Varicose veins in the legs- This is not just a cosmetic issue that gives an aesthetic issue. This disease can cause many complications and therefore requires proper treatment.
Varicose veins are a multi-causal pathology. It occurs due to prolonged sitting, hard work, hormonal disorders, pregnancy, congenital genetic disorders of the blood vessel walls. The veins in the legs lose their elasticity, and when blood spills, they stretch, and the valve device starts to work poorly.
Valves are important structural units of veins. Usually, it closes after the blood has passed, not allowing it to flow back into the peripheral channels. Therefore, blood through the veins flows to the heart. When the valve stops working properly, blood flows back into the lower extremity and gets stuck there.
With the blood stasis, the walls of the veins dilate, which further exacerbates the problem. Parts of the valves move away from each other, and the varicose veins in the legs enter the second stage.
Causes of varicose veins
What causes varicose veins and how does it manifest? First, the pathology is related to the genetic disease and the gender of the patient. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with varicose veins because they are constantly experiencing hormonal changes, they have children, and they walk in high heels.
Here is a brief description of the main causes of varicose veins:
- genetic susceptibility. Varicose veins are not directly inherited, but certain structural features of the blood vessels contribute to the development of the pathology. The connective tissue in the vein walls is weakened, and congenital changes in the valves are noted, causing them to close poorly. Since varicose veins in the legs are usually diagnosed in young men and women who actively spend time, there have been cases of children developing the disease. Modern research believes that the cause of this disease is usually related to heredity.
- hormonal reasons. On different days of the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, women experience some endocrine disorders, lower extremities congestion. Special attention needs to be paid to life cycles such as puberty, childbearing, post-birth, menopause, and menopause. Women are advised to check leg veins 2-3 times more often than men. Scientists believe that leg congestion and varicose veins are related to the activity of progesterone. This hormone is produced at the end of the monthly cycle and throughout pregnancy. Estrogen produced during the first half of the cycle prevents varicose veins.
- sedentary work, low physical activity, activities that require prolonged standing. All of these factors can also cause varicose veins in the legs.
- age. Like all organs, the valve devices of veins wear out over time. Therefore, leg varicose veins are more often diagnosed in mature and older adults.
- obesity. The extra weight can significantly increase the pressure on the legs, which can lead to congestion and weakening of the veins.
Secondary varicose veins occur in people with injuries, liver and spleen lesions, and heart defects. When diagnosing such problems, they first treat the underlying pathology and then turn to varicose veins.
stages of varicose veins
With varicose veins on each other's legs, replace three stages in turn:
- compensation. The patient is not worried about anything, a disproportionately large vein in the leg is detected during the physical examination.
- sub compensation. Patient complains of strange sensations in the legs ("ant run", nighttime leg cramps, leg fatigue). At night, ankle swellings show up, in the morning they go away. During the examination, the enlarged veins due to varicose veins are clearly visible.
- decompensated. This stage is characterized by all the features of the previous stage. In addition, dermatitis, eczema, and annoying itching of the skin are also added. On examination, the doctor noticed dryness and radiance of the skin on the legs, as well as binding to fibers. Due to the breakdown of hemosiderin, areas of hyperpigmentation are often seen, and they occur after small hemorrhages.
Varicose veins on the legs develop for a long time, at first it was not considered a dangerous pathology. When decompensation occurs, many complications arise. They should warn patients, as they could end up with disability or even death.
initial symptoms
Initial manifestations of varicose veins in the legs:
- Limbs are always tired
- Edema occurs in the middle or at the end of the day
- Legs often feel heavy
Over time, varicose veins, spider veins that form on the skin, begin to appear and then become denser. These symptoms indicate poor blood flow.
The main signs of progressive varicose veins in the legs
Varicose veins appear differently at different stages. At first, it's just spider veins or protruding veins. Then there are more severe and severe symptoms.
The main manifestations of varicose veins:
- Soreness in the lower extremities, heat in the legs, mainly during the venous process.
- Persistent heaviness.
- The swelling gets worse at the end of the day.
- Convulsions, especially at night.
- The veins are noticeably dilated and they become visible under the skin.
- Dark skin, compacted areas, trophic ulcers.
Treatment should be started immediately if even the first signs of varicose veins are detected. Problems don't go away on their own, they just keep developing.
To better visualize the signs of the initial stages, they can be seen in the photo.
Diagnosis of varicose veins in the legs
To properly diagnose varicose veins in the legs, physicians must not only consider examination data and patient complaints. He specified a series of additional checks to confirm the existence of the problem and determine the stage. Most useful method:
- Dual vein scan (ultrasound). This method allows you to determine how dilated the veins are, where the blood is flowing, and whether there is a blood clot (blood clot) in the lumen.
- Contrast venographyUsing this technique, it is possible to determine the degree of increase in the venous lumen, as well as the characteristics of blood passing through the vessel.
The diagnosis of varicose veins in the legs is the responsibility of the phlebologist. Only experienced and highly qualified specialists can identify lesions in deep vessels.
How the disease progresses and what complications are there
In most cases, varicose veins are complicated by thrombosis and thromboembolism, venous inflammation, and nutritional disturbances. Complications are diagnosed by areas such as changes in skin color, redness (especially along veins), bluishness, hyperpigmentation, and pain.
From the beginning, the ankles and calves start to swell, and this symptom is more pronounced after prolonged standing. Pain during movement occurs in the lower leg, along the course of the vein itself. Seals can be palpated subcutaneously on different parts of the legs; in severe cases, trophic ulcers can be detected.
How to Prevent Varicose Veins
For genetic predisposition or initial manifestations of varicose veins in the legs, some precautions must be taken:
- Shoes should always be comfortable with little or no heels.
- If there is a heavy load, they will bandage the extremities or put on compression underwear, but must consult a doctor first.
- Can not stand or sit for a long time, need to change posture and exercise more.
- Hot baths are contraindicated, especially in the morning. It is best to swim under a contrasting shower.
- Smoking has a great negative effect on blood vessels, and this bad habit must be broken.
The main preventive measure is reasonable physical activity. It is recommended to spend a few extra minutes in the morning exercising, biking, swimming, and walking.
Prevent varicose veins in the legs of pregnant women
During a woman's reproductive years, the likelihood of varicose veins in the legs increases. This phenomenon is related to the following reasons:
- The body's hormonal reshuffling during pregnancy can cause varicose and stagnant veins, and poor blood flow to the legs.
- During the second half of pregnancy, intra-abdominal pressure increases, which makes it difficult for blood to drain from the veins in the lower body.
- Varicose veins in the legs after childbirth either go away completely on their own or start to develop. This is due to personal and genetic factors.
Treatment of varicose veins in the legs
Treatment of leg varicose veins is initiated only when the progression of the main manifestations of the pathology is noted.
Some people go to the doctor for cosmetic defects. The dilated veins on the legs look unsightly and I want to get rid of that nuisance.
The following are effective modern treatments for varicose veins in the lower extremities:
- Sclerotherapy. This technique is used as a stand-alone treatment, or in combination with conservative treatment. A special substance that causes arteriosclerosis is injected into the lumen of the vein with a needle. The veins stop functioning and subside. To achieve this effect, do 3-6 sessions every 7 days. The treatment is complete without scarring and scarring.
- without surgery. Because the leg varicose veins are subcompensated, the clinical symptoms are mild and there is no major discomfort, and the use of compression underwear is recommended. Wear stockings, tights, or tights every day. Underwear compresses the dilated veins, narrows their lumen, improves valve function and blood outflow, and relieves the main symptoms of varicose veins.
- Medications to treat varicose veins. Medication can fight the signs of varicose veins. Medications reduce pain, reduce swelling, and slow down the progression of pathology, but they cannot cure completely and restore vascular function.
- Laser Treatment. Laser therapy is recommended for superficial leg varicose veins. When the laser is applied to the vein, the hardening process begins to develop in it. It then resolves in the same way as the introduction of drugs or surgical excision.
You can prevent varicose veins and their further development with the help of exercise. Quick or moderate walking, special gymnastics, swimming, and water sports are all great help. In this case, jumping, tennis, and weight lifting are contraindicated.
What is viperin
Drugs such as venotonics increase the tone of the smooth muscle of the vein wall. As a result, the elasticity of the blood vessels is preserved and improved, and blood flows out of the lower extremities. The most popular tools in this group:
- A drug that contains flavonoids that act as venom. These substances are considered to be one of the most effective because they do a great job of increasing the tension in the walls of blood vessels.
- French company of medicine. The main active ingredient is bioflavonoids (600 mg). The higher the dose of the drug, the better it will work. The tool reduces the stretch and permeability of blood vessel walls, including capillaries, and also enhances blood outflow.
- The drug includes aescin, the constituents of which are obtained from chestnuts. The release form of the drug is drops and tablets for oral administration. This therapy is not only used to treat varicose veins in the legs. It reduces swelling and pain after injuries, sprains, and is also used for many other ailments.
Most venotonics have complex effects. They affect the entire vascular system and the condition improves significantly after treatment.