What do varicose veins look like?

The little bulging veins 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 by the end of the day;
• swelling of the feet;
• appearance of pigmentation on the skin of the lower legs and thinning of the skin;
• numbness in the limbs, frequent muscle cramps in the legs;
• protrusion of the veins above the skin surface;
• the appearance of a pattern of veins, spider veins on the legs.

If, returning home after a workday, a woman finds her legs in a "deplorable state", then she is not to blame only for uncomfortable shoes or an extra "piece of salty" at dinner. Swelling and heaviness in the legs is the first sign of the development of stagnation of blood in the vessels. Remember: diseases of the veins are difficult to treat. Early prevention and prompt medical attention can stop or significantly slow down the lengthening process of the veins. Treatment should be started as soon as possible.

Grade 1 varicose veins

The main causes of varicose veins are considered to be pregnancy, excess weight gain, prolonged physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle and a genetic predisposition to this disease. Ordinary people called varicose veins "the hostess disease" due to the peculiarities of this profession and the long standing. This degree of disease is the mildest.

Classifies the disorder based on several factors. One of the classifications is based on the stages of development of the disease:

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

The different stages of varicose veins of the lower limbs have a radically different treatment. You shouldn't try to deal with the disease alone. This can only harm and lead to dire consequences. It is best to seek the help of 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 ordinary 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.

Varicose veins of the first stage can also manifest as cramps in the calf area, patients often complain of a stretching sensation in the legs or burning in the muscles. This is increasingly accompanied by pain in the lower limbs.

Already at this stage, manifestations of the visual character of varicose veins may be evident, which should immediately alert:

1. Slight 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.

Varicose veins of the first degree are most often manifested by such external changes.

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

Treatment of first degree varicose veins

Sometimes doctors recommend using venotonics as well, which is quite effective in treating first stage varicose veins. Separately, it should be said about massage: not all types of therapy are suitable for this ailment. If after the procedures the pain intensifies, it is necessary to change the approach to choosing a massage complex.

It is worth organizing cool, relaxing foot baths more often, 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 the 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 resorption of veins, strengthening the weak walls of blood vessels, blocking blood flow to the desired area.
2. Ozone therapy - an action aimed at strengthening blood vessels, resorption of varicose asterisks.

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

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

Causes of the disease

There are more than fifty reasons that can trigger a change in the venous system. Particularly susceptible to the disease are people whose profession is associated with stress in the legs and a 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, adolescence;
• Obesity of any degree;
• Genetic predisposition. 70% of children whose parents suffered from venous insufficiency develop varicose veins;
• Weak muscular system;
• Wearing uncomfortable underwear: socks with tight elastic, men's tight pants;
• Lack of physical activity and activity;
• The habit of sitting with one leg over the other;
• Rare change in body position: long standing, lying, sitting;

• Chronic diseases: diabetes mellitus, high blood viscosity.

Of the ten patients with varicose veins, eight are female patients. The weaker sex is prone to venous pathologies due to forced hormonal disturbances during pregnancy, after childbirth, during menopause. The second major factor why women experience leg pain more often than men is a 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 calm pace, periodically stopping to rest.
2. Wear comfortable shoes with a heel no higher than 3 cm. The top of the shoes must not have a traction device, the laces are not tied as tightly as possible.
3. Attend gym workouts twice a week. The loads are selected individually by the doctor and the instructor.

4. Review your diet. Foods with a high sugar content, fatty meats, flour products and starchy vegetables are excluded from food. The majority of a varicose vein patient's diet consists of steamed or boiled vegetables. Fried and spicy foods are not recommended.

5. The legs need to rest in the evening. The outflow of blood will increase if you lift your legs and throw them on a high cushion 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 heparin-containing ointments.
7. Special compression garments or elastic bandages are used every day. Special underwear is selected by a doctor. The peculiarity of compression garments is the squeezing function. The pressure on the body occurs with a variable force, which forces the blood to circulate forcefully.
8. Change your position often. If you have to sit constantly at work, get up and sit down several times once every 30 minutes. Exercise helps prevent varicose veins and leg hemorrhoids.

Treatment of different phases

Effective therapy in the early stages can have the opposite effect in advanced disease. The choice of treatment methods should be adapted to the stages of varicose veins:

Compression shirt

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

Compression can stop the development of varicose veins, but a phlebologist should be consulted before medical use, as compression is dangerous and aggravates the problem of venous outflow. In the stages of compensation and undercompensation for swelling and noticeable varicose veins, underwear of the first and second compression class is usually prescribed.

The third compression class is used in cases of severe venous insufficiency. In case of lymphatic edema, use fourth grade underwear. The hospital shirt is worn for hospital treatment.

Folk remedies

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

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

However, the ease of use, accessibility, softness of the action of folk remedies are combined with their low efficiency (compared to drugs), so the enthusiasm for these methods is fraught with the progression of the disease. Herbal medicine and tablets should be used after the doctor's advice and serve only as an auxiliary means of the main treatment.

Hirudotherapy

Treatment with leeches is indicated in the rare cases of advanced stages of varicose veins. Sometimes leeches are prescribed for thrombophlebitis.

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

Drugs

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

Aid is prescribed at 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 phase, the application of these products can cause further skin manifestations. Relief of symptoms with medication is often temporary and does not treat the underlying cause.

Operations

Laser coagulation and sclerotherapy are minimally invasive techniques for excluding veins from the bloodstream. They are used for small diameters of dilated veins in the initial stages of varicose veins (when removing varicose veins, nets).

Intravascular 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 pattern presented in the gradual classification. For example, the symptoms of the first stage may be completely absent - an image of undercompensation immediately appears.

Or, as the disease progresses, some signs of varicose veins do not add to the symptoms of the previous stage, but disappear. Therefore, at the beginning of the 21st century, Russian phlebologists, in addition to the gradual approach, adopted the international classification (CEAP), in which, when diagnosing the severity of the disease, the facts of the individual characteristics of thecourse of varicose veins and the effects of treatment.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the pathology with the onset of varicose veins do not cause people to think about venous disease:

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

They tend to be associated with flat feet, unusual high heels, uncomfortable new shoes, lumbar osteochondrosis.

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

The vascular network as the first sign of varicose veins appears most often below the knees

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

The "influx" of young women seeking treatment from a phlebologist who specializes in venous disease is usually associated with the upcoming summer bathing season, who takes care of their appearance rather than 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 conditions. In addition to cosmetic changes, they notice difficulty walking, increased fatigue in the evening.

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

You can verify yourself by conducting 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.

Next are displayed:

• pain in the legs;
• swelling of the feet;
• feeling of fullness and heaviness in the legs;
• nocturnal muscle cramps;
• 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 disorders

The sex hormone estrogen plays a special role in the development of varicose veins in women. Its action leads to ailments such as weight gain, depression, swelling, drowsiness, dryness of the mucous membranes. This hormone increases the permeability of small vessels. The fluid easily leaves the bloodstream, the blood becomes less flowing. Excess fluid accumulates 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 a woman's body;
• Chronic stress. During stress, cortisol is produced in the body and, in turn, inhibits the synthesis of progesterone;
• Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the amount of estrogen in a woman's body increases;
• Taking contraceptives. Varicose veins occur as a side effect of taking these medicines;
• Liver disease, because estrogen is removed from the body by the liver. With its poor function, this hormone accumulates in the body;
• Age-related changes in hormone levels also lead to an imbalance of sex hormones with a predominance of estrogen.

Separately, the reasons for the development of varicose veins should be noted in overweight and a genetic predisposition to this disease. If overweight can and should be fought for the sake of health in general, genetic predisposition cannot be prevented. As a result of these factors, varicose veins are noticeably "younger" and are now often found in girls aged 16-20.

Full liver function is important for maintaining normal hormone levels. In addition to removing excess hormones, it participates in the synthesis of substances - precursors of progesterone and estrogen. To improve his work, physical activity, good nutrition and 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 drugs is the most effective way, suitable for almost all patients. A wide range of drugs allows you to choose a drug that is more suitable for long-term treatment.

Medicinal methods for the treatment of varicose veins of the legs

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

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

Apply ointments

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

Ointment for varicose veins on the legs also helps improve blood flow and prevent blood clots.

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

Do not self-medicate - this can further damage the patient's already poor condition.

Consequences of varicose veins.

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

The complicated stages of varicose veins require surgery. Although women very often suffer from varicose veins, men also suffer from this disease, mainly for hereditary reasons.

A man under the age of 40 can 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 great 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 operation, no fallout is observed. The blood supply to the leg is distributed to other vessels, and after 2 weeks everything is completely restored.

Risk factors predisposing to the development of varicose veins.

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

Symptoms and signs of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.

Symptoms of varicose veins	Outdoor signage
Aching pains	Telangiectasia
Heavy legs	Reticular veins
Fatigue	Varicose veins
Swelling	Thrombophlebitis
Itchy skin	Hyperpigmentation
Leg discomfort	Bleeding from trauma node
Cramps in the calf muscles	Ulceration

Treatment options for varicose veins.

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 wrapping
• Injection sclerotherapy
• Foam sclerotherapy
• Laser therapy
• Miniflebectomy

Dear women, varicose veins can envelop you forever in skirts and long pants. If the pills and ointments are unable to bring the legs back to normal, the only sure way to remove the dilated veins remains. How and where, it is only after consulting a specialized phlebologist. Veins can now be surgically treated without hospitalization, without anesthesia, without incisions, with high precision. You just need to take a step towards your health.

Detailed information on varicose veins, symptoms, disease prevention, special exercises, methods of treatment and necessary nutrition can be found on the website: ovaricosis. ru

How varicose veins manifest themselves in the early stages. Why it's dangerous

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

In more rare cases, the appearance of such 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 occurs:

• heaviness in the legs;
• increased leg fatigue;
• cramps in the muscles of the lower limbs, 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 promptly consult with a phlebologist, angiologist or vascular surgeon, 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 examinations that will help identify the causes of the appearance of asterisks or meshes, as well as establish the degree of impaired venous circulation

To determine the degree of vascular lesions and their insufficiency do:

• complete blood count (shows whether 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 the pathology of the vascular wall and blood flow disorders);
• X-ray phlebography with contrast (determines the localization of venous lesions and the degree of impairment of their functions).

If you do nothing after the first signs of reticular varicose veins have been detected, you can:

• accession 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;
• thrombosis of the venous vessels. If thrombosis occurs in the venous vessels of the head, it is dangerous for stroke and sinus thrombosis;
• thromboembolism of the pulmonary arteries is a fatal complication that occurs due to the separation of a blood clot from the vessel wall and blockage of the lumen of the pulmonary arteries.

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

Prevention

Don't forget about preventive measures. For prevention, it is necessary to devote time to sports.

Avoid excessive physical exertion. Wear comfortable shoes with low heels (up to 4cm). Remember that hot baths, baths and saunas have a negative effect on leg health.

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

1. tries to get rid of bad habits - alcohol consumption and smoking negatively affect the state of blood vessels;
2. compression therapy - wearing medical stockings, tights and knee-highs;
3. diet, weight control (overweight people are more likely to suffer from varicose veins), exclude fatty meats and poultry, give up spicy and salty foods, be sure to include fruits and vegetables in the diet;
4. massage - get into the habit of doing a light foot massage after a hard day at work, this will help you relax and improve the body's natural blood circulation.

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