombotic disease
Secondary varicose veins develop after venous thrombosis or as a result of congenital diseases (arteriovenous fistulas, congenital venous dysplasia). Post-thrombotic disease is a complex progressive pathological process in the venous system of the lower extremities. Due to valvular insufficiency or obstruction of the deep veins, the clear veins dilate as they overflow with blood. Another cause may be congenital or acquired arteriovenous fistulas. Occasionally, congenital deep vein occlusion occurs, leading to secondary varicose veins (Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome).
Varicose vein complications
Over 40% of women and 20% of men have swollen varicose veins. In 20% of cases, varicose veins lead to the appearance of a food ulcer, more than 25% of patients suffer from varicose thrombophlebitis. These complications often require serious treatment and pose a major threat to health.
Chronic venous insufficiency
Obstruction of the venous outflow causes a pathological condition called chronic venous insufficiency. At the beginning of the disease, individual nodules with dilated veins may appear, which are not of particular concern, although they can sometimes be painful. Then there is an increase in the number of varicose veins. The disease progresses slowly but steadily. If the first varicose veins appeared below the knee, then the rate of development of the disease is much higher. If the disease does not stop, then the third stage of venous insufficiency gradually develops. The swelling becomes permanent, a dark skin color appears in the ankle area, the weight on the legs is constantly worrying, which may persist even after a night's rest. They often develop varicose vein thrombophlebitis and skin inflammation, eczema and dermatitis. The final stage in the development of varicose veins is the appearance of food ulcers.
Varicose veins thrombophlebitis
Thrombophlebitis is the most common complication of varicose veins. Thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of the venous wall, with the formation of blood clots in the lumen of the vein. Thrombophlebitis occurs in superficial and deep veins. With varicose veins, thrombophlebitis occurs in 25% of patients and is usually superficial. The cause of varicose veins in thrombophlebitis is the very slow flow of blood, especially in large nodes. Under these conditions, any factors that increase blood clotting (pregnancy, overheating, trauma, sprains, hypothermia and scratches, acute respiratory infections) can cause a blood clot to form in the varicose vein and its inflammation. Thrombophlebitis occurs in 25% of patients with varicose veins of the lower extremities. The cause of thrombophlebitis is the slowing down of blood flow to the veins. Thrombophlebitis can develop and lead to deep vein thrombosis. Chronic venous insufficiency is a painful condition of venous outflow with varicose veins. It is characterized by swelling, dark skin, the appearance of food ulcers and varicose dermatitis.
Varicose trophic ulcer
A trophic ulcer is a sign of an extreme degree of chronic venous insufficiency. It is a long-term non-healing wound that occurs with severe violation of venous outflow through the deep and superficial veins. It occurs in 1% of the general population and in 20% of patients with venous disease. Every fifth patient with varicose veins who does not receive treatment sooner or later gets a food ulcer. It can develop with both varicose veins and secondary varicose veins. Without eliminating abnormal venous secretions, a varicose food ulcer does not heal or recur continuously. Food ulcers with varicose veins occur in most patients and cause severe discomfort. Modern minimally invasive methods allow you to reliably eliminate varicose food ulcers without incisions and pain.
Venous thrombosis and thromboembolism
Pulmonary embolism is a serious complication of venous thrombosis. Varicose veins are an important risk factor for thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis. Thromboembolism leads to the development of severe heart and respiratory failure, with a mortality rate of over 50%.
Prevention of varicose veins of the lower extremities
Every modern person must understand what are varicose veins in the legs, how to cure and prevent its appearance. With hereditary predisposition, factors that contribute to the appearance of varicose veins should be avoided. The use of venotonic drugs, the use of compression stockings during exercise, periodic examinations by a venologist and the ultrasound of the veins are shown.
When working in concomitant conditions, it is essential to use 1st class compression stockings at work, therapeutic exercises, outdoor activities, daily walks for at least 1 hour in medical socks, foot massage and swimming. Refusal to use oral contraceptives with complicated heredity of varicose veins. It is better to follow these simple rules than to treat varicose veins in the legs.
Avoid producing factors during heavy physical work. For this, compression stockings are necessary, especially with a predisposition for varicose veins. Medical knits are suitable for all pregnant women and in cases of predisposition to varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, special compression stockings are worn for childbirth. It is advisable for all pregnant women to visit a venologist and have a venous ultrasound in the last weeks of pregnancy. This will help reduce the risk of problems with the venous system.
How to treat varicose veins in the legs
For the past 10 years, "barbaric" methods of treating varicose veins are a thing of the past, thanks to the emergence of milder and more effective methods that are used successfully in clinics.
Vein sclerotherapy for varicose veins
Sclerotherapy is the introduction of a varicose vein into the lumen of a drug that causes the walls to "stick" together with the disappearance of the veins. For sclerotherapy, various chemicals are used, ozone treatment efforts have been made. Once upon a time, the advent of foam sclerotherapy revolutionized phlebology. For the first time, an effective method of treating varicose veins without major surgery appeared. Currently, foam sclerotherapy is used to remove medium diameter varicose veins after eliminating abnormal laser venous discharges. Sclerotherapy is necessary in the treatment of varicose veins and retinal veins, where it has no real competitors.
Laser treatment of varicose veins
Laser treatment for varicose veins of the lower extremities (EVLT) is the most modern, radical and inexpensive method of treatment that allows you to treat varicose veins in the legs and eliminate the causes of food ulcers. The concept of laser treatment lies in the thermal heating of the venous wall from the inside and in the subsequent absorption of the varicose vein. The latest achievement in EVLT is a 1470 nm laser and a radiant light guide, introduced into medical practice by venologists. The postoperative period after this technique is completely painless and the result is superior to other treatment options - the radicality of the laser intervention is at least 98%.
Varicose vein surgery
Surgical treatment of varicose veins with removal of the main venous trunks is a thing of the past. The risk of complications of vein removal forced veinologists to seek other approaches, which led to the development of laser techniques and other methods of thermal vein removal. However, the modification of classical phlebectomy to micronectomy according to Müller and Varadi allowed a wonderful combination of laser treatment and removal of large varicose veins through incisions without incisions or sutures. Varadi's technique saved patients from painful sclerosis of large veins. Miniflevectomy allows you to both treat varicose veins and remove visible varicose veins anywhere on the body.
Elimination of radio frequencies of varicose veins
Radiofrequency ablation (RFO) of varicose veins of the legs is a modern and safe method of treatment. The method is based on the use of microwaves that heat a metal catheter, which is already the wall of the vein and causes destruction of the inner membrane. As for its painless method, the method corresponds to laser coagulation with laser at a wavelength of 1470 nm, it is easy to perform, while there is little postoperative pain. However, the RFO is much lower than the laser in terms of long-term treatment results. The effectiveness of RFO is 85% without recurrence. The method is not suitable for the treatment of perforated veins.
Massage and bath for varicose veins
Massage is a method of active treatment for varicose veins.
All types of modern massage are used, especially in the pathology of the lymphatic and venous systems. Among the exclusive methods is the technology of lymphatic drainage massage with bandage, which very effectively relieves chronic venous insufficiency.
In chronic venous insufficiency, massage is used to eliminate venous hypertension in varicose veins and post-thrombotic syndrome. The combination of this massage with a bandage allows you to effectively eliminate all the clinical manifestations of the disease.
Bathing with varicose veins, thrombophlebitis or post-thrombotic disease is very dangerous. Any thermal stress can cause the formation of blood clots in deep veins with all the consequent consequences.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to achieve complete cure for varicose veins without eliminating venous secretions and varicose veins. Although the reduction of symptoms associated with venous stagnation in the legs is quite possible with the help of modern therapy. However, the prevalence of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency sometimes raises the desire for speculation about this problem. Think of modern methods of healing and deception.
Medicines for varicose veins
The goal of drug therapy for venous pathology is to reduce symptoms and prevent complications, but these goals are not easy to achieve. Today, the abundance of tools that can be applied has created another problem: which one should I choose? Unfortunately, most of the proposed drugs are rather ineffective, despite the theoretically justified purpose of use. This is due to several reasons, the main one of which is the low absorption of these drugs by the body. An ideal drug for the treatment of venous insufficiency should affect as many pathogenetic links as possible of chronic venous insufficiency, while having a minimal number of side effects and high absorption by the body. The modern pharmaceutical market represents a fairly large number of venotonic agents. However, they have similar drugs (herbal flavonoids) and therefore the effectiveness of one or the other depends only on the concentration and digestibility of the active ingredient.
You should not wait for the varicose veins to disappear from these medications, however, the lightness in the legs, the reduction of the swelling and the disappearance of the night cramps can be.
Creams and gels for varicose veins
Despite the high performance promoted by sellers and manufacturers, creams and gels do not relieve varicose veins and varicose veins do not disappear from them. In the early stages of venous insufficiency, venologists do not oppose the use of these agents, as rubbing them promotes venous outflow, like a light massage, and has a calming effect on the skin. With advanced forms of venous insufficiency, these creams and ointments can cause dermatitis and allergies, and are therefore very harmful. Some drugs are used in the development of acute thrombophlebitis and help to reduce the inflammatory process, but varicose veins do not disappear from them. Thanks to the right advertising, shamanic products with leeches have gained a lot of popularity among people, but they have no attitude towards medicines, even leeches, and it makes no sense to expect from them.
Medicines for blood clots in varicose veins
A common complication of varicose veins is thrombophlebitis, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period. A proven drug for the prevention of blood clots is a low molecular weight acidic glucosaminoglycan containing sulfur. To prevent thrombophlebitis after the treatment of varicose veins, the tablets are used in clinics. Taken 7 days after laser or radiofrequency intervention.
Compression stockings for varicose veins
The compression sock is undoubtedly one of the most effective means of treating venous edema and reducing the degree of chronic venous insufficiency. Invented more than 100 years ago, gaining immense popularity in the 20th and even more so in the 21st century, compression stockings and socks have become an integral part of treatment by a venologist. This is due to the effects it has:
- improving venous and lymphatic outflow from the lower extremities,
- improving microcirculation,
- slowing the progression of the disease,
- prevention of varicose veins complications (varicose vein thrombosis, eating disorders),
- prevention of deep vein thrombosis.
How to use compression stockings
So, if you have varicose veins and you intend to treat it, then during the treatment you will undoubtedly use compression stockings for a period of several days or several months (individually). If your feet are swollen towards the end of the day after work and you suffer from severe foot syndrome, you can also use compression stockings during the day to avoid these symptoms at night. If you have complications from untreated varicose veins - food ulcers or thrombophlebitis - of course, you will also use compression to improve the condition of the legs and reduce the unpleasant symptoms.
The fact is that by improving venous outflow, compression stockings work every second by wearing to improve the return of venous blood from the legs, which is certainly not easy for veins affected by disease and against the law of universal gravity. Compression knitwear can safely be called one of humanity's clever inventions, but for it to work for you, several conditions must be met:
- Compression knits are selected individually (according to the standards). The main requirement is to comply with the anatomical profile of the limb and, therefore, to create the right pressure gradient.
- The knits are selected by a doctor (venologist) individually. Medical products are labeled in mm Hg and are divided into compression classes 1, 2, 3, 4. Each compression class corresponds to a specific pressure. In different stages of varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency, the appropriate compression class is used. This is why only one doctor has the right to prescribe and choose the right compression stockings - taking into account the nature of the pathology and according to individual standards.
- It should be medical, not slimming knit. Only proven brands with RAL certification.
When do you need knits for varicose veins?
- correction of "heavy leg" syndrome: reduction of severity, edema, improvement of quality of life.
- during treatment with a venologist: after surgery or for a period prescribed by a specialist.
- to slow down the development of varicose veins.
- to treat the complications of varicose veins (varicose vein thrombosis).
An essential component of any treatment for varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency is medical elastic compression. Thanks to the compression treatment, it is possible to completely eliminate the swelling, the weight on the legs and to create conditions for any kind of radical treatment of varicose veins. Modern medical knits have a high therapeutic effect and excellent aesthetic properties.
Elastic bandages |
Therapeutic shirt |
|---|---|
The creation of the necessary pressure is determined by the technique and dressing skills of the doctor or patient |
The machining profile and the pressure level are determined during construction according to the compression category |
The need for medical involvement in bandaging or patient education |
The doctor's involvement is limited to the selection of the compression category and the type of product |
Difficulties in providing compression and fixation to the thigh |
Provides effective compression and fixation on the thigh |
Used for non-standard edge shape |
With a non-standard tip shape, adjustment is possible |
Daily washing causes the bandages to wear quickly |
Daily washing is necessary to maintain the compression properties |
Needs replacement after many washes |
Guaranteed retention of compression properties for 6 months |
Possible violations of water balance and skin temperature |
The porous binding provides normal temperature and water balance to the skin |
Low aesthetic properties, provide comfort and convenience |
High aesthetic properties, ease and comfort in use |
Exercises and sports for varicose veins
Strength sports for varicose veins and sports are possible after the elimination of varicose veins syndrome or in compression stockings 2-3 degrees of compression. Modern treatment is able to restore the legs with varicose veins to normal, which removes all restrictions.
We bring to your attention a set of therapeutic and preventive exercises developed by leading experts. Regular application will help reduce the incidence of venous insufficiency in the lower extremities, slow down the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of life-threatening complications.
- Unloading the leg veins. Breathe deeply and evenly, lie down with your eyes closed, relax. At the same time, place some pillows under your feet so that they are raised at an angle of 15-20 °
- Exercise by bike. Lying on your back and breathing evenly, imagine that you are pedaling with a bicycle.
- The exercise consists of many parts, performed slowly and smoothly. Lie on your back with your legs outstretched, take a deep breath. As you exhale, bend your right leg, bringing your knee to your chest. Inhale, straighten the leg vertically upwards. Exhaling, lower it. Repeat this exercise alternately for each leg.
- Lie on your back, arms along your body, lift your legs vertically upwards. Rotate both feet inwards and outwards at the same time.
- Bend and untwist the legs alternately at the ankle joint forward and backward.
- Alternatively, bend and untie your toes.
- Stand in one position: legs together, arms along the torso. After taking a deep breath, slowly get up on your toes, exhale, return to the starting position.
- Walk in your seat without lifting your socks off the floor.
- Vertical scissors. Lie on your back, arms along your body, breathing evenly, alternately crossing your legs, alternating them.
- Lie on your back, bend your knees without lifting your legs off the floor. Put your hands on your hips. Inhale slowly, raising your head and torso. At the same time, the hands slide to the knees. Exhale slowly and return to the starting position.
- Lie on your back, arms along the body, legs at an angle of 15-20 °, hold a small pillow between the legs. Inhale slowly, bend in half, tearing the buttocks off the mattress. Exhale slowly and return to the starting position.
- Lie on your back, arms along your body, bend your knees, keeping your feet on the floor. Exhale slowly, pulling your stomach. Inhale slowly, inflate the stomach.
- Lying on your back, legs raised at an angle of 15-20 °. Bend your right leg, bringing your knee to your chest. At the same time, tighten the leg with your hands. Slowly straighten your leg upwards. Hands, tightly squeezing the leg, slide along the calf to knee level. Slowly lower your leg, with your hands sliding over your thigh. The exercise is repeated for the other leg.
- Standing, feet together, arms across the body, inhaling slowly, bring your shoulders back, exhale slowly, relax your shoulders and tilt your head forward.
- Contrast shower on the feet. Alternating hot and cold water jets. 5-10 minutes for each leg.