Varicose veins are one of the most common diseases in the world and, according to the WHO, it affects one in five people. Pathology of the venous vessels of the lower extremities is associated with dysfunction of the intravenous valves, dilation of the vein and thinning of their walls. This leads to reverse blood flow and stagnation in the blood vessels. The patient's movements are difficult, pain syndrome occurs, the ability to work and the quality of life decrease.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are caused by many factors. Therefore, the disease requires accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which is selected individually for each patient.
Without timely treatment, a detached blood clot can lead to dangerous complications, disability, disability, and even death.
Causes of varicose veins
The blood in the veins moves spasmodically to the heart. The muscles of the lower extremities are responsible for this, as well as the intravenous valves that prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction. When the valves fail, blood flows against the movement, the pressure in the veins increases and they dilate. As a result, the venous wall becomes thinner, and blood diffuses through it into the surrounding tissues, swelling and pain occur in the lower extremities.
Predisposing factors for varicose veins include:
- heredity;
- Excessive load on the lower extremities due to overweight, intense physical exercise, weight transfer.
- sedentary life?
- pulling or pinching the veins of the lower extremities (tight clothing, bandages, sports equipment: dilators, elastic bandages).
- prolonged and regular work in a sitting or standing position without changing body position and regular rest.
- continuous use of shoes with heels.
- pregnancy and menopause;
- chronic diseases (constipation, diabetes, kidney and cardiovascular diseases).
In men, the main factors for the development of varicose veins are heredity, unbalanced physical activity and bad habits, while varicose veins in women are more often associated with hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, wearing uncomfortable shoes.
Symptoms of varicose veins
The first signs of the disease may not be felt physically, but appear only externally in the form of vessels of dark blue and purple translucent colors through the skin, spider veins and spider veins, swelling of veins above the surface of the skin in the form of twisted cords.
The signs of the next stage of varicose veins are manifested in the form of discomfort and pain, there are pulses, burning or spasms in the legs, there are sensations of weight and swelling of the lower extremities, itching in the area of the affected vessel.
Varicose vein complications
Varicose veins can have serious consequences, causing discomfort and life-threatening. These include:
- trophic eczema or skin ulcer in the area of the affected vein, which is preceded by skin whitening.
- deep venous thrombosis caused by a blood clot from smaller superficial veins.
- pulmonary embolism due to blood clots that have entered the bloodstream from the veins of the lower extremities.
- rupture of the varicose vein, which is accompanied by profuse bleeding that is difficult to stop.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
Venous problems are treated by vascular specialists, however, other specialists are involved in the accurate diagnosis: angiologist, dermatologist, nutritionist, endocrinologist and, if surgery is required, vascular surgeon.
At the initial consultation, the venologist clarifies the symptoms, when they occurred and how often they recur, and asks about similar problems in other family members. In addition, it is important for the physician to know the patient's lifestyle and habits.
After a complete examination of the lower extremities and especially the annoying area, the venologist can refer the patient for additional examinations: ultrasound, venography (radiography of the veins), venomanometry (measurement of blood pressure in the veins), three-dimensional (x-ray)assessment of venous blood flow by intravenous administration of radioisotope-labeled albumin molecules).
In advanced stages or with complications, Dopplerography (color dual vascular scan) is considered the most accurate method. Allows you to assess the nature of the blood flow, the condition of the valves and deep veins, identify the reverse blood flow and the presence of blood clots.
Only an accurate diagnosis will allow the doctor to draw up an optimal treatment plan.
Varicose veins treatment
The treatment aims to identify and minimize the effect of disease-causing factors, as well as to eliminate the consequences and prevent complications.
There are three approaches to treating varicose veins: conservative, minimally invasive, and radical surgery.
Conservative treatment for varicose veins includes:
- The use of ointments, gels and tablets based on phlebotonics - substances that improve the tone of the veins, the condition of their walls, blood circulation, relieve swelling and discomfort. An effective remedy for varicose veins in this group is Detralex, which contains five herbal ingredients that have a beneficial effect on the condition of the venous vessels. The drug is available in two forms: tablets and oral suspension.
- Wearing compression underwear, which creates optimal pressure on the problem areas of the legs, prevents the dilation of the veins and maintains the tone of the vascular wall.
- Nutritional therapy, depending on the case, can aim at weight loss, strengthening the walls of venous vessels, preventing edema and normalizing stool. Not only sound education but his alertness and dedication too are most required.
- Physiotherapy is necessary to improve blood circulation, increase muscle tone and blood vessels in the legs and eliminate venous stasis. In addition, physical activity helps to normalize weight and improves the patient's psychological state. Varicose vein sports require compliance with safety precautions. In particular, during training, you should wear compression underwear and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and increased blood viscosity. Prolonged static loads and heavy lifting are also prohibited. After training, it is recommended to lie on your back with your legs held high to ensure blood flow from the veins.
Non-invasive methods of varicose vein removal include laser treatment (laser exposure) and radiofrequency ablation (high frequency current exposure). As a result, the walls of the vessel become attached and the vein soon recedes.
Sclerotherapy is also performed: a sclerosant is injected into the affected vein - a special substance that causes it to become blocked. As a result, blood flow is redirected to the nearest healthy blood vessel and the problematic vein disappears over time. The procedure is performed in outpatient clinics with the obligatory use of compression underwear after that.
In severe cases of varicose veins, phlebectomy is performed - an operation for partial or complete removal of the damaged vessel. Such a radical approach is recommended in cases where the patient has contraindications to the methods of "adhesion", as well as at high risk of recurrence of the disease.
After surgery, to prevent varicose veins in the future, it is necessary to normalize the diet, give up bad habits, take medications prescribed by your doctor to thin the blood and strengthen blood vessels and do therapeutic exercises.
Prevention of varicose veins
Includes sports activities (swimming, walking, cycling, light jogging, aerobics), drinking, avoiding bad habits, tight clothing, high-heeled shoes, regular warm-up during sedentary work, when prescribed by a doctor in compression stockings. In addition, it is important to monitor the general state of health in order to identify and treat diseases that can cause varicose veins in a timely manner.
At the first suspicion of a vascular problem, you should contact specialists for diagnosis and early treatment.