What do varicose veins look like?

The little veins sticking out aren't intimidating yet, but they should make you think!

The initial stages of the disease are characterized by mild symptoms. However, a woman attentive to her health should not lose sight of the first signs of the development of varicose veins:

• heaviness in the legs at the end of the day;
• swelling of the feet;
• the appearance of pigmentation on the skin of the lower legs and thinning of the skin;
• numbness of the limbs, frequent cramps of the leg muscles;
• bulging of the veins above the surface of the skin;
• the appearance of a pattern of veins, spider veins on the legs.

If, upon returning home from a day's work, a woman finds her legs in a "deplorable state, " then one shouldn't just blame uncomfortable shoes or an extra "piece of salt" at dinner. Swelling and heaviness in the legs is the first sign of the development of stagnation of blood in the vessels. Remember: vein diseases are difficult to treat. Early prevention and timely medical attention can significantly stop or slow down the stretching process of the veins. Treatment should start as soon as possible.

Varicose veins grade 1

The main causes of varicose veins are considered to be pregnancy, excess weight, prolonged physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle, and a genetic predisposition to the disease. Common people called varicose veins "the disease of flight attendants" because of the peculiarities of this profession and its long history. This degree of disease is the mildest.

Classify the ailment according to different factors. One of the classifications is according to the stages of development of the disease:

• Varicose veins of 1st degree or compensation stage.
• Varicose veins of grade 2 or stage of subcompensation.
• Grade 3 varicose veins or deconpensation stage.

The different stages of varicose veins of the lower extremities are treated radically differently. You should not try to cope with the disease yourself. This can only harm and have disastrous consequences. It is better to seek help from a competent specialist.

The first degree of varicose veins is characterized by nocturnal edema, nocturnal convulsive spasms. People often mistake all of these symptoms for common fatigue. However, already at this stage it is necessary to take preventive measures, which include warming the feet to improve general blood flow, a light foot massage, regular swimming, cycling.

First stage varicose veins can also manifest as cramps in the calf area, patients often complain of a feeling of stretching in the legs or burning in the muscles. This is increasingly accompanied by pain in the lower extremities.

Already at this stage, the manifestations of the visual nature of varicose veins can be noticeable, which should immediately alert:

1. Mild cyanosis of the skin.
2. The first spider veins appear on various parts of the body, most often on the legs.
3. Visible tortuosity of the veins.

First degree varicose veins are most often manifested by these external changes.

Another important factor in the manifestation of the first stage of varicose veins is the external conditions in which a person is. For example, in a hot environment, symptoms increase, swelling, pain, and spasms increase.

Treatment of first degree varicose veins

Sometimes doctors recommend the additional use of venotonics, which are quite effective in treating varicose veins in the first stage. Separately, it should be said about massage: not all types of therapy are suitable for this ailment. If after the procedures the pain only intensifies, then it is necessary to change the focus of the choice of the massage complex.

It is worthwhile to organize more frequent cold and relaxing foot baths, which will soothe the muscles, relieve swelling, help reduce pain and eliminate fatigue. But hot baths should be excluded, as they do not improve the condition of limbs with varicose veins.

Doctors may recommend the following treatments for this grade of varicose veins:

1. Sclerotherapy: A special medicine is injected directly into a vein with a needle. The action of the drug is aimed at the resorption of the veins, strengthening the weak walls of the blood vessels and blocking the blood flow to the desired area.
2. Ozone therapy: an action aimed at strengthening blood vessels, reabsorption of varicose asterisks.

Each of the above options is quite powerful. However, the maximum effect can be achieved only if all the recommendations that should be followed after the procedures are used.

It is essential to wear special compression garments. Such an element helps to create pressure in the veins, thus preventing them from expanding further.

Causes of the disease

There are more than fifty reasons that can trigger a change in the venous system. Especially susceptible to the disease are people whose profession is associated with stress on the legs and sedentary activity: salesmen, hairdressers, programmers, accountants, drivers.

Scientists have conducted many years of research and identified the main factors that cause varicose changes:

• Hormonal changes in the body: pregnancy, menopause, transitional age;
• Obesity of any degree;
• genetic predisposition. 70% of children whose parents suffered from venous insufficiency develop varicose veins;
• Weak muscular system;
• Wear uncomfortable underwear: socks with tight elastic bands, tight pants for men;
• Lack of activity and physical activity;
• The habit of sitting with one leg over the other;
• Rare change in body position: standing, lying down, sitting for a long time;

• Chronic diseases: diabetes mellitus, high blood viscosity.

Of the ten patients with varicose veins, eight are women. The weaker sex is subject to venous pathologies due to forced hormonal alterations during pregnancy, after childbirth, during menopause. The second major factor why women suffer from leg pain more often than men is the love of high heels.

Rules and Guidelines

In the initial stage of varicose veins, the patient is advised to follow the rules:

1. Walk once or twice a day. You should walk at a leisurely pace, stopping periodically to rest.
2. Wear comfortable shoes with heels no more than 3 cm. The upper part of the shoe should not have a traction device, the laces are not as tight as possible.
3. Attend gym workouts twice a week. The loads are selected individually by a doctor and a trainer.

4. Review your diet. Foods high in sugar, fatty meats, flour products, and starchy vegetables are excluded from the food. Most of the diet of a patient with varicose veins consists of steamed or boiled vegetables. Fried and spicy foods are not recommended.

5. The legs need to rest at night. The blood flow will increase if you lift your legs and place them on a high pillow or the back of a sofa.
6. If the work involves a small amount of movement, it is recommended to lubricate the feet with cooling gels or ointments that contain heparin.
7. Special compression garments or elastic bandages are used every day. Special underwear is selected by a doctor. The peculiarity of compression garments is in the function of tightening. Pressure on the body occurs with varying force, forcing the blood to circulate forcefully.
8. Change position frequently. If you have to constantly sit at work, get up and sit down several times every 30 minutes. Exercise will help prevent varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

Treatment of different stages

A therapy that is effective in the early stages may have the opposite effect in advanced pathology. The choice of treatment methods should be appropriate to the stages of varicose veins:

Compression shirt

Used in all stages of varicose veins, however, the degree of compression should differ significantly at different stages of disease progression. In the initial stage of varicose veins, compression is used for prophylactic purposes during standing and sedentary work.

Compression can stop the development of varicose veins, but before its medical use it is necessary to consult a phlebologist, since compression is dangerous by aggravating the problem of venous outflow. In the stages of compensation and subcompensation with edema and noticeable varicose veins, underwear of the first and second compression classes is usually prescribed.

The third class of compression is used in severe venous insufficiency. If lymphatic edema occurs, wear fourth-degree underwear. The hospital shirt is used for hospital treatment.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine helps treat varicose veins in the early stages. The following tools are widely practiced:

• apply cabbage leaves
• potato, wormwood and garlic compresses;
• chestnut tincture,
• decoctions of hops and nettles.

However, the ease of use, accessibility, smoothness of action of folk remedies are combined with their low efficiency (compared to drugs), therefore, enthusiasm for these methods is fraught withdisease progression. Herbal medicines and compresses should be applied after medical advice and serve only as an adjunct to the main treatment.

Hirudotherapy

Leech treatment is indicated in rare cases of advanced stages of varicose veins. Leeches are sometimes prescribed for thrombophlebitis.

Leeches can cause allergies and trophic ulcers that aggravate varicose veins. Currently, the method is being replaced by non-traumatic drugs that contain anticoagulant components.

Medications

Medicines can help relieve symptoms. Tablets, capsules based on grape, chestnut extract, which are biologically active additives, are effective in the initial stage of varicose veins.

Aid is prescribed in the compensation stage. Most ointments and gels contain heparin, which prevents blood clotting. To a large extent, the effect of ointments and gels is caused by massage during application.

But in the decompensation stage, the application of such products can cause additional skin manifestations. Relief of symptoms with medication is usually temporary and does not cure the underlying cause.

Operations

Laser coagulation and sclerotherapy are minimally invasive techniques to exclude veins from the bloodstream. They are used for small diameters of dilated veins in the initial stages of varicose veins (when getting rid of spider veins, webs).

Endovasal laser coagulation of varicose veins

Phlebectomy

Surgical removal of veins is indicated in the third stage of the disease, accompanied by trophic ulcers and complications. In some cases, varicose veins in the legs do not develop according to the model presented in the stepped classification. For example, the symptoms of the first stage may be completely absent - an image of subcompensation immediately appears.

Or, as the disease progresses, some signs of varicose veins are not added to the symptoms of the previous stage, but disappear. Therefore, at the beginning of the XXI century, Russian phlebologists, in addition to the stepped approach, adopted the international classification (CEAP), in which, when diagnosing the severity of the disease, the facts of the individual characteristics of the disease are taken into account. course of varicose veins and the effects of treatment.

Symptoms

Pathology symptoms at the beginning of varicose veins do not make people think of venous disease:

• feeling of heaviness in the legs;
• fatigue after walking.

Often associated with flat feet, unusual high heels, uncomfortable new shoes, lumbar osteochondrosis.

And only visual detection of cyanotic dilated veins under the skin raises the suspicion of the development of varicose veins.

Vascular meshwork as the first sign of varicose veins appears most often below the knees

Women go to the doctor when they notice unpleasant cosmetic defects in the form of reddish venous "spiders" on the legs, below the knees, on the skin of the thighs.

The "influx" of young women seeking treatment from a phlebologist specializing in venous diseases is often associated with the upcoming summer beach season, looking after their appearance, not their health. With the help of pills, they want to restore the beauty of the skin of the legs.

Pregnant women are more attentive to their condition. In addition to cosmetic changes, they note walking difficulties, increased fatigue at night.

The initial stage of the disease is indicated by the disappearance of clinical symptoms after lying down.

You can check it yourself by performing the following experiment: Measure the volume of the lower leg at the level of the ankles or calf muscles in the morning and in the evening after work. If the difference is more than 1 cm, there are signs of initial varicose veins.

It will appear later:

• leg pain;
• swelling of the feet;
• feeling of fullness and heaviness in the legs;
• muscle cramps at night;
• dilated veins become like dense "snake" cords with darkened areas of skin.

These signs are undoubted manifestations of venous insufficiency and require treatment.

The main causes of varicose veins in women

Fatigue and edema may be the first manifestations of venous blood flow disorder

The sex hormone estrogen plays a special role in the development of varicose veins in women. Its action leads to problems such as weight gain, depression, bloating, drowsiness, dry mucous membranes. This hormone increases the permeability of small vessels. Fluid easily leaves the bloodstream, blood flows less. Excess fluid builds up in the surrounding tissues. These factors contribute to the development of stagnation in the vessels of the lower extremities.

Reasons to increase estrogen in women:

• An imbalance in the production of estrogen-progesterone. It occurs as a result of a decrease in the level of progesterone in the body of a woman;
• Chronic stress. During stress, the body produces cortisol, which in turn inhibits progesterone synthesis;
• Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the amount of estrogen in a woman's body increases;
• Taking birth control. Varicose veins occur as a side effect of taking these medications;
• Liver disease, because the liver removes estrogen from the body. With its malfunction, this hormone accumulates in the body;
• Age-related changes in hormone levels also lead to an estrogen-predominant sex hormone imbalance.

Separately, the reasons for the development of varicose veins should be taken into account overweight and genetic predisposition to this disease. If being overweight can and should be combated for the sake of general health, then genetic predisposition cannot be prevented. As a result of these factors, varicose veins are significantly "younger" and are now often found in girls ages 16 to 20.

Complete liver function is important for maintaining normal hormone levels. In addition to eliminating excess hormones, it participates in the synthesis of substances: progesterone and estrogen precursors. To improve their work, physical activity, a good diet and the minimization of the intake of toxic substances in the body are necessary.

Treatment of varicose veins with traditional medicine

Treatment of varicose veins in the legs with medications is the most effective way, suitable for almost all patients. A wide range of drugs allows you to choose a more suitable drug for long-term treatment.

Medicinal methods to treat varicose veins of the legs

Venotonics are among the most effective drugs for treating this disease. Venotonics are drugs that increase the tone of the veins and improve blood flow from the veins.

These tablets can prevent the formation of varicose veins and the characteristic nodules.

Application of ointments

The best treatment for leg varicose veins is an integrated approach, which includes medications in tablet form, as well as the use of gels and ointments for external treatment of problem areas.

Varicose vein ointment on legs also helps improve blood flow and prevent blood clots.

These funds are recommended for use only after consulting a doctor, who will also determine the duration of treatment and the regimen of use.

Do not self-medicate as it can further damage the already poor condition of the patient.

Consequences of varicose veins.

Varicose veins can lead to the development of trophic leg ulcers, thrombosis in the varicose vein system, thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism (instant death) in the midst of apparent complete health.

The complicated stages of varicose veins require surgical intervention. Although women more often suffer from varicose veins, men are also affected by this disease, mainly for hereditary reasons.

A man under the age of 40 may appear on the operating table and radical measures are used to cure him of varicose veins - diseased veins are removed.

Removing varicose veins is easy.

In the groin, the surgeon makes an incision, where the large saphenous vein affected by varicose veins flows into the femoral vein. The vein is exposed, ligated, and removed, and a second incision is made in the ankle. With the help of a special metal probe, which is inserted into the lumen of the vessel, the entire enlarged vein is removed.

In the future, with the correct technology of the operation, no relapses are observed. The blood supply to the leg is distributed to other vessels, and after 2 weeks everything is completely restored.

Risk factors that predispose to the development of varicose veins.

• Genetics and pathology of connective tissue;
• Woman;
• Taking hormonal medications: progesterone, estrogen;
• Pregnancy;
• Age: most common after 50;
• Overweight and physical inactivity;
• Prolonged stay in an upright position (standing work: hairdressers, salespeople, teachers, etc. );
• Obesity.

Symptoms and signs of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.

Symptoms of varicose veins	External signals
Pains of pain	Telangiectasia
Heavy legs	Reticular veins
Fatigue	Varicose veins
Bloating	Thrombophlebitis
Itchy skin	Hyperpigmentation
Leg discomfort	Bleeding from the trauma knot
Cramps in the calf muscles	Ulceration

Varicose Vein Treatment Options.

The choice of treatment depends on the diameter and type of varicose veins

• Varicose veins of the saphenous veins
• Drug therapy
• Elastic compression and leg bandage
• Sclerotherapy by injection
• Foam sclerotherapy
• Laser therapy
• Miniphlebectomy

Dear women, varicose veins can wrap you in long skirts and pants forever. If pills and ointments cannot get your legs back to normal, the only sure way to remove enlarged veins remains. In what way and where, it is only after consultation with a specialist phlebologist. Veins can now be treated surgically without hospitalization, without anesthesia, without incisions, with high precision. You just need to take one step towards your health.

You can find detailed information about varicose veins, symptoms, disease prevention, special exercises, treatment methods and necessary nutrition on the website: ovaricoze. ru

How varicose veins manifest in the early stages. Why is it dangerous?

As a general rule, reticular varicose veins are painless. Therefore, the most frequent complaints that patients turn to doctors are cosmetic defects - visible reticular veins.

In rarer cases, the appearance of a varicose mesh is accompanied by a burning sensation or other changes in the sensitivity of the skin.

In addition to these symptoms, the first stage of varicose veins manifests itself:

• heaviness in the legs;
• increased leg fatigue;
• cramps in the muscles of the lower extremities, especially at night;
• itching at the site of appearance of the vascular network;
• swelling of the feet and legs.

To prevent disease progression, it is necessary to start treatment on time

Therefore, it is important to consult a phlebologist, angiologist or vascular surgeon in a timely manner, who will tell you what to do with such skin formations. To begin with, a specialist will conduct an examination and prescribe the necessary additional tests that will help to identify the causes of the appearance of asterisks or meshes, as well as to establish the degree of alteration of the venous circulation

To determine the degree of vascular lesions and their insufficiency:

• complete blood count (shows if the patient has anemia or thrombocytopenia);
• biochemical blood test (detects blood clotting disorders or liver and kidney function);
• general urinalysis (detects kidney problems);
• vascular ultrasound - duplex angiography (reveals pathology of the vascular wall and blood flow disorders);
• Contrast X-ray phlebography (determines the location of venous lesions and the degree of impairment of their functions).

If you do nothing after the first signs of reticular varicose veins are detected, you may:

• adhesion of inflammation and development of thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities;
• transition of the pathological process from the superficial veins of the lower extremities to the deep ones;
• venous vessel thrombosis. If thrombosis occurs in the venous vessels of the head, it is dangerous for strokes and sinus thrombosis;
• Pulmonary artery thromboembolism is a fatal complication that occurs due to separation of a blood clot from the vessel wall and obstruction of the lumen of the pulmonary arteries.

If you ignore the appearance of early reticular varicose veins and do not start treatment in time, the disease will progress. Then the development of complications will be inevitable.

Prevention

Don't forget about preventive measures. For prevention, you need to spend time in sports.

Avoid excessive physical exertion. Wear comfortable shoes with low heels (up to 4 cm). Remember that hot baths, baths and saunas have an adverse effect on the health of the legs.

And following these simple guidelines will help prevent the development of this disease:

1. try to get rid of bad habits: alcohol consumption and smoking negatively affect the state of your blood vessels;
2. compression therapy: wear medical stockings, stockings and knee-highs;
3. diet, weight control (overweight people are more prone to varicose veins), exclude fatty meats and poultry, give up spicy and salty foods, be sure to include vegetables and fruits in the diet;
4. massage: Get into the habit of gently massaging your feet after a hard day's work, this will help you relax and improve the body's natural blood circulation.

Any disease is always easier to prevent than to cure. Be healthy!