Varicose veins are a disease in which the walls stretch and reduce the elasticity.The disease occurs as a result of impaired outflow from the veins;most often the disease is localized in the lower extremities.This is the most common pathological condition that occurs in vascular diseases.It occurs several times more often in women than in men.
Varicose veins can appear in women with dilated pelvic veins, in men in the form of varicocele and in anyone in the form of hemorrhoids.Pregnancy is often a provoking factor in the development of this condition, as changes in blood rheology towards thickening, as well as increased pressure from the uterus on the pelvic veins, increase venous stagnation.
The disease develops as a result of incompetence of venous valves, changes in the vascular wall (its expansion, decreased elasticity).
How do varicose veins manifest?
This pathological process does not begin suddenly, but at first the symptoms of varicose veins are not typical and can be attributed to ordinary fatigue.The overflow of blood in the veins is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the legs, and fatigue when walking and standing for long periods of time develops more quickly than before.
At this stage, treatment and prevention of the disease are more effective, but many do not pay attention to this, which is why they more often turn to the doctor in cases that are already seriously advanced.
The formation of vascular networks in the shape of “stars” or “bundles” begins to cause some discomfort, as in addition to increased tiredness and the appearance of swelling, many women worry about the very fact that the appearance of their legs becomes less aesthetic.
Stagnation of blood in the vessels does not disappear on its own, so the disease begins to progress.As a result, the swelling becomes more pronounced, does not disappear after a horizontal position, muscle pain appears, and metabolic disorders lead to the development of leg cramps, especially characteristic of this disease, the skin on the legs dries out and becomes irritated.
At the same time, veins begin to protrude that are clearly visible under the skin, like blue threads, some of which change shape, becoming denser and more coiled.The patient is worried about changes in skin color and itching.If phlebitis occurs, the vein swells, becomes harder and the skin in that area becomes red.
In varicose veins of the pelvis, pain most often occurs in the lower abdomen, characterized by intensification when lifting heavy objects, before the onset of menstruation and during sexual intercourse.All of these situations lead to blood flow and increased congestion.The provoking factor for the development of varicose veins of the small pelvis is pregnancy and childbirth.
Features of circulatory disorders in deep veins
Some people think that varicose veins are just a cosmetic defect that bothers only the fair sex, but this is not the case.The main outflow of blood from the legs to the heart passes through the deep veins, therefore this pathology does not always manifest itself in the form of external changes.
The manifestations of the disease, with a predominance of the phenomenon of deep vein varicose veins, do not differ from other variants of the disease - heaviness appears in the legs, swelling develops, which intensifies as pathological changes progress, and subsequently there is a change in skin color and the development of trophic ulcers in the affected area.
There are cases when varicose veins of the deep veins of the lower extremities develop secondarily, as a result of stagnation of all veins, since disturbances in the flow of superficial vessels cause increased stress on the superficial vessels.
Treatment and therapy
The treatment of varicose veins can be therapeutic and surgical.Conservatively, you can alleviate the condition if the changes in the veins are not very pronounced;For this, there are venotonics, ointments and gels for topical use.All this combined with the use of compression socks.
Surgical methods include many radical relief methods for severe varicose veins.This includes phlebectomy, crossectomy and vein extraction.Among modern methods, endoscopic vein surgery is practiced.