Varicose veins, or more precisely varicose veins, are a disease that only affects the venous system.Many consider it a selective disease of the foot.
But varicose veins occur not only in the lower extremities, but also in the pelvis.At the same time, it manifests itself in the form of hemorrhoids, varicoceles (dilated testicular veins) or disguises itself as various gynecological conditions.Esophageal varices accompanied by liver cirrhosis cause a lot of problems for patients.
Causes of varicose veins
The task of the venous system is to ensure the delivery of blood after use of useful substances by the tissues to the heart, so that the heart sends it to receive oxygen to the lungs.The flow is constant.The negative pressure created by the diaphragm and parts of the heart helps the blood vessels.Since a person spends most of his time in a vertical state, the veins must overcome the force of gravity and prevent blood stagnation.To do this, they have a muscular frame and valves on the interior shell.
Varicose veins are a consequence of venous insufficiency.Violation of the wall structure leads to a loss of elasticity and a decrease in tone.Slow valves are not able to hold blood and excessive deposits (buildup) occur in distant areas of the body.
Due to the slowdown in blood flow, favorable conditions are created for platelets to stick to each other and form blood clots.The situation becomes dangerous because a blood clot can break loose at any time and enter an important blood vessel and cause tissue necrosis.
Another complication is the development of an infection in a weakened vein wall (phlebitis).This leads to even more negative symptoms.
Signs of varicose veins are seen in one in five women and one in ten men.
The causes of the disease are conventionally divided into primary and secondary varicose veins.
- The primary lesion is associated with disturbances in the structure of the vein wall.
- In secondary cases, changes occur in the valve apparatus.
This happens when:
- hereditary predisposition associated with a lack of collagen in the body, which ensures the elasticity of the wall, or components for its synthesis;
- endocrine disorders due to long-term use of hormonal drugs (birth control pills, steroids);
- intense physical activity;
- long-term forced working position while standing;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- pregnancy;
- smoking;
- leg injuries.
Taking into account the listed factors contributing to the disease, it is possible to determine the risk group, which will include future patients with varicose veins, regardless of age:
- professions that require long tenure (salespeople, teachers, hairdressers);
- stationary body position (transport drivers, sitting at the computer) - stagnation is created in the legs and pelvis;
- the habit of wearing high heels - redistributes body weight and increases the load on blood vessels;
- athletes - weightlifting, bodybuilding, wrestling, tennis cause a lot of stress on the legs;
- people wearing tight underwear, stockings with elastic bands, a belt, a belt - any constriction contributes to delaying the outflow of blood;
- the habit of sitting cross-legged for a long time blocks the superficial veins of the lower leg, promoting stagnation;
- passion for alcoholic beverages and coffee causes dehydration of the body, as a result the blood thickens and slows down circulation in the vessels.
Symptoms of the disease
With varicose veins, the most “unfavorable” blood circulation conditions are created in the peripheral tissues.Therefore, varicose veins of the legs are the most common manifestation of the disease.
- Pain and fatigue in the legs occur at the end of the working day.
- Burning sensation.
- Cramps while walking or at night.
- Swelling of the feet in the evening, patients notice that their usual shoes are too tight.
- The appearance of “vascular spiders” on the legs.
- Darkening and dryness of the skin of the feet and legs.
- Trophic ulcers on the feet.
The signs listed above develop gradually over the years.
The appearance of “visible” symptoms indicates progressive vascular damage.
Treatment
Treatment of varicose veins cannot rid the patient of the disease, but it will help prevent serious complications and slow down the further development of the disease.
What habits will you need to break?
In the treatment of varicose veins, ask yourself the question: "What should you change in your usual life?"The following tips will help you:
- stop visiting public baths, hammam, hot baths are contraindicated for you;
- limit the consumption of strong alcoholic drinks and beer;
- gradually stop smoking;
- control your posture while sitting, do not cross your legs;
- stop any tightening with special belts, belts and underwear;
- get rid of excess weight;
- do not wear tight shoes and high heels;
- Make a habit of rinsing your feet with cold water after showering in the evening, and while relaxing at home, throw your feet on a pillow.
Motor mode
Taking into account the risk factors, it is necessary for people working in "dangerous" professions to take breaks with foot massages: drivers get out of the car for a walk, hairdressers sit on a chair and massage their legs from bottom to top with light stroking movements.
You should walk as much as possible, working the leg muscles promotes blood flow.
Morning exercise should include exercises lying on your back by raising your legs, pulling your toes toward you, and tensing your arch.
Recommended sports include swimming and cycling.
Diet
The choice of foods for varicose veins is associated with the need to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, limiting spicy and salty foods that retain fluid.
You should limit fatty meats in any form, spicy seasonings, smoked foods, butter, cheese, mayonnaise, sweets and carbonated drinks.
Introduce vegetables and fruits, cereals, dairy products, green or herbal tea, vegetable oil, onions and garlic into your daily diet.
Conservative means
To promote venous blood circulation, it is recommended to bandage the legs from the toes to the middle of the thigh.It is much more convenient to wear special compression socks.They are sold in the pharmacy chain and have sizes.A doctor will help you choose knee-high socks.
All advertised drugs or ointments have an effect only in the early stages of the disease, when a person notices increased fatigue in the legs.The doctor will recommend the most modern and effective drugs.At the “visual” stage, their use is practically useless.
Phlebologists treat varicose veins.They estimate that about 95% of cases can be compensated by minimally traumatic methods, and that only 5% require surgical intervention.
Low-traumatic methods of treating varicose veins
These procedures do not require any skin incisions or involve a small incision.They are performed on an outpatient basis and are painless.The patient does not experience any restrictions and can carry out his usual work.
Laser ablation
Under local anesthesia, a light guide is carefully inserted into the varicose area and a circular laser is turned on during the reverse movement.The procedure takes up to two hours.The laser beam causes a burn of the inner shell accompanied by increased sclerosis.Used to treat veins of any diameter.
Sclerotherapy
The patient is injected into the affected vessel with a substance that causes the walls to collapse and then sclerosis.Currently, clinics use foaming preparations that are safe for the body.It is used when the diameter does not exceed one cm.After the procedure, it is recommended to walk for an hour.You will need to wear compression socks for another month.
Microphlebectomy
After local anesthesia, a small skin incision is made (no more than a few mm), the diseased vein is grasped with a special hook, pulled out and removed.This allows you to remove ships of any size.Bruising will be visible at the incision site for several days after the procedure.A small scar will form.It is necessary to wear compression socks for about 10 days.
Radiofrequency ablation
The method is similar to laser, but here a catheter with exposure to microwave radio frequencies is inserted into the area of varicose veins.It is believed to not cause burns and is safe for surrounding tissues.After half an hour of exposure, the vessel's lumen is "sealed."After just a week you are allowed to play sports.
Surgical treatment
An operation to remove an enlarged vein or entire bundle is called phlebectomy.This requires hospitalization.General anesthesia is used.Two skin incisions are made (in the groin and below the knee).The superficial branches are linked.The entire vein is removed and excised.After the operation, the patient must be observed in the hospital for about a week.The condition of the postoperative sutures is monitored and medications are prescribed to slow blood clotting to prevent blood clots from forming.The stitches are removed after 7 to 10 days.
Contraindications to phlebectomy:
- simultaneous damage to superficial and deep veins;
- age over 75;
- various skin diseases at the surgical site;
- oncological diseases;
- pregnancy;
- atherosclerosis of the blood vessels of the lower extremities;
- severe form of diabetes.
Traditional methods of treatment
It is best to use folk methods in the early stages of the disease, in combination with medication.
Hirudotherapy (use of leeches) is an old and proven method.The enzyme secreted by leeches into the bloodstream helps relieve inflammation and tighten blood vessel walls.
It is recommended to use herbal decoctions and tinctures in the form of compresses on the varicose vein area.For this, we use: chamomile flowers, calendula, St. John's wort, yarrow, wormwood leaves, horse chestnut, burdock.It is recommended to consume nuts and garlic internally.
The choice of treatment for varicose veins is the business of an experienced surgeon.Timely consultation with a doctor and following the recommendations will help prevent serious consequences of the disease.