Varicose veins or varicose veins are pathological changes in the veins associated with their saccular dilation, increase in length, formation of convolutions and nodules, leading to valve failure and impaired blood flow. Varicose veins are one of the most common blood vessel problems.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins is a pathology of veins based on a violation of the valvular apparatus of blood vessels with the formation of venous insufficiency, lumen expansion, congestion, which is accompanied by constant pastosity of tissues.
The main causes of pathology
Varicose veins in the legs have different causes and symptoms that show slight gender differences. The most common main trigger of pathology is called congenital weakness of connective tissue. In second place are hormonal changes, so women are more likely to be diagnosed with varicose veins. A long static sitting or standing position plays a role, the longer the legs, the more serious the situation. Extra pounds also lead to an increase in pressure in the veins of the lower extremities, as well as a lack of physical activity. Smoking, pregnancy, concomitant diseases, tight underwear, shoes, heels, everything that leads to stagnation of blood circulation in the veins of the legs are risk factors for varicose veins.
Symptoms and clinical manifestations
Signs of varicose veins in the legs in women and men do not have any 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 surface of the skin, the dermis is slightly hyperemic, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, evening pastosity of the legs and ankles begins to bother, convulsions are possible. Such symptoms of varicose veins are especially painful for women from an aesthetic point of view. Often the visual signs are preceded by pain.
In the second stage, the clinical picture takes on a typical appearance: the veins on the legs protrude in relief above the skin surface, are easily palpable and resemble knots. As the pathological process progresses, the veins of the lower extremities acquire tortuous forms, a bluish-purple 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, puffiness and spasms often appear, the legs become covered with a rash, begin to itch, secondary flora closeson, 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, nearby tissues are involved in the process, trophic ulcers open, pain in the legs with varicose veins is permanent, theAddition of a secondary infection provokes thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, urgent hospitalization is required, complex treatment.
Which doctor should I contact?
Pain in the legs with varicose veins 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 full 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 will be announced by the doctor immediately at the first appointment. The choice of adequate therapy depends on the stage of the pathology.
Features of the treatment
The therapy of varicose veins is based on the "three pillars": drug treatment, minimally invasive techniques, surgical classics.
Conservative therapy
In addition to the mandatory general recommendations for varicose veins: dosed, regular physical activity, minimizing static loads on the legs, exercise therapy, wearing compression stockings, using elastic bandages - conservative therapy involves the appointment of phlebotonics based on flavonoids diosmin and hesperidin , horse chestnut extract.
Ingestion is usually combined with the external varicose vein therapy of the same name. 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 halt in the progression ofdisease and relief of symptoms.
compression sclerotherapy
The essence of a minimally invasive technique for treating varicose veins is the introduction of a special medicinal sclerosant into the dilated vein. Through a syringe, the doctor injects a foamy solution into the vein, which fills the deformed vessel and spasms it.
A compression stocking is put on the patient to keep the vessel in this condition. Within three days, the vein walls stick together, the vessel is shut off from the usual blood flow and empties itself. You need to wear compression stockings for at least a month, sometimes two. Criteria for the effectiveness of treatment - formed adhesions.
Compression sclerotherapy is performed when varicose veins are not complicated by reverse blood flow from deep vessels to superficial ones through communicating veins. If such a reflux is present, the efficiency of the process approaches zero.
surgery
Surgery was and is the most reliable and effective method of treating varicose veins, regardless of whether there is reverse blood flow in the veins. But here, too, it is important to see a doctor in good time, as relapses often occur later on. Varicose veins are operated on using various techniques: microsurgical, radiofrequency and laser coagulation of deformed veins.
At the initial stage, photocoagulation or removal of spider veins with a laser is effective. In 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 technique of less invasive miniphlebectomy. When varicose veins are complicated by venous thrombosis, secondary infection, surgery is performed.
What can be done at home with varicose veins of the legs?
The essence of using folk remedies for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins is to remove toxins from the body and restore normal blood flow. Balanced diet, including cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, greens, citrus fruits, apples, peaches, cherries, cherries, strawberries, gooseberries and currants in daily meals. Be sure to calculate the correct drinking food: 40 ml per kilogram of body weight.
In addition, the properties of green tomatoes are used, which are tied in slices in the form of compresses on the area of \u200b\u200bvaricose veins. The effect is guaranteed by lycopene - an antioxidant in the pulp, which improves the structure of the vascular wall, tightens the veins. Try the juice cleanse: All vegetables that are eaten raw are fine.
Popularly considered a source of minerals and vitamins, apple cider vinegar is taken orally for varicose veins morning and night by dissolving two teaspoons of the product in a glass of water. External: Wipe varicose veins with a swab soaked in vinegar to relieve itching and pain.
Compresses are made with honey, applying a sterile napkin with the product under the foil to the area of \u200b\u200bvaricose veins for several hours. At night, use whipped cabbage leaves with vegetable oil under a bandage. The course lasts one month.
prevention
Preventing varicose veins has two goals: to prevent the onset of the disease and to reduce the number of recurrences. To do this: you can not go to the sauna or take too hot baths, lift weights. It is recommended to exercise a lot, exclude weight training, control weight and minimize the consumption of too spicy and fatty foods.
No need to wear tight clothes, socks, socks, stockings with a tight elastic band, cross your legs while sitting. Women are encouraged to avoid high heels.
At night - take cool foot baths, in the morning you can pour cold water on your feet. It is necessary to give up bad habits, master acupressure: stroke the skin of the lower extremities from bottom to top and in the opposite direction for 10 minutes, minimize stress, avoid overheating, avoid colds, undergo a medical examination.
With varicose veins, it makes sense to go to the pool, go for a walk, take a contrast shower at home and constantly wear compression stockings.