Varicose veins of the legs is one of the most common diseases in the world and, according to the WHO, it occurs in every fifth person. The pathology of the venous vessels of the lower extremities is associated with a malfunction of the intravenous valves, dilation of the veins and thinning of their walls. This leads to a reverse flow of blood and its stagnation in the vessels. The patient's movements are difficult, pain syndrome appears, working capacity and quality of life decrease.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are caused by many factors. Therefore, the disease requires accurate diagnosis and competent treatment, which is selected individually for each patient.
In the absence of timely therapy, a detached blood clot can lead to dangerous complications, disability, disability, and even death.
Causes of varicose veins
Blood in the veins jerks toward the heart. The muscles of the lower extremities are responsible for this, as well as the intravenous valves that prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction. When the valves fail, the blood flows against the movement, the pressure in the veins increases and they expand. As a result, the venous wall becomes thinner, and blood diffuses through it into the surrounding tissues, swelling and pain in the lower extremities appear.
Predisposing factors for varicose veins include:
- inheritance;
- excessive load on the lower extremities due to excess weight, intense physical exertion, weight bearing;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- pulling or pinching the veins of the lower extremities (tight clothing, bandages, sports equipment - expanders, elastic bandages);
- long and regular work in a sitting or standing position without changing the position of the body and regular rest;
- constant use of shoes with heels;
- pregnancy and menopause period;
- chronic diseases (constipation, diabetes, kidney and cardiovascular diseases).
In men, the main factors in the development of varicose veins are heredity, unbalanced physical activity and bad habits, while varicose veins in women are more associated with hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, the use of uncomfortable shoes.
Symptoms of varicose veins
The first signs of the disease may not be physically felt, but appear only externally in the form of translucent dark blue and purple colored vessels through the skin, spider veins and spider veins, bulging veins above the surface of the skin in form of twisted ropes.
Signs of the next stage of varicose veins are manifested in the form of discomfort and pain, there are pulsations, burning or spasms in the legs, there are sensations of heaviness and swelling of the lower extremities, itching in the area of the affected vessel.
Complications of varicose veins
Varicose veins can have serious consequences, causing discomfort and life-threatening. These include:
- trophic eczema or skin ulcer in the area of the affected vein, which is preceded by paleness of the skin;
- deep vein thrombosis caused by a blood clot from smaller superficial veins;
- pulmonary embolism due to blood clots that have entered the bloodstream from the veins of the lower extremities;
- varicose vein rupture, which is accompanied by profuse bleeding difficult to stop.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
Vein problems are treated by phlebologists, however, to make an accurate diagnosis other specialists are involved: angiologist, dermatologist, nutritionist, endocrinologist and, if surgery is necessary, a vascular surgeon.
At the initial consultation, the phlebologist clarifies the symptoms, when they appeared and how often they recur, and also asks about the presence of similar problems in other family members. In addition, it is important for the doctor to know the patient's lifestyle and habits.
After a complete examination of the lower extremities and the affected area in particular, the phlebologist may refer the patient for additional examinations: ultrasound, phlebography (x-ray of the veins), phlebomanometry (measurement of blood pressure in the veins), three- dimensional computed tomography, phleboscintigraphy (assessment of venous blood flow by intravenous administration of radioisotope-labeled albumin molecules).
In advanced stages or with complications, Dopplerography (color duplex angioscanning) is considered the most accurate method. It allows you to assess the nature of blood flow, the condition of the valves and deep veins, to identify the reverse flow of blood and the presence of blood clots.
Only an accurate diagnosis will allow the doctor to draw up an optimal treatment plan.
Varicose vein treatment
Therapy is aimed at identifying and minimizing the influence of factors provoking diseases, as well as eliminating the consequences and preventing complications.
There are three approaches to varicose vein therapy: conservative, minimally invasive, and radical surgery.
Conservative treatment for varicose veins includes:
- The use of ointments, gels and tablets based on phlebotonics - substances that improve the tone of the veins, the condition of their walls, blood circulation, relieve swelling and discomfort. An effective drug from this group for varicose veins is Detralex, which includes five plant components that have a beneficial effect on the condition of the venous vessels. The drug is available in two forms: tablets and oral suspension.
- The use of compression underwear, which creates optimal pressure on the problem areas of the legs, prevents the expansion of the veins and maintains the tone of the vascular wall.
- Dietary therapy, depending on the specific case, may be aimed at weight loss, strengthening the walls of venous vessels, preventing edema and normalizing stool. Not only the diet itself is important, but also a certain diet, as well as the optimal amount of water consumption.
- Physiotherapy is necessary to improve blood circulation, increase the tone of the muscles and blood vessels of the legs, and eliminate venous stasis. In addition, physical activity helps normalize weight and improves the psychological state of the patient. Sports with varicose veins require compliance with safety precautions. In particular, during training, you should wear compression underwear and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and increased blood viscosity. Prolonged static loads and heavy lifting are also prohibited. After training, it is recommended to lie on your back with your legs raised to ensure the outflow of blood from the veins.
Non-invasive methods to remove varicose veins include laser treatment (exposure to laser) and radiofrequency ablation (exposure to high-frequency current). As a result, the vessel walls are welded together, and the vein soon resolves.
Sclerotherapy is also performed: a sclerosant is injected into the affected vein, a special substance that causes its blockage. As a result, blood flow is redirected to the nearest healthy vessel, and the problem vein disappears over time. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis with the mandatory use of compression underwear after it.
In severe cases of varicose veins, a phlebectomy is performed - an operation to partially or completely remove the damaged vessel. Such a radical approach is recommended in cases where the patient has contraindications to "welding" methods, as well as at a high risk of recurrence of the disease.
After the operation, in order to prevent varicose veins in the future, it is necessary to normalize the diet, abandon bad habits, take the drugs prescribed by the doctor to thin the blood and strengthen the blood vessels, and do therapeutic exercises.
Prevention of varicose veins
Includes sports activities (swimming, walking, cycling, light jogging, aerobics), adherence to a drinking regimen, avoidance of bad habits, tight clothing, high-heeled shoes, regular warm-up during sedentary work, when prescribed by a compression stocking with doctor. In addition, it is important to monitor the general state of health to identify and treat diseases that can cause varicose veins in time.
At the first suspicion of a problem with the vessels, you should contact specialists for diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment.