Varicose veins in women

The problem of varicose veins in women is one of the most common problems worldwide. The condition occurs in 80% of female cases and has several causes: genetic predisposition, hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy, sedentary lifestyle and excess weight. Varicose veins in the legs in women can be successfully treated when using a comprehensive approach - the main thing is to take all necessary measures in a timely manner.

causes of varicose veins

Experts identify several common causes of varicose veins:

• Genetic predispositions are usually transmitted through the female lineage - 75% of people with varicose veins have a relative (grandmother, mother) who suffers from the same problem. At the same time, varicose veins in the legs of women are not hereditary, but congenital lesions of the venous structure are observed (weak vessel walls, lower valves, etc. ).
• The cause of varicose veins in women is usually related to an unbalanced lifestyle. Overloading the legs due to frequent wearing of high heels, sedentary work, lack of physical activity, or standing for long periods of time can lead to decreased vascular tone and venous blood stasis. To compensate for this imbalance, the veins dilate, and women still experience swelling and a feeling of heaviness.
• Hormonal imbalances can also contribute to the development of varicose veins in women. This can be caused by hormonal fluctuations from one menstrual cycle to another, use of oral contraceptives, etc.
• The appearance of varicose veins may be related to pregnancy and childbirth. At this time, the growing child compresses the veins in the pelvis, coupled with the increase in blood volume and hormones in the woman's body. Under the influence of these factors, the ligaments of the female pelvis become more elastic, the stretch of the veins and their walls increases.

If a woman develops vein problems before she becomes pregnant, this can eventually affect her condition. Pregnant women with varicose veins are prone to risks such as postpartum hemorrhage, delayed discharge of amniotic fluid, and labor weakness. Therefore, if any venous pathology occurs during pregnancy or there is a genetic predisposition, observation by a phlebologist is necessary.

Symptoms of varicose veins in women

From a modern phlebology perspective, venopathy considers both any functional changes in the venous system and long-term symptoms and signs that indicate the need for investigation and treatment in the patient. Venous pathology symptoms include leg pain, cramping, heaviness, fullness, tingling, and fatigue.In turn, signs of vein damage include:

• venous return,
• telangiectasia,
• reticular veins,
• swelling,
• skin pigmentation,
• venous aneurysm,
• Venous ulcers.

Our numerous observations indicate that symptoms of venous disease can manifest themselves at an early stage of the pathological process, significantly earlier than or significantly later than the development of venous reflux or varicose transformation.In most cases, early clinical manifestations of varicose veins are limited to telangiectasia or reticular varicose veins. Further aggravation of venous hypertension and inflammatory changes in the blood vessel wall and its valves lead to the formation of typical symptom clusters:

• Increased fatigue,
• Legs feel heavy at the end of the day,
• pain,
• combustion,
• Calf muscle spasms.

Due to pathological changes in the veins, hyperpigmentation of the skin progresses, and lipodermatosclerosis is accompanied by thinning of the skin and thickening of the subcutaneous adipose tissue. Increasing severity of nutritional disorders is associated with the development of dry or exudative eczema and eventually venous ulcers.Varicose veins in the lower limbs are based on venous hypertension and systemic inflammation, which interfere with the normal outflow of blood and cause microcirculatory bed disorder. Changes in venous wall structure (collagen/elastin ratio) and hormonal status in the body, hemodynamic changes, congenital or acquired valvular insufficiency are leading factors in the development of hypertension. Long-term hypertension leads to the formation of endothelial dysfunction, which is accompanied by the activation and adhesion of leukocytes and endothelial cells and is enhanced by the production of anti-inflammatory mediators, leading to vessel wall damage and the occurrence of valve insufficiency; capillary permeability increases, and lower limb pain. It is important to consider that in the absence of adequate treatment, the pathological process of the vascular bed steadily progresses.

What are the ways to prevent varicose veins?

Preventative measures to combat varicose veins have two goals.First, it is intended to prevent women who are prone to developing the disease. If there is at least one risk factor for the appearance of varicose veins, then there is no need to wait for the appearance of ugly clusters on the legs, unpleasant symptoms or even complications, if all this can be prevented. Secondly, in the case of existing varicose veins, prevention will help avoid the progression of the disease and the occurrence of complications. In either case, prevention involves eliminating risk factors for the development of varicose veins and minimizing them, which can only be achieved by changing several aspects of life:

• First, weight needs to be reduced to normal through diet correction and exercise. When exercising, it is best to exercise on fitness equipment in a lying or reclining position. This type of training actually puts no long-term pressure on the superficial veins of the legs, but at the same time strengthens muscles and improves blood circulation.
• Avoid prolonged pressure on your legs—sitting, standing, lifting heavy objects. If this system is due to the peculiarities of women's work, then it is worth taking as many breaks as possible, doing special gymnastics, walking up and down stairs.
• When resting or sleeping, your legs need to be kept 15 cm above the level of your heart. Simply use a small pad or mat to achieve this position.
• Check your wardrobe. Clothing that restricts movement of the hips and shoulders and shoes with heels higher than 4 cm or with flat soles should not be worn. This doesn't mean that women should completely give up on tight clothes and fancy heels - just choose something more comfortable for everyday wear and save the rest for special occasions.
• Fans of exotic tanning should avoid frequent visits to solariums and prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Foot care is also important in preventing varicose veins. Cold showers focusing on the legs and nightly massage of the legs and feet can help. In addition, you can also use a specialized jacuzzi and small massager, foot cooling gel.
• A good way to prevent varicose veins is elastic compression - special stockings, tights and knee-high socks. Under the action of compression stockings, blood flow speed is accelerated and venous congestion disappears. The choice of knitwear must be carried out strictly in accordance with the phlebologist's special form.

What treatments are available for women?

Modern treatment strategies for varicose veins in women are based on a comprehensive approach aimed at reducing the negative impact of risk factors and lifestyle changes. In addition, various methods such as surgery to correct venous pathology, laser treatment, and sclerotherapy are also widely used. With the help of these modern technologies, you can not only restore a woman's health, but also make her legs beautiful and light again through aesthetic correction.By contacting a phlebologist at a specialized medical center, you can get a comprehensive diagnosis of the condition of the venous system using advanced techniques and equipment, comprehensive treatment of varicose veins and any other similar conditions. Modern methods of eliminating vein problems are designed to make the healing process quick, as effective as possible, without any consequences for the woman, as well as painless and non-invasive. The medical center aims to empower women to live healthy and therefore happy lives. Stay active, full of strength and vitality, the experts at any qualified clinic will help you.