Varicose veins, more commonly known as varicose veins, occur when the veins become stretched and enlarged, turning blue-purple or red due to the accumulation of large amounts of blood.This is a widespread disorder, which in most cases appears in the legs (most often in the calf muscles), but can also form in other parts of the body.
In general, the blood supply to the cells, known from the biology course, happens as follows: from the left ventricle of the heart, oxygenated blood flows through the aorta into the arteries and from there to smaller blood vessels up to the capillaries, where the organs and tissues of the body receive the oxygen and substances they need.After this, with the help of small blood vessels called "venules", the blood is collected from the capillaries and enters the larger veins, the task of which is to send the blood back to the lungs and heart to be enriched with oxygen and repeat its route.The mechanism that directs blood to the heart is called the venous pump.
Veins are blood vessels that return blood from body tissues to the heart.
Some veins have one-way valves inside them that open to allow blood to flow toward the heart and close to prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction.
In fact, this is how varicose veins occur: if the valve is damaged and does not prevent blood flow, it accumulates in the veins, causing them to swell and stretch, which leads to varicose veins.Angiosurgeons claim that varicose veins are a pathological process that results in changes in the vein wall with subsequent valve insufficiency.
In varicose veins, backflow (reflux) of blood is created due to valve dysfunction.They do not close the vein cavity, which makes blood flow in the opposite direction possible.As a result, an increase in venous blood pressure is created, which violates the integrity of the vein walls - they expand and protrude under the skin.
Since varicose veins are a modification of the veins, the pathology is considered not only a vascular disease, but also a cosmetic problem.Common veins and varicose veins - when, due to valve damage, blood flow reverses and vein dilation occurs.
Why are the legs most often affected by varicose veins?
There are 3 types of veins in our legs - superficial veins, which are closest to the skin;the deep vein, which is located in the muscle and connects to the largest vein in our body - the vena cava, which leads to the heart;and vena cava, connecting the superficial and deep veins to each other.The varicose veins we see are observed precisely in the superficial veins, located closest to the skin.
When we are in an upright position, the blood in the legs should be directed upwards to the heart, against the force of gravity.To do this, the leg muscles contract and press on the deep veins, pushing blood towards the heart.When the leg muscles contract, the valves in the veins open, but when the muscles relax, the valves close, preventing blood flow to the legs.
As you may have guessed, varicose veins are more common in the legs due to the fact that the pressure of gravity, which increases while sitting and standing, has the greatest effect on the venous circulation in the lower legs.
How dangerous are varicose veins?
For most people, varicose veins are primarily an aesthetic problem, and at first they do not pose a threat to health.Swollen, unsightly veins can spoil the appearance of certain parts of the body, but in most cases they do not affect blood circulation.It should be noted that if you do not pay due attention to the fight against varicose veins, their appearance worsens over time and complications may develop.
Causes of varicose veins
Several factors can increase the risk of varicose veins:
- Factor No. 1 - heredity.If anyone in your family has or has had varicose veins, your chances of inheriting it increase.
- The floor.Varicose veins are more common in women than men.
- Age.As you get older, your veins and valves get weaker.
- Disruption of blood flow between arteries and veins.
- Hormonal changes.Hormonal changes during pregnancy, before menstruation and menopause increase the risk of varicose veins.During pregnancy, the growing fetus puts pressure on the veins in the legs.Varicose veins that appear during this period become less noticeable 3-12 months after the birth of the child.In addition, each subsequent pregnancy increases the risk of varicose veins.
- Overweight or obesity.Being overweight puts a lot of pressure on the veins, which can cause varicose veins.
- Sedentary and standing work and a sedentary lifestyle.If you stand or sit for long periods of time, you increase your risk of developing varicose veins.This happens because during prolonged periods of inactivity, it is harder for the veins to send blood to the heart.
Symptoms of the development of varicose veins
In addition to the appearance of dark blue or purple bulging veins, the following are the main signs of the development of varicose veins:
- Slight swelling of the ankles and feet, especially after standing for a long time.
- Pain, burning and heaviness in the legs.
- Leg cramps and throbbing.
- Itching on the ankles and lower legs, which is often mistaken for dry skin.
- Skin discoloration in the area where the varicose veins develop (appearance of bruises).
How to prevent varicose veins
According to experts from the Department of Surgery at the University of California, the first thing a person can do to prevent varicose veins is to change their lifestyle and adopt new habits.Although these same changes will not help eliminate varicose veins that have already formed, they will reduce the likelihood of deterioration in their appearance, as well as reduce pain and protect other areas of the vein from varicose vein formation.
What to do to reduce the possibility of varicose veins or protect already affected veins from worsening:
- Do not sit or stand in one place for a long time.Try to move at least every 30 minutes.
- When sitting, do not cross one leg over the other.
- If possible, elevate your legs while resting while sitting or lying down.Try to raise your legs so that they are above the level of your heart.
- Exercising.This will allow your leg muscles to move and move blood through your veins more efficiently.
- If you are overweight, try to get it back to normal.This will help improve blood circulation and reduce pressure on the veins.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing, especially around the waist, hips and legs.
- Do not wear high heels too often or for long periods of time.Low-heeled shoes help keep the calf muscles toned, allowing blood to move through the veins more easily.
- Exercise regularly.This will help improve blood circulation, get rid of extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight.
Complications with varicose veins
According to the Circulation Foundation, even though varicose veins deteriorate over time, this process takes a very long time.It is also noted that in some people with varicose veins, high pressure in the veins can cause damage to the skin in the ankle area and discoloration, as well as the appearance of white scars.
If left untreated, progressive varicose veins can lead to more serious negative consequences:
- The appearance of ulcers
- Phlebitis
- Bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
If a person develops eczema (a red skin rash), it can later develop into an ulcer that needs to be surgically removed.
Phlebitis is an inflammation of the veins that is often accompanied by thrombosis in the affected vein, which becomes hard but brittle.In most cases, this disorder does not pose a serious health risk, although it is often mistaken for a more serious pathology - deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Many people worry that varicose veins will accidentally cause them to bleed, but this rarely happens.If this occurs, the bleeding is stopped by applying a tight gauze bandage and applying ice.A person should lie down so that his legs are higher than his heart, and without delay, seek medical help so that a specialist can perform a procedure that will reduce the risk of rebleeding.
Some patients with varicose veins later face another pathology - deep vein thrombosis.Science is not entirely sure whether varicose veins directly increase the risk of DVT.Symptoms of DVT include swelling, pain, and skin that feels hot to the touch.According to experts from the US National Library of Medicine, deep vein thrombosis mainly affects the large veins of the thigh and calf muscles, and it is noted that DVT almost always develops in only one leg.
Treatment of varicose veins
Compression therapy
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is recommended to wear compression garments.Stockings, tights or leggings apply gentle pressure from the bottom of the leg up, reducing blood pooling and swelling.However, the effect is only achieved if you wear it regularly.Although wearing compression stockings will not cure varicose veins that have already formed, they will help prevent or reduce vein enlargement and further complications.
In addition, the Society of Vascular Surgery (SVS), in its clinical guidelines for the treatment of patients with varicose veins of the lower legs and pelvis, states: "Wearing stockings is the first therapeutic procedure for patients who have removed ulcers during the development of varicose veins."
Endovenous ablation (radio frequency or laser)
Endovenous ablation involves the use of laser or radiofrequency therapy to close or remove varicose veins.The doctor makes a small cut in the skin near the vein and inserts a catheter into it.After this, a special device is connected to the end of the catheter, with which the catheter is heated and closes or removes the varicose veins (depending on the chosen ablation method).The procedure is performed using local anesthesia and the patient usually goes home the same day.
Endovenous ablation is one of the most effective and safe methods for treating varicose veins.The Society of Vascular Surgery (SVS) recommends this procedure over surgery for the treatment of superficial varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
This is another gentle method to treat varicose veins.During the procedure, a special substance is injected into the vein affected by varicose veins, which destroys the inner lining of the vein and causes blood to clot inside.Over time, the vein collapses and disappears.
Surgical method
In advanced cases of varicose veins, gentler treatment methods will not help correct the situation.In this case, the person is referred for surgery, where the superficial veins are surgically removed.Indications for surgery are:
- Ulcers or the threat of their appearance,
- Bleeding
- Phlebitis.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and patients are usually sent home the same day.A person may feel pain and discomfort for 2 weeks after surgery.
The Circulation Foundation notes that deep vein thrombosis can sometimes develop after surgery, but the risk of this pathology can be reduced by wearing compression stockings and maintaining the person's high physical activity.
Varicose veins and exercise
A lot of movement and moderate exercise are the main helpers in the fight against varicose veins.
However, while some exercise methods are beneficial and recommended for varicose vein prevention, others can be harmful.
Moderate and rhythmic physical activity (such as walking) makes a positive contribution to preventing the development of varicose veins and helps minimize possible complications, as dynamic muscle movements help direct blood from the periphery to the heart.
walking
Walking is one of the best movements to prevent varicose veins and promote healthy circulation by stretching and contracting the venous pump in the calf muscles.Walk for at least 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.
Low intensity running
Running at a low pace trains the calf muscles well, but it has one drawback - running puts stress on our joints.If you're not ready to replace running with another activity, run on grass or a rubberized path, instead of hard asphalt.
Elliptical and exercise bikes
Exercise on the elliptical trainer and stationary bike actively engages the calf muscles, promoting healthy circulation.In addition, unlike running, this exercise reduces stress on your joints.
Strength training
Individuals with varicose veins should avoid very intense amounts of weight training.During prolonged muscle tension of an irregular nature, the leg muscles and the ventilator pump do not contribute to the return of blood to the heart through the veins.For this reason, during exercise, blood accumulates in the leg veins, which can only contribute to the further development of varicose veins.In addition, increased intra-abdominal pressure during straining also prevents blood circulation.
Among the exercises that negatively affect venous circulation, experts from the Vein Clinic in Georgia mainly noted squats, lunges and crunches.
People with varicose veins should train with light weights and do relatively high repetitions for each set without reaching failure.In addition, to restore normal blood circulation after finishing strength training, it is recommended to pedal on an exercise bike or exercise on an elliptical trainer.It is also recommended to wear compression stockings during and after strength training.
Why do veins bulge more in summer?
As noted by experts from the Venous Center named after him.St.John and Hospital.St. Joseph Wayne, veins bulge more in the summer due to the fact that, under the influence of high temperatures, they expand and fill with more blood, increasing in size.
To reduce the swelling of the veins in the summer, you need to follow simple recommendations:
- Lubricate your skin with a thick layer of SPF moisturizing cream.
- If you are outside for a long time, try to hide in the shade.
- Do not sunbathe for too long.
- Swim regularly.This way you will carry out a cooling procedure for your body, without giving the veins a chance to grow.
- Try wearing flats/bottoms and sandals instead of high heels.
- Drink more fluids.
You shouldn't let things get worse;you need to take immediate action.