Varicose veins, or more correctly, varicose veins, are a disease that affects only the venous system.Many consider it a selective foot disease.
But varicose veins not only appear 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 ailments.Varicose veins of the esophagus with cirrhosis of the liver cause a lot of problems for patients.
Causes of varicose veins
The task of the venous system is to ensure the transport of blood to the heart after the utilization of useful substances by the tissues, so that the heart sends it to receive oxygen to 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 his time in an upright state, the veins must overcome the force of gravity and prevent blood stagnation.To do this, they have a muscular structure and valves in the inner shell.
Varicose veins are a consequence of venous insufficiency.Violation of the wall structure causes loss of elasticity and decreased tone.Slow valves cannot hold blood and excessive deposition (buildup) 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 a major blood vessel and cause tissue necrosis.
Another complication is the development of an infection in a weakened venous wall (phlebitis).This leads to even more negative symptoms.
Signs of varicose veins are found in one in five women and one in ten men.
The causes of the disease are conventionally divided into primary and secondary varicose veins.
- The primary lesion is associated with alterations 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 due to long-term use of hormonal drugs (birth control pills, steroids);
- intense physical activity;
- long-term forced labor 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 their age:
- professions that require long periods of stay (salespeople, teachers, hairdressers);
- immobile position of the body (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, and tennis cause a lot of stress on the legs;
- people wearing tight underwear, stockings with elastic bands, a belt, a belt - any constriction helps to delay the outflow of blood;
- the habit of sitting cross-legged for a long period of time blocks the superficial veins of the lower leg, promoting stagnation;
- Passion for alcoholic beverages and coffee causes dehydration of the body, due to which the blood thickens and slows down the flow through the vessels.
Symptoms of the disease
In 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 appear at the end of the working 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 “spider veins” in the legs.
- Darkening and dryness of the skin of 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 the question: "What should change in your usual life?"The following tips will help you:
- stop visiting the bathhouse, steam room, hot baths are contraindicated for you;
- limit the consumption of strong alcoholic beverages and beer;
- quit smoking gradually;
- control your posture when sitting, do not cross your legs;
- stop squeezing with belts, belts and special underwear;
- get rid of excess weight;
- do not wear tight shoes or high heels;
- Get into the habit of rinsing your feet with cold water after a shower in the evening, and while relaxing at home, place your feet on a pillow.
Engine mode
Taking into account the risk factors, it is necessary for people in "dangerous" professions to take breaks with foot massages: drivers get out of the car to walk, hairdressers sit on a chair and massage their legs from the bottom up with light stroking movements.
It is necessary to walk as much as possible, the work of the leg muscles contributes to the outflow of blood.
Morning exercise should include exercises lying on your back, raising your legs, pulling your toes toward you, and straining 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 fluids.
Fatty meats in any form, spicy seasonings, smoked foods, butter, cheese, mayonnaise, sweets and carbonated drinks should be limited.
Introduce vegetables and fruits, cereals, dairy products, green or herbal tea, vegetable oil, onion and garlic into your daily diet.
conservative media
To promote venous blood flow, it is recommended to bandage the legs from the toes to the middle of the thigh.It is much more convenient to use special compression stockings.They are sold in the pharmacy chain and have sizes.A doctor will help you choose knee-high socks.
Any advertised medicine or ointment has an effect 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 medications.In the “visual” stage, its use is practically useless.
Phlebologists treat varicose veins.They believe that around 95% of cases can be compensated by low-traumatic methods, only 5% require surgical intervention.
Low-traumatic methods to treat varicose veins.
These procedures do not require any incisions in the skin or involve a small incision.They are performed on an outpatient basis and are painless.The patient does not experience 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 lasts up to two hours.The laser beam causes a burn of the inner layer with further sclerosis.It is 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 cm.After the procedure, it is recommended to walk for one hour.You will need to wear compression stockings 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 grabbed with a special hook, pulled out and removed.In this way, glasses of any size can be eliminated.There will be visible bruising at the incision site for several days after the procedure.A small scar will form.It is necessary to wear compression stockings for about 10 days.
radiofrequency ablation
The method is similar to laser, but here a catheter is inserted with microwave radiofrequency exposure into the area of varicose veins.It is believed to not cause burns and is safe for surrounding tissues.After half an hour of exposure, the light in the glass is "sealed."After just one week, you are allowed to play sports.
Surgical treatment
An operation to remove an enlarged vein or entire bundle is called phlebectomy.Requires hospitalization.General anesthesia is used.Two incisions are made in the skin (in the groin and below the knee).The branches on the surface are tied.The entire vein is removed and removed.After the operation, the patient must remain under observation in the hospital for about a week.The condition of the postoperative sutures is monitored and medications that slow down blood clotting are prescribed to prevent clot formation.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 site of surgery;
- oncological diseases;
- pregnancy;
- atherosclerosis of the blood vessels of the lower extremities;
- severe form of diabetes.
Traditional methods of treatment
Traditional methods are best used in the early stages of the disease in combination with medications.
Hirudotherapy (the use of leeches) is an old and proven method.The enzyme secreted by leeches into the blood helps relieve inflammation and strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
It is recommended to use herbal decoctions and tinctures in the form of compresses in the area of varicose veins.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.
The choice of treatment for varicose veins is the responsibility of an experienced surgeon.Consulting a doctor in a timely manner and following the recommendations will help prevent serious consequences of the disease.