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 the blood vessels with the formation of venous insufficiency, lumen expansion, congestion, which are accompanied by a 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 pathology is called congenital weakness of the connective tissue. In second place are hormonal changes, which is why women are diagnosed with varicose veins more often. A long static sitting or standing position plays an important role, while the longer the legs, the more serious the situation. Extra pounds also cause increased pressure in the veins of the lower extremities, 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 leg veins are risk factors for varicose veins.
Symptoms and clinical manifestations
Signs of varicose veins on the legs in women and men have no fundamental differences. This is a staged disease, the symptoms of which correlate with the stage of development of the pathological process.
The first stage is characterized by minor clinical manifestations: the veins barely protrude above the skin surface, the dermis is slightly hyperemic, heaviness in the legs, the nightly pastiness of the legs and ankles begins to bother, it is possible that seizures occur. Such symptoms of varicose veins are especially painful for women from an aesthetic point of view. Visual signs are often preceded by pain.
At the second stage, the clinical picture takes on a typical appearance: the leg veins protrude in relief above the skin surface, are well palpable and resemble knots. If the pathological process progresses, the veins of the lower extremities acquire tortuous shapes, a bluish-purple hue, sometimes turning 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, they begin to itch, secondary flora joins, pyodermal layers, dermatitis, eczema.
The fourth stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities is the most serious in terms of symptoms: the skin above the protruding veins is inflamed, nearby 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?
Varicose vein leg pain is treated by a phlebologist, but a vascular surgeon can also make 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, it is not possible to make an accurate diagnosis. 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, at the first appointment. The choice of the appropriate therapy depends on the stage of the pathology.
treatment characteristics
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: dosage, regular physical activity, minimization of static load on the legs, exercise therapy, wearing compression stockings, wearing elastic bandages - conservative therapy involves the appointment of phlebotonics at base of flavonoids diosmin and hesperidin. , horse chestnut extract.
Very often, ingestion is combined with the external therapy of the same name for varicose veins. According to doctors and patients, the combination of capsules and gel 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 break in disease progression and relieve 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 and spasms it.
The patient is placed in a compression stocking, which is designed to keep the vessel in this state. Within three days, the walls of the veins stick together, the vessel is disconnected from the usual blood flow and empties. You must wear compression stockings for at least a month, sometimes two. Treatment efficacy criteria - adhesions formed.
Compression sclerotherapy is performed if varicose veins are not complicated by reverse blood flow from deep to superficial vessels through the communicating veins. If such reflux is present, the efficiency of the process 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 even here it is important to consult a doctor in time, since relapses often occur in the later stages. Varicose veins are operated on with different techniques: microsurgery, radiofrequency and laser coagulation of deformed veins.
In the early stages, photocoagulation or laser removal of spider veins 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 miniphlebectomy technique. If varicose veins are complicated by venous thrombosis, secondary infection, an operation is performed.
What can be done with varicose veins on 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 with the restoration of normal blood flow. To do this, balance the diet, including cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, greens, citrus fruits, apples, peaches, cherries, strawberries, gooseberries and gooseberries in 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 varicose veins in the form of compresses. The effect is guaranteed by lycopene, an antioxidant in the fruit pulp, 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 at night, dissolving two teaspoons of the product in a glass of water. Externally: clean varicose veins with a cotton swab soaked in vinegar to relieve itching and pain.
Compresses are made with honey, applying a sterilized napkin with the product in the area of the varicose veins for a couple of hours under the film. Wear cabbage leaves whipped with vegetable oil under a bandage at night. The course is one month.
Prevention
The prevention of varicose veins has two objectives: to prevent the appearance 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.
It is not necessary to wear tight clothes, socks, socks, stockings with a tight elastic band, cross your legs while sitting. Women are encouraged to give up high heels.
At night take cold foot baths, you can pour cold water on your feet in the morning. It is necessary to give up bad habits, master acupressure - rub the skin of the lower extremities 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.