Varicose veins, or more precisely, varicose veins, is a disease that affects only the venous system.Many consider it 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 (enlarged testicular veins) or disguises itself as various gynecological diseases.Esophageal varices with cirrhosis of the liver cause a lot of trouble for patients.
Causes of varicose veins
The task of the venous system is to ensure the delivery of blood after the use of useful substances from the tissues to the heart, so that the heart can send it to the lungs to receive oxygen.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 the time in a vertical position, the veins must overcome the force of gravity and prevent blood stagnation.To do this, they have a muscular frame and valves in the inner shell.
Varicose veins are a consequence of venous insufficiency.Violation of the wall structure leads to loss of elasticity and decrease in tone.Sluggish valves are unable to hold blood and excess storage (accumulation) occurs in distant areas of the body.
Due to the slowing down of blood circulation, 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 happens when:
- hereditary predisposition related to the lack of collagen in the body, which ensures the elasticity of the wall, or components for its synthesis;
- endocrine disorders from long-term use of hormonal drugs (contraceptive pills, steroid drugs);
- heavy physical activity;
- forced long-term standing work position;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- pregnancy;
- smoking;
- leg injuries.
Taking into account the listed factors that contribute 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 (salesmen, teachers, hairdressers);
- stationary 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, tennis cause a lot of stress on the legs;
- people who wear tight underwear, stockings with elastic bands, a belt, a belt - any tightness helps to delay blood flow;
- the habit of standing cross-legged for a long period of time blocks the superficial veins of the lower part 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
Varicose veins create the most "unfavorable" conditions for blood circulation in the peripheral tissues.Therefore, varicose veins of 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 while walking or at night.
- Swelling of the feet in the evening, patients notice that their usual shoes are too tight.
- The appearance of "vascular spiders" on the legs.
- Darkening and drying of the skin of the legs and feet.
- Trophic ulcers on the legs.
The signs listed above develop gradually over the years.
The appearance of "obvious" 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 further development of the disease.
What habits will you have to give up?
In the treatment of varicose veins, ask yourself the question: "What should you change in your ordinary life?"The following tips will help you:
- stop visiting the bath, steam room, hot baths are contraindicated for you;
- limit the consumption of strong alcoholic beverages and beer;
- gradually stop smoking;
- check 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;
- Make it a habit to rinse your feet with cold water after showering, at night and while relaxing at home, put your feet up 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 around, hairdressers sit in a chair and massage their feet from bottom to top with light caressing movements.
It is necessary to walk as much as possible, the work of the leg muscles promotes blood flow.
Morning exercise should include exercises lying on your back with leg lifts, pulling your toes towards you and stretching the arch of your foot.
Recommended sports include swimming and cycling.
diets
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.
You should limit fatty meat in any form, spicy spices, smoked foods, butter, cheese, mayonnaise, sweets and carbonated drinks.
Include vegetables and fruits, whole grains, dairy products, green or herbal tea, vegetable oil, onions and garlic in your daily diet.
Conservative means
To support 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 wear special compression socks.They are sold in the pharmacy chain and have sizes.A doctor will help you choose knee 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 medicines.In the "visual" stage, their use is practically useless.
Phlebologists treat varicose veins.They believe that about 95% of cases can be compensated using low-trauma methods, only 5% require surgical intervention.
Low trauma methods of treating varicose veins
These procedures require no skin incision at all 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 shell 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 is not more than one cm.After the procedure, it is recommended to walk for an hour.You will need to wear compression stockings for another month.
Microphlebectomy
After local anesthesia, a small skin incision is made (no more than a few mm), the diseased vein is captured with a special stroke, pulled out and removed.In this way you can remove containers of any size.There will be visible bruising at the incision site for a few 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 the laser, but here a catheter with microwave radio frequency exposure is inserted into the area of varicose veins.It is believed not to cause burns and is safe for surrounding tissue.After half an hour of exposure, the lumen of the ship is "sealed".After just one week, you are allowed to play sports.
Surgical treatment
An operation to remove an enlarged vein or an entire bunch is called a phlebectomy.Requires hospitalization.General anesthesia is used.Two skin incisions are made (in the groin and below the knee).Superficial branches are connected.The entire vein is pulled out and removed.After the operation, the patient should be monitored in the hospital for about a week.The condition of the stitches after the operation is monitored, medications are prescribed that slow down blood coagulation to prevent blood clots.The stitches are removed after 7-10 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 (using leeches) is an old and proven method.The enzyme secreted by leeches in the blood helps to relieve inflammation and tightens the walls of blood vessels.
Herbal decoctions and tinctures are recommended to be used in the form of compresses in the area of varicose veins.For this are used: chamomile flowers, calendula, St. John's wort, yarrow, wormwood leaves, horse chestnut, burdock.It is recommended to consume walnuts and garlic internally.
The choice of treatment for varicose veins is a matter for an experienced surgeon.Seeing the doctor on time and following the recommendations will help prevent serious consequences of the disease.