This is a deformation and disruption of the normal function of the veins in the legs.In the normal state, the blood in the veins moves from bottom to top;This is achieved by contractions of the heart, the coordinated work of the elastic vascular walls, the muscles surrounding the vessel and the venous valve.This valve allows blood to flow upward and prevents it from flowing in the opposite direction.When an injury occurs, the vessel walls expand, the valve gap diverges, and some of the blood can move in the opposite direction, creating a countercurrent that expands the vessel walls even further and weakens the valve.Varicose veins appear.The disease is very common in people over 30 years of age, with women most commonly affected.
Causes and prevention of varicose veins of the lower extremities
In most cases, the causes of varicose veins lie in a sedentary lifestyle: we spend a long time in a static position (especially sitting) and do not put enough strain on our muscles.The following risk factors may also have an impact:
- clothing that is too tight (pants, socks),
- uncomfortable shoes (especially high heels),
- Disturbances in the hormonal balance,
- frequent hot baths, sauna visits,
- prolonged heavy physical activity, heavy lifting,
- Obesity.
The most important way to prevent varicose veins is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.Even if you have a sedentary job, try not to sit motionless for several hours in a row: stand up, stretch your legs, walk more;And don't forget about a balanced diet, which, together 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 studied, and there are even a number of studies that refute it.
Symptoms
The disease can develop very slowly: years or even decades.The symptoms of the initial stage are diverse, but for convenience they are combined into a specific complex under the general feeling of heaviness in the legs:
- tiredness in the legs without serious exercise,
- painful veins,
- nighttime leg cramps,
- Drawing feeling in the legs.
If you do not follow the symptoms of varicose veins in the initial stages, the vein will become more and more deformed.Swelling of the feet and ankles occurs in the evening and disappears in the morning;Spider veins become visible and then swollen veins and nodules can be felt on them.If you do not consult a specialist at this time, in addition to the obvious deterioration in quality of life and obvious pain, there is also a risk of skin pigmentation and trophic ulcers.The further progression of varicose veins entails complications such as bleeding from the venous nodes and the risk of such a serious disease as thrombosis, which can be fatal without consulting a specialist.
diagnosis
The diagnosis of varicose veins is quite simple: it involves an interview, examination of the patient and an ultrasound scan, which shows the affected area of the vein and the extent of damage in order to select the optimal treatment.If for some reason (for example, if damaged veins are deep), the ultrasound does not provide all the necessary information, the specialist conducts an additional examination - phlebography - an injection of a contrast agent into the vein, which, under X-rays, shows the smallest changes in the vein along the blood flow.
Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities
Non-surgical treatment of varicose veins (special physical exercises, massage, wearing compression clothing, taking medications to strengthen the vascular walls) helps only in the initial stages.Unfortunately, very few patients currently turn to a specialist.Perhaps due to the widespread nature of the disease, many either rely on traditional methods of treatment, the effectiveness of which has not been proven, wasting precious time, or resign themselves to the expansion of the veins to the point of unbearable pain syndrome, which indicates an advanced stage.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins, like any other surgical procedure, requires a highly qualified team of doctors to treat the patient.Finally, there may be serious contraindications to the operation.Therefore, entrust your health only to experienced specialists in well-equipped medical centers.
For our patients, we are ready to offer all known, clinically proven treatment methods: from conservative (non-surgical) to surgical.The most effective include:
- Laser coagulation (removal by laser, i.e. by thermal action of areas with dilated vessels) – this method is suitable for small vessels and for removing spider veins near the surface of the skin;
- Sclerosis (injection of a special substance into a vein that safely blocks it) - this method is only suitable for peripheral, small vessels;
- Phlebectomy is the surgical removal of the affected area of a vein, used in advanced stages of the disease in large veins;
- Radiofrequency coagulation.
The choice of treatment method depends on many factors (extent of varicose veins, patient's condition, contraindications to manipulation).Specialists try to inform the patient in as much detail as possible about their condition, respond to requests and decide on a treatment method that is appropriate to the specific situation.