Varicose veins of the legs are one of the most common diseases in the world and occur in one in five people, according to the WHO. Pathology of venous vessels of the lower extremities is associated with dysfunction of intravenous valves, dilation of vessels and thinning of their walls. This causes backflow of blood and stagnation in the arteries. The patient's movements become difficult, pain syndrome develops, ability to work and quality of life decreases.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are caused by many factors. Therefore, the disease requires an accurate diagnosis and competent treatment, selected individually for each patient.
In the absence of timely therapy, isolated blood clots can lead to dangerous complications, disability, disability and even death.
Causes of varicose veins
The blood in the arteries moves rapidly towards the heart. The muscles of the lower extremities are responsible for this, as well as the intravenous valves that prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction. When the valves fail, the blood flows against the movement, the pressure in the arteries increases and dilates. As a result, the venous wall becomes thinner and the blood spreads through it to the surrounding tissues, causing swelling and pain in the lower extremities.
Factors predisposing to varicose veins include:
- heredity;
- overweight, intense physical exercise, excessive load on the lower extremities due to weight bearing;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- pulling or squeezing the vessels of the lower extremities (tight clothing, bandages, sports equipment: expanders, elastic bandages);
- long and regular work sitting or standing without changing body position and regular rest;
- Regular wearing of high-heeled shoes;
- pregnancy and menopause;
- chronic diseases (constipation, diabetes, kidney and cardiovascular diseases).
The main factors in varicose veins in men are heredity, unbalanced physical activity and bad habits, while in women varicose veins are more often associated with hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, wearing uncomfortable shoes.
Symptoms of varicose veins
The first signs of the disease may not be physically noticeable, but appear in the form of dark blue and purple veins, which are transparent through the skin, spider veins and spider veins, in the form of bulges of blood vessels above the surface of the skin. from twisted cords.
Symptoms of the next stage of varicose veins manifest in the form of discomfort and pain, pulsation, burning or spasms in the legs, heaviness and swelling in the lower extremities, itching in the affected area. ship.
Complications of varicose veins
Varicose veins can have serious consequences, anxiety and can be life threatening. These include:
- trophic eczema or skin ulcer in the area of the affected vessel before bleaching of the skin;
- deep vein thrombosis caused by blood clotting from small superficial vessels;
- pulmonary embolism due to blood clotting entering the bloodstream from the vessels of the lower extremities;
- rupture of a varicose vein accompanied by heavy bleeding that is difficult to stop.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
Phlebologists deal with vascular problems, but other specialists are involved to make an accurate diagnosis: an angiologist, a dermatologist, a nutritionist, an endocrinologist and, if necessary, a vascular surgeon.
At the initial consultation, the phlebologist clarifies the symptoms, when they appear and how often they recur, and asks if other family members have similar problems. In addition, it is important for the physician to know the patient's lifestyle and habits.
After a complete examination of the lower extremities and the area of particular concern, the phlebologist may refer the patient for additional examinations: ultrasound, phlebography (vascular radiography), phlebomanometry (measurement of vascular blood pressure), three-dimensional computed tomography, phleboscintigraphy (radioisotope-labeled albumin molecules)flow assessment).
Dopplerography (color duplex angioscanning) is considered the most accurate method in the advanced stages or with complications. This allows you to assess the nature of blood flow, the condition of the valves and deep veins, determine the reverse flow of blood and the presence of blood clots.
Only an accurate diagnosis will allow the doctor to develop an optimal treatment plan.
Treatment of varicose veins
Therapy aims to identify and minimize the impact of the factors that cause the disease, as well as to eliminate the consequences and prevent complications.
There are three approaches to treating 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 vessels, the condition of the walls, blood circulation, eliminate swelling and discomfort. An effective drug from this group for varicose veins is Detralex, which contains five plant components that have a beneficial effect on the condition of venous vessels. The drug is available in two forms: tablets and oral suspension.
- Wearing compression underwear that creates optimal pressure in the problem areas of the legs prevents varicose veins and maintains the tone of the vessel wall.
- Dietary therapy, depending on the specific situation, can be aimed at weight loss, strengthening the walls of venous vessels, prevention of edema and normalization of stool. Not only sound diet but his alertness and dedication too are most required.
- Physiotherapy is needed to improve blood circulation, increase the tone of muscles and blood vessels in the legs, and eliminate venous stasis. In addition, physical activity helps to normalize weight and improves the psychological state of the patient. Sports with varicose veins require adherence to safety measures. In particular, wear compression underwear and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and increased blood viscosity during exercise. Long-term static loads and lifting of heavy loads are also prohibited. After exercise, it is recommended to lie on your back with your legs raised to allow blood to flow out of the veins.
Non-invasive methods of varicose vein removal include laser treatment (laser exposure) and radiofrequency ablation (exposure to high-frequency current). As a result, the walls of the vessel are soldered and the vessel is soon dissolved.
Sclerotherapy is also performed: a sclerosant is injected into the affected vein - a special substance that causes its blockage. As a result, blood flow is directed to the nearest healthy vessel, and the problem vessel disappears over time. The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting, after which the compression underwear is worn.
In severe cases of varicose veins, phlebectomy is performed - the operation of partial or complete removal of the damaged vessel. Such a radical approach is recommended in cases where the patient has contraindications to "soldering" methods, as well as a high risk of recurrence of the disease.
To prevent varicose veins in the future after surgery, it is necessary to normalize the diet, give up bad habits, take medications prescribed by a doctor to dilute the blood and strengthen the arteries, and do therapeutic exercises.
Prevention of varicose veins
These include sports (swimming, walking, cycling, jogging, aerobics), adherence to a drinking regimen, avoidance of bad habits, tight clothing, high-heeled shoes, regular warm-ups during sedentary work. compression stockings worn by a doctor. In addition, it is important to monitor the general state of health in order to identify and treat diseases that can provoke varicose veins in a timely manner.
At the first suspicion of a vessel problem, you should contact a specialist to begin diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner.