Varicose veins

Varicose veins can appear in different parts of the body, but they are most common in the lower limbs. This disease is characterized by an invasion of blood outflow and stagnation of blood in the veins of the legs. Medically, varicose veins of the lower extremities are defined as a disease associated with increased length, serpentine tortuosity, and cystic enlargement of the saphenous vein. 17-25% of the population suffers from this disease. Additionally, women are three times more likely to develop the disease than men.

disease cause

The main causes of this disease are:

• genetics;
• advanced age;
• excess weight;
• Wearing tight underwear, and uncomfortable, especially narrow, high heels.

A genetic influence on the development and progression of varicose veins has not been proven. However, it is important to note that some families often suffer from varicose veins for generations. It is worth noting that the main factors in the development of the disease are nutrition, specific lifestyle and changes in hormonal cycles.

The main risk factor for the development of the disease is obesity, and the incidence of varicose veins increases according to the severity of obesity.

Excess weight is associated with a sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition. For example, in the modern world, where processed foods dominate, there is a shortage in the consumption of plant fibers contained in raw vegetables, berries and fruits. Plant fibers are essential for strengthening blood vessel walls and reducing intra-abdominal pressure, which also helps reduce disease risk.In addition to proper nutrition, work flow should also be properly organized. Typically, a person spends a considerable amount of time working in a standing or sitting position, which adversely affects the function of the venous valve device. Hard physical labor involving heavy loads on the legs while lifting heavy objects is also considered disadvantageous. Another risk factor for the development of the disease is long-distance travel or flying, which can cause blood stagnation in the veins of the legs.Another pressing cause of this disease is fashion. Therefore, tight bras can compress the veins in the inguinal fold area, and tight bras can significantly increase intra-abdominal pressure, leading to varicose veins. Wearing high heels is considered extremely harmful, especially when combined with uncomfortable arch support.A proven risk factor for venous disease is repeated pregnancies, which lead to changes in intra-abdominal pressure, and the hormone progesterone can adversely affect vein walls and damage collagen and elastic fibers.

Symptoms of varicose veins in lower limbs

The main symptoms of this disease are:

• Veins protrude from under the skin,
• swelling,
• Leg pain, especially at night
• feeling tired
• Changes in skin appearance - pigmentation, thickening,
• Loss of skin elasticity and hair loss in areas with dilated veins.

The main visible symptom of varicose veins is a cystic or cylindrical dilation of the superficial veins. The veins become unnaturally curved and protrude above the surface of the skin on the legs and feet. The largest varicose veins are fixed after prolonged manual labor.In the first stage of varicose veins, symptoms are few and nonspecific. The only symptom at this stage is a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Also worrisome is rapid fatigue and a burning sensation in the legs, which is disturbing after physical activity. Sometimes the veins experience temporary swelling and soreness. It is characterized by mild swelling of the dorsum of the foot and ankle joints, which often occurs after prolonged monotonous exercise at night. In the morning, the swelling had disappeared without a trace and no significant venous dilation was observed.

If these symptoms occur, be sure to consult a specialist in time to prevent the progression and development of the condition. If not treated properly, the neglected condition can lead to chronic venous insufficiency.

An important symptom of venous insufficiency is spider veins - a network of dilated capillaries (0. 1 mm or more) visible through the skin. Women consider such "stars" to be a cosmetic flaw, but men simply don't notice them. Sometimes it's just a sign of hormonal imbalance, sauna or solarium abuse. However, in most cases, spider veins are one of the first signs of venous congestion and the development of varicose veins. If the disease occurs on a relatively small area of the skin, you should definitely consult a specialist.

Diagnosis of varicose veins

Vascular surgeons can diagnose varicose veins through routine exams, ultrasound of the veins, and venography (injecting special medications into the veins and monitoring their response).When you see your doctor, you will undergo a special examination that consists of several procedures.

1. Blood tests (general) will show the degree of thickening, blood coagulation (susceptibility to blood clots), and the presence of inflammation (to confirm thrombophlebitis).
2. Venous ultrasound can identify affected areas. A vascular ultrasound is recommended to identify signs of varicose veins, even if spider veins have already appeared.
3. Bleeding angiography is a method of mathematically determining whether a tissue's blood supply (nutrients) is insufficient. This is how the stage of the disease is determined, which is necessary for choosing a treatment.
4. Surgical methods such as venography (see above) are rarely used to assess the condition of the venous system.

Treatment methods for varicose veins

Treating varicose veins is quite difficult, so prevention is recommended. Conservative treatment includes taking special pills and ointments prescribed by your doctor, and wearing tights and stockings with special drawstrings. Surgical treatment of varicose veins is also possible, in which dilated veins are removed from the person's body using traction methods. Laser therapy and sclerotherapy are considered very effective.From a cosmetic perspective, varicose veins are extremely worrisome to patients. The doctor decided that surgery was necessary. To reduce the risk of complications and speed recovery, specialists will prescribe a special micronized medication that helps increase venous tone, relieve inflammation, and stimulate lymph flow.

non-surgical treatment

Non-surgical treatment of varicose veins is effective only in the early stages of the disease, when the skin manifestations are mild and the ability to work is moderately reduced. If surgical treatment is contraindicated, conservative treatment is performed. This approach is also necessary during the postoperative period in order to prevent recurrence of the disease.Conservative treatment is:

• Reduce the impact of risk factors,
• adequate physical activity,
• elastic compression,
• drug,
• Use physical therapy.

People with risk factors for varicose veins or a genetic predisposition should consult a phlebologist twice a year for a venous ultrasound scan.

During conservative treatment, it is necessary to continuously train the veins, keep the feet elevated for a long time, and only wear comfortable and comfortable shoes.

Shown walking, swimming or biking. Physical activity can only be performed with elastic compression. Elastic compression is a conservative method of treating varicose veins using elastic bandages or medical knitwear. It is taboo to engage in traumatic sports such as football and volleyball.

For varicose veins, intravenous medications are recommended. These drugs work by strengthening the vein walls.

All folk remedies, including herbal medicine, will never be as effective as medicine. You should not self-medicate; any medication should only be used as prescribed by your doctor. Topical treatment is only given in the absence of thrombosis or thrombophlebitis.

Surgical treatment methods

Varicose veins in the lower limbs can only be completely cured through surgical treatment.Use the following surgical treatments:

1. phlebectomy— Varicose veins are removed during surgery. This procedure is contraindicated if the patient has severe concomitant disease or advanced varicose veins.This procedure should not be performed during pregnancy, if there is a purulent process in the body, or in the elderly.The use of endoscopic treatment methods makes this type of surgery as safe as possible and has cosmetic benefits. The series of measures to be taken for a quick recovery after surgery depends entirely on the complexity of the surgical procedure, taking into account general principles. The final seams are formed after 6 months, therefore, in order to avoid damage and cosmetic defects, it is necessary to exclude rough mechanical impact on them (using hard sponges, tight, uncomfortable clothes). Do not wash with hot water. Elastic compression must be used for 6 months after surgery. In the future, compression socks will be necessary for "harmful" loads (lifting weights, long journeys).
2. hardening- Injecting a special substance (sclerosant) into the vein that causes the vein walls to "stick", preventing blood flow. In this way, cosmetic defects are eliminated, as the veins become invisible. This method is only effective in dilating small branches of the main venous trunk. After phlebosclerosis surgery, patients do not need to recover.
3. laser coagulation— The vein wall is destroyed under the action of laser, thereby "sealing" the vein cavity. Suitable for patients with venous dilation not exceeding 10 mm. The procedure requires anesthesia, early activation of the patient, and long-term elastic compression.

Prevent varicose veins of lower limbs

Currently, the prevention of varicose veins is highly valued. It is necessary to regularly implement simple measures that can significantly reduce not only the risk of occurrence, but also the development and progression of the disease.

• Active lifestyle, measuring long periods of static load alternating with other types of physical activity, such as walking, running, cycling, swimming and simple exercise at work.
• Always keep your legs in a higher position.
• Maintain your diet and monitor your weight.
• Wear comfortable shoes with a heel size no larger than 4 cm. Orthopedic insoles are useful.
• During use of estrogen, birth control pills, or pregnancy, an ultrasound scan of the veins in the lower extremities may be required.

Our health only depends on ourselves and in order to remain a happy person who is not troubled by any disease, it is very important to carefully monitor your lifestyle, be physically active and eat right.