Varicose veins are dilations of the superficial veins of the lower extremities, resulting from valve incompetence and compromised blood flow.In this case, gravity plays a key role here.It has a positive effect on blood circulation in organs located above the heart.If we are talking about the vessels of the lower extremities, gravity has the opposite effect.Under its influence, normal blood flow is disturbed, resulting in stagnation of blood in the veins, thereby causing their deformation.Dilated vessels are usually found in the lower legs and back of the knees.
Currently, approximately every 10 people in the world suffer from varicose veins.Furthermore, women aged between 30 and 60 are more susceptible to this disease.In general, men suffer from varicose veins 4 to 6 times less frequently than women.
Factors that influence the occurrence of varicose veins:
- hereditary predisposition;
- injuries that cause damage to the venous valves (as a result, blood outflow is disturbed);
- great physical activity;
- prolonged stay in an upright position (this is especially true for the category of people with professions that require long periods of standing: teachers, salespeople, surgeons, etc.);
- sedentary lifestyle (leads to blood stagnation);
- excess weight (excessive load on blood vessels);
- increased intra-abdominal pressure (may occur as a result of chronic constipation, chronic cough, prostate adenoma, etc.).
In addition, varicose veins of the lower extremities can occur as a result of wearing tight clothing that puts pressure on the vessels, the habit of frequently sitting with legs crossed, and smoking.
Separately, it is worth mentioning pregnancy.During this period, women often experience varicose veins, but they are often reversible and gradually disappear after giving birth.During pregnancy, varicose veins can occur as a result of fetal pressure on the vessels leading to the legs;increase in the total amount of blood in the body, as well as as a result of the influence of sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) on the state of the vein walls.
Thus, the category of people who suffer most from varicose veins includes pregnant women, the elderly, athletes, people with “standing” professions, people with flat feet, overweight people, as well as those whose close relatives have suffered (or are suffering) from this disease.
Symptoms of varicose veins:
- the appearance of dark blue or purple tortuous veins, as well as spider veins, on the legs;
- brownish spots on the ankles and shins;
- thickening and bulging of the veins;
- periodic cramps in the leg muscles;
- formation of trophic ulcers on the skin of the lower extremities;
- pain, swelling and fatigue in the legs;
- heaviness and burning in the lower extremities.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities occur in four stages:
- Tortuous veins, spider veins and spider veins appear on the skin.Sometimes there is slight swelling in the legs at night.There is no pain or discomfort at this stage.
- Periodically, severe swelling occurs in the ankle and heaviness appears in the legs (more often in the late afternoon and after exercise).At night, the patient suffers cramps in the calf muscles, as well as chills, numbness and tingling.
- The swelling of the legs becomes pronounced and permanent.Seals form on the skin and subcutaneous tissue.Pigmentation and dermatitis also appear at this stage of the disease.In addition, the patient begins to be bothered by a sensation of itching and swelling.
- Trophic ulcers appear on the skin of the legs.
Varicose veins in themselves are not a dangerous disease, but in the absence of effective and timely treatment, they can lead to serious consequences, in some cases ending in death.
The most common complications arising from varicose veins:
- chronic venous insufficiency - obstruction of blood flow, resulting from the malfunction of vascular valves due to the increase in the diameter of blood vessels;
- thrombophlebitis of varicose veins - formation of blood clots in the veins as a result of inflammation of the venous wall;
- pulmonary embolism - cessation of blood flow in the pulmonary artery due to its blockage by a detached blood clot;
- Trophic ulcers are skin defects (wounds) that form when there is a serious violation of blood flow through superficial and deep veins.
Varicose veins always require qualified treatment.It does not disappear on its own and gradually develops into various complications.You can only reduce pain and discomfort on your own.To prevent the disease and alleviate its symptoms, you must:
- avoid a sedentary (sedentary or standing) lifestyle (move more frequently, change body position, do gymnastics, etc.);
- use special medical mesh;
- take a shower only at night;
- sleep in a position where the feet are higher than heart level (contraindicated for people with heart disease);
- limit the consumption of salty foods;
- wear shoes with heels no higher than 4 cm;
- try not to sit cross-legged.
The diagnosis of varicose veins, in addition to visual examination and palpation of the legs by a vascular surgeon, may include additional tests such as:
- Ultrasound is one of the most informative methods for diagnosing varicose veins of the lower extremities.It allows you to determine the degree of dilation of the veins, their patency, as well as determine the presence of blood clots and the direction of blood flow.
- Contrast venography is a method that allows you to see the contours of affected veins on an x-ray.To do this, before the exam, a substance is injected into a vein to color the blood in a contrasting color.
Basic modern methods of treating varicose veins of the lower extremities
Miniphlebectomy
Miniphlebectomy is a gentle operation during which the affected veins are removed through small incisions and punctures with special hooks.It is often performed under local anesthesia, which allows the patient to return to their normal lifestyle within 2 to 3 hours after the procedure.Furthermore, thanks to the minimal surgical intervention after miniphlebectomy, there are practically no marks left on the skin of the legs and all bruises and pigmentation finally disappear after a few months.
After this operation, it is necessary to regularly wear special therapeutic knitwear for several weeks, and also strictly follow all the doctor's recommendations to prevent further relapses of the disease.
Radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation allows complete treatment of varicose veins on an outpatient basis.This procedure is performed as follows: under local anesthesia, a radiofrequency catheter is inserted into the affected vein through a puncture, which “seals” the vein through exposure to microwaves.
Thanks to its precise and controlled effects, radiofrequency ablation allows you to obtain effective results.After this procedure, the patient returns to a normal lifestyle within 30 minutes, and active sports are allowed within a week.
Laser treatment (EVLT)
This method is also known for its minimal level of trauma and high cosmetic effect.This procedure is performed under local or spinal anesthesia.Through small punctures, a light guide connected to a laser device is inserted into the lumen of the diseased vein.Under the influence of laser radiation, the affected area of the vein is reliably closed (adjacent tissues are not damaged).The process of advancing the light guide is controlled by a doctor using ultrasound, which guarantees high precision of the procedure.
EVLT lasts about 30-40 minutes, after which the patient goes home independently and returns to their normal lifestyle the next day.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is one of the safest and most aesthetic methods of treating varicose veins (including “stars”, “mesh”, “snakes”), which are completely
eliminates the appearance of scars and marks on the skin.The technique of this procedure is as follows: using very thin needles, an adhesive (sclerosing) solution is injected into the affected vein, after which it is compressed externally with a special latex pad and an elastic bandage.Thanks to sclerotherapy, the walls of the blood vessels unite, which means that varicose veins are excluded from the bloodstream, blood circulation becomes healthy and the symptoms of the disease disappear.
The procedure in question lasts several sessions (about 3-5), each of which lasts 5-10 minutes.After each procedure, the patient must wear special socks, which are worn for 1 to 3 days.
It is important to note that, in some cases, different methods are combined to treat varicose veins.
Treatment of trophic ulcers
Trophic ulcers often occur in the last stages of varicose veins as a result of venous stagnation.These are affected areas of the skin and underlying tissues that do not heal in the long term.
Treatment of this complication involves a comprehensive, multi-stage approach.It may include surgical intervention and pharmacotherapy, using compression belts.In the initial stages, trophic ulcers are successfully treated using the laser method.In advanced cases, biopsy and radiopaque venography are used.
It is worth highlighting the importance of immediately contacting qualified specialists when the first symptoms of varicose veins in the lower limbs appear.This way you will eliminate the risk of complications and quickly recover your health.