Veins are blood vessels that help bring blood back to the heart. The increased pressure in the superficial veins can lead to the development of varicose veins.
Varicose veins can develop anywhere on the body, but the lower extremities are most commonly affected.
Many factors can increase your risk of developing varicose veins, including:
- heredity
- overweight
- old age
- pregnancy
- work that requires prolonged sitting or standing
Varicose veins can be treated with non-invasive methods, in a short time and without changing your usual rhythm of life. The main objective of treatment is to relieve symptoms, prevent complications and obtain good aesthetic results. Varicose veins are enlarged, can be deformed and cause pain. They are usually elevated above the skin and convex, and also have a red or bluish color.
Varicose veins usually occur through an underlying condition known as chronic venous insufficiency. Varicose veins are very common, especially in women.
predisposition to varicose veins
Varicose veins can occur in men or women of any age. More often occurs:
- women who have had multiple pregnancies
- in postmenopausal women
- in men over 50 years old
- in people of any age who have varicose veins in the family
- in men and women with jobs that require long periods of sitting or standing, such as nurses, teachers, drivers, etc.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins usually develop in the legs because the veins in the legs must pump blood to the heart against gravity.
Less common causes of varicose veins are phlebitis (inflammation of the veins) and congenital anomalies of the veins. Varicose veins are usually caused by a condition called venous insufficiency.
- Venous valves. The veins in the legs have valves that prevent backflow of blood. When the functioning of these valves is disturbed, blood in the veins begins to accumulate and is not fully delivered to the heart.
- Dilated veins. The veins enlarge and the increased pressure leads to the development of varicose veins.
- Weakness of the walls of the veins. In addition, weakness in the walls of the veins (due to trauma or blood clots in the past) can also lead to damage to the valves and the formation of varicose veins.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Many cases of varicose veins are asymptomatic, but visual signs of vein involvement include:
- Large, tortuous and protruding veins
- Swollen ankles, sore feet
- Heaviness in the legs, especially at night
- Telangiectasias (spider veins) in the same area as varicose veins
- Lipodermatosclerosis (hard fat deposits under the skin)
- Change in skin color to bluish or brown in shins and ankles
- Varicose eczema (congestive dermatitis) dry, itchy, red skin in the affected area
- leg cramps
- restless leg syndrome
How to cure varicose veins?
There are several types of treatment for varicose veins. The best treatment will depend on the structure of your venous system:
- Location and size of the affected vein
- Presence or absence of symptoms
- Presence of associated skin changes (e. g. dermatitis, edema, ulceration, etc. )
Treating varicose veins without surgery is a priority. Potentially effective treatments for varicose veins include:
- Sclerotherapy. The introduction of a special drug into the vein, which leads to the bonding of the vessel walls
- Laser ablation Destruction of abnormal veins using radiofrequency, laser, or other techniques
- Miniphlebectomy. Painless surgical treatment of varicose veins
Is it safe to treat varicose veins?
On the Internet, you can often see search queries like "drugs for treating varicose veins, ointment treatment for varicose veins, treating varicose veins at home or treating varicose veins with folk remedies". These methods lack an effective evidence base and self-treatment only delays high-quality therapy and worsens the condition of the veins.
Laser varicose vein treatment is safe and convenient. The advent of minimally invasive therapy in the early 2000s led to a very favorable prognosis and minimal risks for most treatments.
It is important to contact a specialist phlebologist to select an individual treatment plan that will focus on the specific course of your illness.
How to diagnose varicose veins?
- Physical exam. A phlebologist performs a physical exam and takes a complete medical history, taking into account your symptoms and the condition of your venous system.
- Ultrasound exam. To detect venous insufficiency, the doctor will prescribe an ultrasound. A vein ultrasound allows for a complete assessment of your venous system. The doctor will check for blood clots by checking at what level the varicose veins are located.
What happens if varicose veins are not treated?
If you don't experience any symptoms, you can manage the condition of the veins without treatment. However, in some cases, varicose veins can lead to the development of blood clots or venous ulcers (sores that do not heal). Sometimes a varicose vein can rupture and cause severe bleeding. If you have developed varicose veins, a consultation and examination by a phlebologist is recommended.