Varicose veins in the legs are one of the most common diseases in the world and, according to the WHO, they occur in one in five people. 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, work capacity and quality of life decrease.
Varicose veins of the lower limbs are caused by many factors. Therefore, the disease requires accurate diagnosis and competent treatment, selected individually for each patient.
In the absence of timely treatment, a detached blood clot can lead to dangerous complications, disability, disability and even death.
Causes of varicose veins
The blood in the veins jerks towards the heart. The muscles of the lower limbs are responsible for this, as are 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 thins and blood spreads through it to the surrounding tissues, swelling and pain appear in the lower limbs.
Predisposing factors for varicose veins include:
- inheritance;
- excessive load on the lower limbs from excess weight, strenuous exercise, carrying weights;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- pulling or pinching the veins of the lower limbs (tight clothing, bandages, sports equipment: expanders, elastic bandages);
- prolonged and regular work in a sitting or standing position without changing the position of the body and regular rest;
- constantly wear shoes with heels;
- period of pregnancy and menopause;
- 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 often associated with hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, wearing uncomfortable shoes.
Symptoms of varicose veins
The first signs of the disease may not be felt physically, but appear only externally in the form of translucent vessels of dark blue and purple colors through the skin, varicose veins and varicose veins, bulging of the veins above the surface of the skin in the form of intertwined cords.
Signs of the next stage of varicose veins are manifested in the form of discomfort and pain, throbbing, burning or spasms in the legs are observed, there are sensations of heaviness and swelling of the lower limbs, itching in the affected vessel area.
Complications of varicose veins
Varicose veins can have serious consequences, causing discomfort and life-threatening. These include:
- trophic eczema or skin ulcer in the affected vein area, which is preceded by skin whitening;
- 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;
- rupture of the varicose vein, which is accompanied by profuse bleeding that is difficult to stop.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
Venous problems are addressed by phlebologists, however other specialists are involved in accurate diagnosis: angiologist, dermatologist, nutritionist, endocrinologist and, if 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 limbs and of the disturbed area in particular, the phlebologist can refer the patient for further examinations: ultrasound, phlebography (x-ray of the veins), phlebomanometry (measurement of blood pressure in the veins), three-dimensional computed tomography, phleboscintigraphy (evaluation 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 state 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 work out an optimal treatment plan.
Treatment of varicose veins
Therapy is aimed at identifying and minimizing the influence of factors causing the disease, as well as eliminating the consequences and preventing complications.
There are three approaches to therapy for varicose veins: conservative, minimally invasive and radical surgery.
Conservative treatment for varicose veins includes:
- The use of ointments, gels and tablets based on phlebotonic - 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.
- Wearing compression underwear, which creates optimal pressure in the problem areas of the legs, prevents the expansion of the veins and maintains the tone of the vascular wall.
- Diet therapy, depending on the specific case, can 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 patient's psychological state. Sports with varicose veins require compliance with safety precautions. In particular, when exercising, you need to wear compression underwear and drink plenty of water to prevent 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 of removing varicose veins include laser treatment (laser exposure) and radiofrequency ablation (exposure to high-frequency current). As a result, the walls of the vessel are welded and the vein soon resolves.
Sclerotherapy is also performed: a sclerosing agent is injected into the affected vein, a special substance that causes it to become blocked. As a result, blood flow is redirected to the nearest healthy vessel, and the problematic vein disappears over time. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis with the requirement to wear 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 high risk of relapse of the disease.
After the operation, in order to prevent varicose veins in the future, it is necessary to normalize the diet, give up bad habits, take medications 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 an alcoholism regimen, avoidance of bad habits, tight clothing, heeled shoes, regular warm-up during sedentary work, if prescribed by a compression hosiery from doctor. Furthermore, it is important to monitor the general state of health in order to identify and treat the diseases that can cause varicose veins over time.
At the first suspicion of a problem with the vessels, it is necessary to contact specialists for diagnosis and the timely start of treatment.