Varicose veins, or more correctly, varicose veins, are a disease that only affects the venous system.Many consider it to be a selective foot disease.
But varicose veins occur not only in the lower extremities, but also in the pelvis.At the same time, it manifests itself as hemorrhoids, varicocele (dilated testicular veins) or disguises itself as various gynecological diseases.Varicose veins of the esophagus with cirrhosis of the liver cause many problems for patients.
Causes of varicose veins
The task of the venous system is to ensure the supply of blood to the heart after the utilization of useful substances by the tissues, so that the heart sends it to receive oxygen in the lungs.The output is constant.The negative pressure created by the diaphragm and some parts of the heart helps the blood vessels.Since a person spends most of their time in an upright position, the veins must overcome the force of gravity and prevent blood from stagnating.To do this, they have a muscular structure and valves in the internal shell.
Varicose veins are a consequence of venous insufficiency.Violation of the wall structure leads to loss of elasticity and decreased tone.Slow valves are not able to retain blood and excessive deposition (accumulation) occurs in distant areas of the body.
Due to the slowdown in blood flow, favorable conditions are created for platelets to stick together and form blood clots.The situation becomes dangerous, as a blood clot can break off at any time and enter an important blood vessel and cause tissue necrosis.
Another complication is the development of infection in a weakened venous wall (phlebitis).This leads to even more negative symptoms.
Signs of varicose veins are found in every fifth woman and every tenth man.
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 occurs 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 arising from prolonged use of hormonal medications (birth control pills, steroid medications);
- 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 periods of stay (salespeople, teachers, hairdressers);
- immobile 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 who wear tight underwear, socks with elastic bands, a belt, a belt - any constriction helps to slow down the outflow of blood;
- the habit of sitting for a long time with legs crossed blocks the superficial veins of the leg, promoting stagnation;
- The passion for alcoholic beverages and coffee causes dehydration of the body, consequently the blood thickens and slows down the flow through the vessels.
Symptoms of the disease
With varicose veins, the most “unfavorable” blood circulation conditions are created in peripheral tissues.Therefore, varicose veins in the legs are the most common manifestation of the disease.
- Pain and fatigue in the legs occur at the end of the work day.
- Burning sensation.
- Cramps when walking or at night.
- Swelling of the feet at night, patients notice that their usual shoes are too tight.
- The appearance of “vascular spiders” on the legs.
- Darkening and dryness of the skin on 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
Therapy for varicose veins cannot rid the patient of the disease, but it will help prevent serious complications and slow down the development of the disease.
What habits will you need to break?
When treating varicose veins, ask yourself: “What should you change in your usual life?”The following tips will help you:
- stop going to the bathhouse, steam room, hot baths are contraindicated for you;
- limit the consumption of strong alcoholic beverages and beer;
- gradually stop smoking;
- control your posture when sitting, do not cross your legs;
- stop any tightening with belts, belts and special underwear;
- get rid of excess weight;
- do not wear tight shoes and high heels;
- Get into the habit of rinsing your feet with cold water after a shower at night, and while relaxing at home, throw your feet up on a pillow.
Engine mode
Considering the risk factors, it is necessary for people working in “dangerous” professions to take breaks for foot massages: drivers get out of the car for a walk, hairdressers sit in a chair and massage the legs from bottom to top with light stroking movements.
You need to walk as much as possible, the work of the leg muscles promotes blood flow.
Exercise in the morning should include exercises lying on your back, lifting your legs, pulling your toes towards you and tensioning the arch of your foot.
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 any types of fatty meat, 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 support venous blood flow, it is recommended to wrap the legs from the toes to mid-thigh.It is much more convenient to use special compression stockings.They are sold in the pharmacy chain and have different sizes.A doctor will help you choose knee-high socks.
Any advertised medications or ointments are effective only in the initial stages of the disease, when a person notices increased fatigue in the legs.The doctor will recommend the most modern and effective medicines.In the “visual” phase, its use is practically useless.
Phlebologists treat varicose veins.They believe that around 95% of cases can be compensated with low-traumatic methods, 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 suffer 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 burning of the inner bark with further 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 foam 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 incision is made in the skin (no more than a few mm), the diseased vein is grasped with a special hook, pulled out and removed.You can remove any size pots this way.There will be visible bruising at the incision site for several days after the procedure.A small scar will form.You need to wear compression stockings for about 10 days.
Radiofrequency ablation
The method is similar to laser, but here a catheter with microwave radiofrequency exposure is inserted into the varicose vein area.It is believed not to cause burns and to be safe for surrounding tissues.After half an hour of exposure, the vessel lumen is “sealed”.After just a week you will be able to play sports.
Surgical treatment
An operation to remove an enlarged vein or an entire bundle is called a phlebectomy.Requires hospitalization.General anesthesia is used.Two incisions are made in the skin (in the groin and under the knee).The surface branches are tied.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 postoperative sutures is monitored, medications are prescribed that slow down blood clotting to prevent blood clots.The stitches are removed after 7 to 10 days.
Contraindications for phlebectomy:
- simultaneous damage to superficial and deep veins;
- age over 75 years;
- various skin diseases at the surgery site;
- oncological diseases;
- pregnancy;
- atherosclerosis of the blood vessels of the lower extremities;
- severe form of diabetes.
Traditional treatment methods
Traditional methods are best used 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 blood helps relieve inflammation and tightens the walls of blood vessels.
It is recommended to use herbal decoctions and tinctures in the form of compresses in the varicose veins area.For this, the following are used: chamomile flowers, calendula, St. John's wort, yarrow, wormwood leaves, horse chestnut, burdock.It is recommended to consume nuts and garlic internally.
Choosing the treatment for varicose veins is the task of an experienced surgeon.Consulting a doctor in a timely manner and following recommendations will help prevent serious consequences of the disease.