Varicose veins of the lower extremities, also called varicose veins, manifest as dilation of the superficial veins of the legs, which accompanies a disturbance in blood flow and valve incompetence.Currently, varicose veins are very common: they are observed in approximately 17-25% of people.At a young age, before the onset of puberty, this disease develops in both sexes with equal frequency.However, in women in adulthood, varicose veins are observed twice as often as in men.This situation can be explained by significant hormonal changes during the beginning of menstruation, during pregnancy.As a result, the tone of the veins weakens, they expand and venous circulation is disturbed.
Factors that predispose to varicose veins
Today, experts tend to support many theories that indicate why varicose veins develop in the legs.But, nevertheless, speaking about the main cause of this disease, it should be noted a violation of the valve apparatus of the veins.When the vein valves are insufficient in a person who has stood up, blood flows downward under the influence of gravity.When walking, the leg muscles that surround the deep veins contract.Consequently, the veins become empty and an increase in venous pressure occurs.As a result, blood enters the superficial veins, they stretch and varicose veins appear.
There are several factors that directly affect the progression of varicose veins.In women, varicose veins often develop as a result of pregnancy.During this period, the volume of blood in the female body increases significantly.The enlarged uterus puts a lot of pressure on the veins that come out of the legs.Also, during pregnancy, the condition of the vein wall is affected by hormonal changes in the body.In many cases, varicose veins during pregnancy are reversible, that is, after childbirth they gradually disappear.
Often, varicose veins of the lower extremities appear in people who are forced to stand for a long time while working.Another risk factor for varicose veins is obesity: obese people have increased intra-abdominal pressure and, consequently, dilation of the veins.Often, veins also dilate in people prone to regular exertion.This happens with chronic constipation, cough, prostate adenoma and other conditions.Sometimes varicose veins can be the result of leg surgery.
Another factor that predisposes to varicose veins is the person's age.Typically, valves and vein walls age over time.As a result, elasticity is lost and the veins stretch.Varicose veins often occur in patients suffering from deep vein thrombosis and congenital blood vessel anomalies.
Symptoms of developing varicose veins in the legs
First of all, the visible symptoms of varicose veins on the legs are the appearance of a network of fine veins on the surface of the skin of the legs.Such manifestations occur mainly in the thigh region.These varicose veins are easier to detect in people who suffer from cellulite.Sometimes it is cellulite that becomes a kind of harbinger of varicose veins.Often, fat deposits due to cellulite compress the venous vessels, as a result of which blood flow is complicated and varicose veins occur.
In some cases, swelling in the legs indicates the appearance of varicose veins.However, such a sign may be a symptom of other diseases (heart failure, renal urolithiasis).Therefore, in this case, it is impossible to speak clearly about the development of varicose veins before making the diagnosis.A symptom of varicose veins is often pain in the legs.The pain can be sharp and also present with uncomfortable symptoms.The most common symptom of varicose veins is pain in the calves.It occurs mainly in the afternoon, after some load on the legs.There may be a feeling of strong heaviness in the legs, cramps may occur at night, and trophic changes gradually appear in the legs.
Therefore, anyone who notices the appearance of a capillary network, periodic manifestations of pain and swelling should consult a doctor and undergo the necessary tests.There are several different tests that allow you to assess the condition of the veins and the degree of development of the disease.If a patient has uncomplicated varicose veins, in most cases instrumental diagnostic methods will not be used.
Varicose vein treatment principles
Conservative treatment of varicose veins is prescribed mainly for people who have clear contraindications to surgical intervention.Furthermore, this treatment is indicated if the patient has mild varicose veins, which is a purely cosmetic defect.
The aim of conservative therapy is also to prevent the progression of this disease.To this end, patients are recommended to bandage the legs affected by varicose veins with an elastic bandage.Furthermore, compression garments are recommended for varicose veins.
People who are prone to varicose veins or who already suffer from this disease should regularly place their legs on an elevated surface throughout the day, resting for several minutes.There are also special exercises for the leg and foot, which aim to activate the muscle-venous pump.This is the periodic extension and flexion of the ankle and knee joints.
Treatment of varicose veins also involves wearing comfortable shoes, which should have low heels and hard soles.You should not stand for a long time, allow physical stress or remain in environments with high temperature and humidity for a long time.It is advisable to keep your legs elevated while sleeping.
Patients should limit fluid and salt intake and try to lose excess weight.To treat varicose veins, it is necessary to periodically take diuretics, medications that improve the tone of the veins.Additionally, if indicated, the patient may be prescribed medications that stimulate microcirculation in tissues.Treatment for varicose veins may also include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.If the patient presents an uncomplicated form of the disease, physiotherapeutic exercises are indicated.Swimming, other water treatments, footbaths with warm water, to which a 5-10% sodium chloride solution is added, are very useful.
However, the radical method of treating varicose veins is surgery.This operation is not performed if the patient has concomitant diseases of the lungs, cardiovascular system, kidneys or liver.This operation should not be performed on pregnant women, as well as people suffering from purulent diseases.Modern technologies allow the use of endoscopic techniques for such an operation.If a person only has small dilated branches, sclerotherapy may be used.This operation involves injecting a sclerosing solution into the vein to seal the vein walls.After this, repeated injections are made into other sections of the vein, achieving complete obliteration of the vein.
Combined surgical therapy is also used for varicose veins, in which large trunks of altered veins are removed and sclerotherapy of small branches is performed.After surgery, it is recommended that patients continue using an elastic bandage for 8 to 12 weeks.
Prevention of varicose veins in the legs
Prevention of varicose veins includes a series of measures aimed at preventing signs of the disease.It is useful for everyone to periodically keep their legs elevated, take breaks during sedentary work and not wear underwear that puts stress on the body.A good method to prevent varicose veins would be to take a contrast shower, include foods that are good for the blood in your diet and do some physical exercise.At the first signs of varicose veins, you should consult a doctor to prevent the progression of the disease.