This is a deformation and disruption of the normal functioning of the veins in the legs.In the normal state, blood in the veins moves from bottom to top;This is achieved thanks to the contraction of the heart, the coordinated action of the elastic walls of the vessels, the muscles surrounding the vessels and valves in the veins.This valve allows blood to flow upward and prevents it from flowing in the opposite direction.When there is a violation, the vessel wall dilates, the valve gap diverges, and blood can move partially in the opposite direction, creating reverse flow, causing the vessel wall to dilate even more and weaken the valve.Varicose veins appear.This disease is extremely common in people over 30 years old, with women most often affected.
Causes and prevention of varicose veins of the lower limbs
The cause of varicose veins in most cases lies in a sedentary lifestyle: we spend a lot of time in a static position (especially sitting) and do not create the necessary tension in the muscles.The following risk factors may also be involved:
- clothes that are too tight (pants, socks),
- uncomfortable shoes (especially high heels),
- hormonal balance disorders,
- regularly take hot baths, saunas,
- prolonged severe physical activity, lifting heavy objects,
- obesity.
The main way to prevent varicose veins is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.Even if you work in a sedentary job, try not to sit inactive for several hours at a time: stand up, stretch your legs, walk more;and don't forget a balanced diet, along with moderate physical activity will protect you from many diseases.
Pregnancy is also one of the serious risk factors for varicose veins.But genetic predisposition is still being researched and there are even some studies that refute it.
Symptom
The disease can develop very slowly: years or even decades.Symptoms of the early stages are diverse, but for convenience they are combined into a certain complex under the general feeling of heaviness in the legs:
- Legs get tired if you don't exercise seriously,
- vein pain,
- night cramps in the calves,
- pulling feeling in the legs.
If you do not monitor the symptoms of varicose veins in the early stages, the veins will become increasingly deformed.In the evening, swelling in the feet and ankles will begin to appear and disappear in the morning;The spider veins will become visible, then you will feel the veins swell and have bumps on them.If you do not consult a specialist at this stage, in addition to a clearly reduced quality of life and obvious pain, the patient is also at risk of melasma and trophic ulcers.The subsequent process of varicose veins will cause complications such as bleeding from venous nodes and the risk of developing a serious disease such as thrombosis, which can be fatal if a specialist is not contacted.
Diagnose
Diagnosis of varicose veins is quite simple - it is a survey, examination of the patient and ultrasound, which will show the area of affected veins and the extent of damage in order to choose the optimal treatment method.If for some reason (for example, when the damaged vein is deep) ultrasound does not provide all the necessary information, then the specialist will conduct an additional examination - venography - injection of a contrast agent into the vein, which under X-rays will show the slightest changes in the vein along the blood stream.
Treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs
Non-surgical treatment of varicose veins (special physical exercises, massage, wearing compression garments, medications to strengthen the walls of blood vessels) will help only at the initial stages.But unfortunately, very few patients turn to specialists at this time.Perhaps due to the prevalence of this disease, many people rely on traditional treatments that have not been proven effective and waste precious time, or resign themselves to varicose veins leading to unbearable pain syndrome, signaling an advanced stage.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins, like any other surgical intervention, requires a team of highly qualified doctors to treat the patient.After all, there may be serious contraindications to surgery, so trust your health only to experienced specialists in well-equipped medical centers.
For our patients, we are ready to offer all clinically proven treatment methods: from conservative (non-surgical) to surgical.Among the most effective ways are:
- laser coagulation (laser removal, that is, by thermal exposure of dilated vascular areas) - this method is suitable for small vessels and for removing spider veins located close to the surface of the skin;
- sclerotherapy (injection of a special substance into the vein to safely clog it) - this method is suitable only for small, peripheral vessels;
- Phlebectomy is the surgical removal of the affected area of the vein, used in the advanced stages of the disease in large veins;
- Radiofrequency coagulation.
The choice of treatment method depends on many factors (degree of varicose veins, patient condition, contraindications to operation).Specialists try to provide the patient with the most detailed information about his condition, listen to his wishes and decide on the appropriate treatment for the specific situation.