Varicose veins of the legs are one of the most common diseases in the world and according to WHO, it occurs in 1 in 5 people. Pathology of the venous vessels of the lower extremities is associated with a malfunction of the venous valves, varicose veins and thinning of their walls. This leads to backflow of blood and stasis in the vessels. Patients have difficulty in movement, pain syndrome occurs, working capacity and quality of life decrease.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are caused by many factors. Therefore, the disease requires an accurate diagnosis and competent treatment, selected individually for each patient.
If not treated promptly, the dissociated blood clot can lead to dangerous complications, disability, loss of strength, and even death.
Causes of varicose veins
Blood in the veins moves in the direction of the acute shock towards the heart. The muscles of the lower extremities are responsible for this, as are the venous valves that prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction. When the valves fail, the blood flows against it, the pressure in the veins increases and they expand. As a result, the vein wall becomes thinner, and blood diffuses through it to the surrounding tissues, swelling and pain appear in the lower extremities.
Factors that predispose to varicose veins include:
- heredity;
- overload on the lower extremities due to excess weight, intense sports exercise, carrying heavy loads;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- pulling or compressing the veins of the lower extremities (tight clothing, bandages, sports equipment: expanders, elastic bands);
- prolonged and frequent work in a sitting or standing position without changing positions and taking frequent breaks;
- often wear shoes with heels;
- pregnancy and menopause;
- chronic diseases (constipation, diabetes, kidney and cardiovascular diseases).
In men, the main factors leading to the development of varicose veins are heredity, unbalanced physical activity and bad habits, while varicose veins in women are often associated with changes in blood pressure. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, wearing uncomfortable shoes.
Symptoms of varicose veins
The first signs of the disease may not be felt, but only appear externally in the form of translucent blue-black and purple vessels penetrating the skin, spider veins, and bulging veins on the surface of the skin. in the form of a twisted wire.
Signs of the next stage of varicose veins are manifested in the form of discomfort and pain, observed pulsation, burning or spasm in the legs, a feeling of heaviness and swelling of the lower extremities, itching in the affected area. affect. ship.
Complications of varicose veins
Varicose veins can have serious, uncomfortable, and life-threatening consequences. Including:
- trophic eczema or skin ulceration in the affected vein area, prior to skin whitening;
- deep vein thrombosis caused by blood clots from smaller superficial veins;
- pulmonary embolism due to a blood clot that has entered the bloodstream from a vein of the lower extremities;
- ruptured varicocele, accompanied by heavy bleeding, difficult to stop bleeding.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
Vein problems are dealt with by a phlebologist, however, other specialists are involved in making an accurate diagnosis: vascular surgeons, dermatologists, nutritionists, doctorsendocrinologist and, if surgery is needed, a vascular surgeon.
At the initial consultation, the phlebologist clarified the symptoms, when they appeared and how often they recur, and asked about the presence of similar problems in other family members. In addition, it is important for the physician to be aware of the patient's lifestyle and habits.
After examining the entire lower extremities and the disordered area in particular, the phlebologist may refer the patient for further examination: ultrasound, angiography (intravenous X-ray), venography (blood measurement)venous pressure), three-dimensional computed tomography, phleboscintigraphy (assessment of venous blood flow by intravenous administration of radioisotope-labeled albumin molecules).
In advanced or complicated stages, Dopplerography (color two-sided angiogram) is considered the most accurate method. It allows you to evaluate the nature of blood flow, the condition of the valves and deep veins, to determine the backflow of blood and the presence of blood clots.
Only with an accurate diagnosis can the doctor come up with the optimal treatment plan.
Varicose veins treatment
Therapy is aimed at identifying and minimizing the influence of the causative factors, as well as eliminating the consequences and preventing complications.
There are three treatments for varicose veins: conservative, minimally invasive, and radical surgery.
Conservative treatment for varicose veins includes:
- The use of ointments, gels and tablets based on tonics - substances that improve the tone of the veins, the condition of the vessel walls, blood circulation, reduce 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 comes in two forms: tablets and oral suspension.
- Wear compression underwear, which creates optimal pressure in the problem areas of the legs, prevents dilation of the veins and maintains the strength of the vessel walls.
- Dietary therapy, on a case-by-case basis, can be aimed at weight loss, vascular strengthening, anti-edema, and stool normalization. Not only the diet itself is important, but also a certain diet, as well as optimal water intake.
- Physiotherapy is necessary to improve blood circulation, increase the tone of muscles and blood vessels in the legs, eliminate venous stasis. In addition, physical activity helps to normalize weight and improve the patient's psychological state. Sports with varicose veins require the observance of safety precautions. In particular, during exercise, you need to wear compression underwear and drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration and increase blood viscosity. Prolonged static loads and heavy lifting are also prohibited. After exercising, you should lie on your back, bend your legs to ensure that the blood from the veins flows out.
Non-invasive methods of varicose vein removal include laser treatment (laser exposure) and radiofrequency ablation (high frequency current exposure). As a result, the vessel walls are welded, and the vein is soon seamless.
Sclerotherapy is also performed: a sclerotherapy is injected into the affected vein - a special substance that causes the blockage. As a result, blood flow is redirected to the nearest healthy vessel and the problematic vein should disappear over time. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis with mandatory wearing of compression underwear afterward.
In severe cases of varicose veins, phlebotomy 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 surgery, in order to prevent future varicose veins, it is necessary to normalize the diet, give up bad habits, take drugs prescribed by the doctor to thin the blood and strengthen the blood vessels, exercisetherapeutic exercises.
Prevention of varicose veins
It includes sports activities (swimming, walking, cycling, light jogging, aerobics), adherence to an alcohol regimen, avoiding bad habits, wearing tight clothing, wearing shoeshigh heels, warm up often when working sedentary, when prescribed by the doctor. doctor - wear compression stockings. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the general health status to detect and promptly treat diseases that can cause varicose veins.
When you first suspect a pulse problem, you should contact specialists for a timely diagnosis and treatment.