Varicose veins on the legs are not only a cosmetic problem that causes people to worry about their attractiveness, but also a dangerous disease that requires adequate treatment and compliance with preventive measures.
There are many reasons for the occurrence of varicose veins: from an inactive lifestyle, physical exertion, to hormonal imbalance, congenital weakness of the vascular wall, and pregnancy.What happens during varicose veins?With varicose veins of the lower legs, they lose their normal elasticity and become stretched under blood pressure.
The valves in the veins are normally locked, and when blood passes through them, they close and allow the blood to flow out.If the valve is damaged, blood can be sent freely down, resulting in blood stagnation.
In this case, the veins cannot cope with the pressure, they expand, the valve can no longer close the large lumen ... All this causes the appearance of the initial stage of varicose veins (see photo).
Reason
Why do varicose veins occur and what are they?The main risk factors for developing this disease are genetic predisposition and gender.Due to the love of high heels, hormonal changes during pregnancy and the use of contraceptives, women become victims of varicose veins twice as often as men.
Disease progression is promoted by:
- Ancestry.What is inherited is not the disease itself, but the genetically determined structure of the vein: weak connective tissue of the vein wall, congenitally defective vein valves.That is why varicose veins can be observed in young, healthy and active people (regardless of gender) and even in children.According to scientists, genetic predisposition is the main factor that leads to varicose veins in the legs.
- Hormonal changes.Due to the characteristics of the body in women, periods of hormonal imbalance become the cause of blood stagnation.For them, the most dangerous period is puberty, pregnancy, and the time after giving birth.The time when menopause occurs is also dangerous.The patient's gender category refers to the doctor 2-3 times more often.Female organs do not have enough of a hormone called estrogen.Instead, the so-called corpus luteum hormone dominates.It is believed that it has a relaxing effect on the muscles.This promotes vein expansion.
- A sedentary, sedentary lifestyle, or work that requires standing for long periods of time, contributes to the development of varicose veins.
- Age.Over time, the valves and vein walls become thinner, which leads to their functional impairment.
- Obesity.Excess weight leads to increased pressure on the leg veins.
Secondary varicose veins occur with leg injuries, heart defects, liver and spleen dysfunction.In this case, first of all, appropriate treatment of the main disease is carried out.
What causes varicose veins?
The main risk factors for developing this disease are genetic predisposition and gender.Due to the love of high heels, hormonal changes during pregnancy and the use of contraceptives, women become victims of varicose veins twice as often as men.
Disease progression is promoted by:
- Obesity
- Prolonged stay in a standing or sitting position
- Heavy physical activity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Constipation
- Smoking
Secondary varicose veins occur with leg injuries, heart defects, liver and spleen dysfunction.In this case, first of all, appropriate treatment of the main disease is carried out.
What causes varicose veins?
The development of varicose veins is based on congenital weakness of the vein wall, inefficiency of the superficial vein valves, and increased venous pressure.A special one-way valve prevents the blood from flowing back and prevents it from becoming stagnant in one place;When they are destroyed, the movement of blood from the tissues back to the heart is interrupted.Keep in mind that conservative treatment does not affect the pressure in the veins.
Rank
There are 3 stages of symptom development in the development of varicose veins.
- Compensation level.No complaints.On examination, varicose veins are observed on one or both legs.
- Level of Subcompensation.After examination, pronounced varicose veins can be seen on the legs.Patients complain of a feeling of fullness, paresthesia ("pins and needles") in the lower legs, and night cramps.There is slight swelling of legs, ankles and feet at night.In the morning the swelling is gone.
- Decomposition stage.Dermatitis and eczema are added to the listed symptoms.The patient is bothered by itchy skin.The skin becomes dry, shiny, close to the subcutaneous tissue.Minor bleeding and subsequent hemosiderin deposition cause hyperpigmentation.
Varicose veins in themselves are not considered a very serious disease, but if they have developed, they will not go away on their own, and moreover, they will progress, which leads to various complications, which pose the greatest danger.
Sign
The first signs that indicate the beginning of the development of varicose veins:
- rapid fatigue of the legs;
- lower leg swelling;
- Heaviness in the legs.
At a later stage, one can see the appearance of spider veins on the skin, highlighting the veins and various seals, which indicate congestion in the blood vessels.
Varicose veins: symptoms
It is quite difficult to diagnose the early stages of this disease, because in the early stages there are no spider veins and dilated veins that rise above the skin.
Early symptoms of varicose veins:
- Heavy legs at the end of the day
- Fatigue
- Mild to moderate pain
- Increased vein patterns on the skin
Often, before the first spider veins appear or veins are found in places where they could not be seen before, the patient does not feel other symptoms of the disease, and only cosmetic defects on the skin cause difficulties.As a rule, in the early stages, the symptoms of varicose veins completely disappear or decrease significantly, and therefore often go unnoticed.
One or more varicose nodes protruding above the skin indicate the development and neglect of the disease.When standing for a long time, pain occurs in the node area, numbness, tingling, "crawling", and swelling in the legs is felt.At the end of the day, swelling often occurs, which disappears after a night's sleep.Swelling can be judged by loose shoes in the morning, which begin to press in the evening.
Why are varicose veins dangerous?
The most common complications of varicose veins include thrombophlebitis.In addition, increased pressure in the vein leads to the penetration of red blood cells through the walls of the blood vessels into the tissues.Due to this, skin pigmentation, thickening and tissue hypoxia are observed, which contribute to the appearance of trophic ulcers.Even with minor damage to the skin in the area of the node, it can burst and cause severe bleeding.
Diagnostics
To diagnose varicose veins from the lower legs and prescribe the appropriate treatment, the specialist will ask the patient to undergo a comprehensive examination, including various methods.
- Duplex scanning (vein ultrasound) is the most informative method for diagnosing varicose veins of the legs, making it possible to get an idea about the level of vein melting, the direction of blood flow through the veins and their patency, as well as detect the presence of blood clots (thrombi).
- Contrast venography, which is an examination method that allows you to detect dilated veins and learn about their patency level for blood.
Only a qualified phlebologist can diagnose deep vein thrombosis.
Consequences
The complicated course of varicose veins is accompanied by the formation of thrombosis and inflammation of veins, trophic ulcers and skin disorders.These complications show themselves in the discoloration of the skin on the legs, redness, darkening, and irritation of the skin.
Also characterized by constant swelling of the ankle, especially severe when walking or standing.In the calf area, there is pain when walking, pain along troublesome veins, thickening of the skin and the formation of ulcers of various sizes on it.
During pregnancy
Pregnancy significantly increases the risk of developing varicose veins of the lower legs, due to the following reasons:
- Hormones circulating in the blood during pregnancy increase the tension of the vein walls and contribute to the stagnation of venous blood in the legs.
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure in late pregnancy makes it difficult for blood to flow through the leg veins.
- Veins that occur during pregnancy may disappear completely after childbirth, or progress further, depending on individual factors (heredity, the presence of other contributing factors).
Treatment of varicose veins on the legs
For varicose veins in the legs, treatment may not be medically necessary unless the symptoms are problematic.
However, some people may want to be treated for varicose veins for cosmetic reasons because they are unhappy with their appearance.
Let's look at the main methods that will help get rid of this problem.
- Sclerotherapy.This treatment method is used independently and combined with conservative procedures.The point is that a special medicine that closes it is injected into the vein with a thin needle or syringe, and then the vein disappears completely.Sessions are held once a week, 3 to 6 sessions are required.This method allows you to avoid scars and scars.
- Non-surgical treatment.If varicose veins are at an early stage and if they do not cause too much discomfort, elastic compression stockings can be recommended.They are worn during daily activities.They help compress the veins, prevent them from stretching and limit any discomfort or pain.
- Drug treatment of varicose veins relieves symptoms, reduces swelling and pain, slows down the development process, but cannot stop the disease completely and restore damaged veins.
- Laser treatment for varicose veins on the legs can be used on the surface of the skin.With the help of a small flash of laser light, the sclerosis process develops in the vein wall and varicose veins disappear, as if they have been removed.
Physical activity plays a major role in treatment and prevention - walking, gymnastics, swimming and training in water (excluding sports training with a large load on the legs - tennis, weight lifting, jumping).
Conservative treatment of varicose veins is mainly prescribed to those who have clear contraindications to surgical intervention.
Also, such treatment is indicated if the patient has small varicose veins, which are purely a cosmetic defect.The goal of conservative therapy is also to prevent the progression of the disease.For this purpose, patients are recommended to bandage legs affected by varicose veins with elastic bandages.In addition, compression knitwear is indicated for varicose veins.People who have a tendency to varicose veins or already suffer from this disease should often put their feet on a high surface throughout the day, resting in this way for a few minutes.There are also special exercises for the legs and lower legs, which aim to activate the muscle-venus pump.This is periodic extension and flexion of the ankle and knee joints.
Patients should be careful not to allow the legs and thighs to be pulled together by various toilet items, as this can significantly impede venous blood flow.
Using elastic compression, you can activate blood flow in the deep veins, prevent swelling, reduce the amount of blood in the saphenous vein, promote the body's metabolic processes and blood circulation.
But to achieve a positive result, it is important to wrap the feet correctly.This process must be done in the morning, before getting out of bed.The bandage starts from the toes to the thigh, and a slight tension of the bandage should be felt.During the wrapping process, make sure to grab the heel and ankle together.With each turn of the limb, the bandage should cover half of the previous turn.You just need to buy certified elastic bandages and compression stockings.
Treatment of varicose veins also involves wearing comfortable shoes, which should have low heels and hard soles.You should not stand for a long time, allow physical stress, or stay in a room with high temperature and humidity for a long time.It is advisable to keep your legs in a high position while sleeping.
Patients should limit fluid and salt intake and try to eliminate Excess weight.To treat varicose veins, it is necessary to periodically take diuretics, drugs that increase the tone of the veins.In addition, if indicated, the patient may be prescribed drugs that stimulate microcirculation in the tissue.Treatment for varicose veins also includes taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
If the patient has an uncomplicated form of the disease, physical therapy exercises are indicated.Swimming, other water treatments, foot baths with warm water, to which a 5-10% sodium chloride solution is added, are very useful.
Often, local therapy methods are used in the treatment of varicose veins.But such treatment must be used in combination with other medicinal methods.Local medications for varicose veins are produced in the form of gels, ointments, and creams.Most of these drugs contain heparin or venoactive component.Ointment for varicose veins helps to normalize the tone of the vein walls and can correct disorders of lymphatic drainage and microcirculation.Some local preparations contain several different active ingredients.
If during the process of varicose veins a secondary infection occurs, then it is advisable to use external agents with antibiotics or antiseptic.
Has been used for treatment since ancient times Hirudotherapy with varicose veins.The use of leeches that secrete hirudin allows the blood to thin and promote absorption Blood clots, get rid of spider veins and varicose veins.In addition, hirudotherapy for varicose veins can reduce pain in the legs and overcome swelling.However, it is important to use hirudotherapy in the early stages of varicose veins.This treatment should not be used in people with hemophilia, anemia, hypotension, pregnant women.
However, the radical method of treating varicose veins is surgery.It is carried out to eliminate venovenous reflux.This operation is not performed if the patient has concomitant diseases of the lungs, cardiovascular system, kidneys, or liver.This operation should not be performed on pregnant women, as well as people suffering from purulent diseases.Modern technology makes it possible to use endoscopic techniques for such operations.
If a person only has a small dilated branch, sclerotherapy can be used.This operation involves injecting a sclerosing solution into the vein to seal the vein wall.After this, repeated injections are made to other parts of the vein, achieving complete elimination of the vein.
For varicose veins, combined surgical therapy is also used, where the large stem of the altered vein is removed and sclerotherapy of small branches is performed.After surgery, patients are recommended to continue wearing an elastic bandage for 8-12 weeks.
Conservative treatment
Those who are looking for an effective and miraculous remedy for varicose veins will soon be disappointed: even the most modern and expensive drugs cannot completely eliminate varicose veins.They help relieve pain, swelling and also improve the condition of the vein walls, but complete recovery does not occur.
In addition, conservative treatment brings a significant effect only in the early stages of the disease, after which it is carried out to prevent the further development of varicose veins.The main role in the treatment of this disease belongs to herbal medicines, which are based on natural plant substances.However, we must not forget that most venotonic drugs cause photosensitivity;When taking it, exposure of exposed skin to sunlight should not be allowed.
In addition to the use of medications, relaxation measures and special exercises for the feet, doctors strongly recommend regularly wearing compression stockings: stockings, knee socks, tights.They improve blood circulation and prevent the formation of edema.It is very important to choose the right size of elastic stockings and the level of compression, which can be both preventive and therapeutic.
Treatment with tablets and ointments
To increase vascular tone, venotonic tablets for varicose veins are used - phlebotonics.These drugs are analogues and contain a purified fraction of flavonoids consisting of 90% diosmin.They are taken one tablet twice a day, the course of treatment is selected individually.
You can reduce capillary permeability, reduce blood viscosity and improve vein tone with the help of preparations based on horse chestnut
How to treat varicose veins with folk remedies
There are a large number of methods for treating varicose veins on the legs with folk remedies, both for external and internal use.Here are the most common:
- Horse chestnut flowers (50 grams) should be poured with 500 grams of alcohol, then allowed to try it for 14 days, shaking the bottle every day.Pass the tincture through a mesh and take a spoonful with water three times a day before meals.Once you have been treated for a week, rest for two weeks.Then the treatment can start again.
- Infusion of dried nettle is used for varicose veins.Dry crushed leaves of the plant are poured into a thermos with 1/2 liter of boiling water, left for 30-40 minutes, filtered and taken 1/3 cup 3 times a day 1 hour after meals.
- Tomato compress.Finely chopped tomatoes, placed on bandages, gauze, and applied to the sore spot.For convenience, you can tie it with elastic or other bandages.Keep this compress on the vein for 2 hours, then change it to a new one, and so on 3 times.The convenience of this compress is that it can be repeated every day.
- Review of walnut oil: Cut unripe nuts, pour into a glass container, pour olive oil and leave for 40 days in a sunny place.Lubricate the Story Area with the prepared tincture.The course of treatment is long, like the use of Kalanchoe.
In addition to folk remedies, many patients with venous supplement therapy with special gymnastics - Mikulin exercises allow you to feel a significant improvement.
Complications of leg varicose veins
Often, as a complication of varicose veins, it seemsAcute thrombophlebitis of superficial veins.Sometimes, as a result of damage, varicose veins burst and bleed.When blood leaks from a ruptured node, significant blood loss is possible.
In addition, due to increased pressure in the venous system, arterial blood flow slows down.Because of this, it may developHypoxiaand so onoxygen starvation.As a result of the development of this condition, tissue cells can die, which is a dangerous process for the body.Due to the severe deterioration of blood in the veins, toxins accumulate in the tissues.
Complications of this disease also include blockage of blood vessels by blood clots, impaired nutrition of leg tissue, and the appearance of pigmentation and darkening of the skin.
The subcutaneous fat layer gradually becomes denser, anddermatitis,venous trophic ulcers.In very rare cases, such ulcers degenerate into malignant formations.
If the disease continues for a long period, the person will then developchronic venous insufficiency.
But the most dangerous complication of varicose veins ispulmonary embolism.This disease can be fatal.
Preventive measures
If you belong to a risk group, your relatives suffer from varicose veins, or because their job requires them to spend a lot of time standing, you need to pay special attention to the condition of your legs so as not to miss the first "bell".
Basic preventive measures help prevent the onset of the disease and also slow the progression of existing varicose veins.
Preventive Measures:
- Avoid overexposure to sunlight and hot baths.Ideally, bathhouses and saunas should not be visited at all.
- Avoid wearing tight shoes, tight socks, and tight clothing.
- The optimal heel height is no more than 6 cm.
- Avoid weight gain.Try to eat foods rich in fiber, vegetables and fruits.
- Avoid vigorous physical activity and heavy lifting.
- Do special exercises for your legs, including lifting them ("Bicycle", "Scissors").
- Do it yourself if there are no swollen veins.
- At the end of the day, wash your feet in cold water;Contrast showers also have a positive effect.
Despite its prevalence, varicose veins are quite difficult to treat.When the first alarming symptoms appear, do not delay your visit to a vascular surgeon, because the sooner the disease is detected, the greater the chance of avoiding surgery.
Forecast
Varicose veins in the legs are a disease that can be treated for many years;Even after surgical removal, 80% of them reappear.
Prognosis depends on the stage at which treatment is started.A set of preventive measures at the initial stage (treatment of varicose veins with venotonics twice a year and a healthy lifestyle) allows you to stop the further development of the disease.You need to adhere to a strict preventive framework throughout your life.
At a later stage (with the appearance of severe deformities, nodes, swelling and signs of tissue oxygen starvation), the prognosis is determined by the presence of concomitant diseases (diabetes, obesity) and the patient's willingness to follow the doctor's recommendations (get checked, take medications, lose weight).
In diabetes mellitus, complications of varicose veins (thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers) develop in 89%.
Varicose veins are considered a non-life-threatening disease, but their complications can worsen quality of life and prognosis.With deep vein thrombosis, about 50% of patients die from thromboembolism within 3 months.