If the leg veins are very large and clearly visible to the naked eye, then that's not something to be proud of (well, not really muscles). However, they don't look as attractive as, say, quadriceps. Therefore, most people tend to hide them. Even the doctors. Which, by the way, is completely false. Because if you have any problems with the condition of the veins and blood vessels, they should be shown to a doctor who specializes in them - a phlebologist. But first, read this article: in it you will learn how to treat varicose veins in the legs, what symptoms it has and what procedures are carried out to eliminate it.
Varicose veins in the legs: symptoms
The symptoms of this disease depend on its stage:
So, in the first stage, the patient is disturbed by a feeling of heaviness in the lower extremities, muscle cramps (most often during sleep), itching or burning, swelling of the legs. Sometimes there is pain in the legs, especially in the area of the veins. There are often telangiectasias.
In the second phase, there are vascular networks and all the symptoms inherent in the first phase, but already more pronounced. In addition, the visibility of the veins is significantly increased: they can be observed even with the naked eye.
The third stage is characterized by all of the above symptoms. At the same time, the swelling becomes almost permanent. Sometimes they can pass in the morning, but at the same time they reappear at night.
In the fourth step, the skin color changes. It can become brownish or even black. Inflammation appears, skin atrophy is possible. In this case, spots of blue or purple tone appear on it.
In the fifth and sixth stages, a trophic ulcer forms: healed and unhealed, respectively.
Leg varicose veins: treatment
Today, the treatment of varicose veins on the legs can be done in several ways:
Laser vein obliteration. This is a high-tech procedure performed with modern equipment - a medical laser device. The device is equipped with a flexible light guide, which is inserted through a puncture or incision into the lumen of the problematic vessel to a certain depth. After that, the phlebologist turns on the device and the tip of the light guide begins to emit a continuous stream of light. The light has such a wavelength that the rays are absorbed by the walls of the veins, as a result, they heat up and weld. Control over the execution of the procedure with the help of an ultrasonic laser allows you to treat varicose veins in the legs with even more precision and efficiency. After a while, the glued veins dissolve. The light guide has a special design, due to which the entire inner circumference of the container is processed immediately. The required duration of treatment is achieved due to the fact that the doctor gradually pulls out the light guide. Laser ablation has an average session duration of 2 to 4. 5 hours, but this inconvenience is offset by the fact that varicose veins can be treated with just one laser ablation session. And since the procedure requires a small incision (no more than 0. 3 cm), there is no need for suturing after the session.
miniphlebectomy. This procedure will also require a puncture or incision (and also no more than 3 mm). It is necessary to extract the affected area of the vein. After that, the phlebologist excises the extracted vein and its ends are compressed. Treating varicose veins of the legs with this procedure does not involve suturing, as the puncture is small - it is usually covered with a plaster cast and bandaged. This is enough for healing.
sclerotherapy. For this procedure, you do not need to make an incision - the session is fully injectable. Using a syringe, a special liquid preparation (or in the form of foam) is injected into the skin, which sticks to the walls of the veins. As in the case of laser vein obliteration, the glued vessel dissolves in the tissues after a while.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins in the legs. This operation is performed with local anesthetics. During the operation, the doctor removes the skin in the area of the removed veins, after which they remove them. Also, the cause of backflow of blood is eliminated simultaneously. After surgical treatment, a rather long recovery period is required, accompanied by mandatory dressings.
It is worth remembering that after all procedures, you must follow certain instructions that the doctor will give after completion. Therefore, it is necessary to abandon any kind of tanning, do not go to the sauna or bath for a few months after treating varicose veins of the legs. It is also forbidden to stand or sit for a long time. A special time to achieve the effectiveness of the procedure, as well as a faster rehabilitation period, is the use of compression underwear. At the same time, just stick to this rule 24 hours a day for the first few days. In the future, compression underwear can only be worn during the day. Incidentally, uncomfortable shoes (high, tight heels) will also need to be abandoned at first. Two or three weeks after the procedure, it is advisable to wear comfortable, roomy shoes.
Causes of varicose veins
One of the main reasons for the appearance and development of varicose veins on the legs, experts call it a genetic predisposition. Therefore, if a person in one of the relatives is diagnosed with varicose veins, the risk of this disease will be significantly higher than in people whose relatives did not suffer from varicose veins. However, there are many other factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins in the legs:
Sedentary lifestyle.
Wearing uncomfortable shoes or high heels.
Delayed leg injuries.
Increased loads: overweight, heavy lifting.
Wrong nutrition.
Pregnancy and childbirth.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Weakened vascular tone.
Taking certain hormonal medications.
Smoking and alcohol abuse.
Diseases of Organs pelvic organs.
Constant stress and emotional tension.
High blood viscosity.
Varicose veins are more common in older people (because vascular tone decreases with age). However, it can also appear in young people up to the age of 30. This disease affects both sexes.
Why do you need to treat varicose veins in the legs
If the elimination of varicose veins in the legs (treatment) is not done in a timely manner, several complications are possible, including a trophic ulcer that does not heal. Later this ulcer can cause gangrene, and this can already be fraught with lower limb amputation and disability. In addition, treatment of any disease is easier to carry out in the early stages of the disease.
Also, do not forget about the possible development of thrombophlebitis. One of the complications of this disease is pulmonary embolism, which can usually be fatal.
Prevention of varicose veins in the legs
A good preventative measure for varicose veins in the legs is to wear compression underwear that can provide even pressure across the entire surface of the legs. It is also recommended to follow other tips:
Do not neglect sports activities: cycling, swimming, walking, etc.
Avoid uncomfortable shoes (especially high heels).
Take a contrast bath.
Also, if you have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins (or other factors), see a phlebologist at least twice a year.