Varicose veins of the legs are one of the most common diseases in the world and, according to the WHO, occur in every fifth person. The pathology of the venous vessels of the lower extremities is associated with a malfunction of the intravenous valves, dilatation of veins and thinning of their walls. This leads to a backflow of blood and its stagnation in the vessels. The patient's movements are difficult, pain syndrome appears, working capacity and quality of life decrease.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are caused by many factors. Therefore, the disease requires accurate diagnosis and competent treatment, which is selected individually for each patient.
Without timely therapy, a detached blood clot can lead to dangerous complications, disability, disability and even death.
Causes of varicose veins
The blood in the veins moves jerkily to the heart. The muscles of the lower extremities are responsible for this, as well as intravenous valves that prevent blood flow in the opposite direction. When the valves fail, blood flows against the movement, pressure in the veins increases, and they dilate. 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 predisposing to varicose veins include:
- heredity;
- excessive load on the lower limbs from being overweight, intense physical activity, carrying weights;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- Pulling or pinching the veins of the lower extremities (tight clothing, bandages, sports equipment: expanders, elastic bandages);
- prolonged and regular work sitting or standing without changing posture and regular rest breaks;
- constant wearing of shoes with heels;
- pregnancy and menopause;
- chronic diseases (constipation, diabetes, kidney and cardiovascular diseases).
In men, the main factors in the development of varicose veins are heredity, unbalanced physical activity and bad habits, while varicose veins in women are more often associated with hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, as well as wearing uncomfortable shoes.
Symptoms of varicose veins
The first signs of the disease may not be felt physically, but appear only externally in the form of vessels of dark blue and purple color shining through the skin, spider veins and spider veins, vein protrusions above the skin surface in the form of twisted cords.
Signs of the next stage of varicose veins are expressed in the form of discomfort and pain, pulsations, burning or cramps in the legs are observed, there are feelings of heaviness and swelling of the lower extremities, itching in the area of the affected vessel.
Complications of varicose veins
Varicose veins can have serious consequences, cause discomfort and be life-threatening. These include:
- trophic eczema or skin ulcer in the area of the affected vein, preceded by skin bleaching;
- deep vein thrombosis, caused by a blood clot from smaller superficial veins;
- pulmonary embolism due to blood clots leaking from the veins of the lower extremities into the bloodstream;
- Rupture of the varicose vein accompanied by profuse bleeding that is difficult to stop.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
Vein problems are treated by phlebologists, but for an accurate diagnosis other specialists are involved: angiologist, dermatologist, nutritionist, endocrinologist and, if surgery is required, a vascular surgeon.
At the initial consultation, the phlebologist clarifies the symptoms, when they appeared and how often they recur, and also asks about similar problems in other family members. In addition, it is important for the doctor to know the patient's lifestyle and habits.
After a complete examination of the lower extremities, and especially the offending area, the phlebologist can refer the patient to further examinations: ultrasound, phlebography (X-ray of the veins), phlebomanometry (measurement of blood pressure in the veins), three-dimensional computed tomography, phleboscintigraphy (assessment of thevenous blood flow by intravenous administration of radioisotope-labeled albumin molecules).
In advanced stages or in the event of complications, dopplerography (color duplex angioscanning) is considered the most accurate method. It allows you to assess the nature of blood flow, the condition of the valves and deep veins, detect the backflow of blood and the presence of blood clots.
Only an accurate diagnosis enables the doctor to create an optimal treatment plan.
Treatment of varicose veins
Therapy is aimed at identifying and minimizing the influence of disease-causing factors, as well as eliminating the consequences and preventing complications.
There are three treatment approaches for varicose veins: conservative, minimally invasive and radical surgery.
Conservative treatment of varicose veins includes:
- The use of ointments, gels and tablets based on phlebotonics - substances that improve the tone of the veins, the condition of their walls, blood circulation, relieve swelling and discomfort. An effective drug from this group against varicose veins is Detralex, which contains five plant components that have a beneficial effect on the condition of the venous vessels. The drug is available in two forms: tablets and oral suspension.
- Wearing compression underwear, which creates optimal pressure in the problem areas of the legs, prevents the veins from expanding and maintains the elasticity of the vessel wall.
- Depending on the case, diet therapy can be aimed at weight loss, strengthening of the vascular walls, prevention of edema and normalization of stool. Not only the diet itself is important, but also a specific diet, as well as the optimal amount of 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 normalize weight and improves the mental state of the patient. Sports with varicose veins require compliance with safety precautions. Especially during exercise, you need to wear compression underwear and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and increased blood viscosity. Prolonged static loads and heavy lifting are also prohibited. After training, it is recommended to lie on your back with your legs raised to ensure the outflow of blood from the veins.
Non-invasive methods of removing varicose veins include laser treatment (laser exposure) and radiofrequency ablation (radiofrequency current exposure). As a result, the walls of the vessel are soldered, and the vein soon dissolves.
Sclerotherapy is also performed: a sclerosant is injected into the affected vein - a special substance that causes its blockage. This diverts blood flow to the nearest healthy vessel and the problematic vein will disappear over time. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, with subsequent mandatory wearing of compression underwear.
In severe cases of varicose veins, phlebectomy 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 the methods of "soldering" and there is a high risk of disease recurrence.
In order to prevent varicose veins in the future, after the operation it is necessary to normalize the diet, give up bad habits, take drugs prescribed by the doctor to thin the blood and strengthen blood vessels, and do therapeutic exercises.
Prevention of varicose veins
It includes physical activity (swimming, walking, cycling, light jogging, aerobics), compliance with a drinking regime, avoidance of bad habits, tight-fitting clothing, high-heeled shoes, regular warm-up during sedentary work, if prescribed by a doctor, wearing compression stockings. In addition, it is important to monitor general health in order to timely identify and treat diseases that can provoke varicose veins.
At the first suspicion of a problem with the vessels, you should contact specialists for a diagnosis and a timely start of treatment.