Varicose veins, or varicose veins, are pathological changes in the veins, accompanied by their saccular expansion, an increase in length, the formation of convolutions and nodular tangles, which leads to valve failure and impaired blood flow. Varicose veins are one of the most common blood vessel problems.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a pathology of the veins, which is based on a violation of the valvular apparatus of blood vessels with the formation of venous insufficiency, expansion of the lumen, congestion, which are accompanied by constant pastiness of the tissues.
The main causes of pathology
Varicose veins in the legs have different causes and symptoms that have slight gender differences. The main common trigger of the disease is called congenital weakness of the connective tissue. In second place are hormonal changes, so women are diagnosed with varicose veins more often. A long static sitting or standing position plays a role, while the longer the legs, the more serious the situation. The extra pounds also cause an increase in pressure in the veins of the lower limbs, as well as a lack of physical activity. Smoking, pregnancy, concomitant pathologies, tight underwear, shoes, heels, everything that causes stagnation of blood circulation in the veins of the legs are risk factors for varicose veins.
Symptoms and clinical manifestations
The signs of varicose veins in the legs in women and men do not have fundamental differences. This is a phased disease, the symptoms of which are related to the stage of development of the pathological process.
The first stage is characterized by minor clinical manifestations: the veins protrude just above the surface of the skin, the dermis is slightly hyperemic, heaviness in the legs, evening pastiness of the legs and ankles begins to discomfort, convulsions are possible. Such symptoms of varicose veins are especially painful for women from an aesthetic point of view. Visual signs are often preceded by pain.
In the second stage, the clinical picture acquires a typical appearance: the veins on the legs protrude in relief above the surface of the skin, are well palpable and resemble knots. If the pathological process progresses, the veins of the lower extremities acquire tortuous forms, a bluish-violet hue, sometimes they turn black.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the legs of the third stage are characterized by the development of complications: trophic disorders appear, the skin resembles parchment, swelling and cramps become common, the legs become covered with a rash, begin to itch, secondary flora joins, pyoderma layers, dermatitis, eczema.
The fourth stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities is the most severe in terms of symptoms: the skin over the protruding veins becomes inflamed, neighboring tissues are involved in the process, trophic ulcers open, pain in the legs with varicose veins is permanent , the addition of a secondary infection causes thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, urgent hospitalization is required, complex treatment.
Which doctor should I contact?
Leg pain with varicose veins is addressed by a phlebologist, but a vascular surgeon can also conduct an initial appointment. It all depends on the severity of the pathology. The phlebologist prescribes conservative therapy or refers to a consultation with a vascular surgeon to decide on the operation.
Without a complete clinical and laboratory examination, an accurate diagnosis cannot be made. Instrumental diagnostic methods help to clarify the stage of the pathology, the duration of the tests is 10 minutes, a maximum of half an hour. The result of the examination is announced by the doctor immediately, on the first appointment. The choice of adequate therapy depends on the stage of the disease.
Characteristics of the treatment
Varicose vein therapy is based on the "three pillars": pharmacological treatment, minimally invasive techniques, operative classics.
Conservative therapy
In addition to the mandatory general recommendations for varicose veins: dosed, regular physical activity, reduction of the static load on the legs, physical therapy, use of compression stockings, use of elastic bandages - conservative therapy involves the appointment of phlebotonics based on flavonoids diosmin and hesperidin, horse chestnut extract.
Most often, ingestion is combined with external therapy of the same name for varicose veins. According to doctors and patients, the combination of capsules and gels is the most effective.
Of course, you should not expect a complete cure from conservative methods, drugs are not able to restore dilated veins, but as a preventive measure, in preparation for surgery, the impossibility of surgical treatment of varicose veins - these drugs guarantee a stopping the progression of the disease and relieving symptoms.
Compression sclerotherapy
The essence of a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of varicose veins is the introduction of a special sclerosing drug into the dilated vein. Through a syringe, the doctor injects a foamy solution into the vein, which fills the deformed vessel, spraying it.
The patient is put on a compression stocking, which is designed to keep the vessel in this state. Within three days, the walls of the veins merge, the vessel is cut off from the usual blood flow and empties. You have to wear compression stockings for at least a month, sometimes two. Criteria for the effectiveness of treatment - formed adhesions.
Compression sclerotherapy is performed if varicose veins are not complicated by the reversal of blood flow from deep to superficial vessels through communicating veins. If such an ebb is present, the efficiency of the procedure tends to zero.
Surgery
Surgery has been and remains the most reliable and effective way to treat varicose veins, regardless of the presence of reverse blood flow in the veins. But here too it is important to consult a doctor in time, as relapses often occur in the later stages. Varicose veins are operated on with different techniques: microsurgery, radiofrequency and laser coagulation of the deformed veins.
In the early stages, photocoagulation or removal of varicose veins with a laser is effective. In the later stages, phlebectomy is indicated: the complete removal of the affected veins. The operation is traumatic, there is a risk of complications, so today doctors are trying to use the less invasive miniflebectomy technique. If varicose veins are complicated by venous thrombosis, secondary infection, an operation is performed.
What can be done with varicose veins of the legs at home?
The essence of using folk remedies for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins is to remove toxins from the body by restoring normal blood flow. To do this, balance your diet, including cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, vegetables, citrus fruits, apples, peaches, cherries, cherries, strawberries, gooseberries and currants in your daily meals. Be sure to calculate the correct drinking diet: 40 ml per kilogram of weight.
In addition, the properties of green tomatoes are used, which are tied in slices to the area of varicose veins in the form of compresses. The effect is guaranteed by lycopene - an antioxidant in the pulp of the fruit, which improves the structure of the vascular wall, tones the veins. You can try the juice treatment - all vegetables eaten raw are suitable.
Apple cider vinegar is popularly considered a source of minerals and vitamins; for varicose veins it is taken orally in the morning and in the evening, dissolving two teaspoons of product in a glass of water. Externally: Clean the varicose veins with a tampon soaked in vinegar to relieve itching and pain.
Compresses are made with honey, applying a sterile napkin with the product to the area of varicose veins for a couple of hours under the film. Use the cabbage leaves beaten with vegetable oil under a bandage overnight. The course is one month.
Prevention
The prevention of varicose veins has two objectives: to prevent the onset of the disease and to reduce the number of relapses. To do this: you can not go to the sauna or take too hot baths, lift weights. It is recommended to move a lot, excluding strength sports, control weight, minimize the consumption of too spicy and fatty foods.
There is no need to wear tight-fitting clothes, socks, socks, stockings with a tight elastic, cross your legs while sitting. Women are encouraged to give up high heels.
At night - do cool foot baths, you can pour cold water on your feet in the morning. It is necessary to give up bad habits, master acupressure: stroke the skin of the lower limbs from the bottom up and in the opposite direction for 10 minutes, minimize stress, avoid overheating, colds, undergo a medical examination.
With varicose veins, it is reasonable to visit the pool, walk, take a contrast shower at home and constantly wear compression stockings.