Varicose veins in the legs are a serious pathology that occurs due to venous valve disorders.There is a disturbance in the physiological balance between muscle cells, elastin and collagen fibers of the vessel wall, as a result of which the veins dilate and form nodes.Most often, the pathology manifests itself in the legs.Without timely treatment, veins become deformed, trophic ulcers develop, and blood clots form, which can cause serious complications and even cause death.
What causes venous disease in the lower legs
Varicose veins is a disease with gradual development and stable development, the causes are most often:
- hereditary related genetic defects;
- obesity and overweight, which increase the load on the vascular system;
- lifestyle and area of activity: prolonged physical activity, standing or, on the contrary, sedentary work, frequent wearing of clothes that are too narrow and tight, high-heeled shoes, bad habits, unbalanced diet;
- changes and imbalances in hormone levels, for example, during pregnancy.
What are the signs of varicose veins?
There are 6 stages of varicose veins, each characterized by specific symptoms:
- stage 0 - heaviness and pain in the legs, slight swelling, night cramps, but without any external manifestations;
- stage 1 - subtle appearance of spider veins or spider veins;
- stage 2 - enlarged veins and the appearance of nodes, which become very noticeable after sitting or walking for a long time;
- stage 3 - significant leg swelling is added;
- stage 4 - trophic changes occur in the limbs: abnormal skin pigmentation, development of skin inflammation;
- stage 5 - formation of trophic ulcers;
- stage 6 - the appearance of non-healing trophic ulcers.
Early stages of varicose veins are difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other diseases.But, thanks to the advanced diagnostic methods used in the clinic, it is possible to identify the pathology and set the diagnosis accurately.
Methods for diagnosing and treating varicose veins
Accurate diagnosis is the key to effective treatment!To identify varicose veins and determine the stage of the disease, Doppler ultrasound is used - a very informative method that allows you to assess the blood flow in the arterial and venous beds, making an accurate diagnosis.
Varicose veins are treated with conservative methods, injections or surgery.The first is carried out in the early stages of the disease and aims to reduce the intensity of symptoms and improve well-being.Unfortunately, this method cannot eliminate the causes and consequences of the disease.The main methods of such therapy include:
- physical therapy;
- compression therapy - wearing elastic bandages and special compression garments;
- pharmacotherapy - taking venotonic and anti-inflammatory drugs that can improve the tone of the vein walls, increase blood flow, and eliminate the inflammatory process.
Effective methods of treating varicose veins in advanced cases are surgery - removal of the affected vein - venectomy and phlebectomy.As a result of the use of such treatment methods, it is possible to eliminate defects, as well as eliminate blood reflux and normalize blood flow.
To treat varicose veins, minimally invasive methods are actively used, which have many advantages over other methods:
- safety and efficacy;
- carry out manipulations on an outpatient basis without the need for hospitalization and the use of general anesthesia;
- the procedure takes place without incisions or scars;
- quick recovery;
- After surgery, patients can immediately return to their normal lifestyle.
The following types of minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins are available:
- sclerotherapy - a special substance is injected using an injection to glue the wall of the pathological vein.Manipulation is performed under the control of ultrasonic equipment and is effective in the fight against varicose veins;
- Laser coagulation is a progressive alternative to surgical treatment.This technique is based on the heat effect of the laser beam on the inner wall of the vein, resulting in the closure of the venous channel with an excellent aesthetic effect;
- miniphlebectomy - removal of varicose nodes and veins through small punctures in the skin using a special scalpel, needle and hook;
- Sealing the vein with biological glue - sticking the lumen of the vein affected by varicose veins with a special glue.
Please note: each method has certain indications and contraindications, which can be found during the consultation.A vascular surgeon will help you choose the most appropriate treatment method after a careful study of your medical history and detailed diagnosis.
Prevention of varicose veins
Timely prevention can prevent the appearance of varicose veins, which is very important for people at risk.
The main preventive measures are regular visits to a phlebologist, as well as the exclusion of negative factors that are the cause of pathology - by following simple recommendations, you can prevent this disease.Keeping your feet beautiful and healthy is easy if you follow a few tips:
- choose wisely when choosing shoes and give preference to comfortable models without high heels;
- get rid of extra pounds and monitor your weight;
- wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement;
- move more: walk, swim;
- avoid prolonged physical activity on your feet and do not lift heavy objects;
- limit visits to saunas and baths, hot showers;
- wearing compression knitwear (for people at high risk);
- do gymnastics and special massages;
- eat properly and balanced;
- get rid of bad habits.
Learn more about varicose veins, treatment and prevention methods during a consultation with a phlebologist.