Varicose veins on the legs - symptoms and treatment

27 May 2022

Varicose veins (VV) are a relatively common disease that affects both men and women. It can affect a person’s lower limbs, as well as deep veins, leading to the development of thrombosis and post-thrombophlebitic disease.

The spider veins that appear on a person’s leg as a result of the progression of the disease cause him to begin to feel unattractive. In addition to external, there are also internal manifestations of explosives, which are expressed in the form of discomfort and pain in the calf muscles of the legs. The development of the disease increases the risk of other pathologies of the circulatory system.

The key to success in combating pathology lies in timely diagnosis and competent treatment. The big mistake on one's part is the independent use of various ointments and creams, which in most cases do not bring the desired effect. As a result, time is lost that can be directed to proper and effective therapy.

To get rid of varicose veins, you need to complete the following tasks:

Elimination of symptoms.
Removal of varicose veins.
Prevention of the development and recurrence of VV.

Only highly qualified specialists with sufficient experience in the treatment and prevention of such pathologies can successfully cope with each of the above tasks.

Symptoms of varicose veins

The symptoms of the disease are a clear sign of its development. They are divided into:

Subjective:
1. Mild pain and soreness in the calf muscles.
2. Burning and itching along the veins affected by varicose veins.
3. Heaviness in the legs, worse towards the end of the day.
4. Hyperpigmentation of the skin.
5. Increased fatigue in the lower legs.
6. Trophic venous ulcers in the legs.
7. Pain in calf muscles, aggravated by walking.
8. The appearance of edema in the legs and feet.
Objective:
1. Saphenous veins varicose veins, which are clearly visible even without the use of special equipment.
2. Well -dilated intradermal and saphenous veins.
3. The presence of spider veins.
4. Changes in the structure and color of the skin, the appearance of lipodermatosescoerosis and trophic venous ulcers.

What do Veins Look Like?

The first alarm signal about the presence of a problem with the veins is swelling of the bottom at the end of the day. The swelling is especially noticeable if a person spends most of the day standing on his or her feet. It can disappear in the morning after spending the night resting.

However, if you do not pay due attention to this problem, the situation can get significantly worse. Intradermal veins in the legs with varicose veins become dark blue, protruding above the skin surface of the feet and legs. Externally, they look like bunches of overripe red grapes. External manifestations of such pathology are accompanied by pain in the calves, a feeling of heat in the legs, swelling and cramps in the calf muscles. Over time, these symptoms are accompanied by changes in the appearance of the skin.

Causes of varicose veins on the lower part of the legs

VV in the lower leg can develop under the influence of several factors and conditions, the main ones are:

Pregnancy. This is a major risk factor for disease onset. This explains the fact that varicose veins in women are several times more common than in men. In this case, the disease develops under the influence of increased volume of circulating blood and compression of the pregnant uterus from the retroperitoneal vein.
Obesity. The association of this condition with the development of VV has been demonstrated by several studies. At the same time, a direct relationship was found between weight gain and increased risk of developing pathology.
A lifestyle characterized by long -term static loads with regular weight lifting or prolonged immobility in a standing or sitting position.
non -hormonal conditions. Their role in the development of disease has increased significantly in recent years. This is due to the widespread use of hormonal contraceptives, the proliferation of hormone replacement treatments for osteoporosis and during the premenopausal period.
Descendants. The role of this factor in the development of varicose veins in the legs has no clear confirmation today.
Violation of the venous valve apparatus, which leads to rushed blood flow under the influence of gravity every time a person reaches his feet. The muscles around the deep veins contract as you walk. These veins are subjected to emptying, which increases venous pressure. Blood enters the superficial veins through communication channels with inadequate valves. As a result, they are filled with blood, which leads to stretching and expansion (varicose veins).

Classification and ranking

Like any disease, VV has several stages, which differ from each other in the degree of pathological spread and symptoms. Among them are the following stages:

Commencement (or compensation).
The second (or subcompensation).
Third (or decompensation).

Keep in mind that complications can occur at any of the above stages, but most likely they are present in the last two stages. VV can serve as an impetus for the development of diseases such as:

Thrombophlebitis.
Erisipelas.
Deep vein thrombosis.
Trophic eczema.

A visit to a specialist, made at the earliest signs of the onset of the disease, will help reduce the risk of worsening the condition and begin removing varicose veins. Do not ignore even minor symptoms, as this can lead to unwanted and very negative consequences.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of varicose veins, the symptoms of which are described above, prescribes itself the solution of the following tasks:

Determination of the presence of pathology in each individual patient. It often happens that people who do not have varicose veins are sure that they do, and vice versa. However, only an experienced phlebologist, based on external examination and some complex studies, can make an accurate diagnosis.
Establishment of types of venous pathological features. The doctor determines exactly which vein has suffered a pathological lesion, and also determines the extent of this lesion and the possible or already occurring consequences.
Set the right course of treatment. Based on the diagnosis and characteristics of each particular organism, the attending physician makes a choice in favor of one or another treatment or a set of therapeutic measures.
Evaluation of the level of effectiveness of therapy, performed by the attending physician during the elimination of the disease or after the patient has fully recovered.

The main methods for diagnosing VV include:

Plethysmography.
thermography.
Magnetic resonance imaging.
Ultrasonic angioscanning.
Computed tomography.
Clinical study: conversation with the patient, his external examination and examination by hand.
Radionuclide phlebography.
Intravascular ultrasound.
X-ray phlebography.

Often, it is enough for a professional specialist to conduct a clinical examination and ultrasound angiography to diagnose varicose veins in the legs.

Methods of Treatment

Modern methods of therapy for varicose veins aim to reduce the level of disability and trauma, which contributes to a faster recovery of patients. The main therapeutic methods include:

Sclerotherapy. This method involves the introduction into the lumen of the varicose veins of the legs a special drug that provokes chemical burning of the walls of the deep veins. This leads to adhesions and cessation of pathological blood flow through them. It can be used alone or combined with other manipulations. It is performed without prior anesthesia with a skin puncture using a thin needle. The duration depends on the extent of the lesion.
Foam sclerotherapy, which involves the preparation of foam by a specialist from a special drug that can apply an impressive area on the inner wall of the affected venous canal. It is used for the treatment of large diameter veins.
Endovenous laser coagulation, which is performed using a laser device on the main trunk of the leg veins and allows you to stop pathological blood flow through the affected veins due to burning of their inner walls and subsequent adhesions.
Miniphlebectomy, aims to remove subcutaneous nodes and tributaries enlarged by varicose veins through puncture in the skin. It has an excellent cosmetic effect and is used alone or in combination with other therapeutic methods under local anesthesia.
Inefficient removal of perforated veins, performed for the prevention of venous insufficiency and treatment of trophic disorders, including ulcers.
Combined phlebectomy, which is a combination of several methods of IV therapy, is based on the signs and nature of venous pathology.

Complications of varicose veins

It should be understood that improper treatment of the disease or complete rejection can lead to complications. The latter appears not only in cosmetic defects on the lower part of the legs, but also in more serious forms. Among them:

Trophic eczema, in turn turning into ulcers.
Thrombotic lesions of the venous system, including superficial vein thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis in the lower leg.

Venous blood is a kind of "sewer" for body tissues and is saturated with cellular metabolic substances and products that are quite harmful to the human body. Skin cells and subcutaneous tissue, as well as muscle and bone, excrete tissue respiratory products and other waste products into the venous system, which transfer them to the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver. In case of violation of the function of the venous system, there is an increase in the content of this product in body tissues.

Enlarged veins by varicose veins lead not only to an increase in the concentration of harmful products in the tissues, but also to an increase in their swelling. Such a violation of the outflow of harmful products, combined with swelling observed for a long time, leads to death of skin and subcutaneous tissue cells and subsequent replacement with venous eczema, represented by a dense structure and dotted dark color. Death of the surface layer of the skin is the cause of trophic ulcers.

Prevention

Varicose veins on the legs, the treatment of which today is carried out by various methods, can be avoided if preventive measures are observed. Due to the fact that the risk of developing VV is much higher in women, they are the ones who should not neglect the prevention of this disease. However, men should also not ignore preventive measures aimed at preventing the development of varicose veins in the legs. Key activities include:

The use of local preparations (gels, ointments, creams) that help strengthen the walls of blood vessels, optimize valve function, reduce the risk of blood clots, eliminate edema and heal wounds.
The use of stockings, tights, stockings and elastic bandages with a compression effect. This is a great tool in combating varicose veins. This product can be purchased in specialty stores after consulting a doctor, which is necessary because of the relative difficulty in independently determining the type of compression underwear needed.
Special exercises are done every day. They are able to stop even the expansion of blood vessels that has already begun. Keep in mind that if there is a tendency for BB, it will make you stop doing strenuous physical exercise, but you cannot ignore an active lifestyle. Light jogging, swimming, yoga and skiing, for example, help maintain healthy leg veins.
Preventive pills for varicose veins are recognized as a more effective method of preventing VV than the use of topical medications. However, the use of any oral medication should be carried out exclusively for its intended purpose and under the close supervision of a competent specialist.

To prevent the condition from getting worse, you should abandon your own medications at the first manifestation of the disease and consult a doctor. This will make it possible to make a correct diagnosis in a timely manner and prescribe adequate treatment that will stop the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of developing other pathologies to zero.

Frequently asked questions

Often people are interested not only in the question of how to treat varicose veins. Many patients with this disease are interested in what they can and cannot do so as not to worsen their health condition and not trigger other health problems. Here are some common questions of interest to people with VV.

Is it possible to get a vaccine against coronavirus with varicose veins?

The answer to the question of whether a coronavirus vaccine is allowed for varicose veins is possible. This pathology is not a restriction for vaccination against COVID-19 in the absence of severity. If a person does not have acute thrombophlebitis, then this refers to the decompensation of the varicose veins of the legs, and he is not prohibited from being vaccinated against coronavirus infection.

Is it possible to drink coffee with varicose veins?

Caffeine has the ability to increase blood pressure and increase heart rate, which is an unfavorable factor for brittle swollen veins damaged by varicose veins. Coffee has the following effects on blood vessels:

Increased load on the vein wall.
Increased blood pressure.
Short -term venous expansion.

Therefore, with varicose veins, you can drink coffee, but not to exceed the daily allowance. Complete rejection of your favorite tonic drink will not lead to the recovery of pathologically affected veins, so you can not torture yourself and do not drink coffee. Just don’t drink more than 1-2 cups a day. It is also recommended to dilute coffee with milk.

Is massage allowed?

Complex treatment of varicose veins in the early stages includes massage. However, it needs to be done correctly.

With varicose veins, you can do a very light massage on the lower part of the leg. It is also indicated for patients with uncomplicated varicose veins.

It is advisable to perform a professional manual massage for patients with varicose veins, but it must take into account all the features of the course of the disease. Mandatory consultation with a specialist is recommended before proceeding with the massage of the area whose veins are affected by varicose veins.

Can you warm your feet?

When the foot is heated, the veins expand, blood circulation increases and the load on the non -venous wall only increases. This can worsen the condition of already weakened varicose veins. That is why it is recommended to limit hot baths for patients with varicose veins. It is better to reduce the temperature of the water from hot to warm, which will not trigger vasodilation and will not lead to deterioration of the human condition. It should always be remembered that consultation with a specialist is necessary, regardless of whether we are talking about hot showers or vaccinations for varicose veins.

Are running and squatting allowed?

Experts recommend starting jogging at the first signs of BB development. It is important to ensure that this training is systematic. While running, the blood is saturated with oxygen. Therefore, it is better to give preference to jogging through the woods or parks, where the air is always clean.

However, you should adequately assess your ability and endurance, and avoid the overload that is contraindicated in varicose veins. It is important to monitor a gradual increase in load that does not exceed a comfortable indicator for the body.

While running, someone with BB should not feel tired. Running only for short distances using compression stockings is allowed. In case of thrombophlebitis, jogging should be abandoned. The acceptability of running and squatting for small pelvic varicose veins should be discussed with your doctor.

What is the best treatment for varicose veins?

Today there is no clear answer to the question of which therapeutic method is most effective for varicose veins. The fact is that success in treatment depends on several factors that must be assessed by a qualified specialist in each case. Only then can they make a final decision on the appointment of a particular treatment for BB.