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 is varicose veins?
Varicose veins is 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 pastosity 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 pathology 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. Extra pounds also provoke an increase in pressure in the veins of the lower extremities, as well as the lack of physical activity. Smoking, pregnancy, concomitant pathologies, tight underwear, shoes, heels, everything that causes stagnation of blood circulation in the veins in 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 fundamental differences. This is a staged disease, the symptoms of which are correlated 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, 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 visual signs are preceded by pain.
At 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-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, swelling and cramps become common, the legs become covered with a rash, begin to itch, secondary flora joins, pyodermic 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, the addition of a secondary infection provokes thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, urgent hospitalization is required, complextreatment.
Which doctor should I contact?
Pain in the legs with varicose veins is dealt with 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, 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 takes 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 adequate therapy depends on the stage of pathology.
Features of treatment
Therapy of varicose veins lies on the "three pillars": drug treatment, minimally invasive techniques, operational classics.
Conservative therapy
In addition to the mandatory general recommendations for varicose veins: dosed, regular physical activity, minimizing static load on the legs, exercise therapy, wearing compression stockings, the 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 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 halt in the progression of the disease and relieve symptoms.
Compression sclerotherapy
The essence of a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of varicose veins is the introduction of a special sclerosant preparation into an enlarged vein. Through a syringe, the doctor injects a foamy solution into the vein, which fills the deformed vessel, spasming 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 stick together, the vessel is turned off from the usual blood flow and becomes empty. You need to wear compression stockings for at least a month, sometimes two. Criteria for the effectiveness of the treatment - formed adhesions.
Compression sclerotherapy is performed if varicose veins are not complicated by reverse blood flow from deep vessels to superficial ones through communicating veins. If such a backflow 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 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: microsurgical, radiofrequency and laser coagulation of deformed veins.
In the initial stages, photocoagulation or removal of spider 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 technique of less invasive miniphlebectomy. If varicose veins are complicated by vein thrombosis, secondary infection, an operation is performed.
What can be done with varicose veins of the legs at home?
The essence of the use of 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, bell peppers, greens, citrus fruits, apples, peaches, cherries, cherries, strawberries, gooseberries, and currants 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 area of 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 that are 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 evening, dissolving two teaspoons of the product in a glass of water. Outwardly: 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 to the area of varicose veins for a couple of hours under the film. Use beaten cabbage leaves with vegetable oil under a bandage at night. The course is a month.
Prevention
Prevention of varicose veins has two goals: 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.
No need 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 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 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, douche at home, and constantly wear compression stockings.