Varicose veins, or more precisely, varicose veins, is a disease that only affects the venous system.Many consider it a selective foot disease.
But varicose veins occur not only in the lower legs, but also in the pelvis.At the same time, it manifests itself as hemorrhoids, varicocele (dilated testicular veins) or masquerading as various gynecological diseases.Esophageal varicose veins with cirrhosis of the liver cause many problems 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 by the tissues to the heart, so that the heart sends it to receive oxygen to the lungs.The outflow 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 his time in an upright position, the veins must overcome the force of gravity and prevent blood stagnation.To do this, they have a muscular skeleton and valves on the inner shell.
Varicose veins are the result of venous insufficiency.Violation of the wall structure leads to a loss of elasticity and a decrease in tone.A moist valve cannot retain blood, and excess sedimentation (pooling) occurs in distant areas of the body.
Due to the slowness of blood flow, favorable conditions are created for platelets to stick together and form blood clots.The situation becomes dangerous, because blood clots can break at any time and enter important blood vessels and cause tissue necrosis.
Another complication is the development of infection in the weakened vein wall (phlebitis).This leads to more negative symptoms.
Signs of varicose veins are present in every fifth woman and every tenth man.
The causes of this disease are conventionally divided into primary and secondary varicose veins.
- Primary lesions are associated with disturbances in the structure of the vein wall.
- In the secondary case, 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 (birth control pills, steroid drugs);
- heavy physical activity;
- forced long-term work positions while standing;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- pregnancy;
- smoking;
- leg injury
Taking into account the listed factors that contribute to this disease, it is possible to determine the risk group, which will include future patients with varicose veins, regardless of age:
- professions that require a long period of standing (salesperson, teacher, hairdresser);
- stationary position of the body (transport driver, sitting in front of 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, belts, belts - any constriction helps to slow down the outflow of blood;
- the habit of sitting cross-legged for a long time blocks the superficial veins of the lower legs, promoting stagnation;
- the passion for alcoholic drinks and coffee causes dehydration of the body, thus the blood thickens and slows down the flow through the channels.
Disease symptoms
With varicose veins, the most "unfavorable" blood circulation conditions are created in the peripheral tissues.Therefore, varicose veins of the legs are the most common manifestation of the disease.
- Pain and fatigue in the legs occur at the end of the working day.
- Burning sensation.
- Cramps when walking or at night.
- Swelling of the feet in the evening, the patient notices that their usual shoes are too tight.
- The appearance of "vascular spiders" on the legs.
- Darkness and dryness 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 "visible" symptoms indicates progressive vascular damage.
Treatment
Therapy for varicose veins cannot rid the patient of this disease, but it will help prevent severe complications and slow down the further development of the disease.
What habits do you need to break?
In the treatment of varicose veins, ask yourself the question: "What do you need to change in your normal life?"The following tips will help you:
- stop visiting bath houses, steam rooms, hot showers are contraindicated for you;
- limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages and strong beer;
- stop smoking gradually;
- control 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;
- Get used to rinsing your feet with cold water after showering, at night, and while relaxing at home, throw your feet on a pillow.
Motor mode
Given the risk factors, it is necessary for people in "dangerous" professions to relax with a foot massage: drivers get out of the car for a walk, hairdressers sit on a chair and massage their feet from bottom to top with light stroking movements.
It is necessary to walk as much as possible, the work of the leg muscles promotes the outflow of blood.
Morning exercises should include exercises lying on your back by lifting your legs, pulling your toes towards you and tensing the arches of your feet.
Recommended sports include swimming and cycling.
Diet
The choice of food for varicose veins is associated with the need to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, limiting spicy and salty foods that retain fluid.
You should limit fatty meat in any form, spicy seasonings, smoked foods, butter, cheese, mayonnaise, sweets and carbonated drinks.
Introduce vegetables and fruits, grains, dairy products, green or herbal tea, vegetable oil, onion and garlic into your daily diet.
Conservative way
To support venous blood flow, it is recommended to wrap the leg from the toes to the middle of the thigh.It is easier to wear special compression stockings.They are sold in pharmacy chains and have sizes.The doctor will help you choose knee socks.
Any advertised medicine or ointment has an effect only in the early stages of the disease, when a person notices increased fatigue in the legs.The doctor will recommend the most modern and effective medicine.On a "visual" level, its use is practically useless.
Phlebologists treat varicose veins.They believe that about 95% of cases can be compensated using low-traumatic methods, only 5% require surgical intervention.
Low traumatic method to treat varicose veins
This procedure requires no skin incisions at all or involves small incisions.They are performed on an outpatient basis and are painless.The patient does not experience any restrictions and can do normal work.
Laser ablation
Under local anesthesia, a light guide is carefully inserted into the varicose area, and the circle laser is turned on during the reverse movement.The procedure takes up to two hours.The laser beam causes deep skin burns with advanced sclerosis.Used to treat veins of any diameter.
Sclerotherapy
The patient is injected into the affected vessel with a substance that causes the wall to collapse and then sclerosis.Currently, the clinic uses 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 socks for another month.
Microphlebectomy
After local anesthesia, a small skin incision is made (no more than a few mm), the diseased vein is grabbed with a special hook, brought out and removed.You can produce ships of any size this way.Bruising will be visible at the incision site for a few days after the procedure.Small scars 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 radiofrequency exposure is inserted into the varicose vein area.It is believed that it does not cause burns and is safe for the surrounding tissue.After half an hour of exposure, the lumen of the vessel is "sealed".After only one week, you are allowed to play sports.
Surgical treatment
Surgery to remove enlarged veins or entire bundles is called phlebectomy.It requires hospitalization.General anesthesia is used.Two skin incisions are made (in the groin and below the knee).Surface branches are tied.The whole vein is taken out and cut.After the operation, the patient must be observed in the hospital for about a week.The condition of the stitches after the operation is monitored, drugs are prescribed that slow blood clotting to prevent blood clots.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 surgical site;
- oncological diseases;
- pregnancy;
- atherosclerosis of blood vessels in the lower part of the leg;
- severe form of diabetes.
Traditional treatment methods
Traditional methods are best used in the early stages of the disease in combination with drugs.
Hirudotherapy (the use of leeches) is an old proven method.Enzymes secreted by leeches into the blood help relieve inflammation and tighten blood vessel walls.
Herbal decoctions and tinctures are recommended for use in the form of compresses on varicose veins.For this, the following are used: chamomile flowers, calendula, St. wort.John's wort, yarrow, wormwood leaves, horse chestnut, burdock.It is recommended to take walnuts and garlic internally.
Treatment options for varicose veins are a matter for an experienced surgeon.Seeing a doctor on time and following the recommendations will help prevent serious consequences of this disease.