Varicose veins in the legs - symptoms and treatment

27 May 2022

Varicose veins (VV) are a very common disease that affects both men and women. It can affect a person's lower limbs as well as deep veins, leading to the development of thrombosis and post-thrombophlebitic disease.

Spider veins appearing on a person's legs due to the development of the disease make them start to feel unattractive. In addition to the external, there are also internal manifestations of explosives, which are expressed in the appearance of discomfort and pain in the calf muscles of the leg. The development of the disease increases the risk of other pathologies of the circulatory system.

The key to success in the fight against pathology lies in timely diagnosis and competent treatment. A big mistake on the part of a person is the independent use of various ointments and creams, which in most cases do not bring the desired effect. As a result, time was wasted that could have been directed towards correct and effective therapy.

To get rid of varicose veins, you need to solve the following tasks:

Elimination of symptoms.
Removal of varicose veins.
Preventing the development and reappearance of LV.

Only a highly qualified specialist with sufficient experience in the treatment and prevention of pathologies of this type can successfully cope with each of the above tasks.

varicose veins symptoms

The symptoms of the disease are signs that clearly indicate its development. They are divided into:

Subjective:
1. Non-severe, painful pain in the calf muscles.
2. Burning and itching sensation along the veins affected by varicose veins.
3. Heaviness in the legs, worse at the end of the day.
4. Skin hyperpigmentation.
5. Increased fatigue of the lower extremities.
6. Trophic venous ulcer of the leg.
7. Pain in the calf muscles, aggravated by walking.
8. The appearance of edema in the leg and feet.
Objective:
1. Varicose saphenous veins, which are clearly visible even without the use of special equipment.
2. Intradermal and dilated saphenous veins clearly visible.
3. The presence of spider veins.
4. Changes in skin structure and color, appearance of lipodermatoscoerosis and trophic venous ulcers.

How are the veins?

The first warning sign about the presence of vein problems is swelling of the lower extremities at the end of the day. Swelling is especially pronounced if a person spends most of the day on their feet. It can disappear already in the morning after a relaxing night.

However, if you don't pay proper attention to this problem, the condition can get significantly worse. The intradermal veins on legs with varicose veins become dark blue, protruding above the skin surface of the legs and feet. Outwardly, they look like bunches of red grapes that are overripe. Such external manifestations of the pathology are accompanied by pain in the calves, feeling of heat in the legs, swelling and cramps in the calf muscles. Over time, these symptoms are accompanied by a change in the appearance of the skin.

Causes of varicose veins of the lower extremities

VV of the lower extremities can develop under the influence of several factors and circumstances, the main ones being:

Pregnancy. This is a key risk factor for the onset of the disease. This explains the fact that varicose veins in women are several times more common than in men. In this case, the disease develops under the influence of an increase in the volume of circulating blood and compression of the pregnant uterus from the retroperitoneal veins.
Obesity. The connection of this condition with the development of VV has been proven by several studies. At the same time, a direct relationship was found between an increase in body weight and an increased risk of developing pathology.
A lifestyle characterized by long-term static loads with regular weight lifting or prolonged standing or sitting immobility.
hormonal states. Its role in the development of the disease has increased significantly in recent years. This is due to the widespread use of hormonal contraceptives, the spread of hormone replacement treatment for osteoporosis, and during the premenopausal period.
Heredity. The role of this factor in the development of varicose veins in the legs has no unequivocal confirmation today.
Violation of the valvular apparatus of the veins, leading to the rush of blood flow under the influence of gravity every time a person stands up. The muscles around the deep veins contract as you walk. These veins are subject to emptying, which increases venous pressure. Blood enters the superficial veins through communicating vessels with insufficient valves. As a result, they fill with blood, which leads to their elongation and expansion (varicose veins).

Classification and steps

Like any disease, VV has several stages, which differ in the degree of spread of pathology and symptoms. Among them are the following steps:

Initial (or compensation).
The second (or subcompensation).
Third (or decompensation).

It is worth noting that complications can occur in any of the above stages, but their greater probability is inherent in the last two. VV can serve as an impetus for the development of diseases such as:

Thrombophlebitis.
Erysipelas.
Deep vein thrombosis.
Trophic eczema.

Visiting a specialist at the first signs of the onset of the disease will help to reduce the risks of worsening the situation and begin to remove the varicose veins. Do not ignore even minor symptoms as this can lead to undesirable and extremely negative consequences.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of varicose veins, the symptoms of which are described above, defines the solution of the following tasks:

Determining the presence of pathology in each individual patient. It often happens that people who do not have varicose veins are sure that they do and vice versa. However, only an experienced phlebologist, based on an external examination and several complex studies, can make an accurate diagnosis.
Establishment of the characteristic type of pathology of the veins. The doctor determines exactly which veins have suffered a pathological injury and also establishes the degree of this injury and the possible or already occurring consequences.
Prescribe the correct course of treatment. Based on the diagnosis and characteristics of each specific organism, the attending physician chooses one or another treatment or set of therapeutic measures.
Assessment of the level of effectiveness of the therapy, which is carried out by the attending physician during the elimination of the disease or after the patient's complete recovery.

The main methods for diagnosing VV include:

Plethysmography.
thermography.
MRI image.
Ultrasonic angioscan.
Computed tomography.
Clinical studies: conversation with the patient, their external examination and manual examination.
Radionuclide phlebography.
Intravascular ultrasound.
X-ray phlebography.

Most of the time, it only takes a professional specialist to perform a clinical examination and an ultrasound angiography to diagnose varicose veins in the legs.

treatment methods

Modern methods of therapy for varicose veins are aimed at reducing the degree of disability and trauma, which contributes to a faster recovery of the patient. The main therapeutic methods include:

Sclerotherapy. This method involves introducing into the lumen of the varicose veins of the legs a special drug that causes a chemical burn of the internal venous wall. This leads to their bonding and the cessation of pathological blood flow through them. It can be used alone or in combination with other manipulations. It is performed without prior anesthesia with skin punctures with a fine needle. The duration depends on the extent of the injury.
Foam sclerotherapy, which involves the preparation of a foam by a specialist from a special drug that can use a striking area of the inner walls of the affected venous vessels. It is used for the treatment of large diameter veins.
Endovenous laser coagulation, which is performed with a laser device on the main trunks of the veins of the leg, makes it possible to interrupt the pathological blood flow through the affected veins due to the burning of their inner walls and their subsequent gluing.
Miniphlebectomy, with the objective of eliminating subcutaneous nodules and tributaries increased by varicose veins through skin punctures. It has an excellent cosmetic effect and is used alone or in combination with other therapeutic methods under local anesthesia.
Elimination of incompetent perforating veins, performed for the prevention of venous insufficiency and treatment of trophic disorders, including ulcers.
Combined phlebectomy, which is a combination of some methods of intravenous therapy, based on the indications and nature of the pathologies of the veins.

Varicose Veins Complications

It should be understood that improper treatment of the disease or a complete rejection of it can lead to complications. The latter appear not only in cosmetic defects of the lower extremities, but also in more severe forms. Between them:

Trophic eczema, later turning into ulcer.
Thrombotic lesions of the venous system, including superficial vein thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities.

Venous blood is a kind of "sewer" for the body's tissues and is saturated with substances and metabolic products from cells that are relatively harmful to the human body. Cells in the skin and subcutaneous tissue, as well as muscles and bones, dump tissue respiration products and other waste products into the venous system, which transfers them to the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. In the case of violations of the functioning of the venous system, there is an increase in the content of these products in the tissues of the body.

A vein dilated by varicose veins leads not only to an increase in the concentration of harmful products in the tissues, but also to an increase in swelling. Such a violation of the output of harmful products, combined with the swelling observed for a long time, leads to the death of skin cells and subcutaneous tissue and their subsequent replacement by venous eczema, which is represented by a dense, dotted structure of a dark color. The death of the surface layer of the skin is the cause of trophic ulcers.

Prevention

Varicose veins on the legs, the treatment of which today is carried out by various methods, can be avoided if preventive measures are observed. Due to the fact that the risk of developing VV is much higher in women, it is they who do not need to ignore the prevention of this disease. However, men should also not ignore preventive measures aimed at preventing the development of varicose veins in the legs. The main activities include:

The use of local preparations (gels, ointments, creams) that help to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, optimize the functioning of the valves, reduce the risk of blood clots, eliminate edema and heal wounds.
The use of stockings, tights, stockings and elastic bandages with a compression effect. This is a great tool in the fight against varicose veins. These products can be purchased at specialty stores after consultation with a doctor, which is necessary because of the relative difficulty in independently determining the type of compression underwear needed.
Special exercises performed daily. They are able to stop even the expansion of blood vessels that has already started. It should be borne in mind that if there is a tendency to BB, it will make you abandon heavy physical exertion, but in no case should you ignore an active lifestyle. Light jogging, swimming, yoga and skiing, for example, help keep your leg veins healthy.
Preventive pills for varicose veins are recognized as a more effective method of preventing VV than using local medications. However, the use of any oral remedy must be carried out exclusively for its intended purpose and under the strict supervision of a competent specialist.

To prevent the situation from getting worse, you should abandon self-medication at the first manifestations of the disease and consult a doctor. This will make it possible to make a correct diagnosis in a timely manner and prescribe the appropriate treatment that will prevent the progression of the disease and reduce the risks of developing other pathologies to zero.

Common questions

Often people are interested not only in the question of how to treat varicose veins. Many patients suffering from this disease are interested in what they can and cannot do so as not to worsen their health condition and not cause other health problems. The following are frequently asked questions that people with VV are interested in.

Is it possible to get vaccinated against coronavirus with varicose veins?

The answer to the question of whether a coronavirus vaccine is allowed for varicose veins is possible. This pathology is not a restriction for vaccination against COVID-19 in the absence of its exacerbation. If a person does not suffer from acute thrombophlebitis, then this refers to the decompensation of varicose veins in the legs, and he is not prohibited from being vaccinated against a coronavirus infection.

Is it possible to drink coffee with varicose veins?

Caffeine has the ability to raise blood pressure and increase heart rate, which are unfavorable factors for fragile swollen veins damaged by varicose veins. Coffee has the following effects on blood vessels:

Increased load on the walls of the veins.
Increase in blood pressure.
Short-term venous expansion.

Therefore, with varicose veins, you can drink coffee, but not exceeding the daily dose. A complete rejection of your favorite tonic drink will not lead to the restoration of pathologically affected veins; therefore, you must not torture yourself and not drink coffee. Just don't drink more than 1-2 cups a day. It is also recommended to dilute the coffee with milk.

Is massage allowed?

Complex treatment of varicose veins at an early stage includes massage. However, this needs to be done correctly.

With varicose veins, you can give your lower extremities an exceptionally light massage. It is also indicated for patients with uncomplicated varicose veins.

It is advisable to carry out a professional manual massage for patients with varicose veins, but all features of the course of the disease must be taken into account. A mandatory consultation with a specialist is recommended before proceeding with the massage of the area whose veins are affected by varicose veins.

Can you warm your feet?

When the legs are warmed, the veins expand, blood circulation increases, and the load on the non-venous walls only increases. This can aggravate the already bad condition of the varicose vessels. That is why it is recommended to limit hot baths for patients with varicose veins. It will be better to reduce the temperature of the water from hot to hot, which will not cause vasodilation and will not lead to a worsening of the human condition. It should always be remembered that consultation with a specialist is necessary, regardless of whether we are talking about hot baths or vaccines for varicose veins.

Is running and squatting allowed?

Experts recommend starting to run at the first signs of BB development. It is important to ensure that these exercises are systematic. During running, the blood becomes saturated with oxygen. Therefore, it is better to give preference to running through the forest or park, where the air is always clean.

However, you must properly assess your capabilities and resistance and avoid excessive loads that are contraindicated in varicose veins. It is important to monitor the gradual increase in loads that do not exceed the indicators that are comfortable for the body.

During a run, a person with BB should not feel tired. It is allowed to run only a short distance with the use of compression stockings. In the case of thrombophlebitis, the race should be abandoned. The admissibility of running and squatting for varicose veins of the small pelvis should be discussed with your doctor.

What is the best treatment for varicose veins?

Today there is no unambiguous answer to the question of which therapeutic method is most effective for varicose veins. The fact is that the success in the treatment depends on a series of factors that must be evaluated by a qualified specialist in each case. Only after that can they make a final decision on whether to recommend a specific treatment for BB.