Leg varicose veins is one of the most common diseases in the world and, according to the WHO, occurs in every five people. The pathology of the venous vessels of the lower extremities is associated with the 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, the pain syndrome appears, the ability to work and the quality of life decrease.
Lower extremity varicose veins 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 broken blood clot can lead to dangerous complications, disability, disability and even death.
Causes of varicose veins
The blood in the veins moves in jerks towards the heart. The muscles of the lower extremities are responsible for this, as are the intravenous valves that prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction. When the valves fail, blood flows against the movement, 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 appear in the lower extremities.
Predisposing factors for varicose veins include:
- heredity;
- excessive load on the lower limbs due to excess weight, intense physical exercise, carrying weights;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- pulling or pinching the veins of the lower extremities (tight clothing, bandages, sports equipment: expanders, elastic bandages);
- prolonged and regular work in the sitting or standing position without changing body position and regular rest;
- constant use of high-heeled shoes;
- 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.
varicose veins symptoms
The first signs of the disease may not be physically felt, but appear only externally in the form of translucent dark blue and purple vessels through the skin, spider veins and spider veins, protrusion of veins above the surface of the skin in the form of twisted cords.
Signs of the next stage of varicose veins are manifested in the form of discomfort and pain, pulsations, burning or spasms in the legs are observed, there are sensations of heaviness and swelling of the lower extremities, itching in the affected vessel area.
Varicose Vein Complications
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 whitening of the skin;
- deep vein thrombosis caused by a blood clot from minor 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 difficult to stop.
varicose vein diagnosis
Venous problems are treated by phlebologists, however, other specialists are involved in the precise diagnosis: angiologist, dermatologist, nutritionist, endocrinologist and, if surgery is needed, vascular surgeon.
In the initial consultation, the phlebologist clarifies the symptoms, when they appeared and how often they recur, in addition to asking about the presence of similar problems in other family members. In addition, it is important for the physician to know the patient's lifestyle and habits.
After a thorough examination of the lower extremities and the disturbing area in particular, the phlebologist may refer the patient for additional tests: ultrasound, phlebography (x-ray of the veins), phlebomanometry (measuring blood pressure in the veins), three dimensional CT scan, phleboscintigraphy (assessment of venous blood flow by intravenous administration of radioisotope-labeled albumin molecules).
In advanced stages or with complications, Dopplerography (color duplex angioscan) is considered the most accurate method. It allows you to assess the nature of blood flow, the condition of valves and deep veins, to identify reverse blood flow and the presence of blood clots.
Only an accurate diagnosis will allow the doctor to come up with an optimal treatment plan.
varicose veins treatment
The therapy aims to identify and minimize the influence of the triggering factors of the disease, as well as to eliminate the consequences and prevent 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 veins, the condition of their walls, blood circulation, relieve swelling and discomfort. An effective drug of this group for varicose veins is Detralex, which includes five plant components that have a beneficial effect on the condition of venous vessels. The drug is available in two forms: tablets and oral suspension.
- Wearing compression underwear, which creates optimal pressure on problem areas of the legs, prevents veins from expanding and maintains vascular wall tone.
- Diet therapy, depending on the specific case, may aim at weight loss, strengthening the walls of venous vessels, preventing edema and normalizing stools. Not only the diet itself is important, but also a certain diet, as well as the ideal amount of water consumption.
- Physiotherapy is needed to improve blood circulation, increase the tone of muscles and blood vessels in the legs, and eliminate venous stasis. In addition, physical activity helps in weight normalization and improves the patient's psychological state. Sports with varicose veins require compliance with safety precautions. In particular, during your workout, you need to 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 up to ensure that blood flows out of your veins.
Non-invasive methods of varicose vein removal include laser treatment (laser exposure) 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 closest 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 the procedure.
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 a high risk of disease recurrence.
After the operation, in order to avoid varicose veins in the future, it is necessary to normalize the diet, give up bad habits, take drugs prescribed by the doctor to thin the blood and strengthen blood vessels, and do therapeutic exercises.
varicose veins prevention
Includes sports activities (swimming, walking, cycling, light jogging, aerobics), adherence to a drinking regimen, avoiding bad habits, tight-fitting clothing, high-heeled shoes, regular warming up during sedentary work when prescribed by a doctor - wearing compression stockings. 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.