Varicose veins, more commonly known as varicose veins, occur when veins become stretched and dilated, turning blue-violet or red in color due to the accumulation of large amounts of blood.This is a widespread disease, which in most cases appears in the legs (most often in the calf muscles), but can also form in other parts of the body.
In general, the blood supply to cells, known from the biology course, occurs as follows: from the left ventricle of the heart, oxygenated blood flows through the aorta to the arteries and from there to smaller blood vessels to the capillaries, through which the organs and tissues of the body receive oxygen and the substances they need.After that, with the help of small blood vessels called “venules”, the blood is collected from the capillaries and enters larger veins, whose function is to send the blood back to the lungs and heart to be enriched with oxygen and repeat its path.The mechanism that directs blood to the heart is called a venous pump.
Veins are blood vessels that return blood from body tissues to the heart.
Some veins have one-way valves inside them that open to allow blood to flow toward the heart and close to prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction.
In fact, this is how varicose veins happen: if the valves are damaged and do not block the flow of blood, it accumulates in the veins, causing them to swell and stretch, which leads to varicose veins.Angiosurgeons state that varicose veins are a pathological process that results in alteration of the venous wall with subsequent valve insufficiency.
In varicose veins, a reverse flow (reflux) of blood is created due to valve dysfunction.They do not close the vein cavity, which allows blood to flow in the opposite direction.As a result, an increase in venous arterial pressure is created, which violates the integrity of the vein walls - they expand and protrude under the skin.
As varicose veins are a modification of veins, the pathology is considered not only a vascular disease, but also a cosmetic problem.Normal veins and varicose veins – when, due to valve malfunction, there is a reversal of blood flow and dilation of the veins.
Why are legs most affected by varicose veins?
There are 3 types of veins in our legs – superficial veins, which are closer to the skin;deep veins, which are located inside the muscles and connect to the largest vein in our body - the vena cava, which leads to the heart;and perforating veins, connecting the superficial and deep veins with each other.The varicose veins that we see are observed precisely in the superficial veins, located closer to the skin.
When we are in an upright position, the blood in the legs must be directed upwards, towards the heart, resisting the force of gravity.To do this, the leg muscles contract and put pressure on the deep veins, pushing blood toward the heart.When the leg muscles contract, the valves inside the veins open, but when the muscles relax, the valves close, blocking the flow of blood toward the feet.
As you may have guessed, varicose veins are most common in the legs due to the fact that the pressure of gravity, which increases in sitting and standing positions, has a greater effect on venous circulation in the lower extremities.
How dangerous are varicose veins?
For most people, varicose veins are primarily a cosmetic problem and, in principle, do not pose a threat to health.Swollen, unsightly veins can detract from the appearance of certain parts of the body, but in most cases they do not harm blood circulation.It should be noted that if due attention is not paid to combating varicose veins, their appearance worsens over time and complications may arise.
Causes of varicose veins
Several factors can increase the risk of varicose veins:
- Factor #1 – heredity.If someone in your family has or has had varicose veins, your chances of inheriting them increase.
- Floor.Varicose veins are more common in women than in men.
- Age.As we age, our veins and valves become weaker.
- Interruption of blood flow between arteries and veins.
- Hormonal changes.Hormonal changes during pregnancy, the premenstrual period and menopause increase the risk of varicose veins.During pregnancy, the growing fetus puts pressure on the veins in the legs.Varicose veins that appear during this period become less visible 3 to 12 months after the birth of the child.Additionally, each subsequent pregnancy increases the risk of varicose veins.
- Overweight or obesity.Excess weight puts a lot of pressure on your veins, which can cause varicose veins.
- Sedentary and standing work and sedentary lifestyle.If you stand or sit for long periods of time, you increase your risk of developing varicose veins.This happens because during prolonged periods of inactivity, it is more difficult for the veins to deliver blood to the heart.
Symptoms of developing varicose veins
In addition to the appearance of bulging dark blue or purple veins, here are the main signs of the development of varicose veins:
- Slight swelling in the ankles and feet, especially after standing for a long time.
- Pain, burning and heaviness in the legs.
- Leg spasms and throbbing sensation.
- Itchy ankles and lower legs, which is often misdiagnosed as dry skin.
- Change in skin color in the area where varicose veins develop (appearance of bruises).
How to prevent varicose veins
According to experts from the Department of Surgery at the University of California, the first thing a person can do to prevent varicose veins is to change their lifestyle and instill new habits.Although these same changes will not help eliminate already formed varicose veins, they will reduce the likelihood of their appearance deteriorating, as well as reducing pain and protecting other areas of the veins from varicose vein formation.
What needs to be done to reduce the likelihood of varicose veins or protect already affected veins from worsening the condition:
- Don't sit or stand in the same place for too long.Try to move at least every 30 minutes.
- When sitting, do not cross one leg over the other.
- If possible, elevate your legs when resting sitting or lying down.Try raising your legs so they are above heart level.
- Exercise.This will allow your leg muscles to move and move blood through your veins more efficiently.
- If you are overweight, try to get back to normal.This will help improve blood circulation and reduce stress on the veins.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing, especially around the waist, hips and legs.
- Don't wear high heels too often or for long periods of time.Low-heeled shoes help keep your calf muscles toned, allowing blood to flow more easily through your veins.
- Exercise regularly.This will help improve blood circulation, get rid of extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight.
Complications with varicose veins
According to the Circulation Foundation, although varicose veins deteriorate over time, this process takes a long time.It is also observed that in some people with varicose veins, the high pressure in the veins can cause damage to the skin in the ankle region and change its color, in addition to the appearance of white scars.
If left untreated, progressive varicose veins can lead to more serious negative consequences:
- The appearance of ulcers
- Phlebitis
- Bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
If a person develops eczema (red rash), it may later develop into ulcers that will need to be surgically removed.
Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein that is often accompanied by thrombosis in the affected vein, which becomes hard but fragile.In most cases, this disease does not pose a serious health risk, although it is often mistakenly confused with a more serious pathology - deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Many people worry that accidentally hitting a varicose vein could cause bleeding, but this rarely happens.If this happens, the bleeding is stopped by applying a tight gauze bandage and applying ice.The person needs to lie down so that the legs are higher than the heart and, without delay, seek medical help so that specialists can carry out procedures that reduce the risk of further bleeding.
Some patients suffering from varicose veins subsequently face another pathology - deep vein thrombosis.Science isn't sure whether varicose veins directly increase the risk of DVT.Symptoms of DVT include swelling, pain, and skin that is warm to the touch.According to experts from the US National Library of Medicine, deep vein thrombosis mainly affects the large veins of the thigh and calf muscles, and it is noted that DVT almost always develops in just one leg.
Varicose veins treatment
Compression Therapy
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is recommended to wear compression clothing.Stockings, tights, or leggings apply gentle pressure from the lower leg upward, reducing blood pooling and swelling.However, the effect is only achieved if you use them regularly.Although wearing compression stockings will not cure already formed varicose veins, they help prevent or reduce vein enlargement and other complications.
Furthermore, the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), in its clinical guideline for the treatment of patients with varicose veins of the lower extremities and pelvis, notes: “The use of stockings is the first therapeutic procedure for patients who have had ulcers removed as varicose veins progress.”
Endovenous ablation (radiofrequency or laser)
Endovenous ablation involves using laser or radiofrequency therapy to close or remove the varicose vein.The doctor makes a small cut in the skin near the vein and inserts a catheter into it.After that, a special device is attached to the tip of the catheter, with which the catheter is heated and closes or removes the varicose vein (depending on the chosen ablation method).The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the patient usually returns home the same day.
Endovenous ablation is one of the most effective and safe methods of treating varicose veins.The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) recommends this procedure over surgery for treating superficial varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
This is another gentle method of treating varicose veins.During the procedure, a special substance is injected into the vein affected by varicose veins, which destroys the inner lining of the vein and causes the blood to clot inside.Over time, the vein collapses and disappears.
Surgical method
In advanced cases of varicose veins, gentler treatment methods will not help correct the situation.In this case, the person is referred for surgery, during which the superficial vein is surgically removed.Indications for surgery are:
- Ulcers or the threat of their appearance,
- Bleeding
- Phlebitis.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and the patient is usually sent home the same day.A person may experience pain and discomfort for 2 weeks after surgery.
The Circulation Foundation notes that deep vein thrombosis can sometimes occur after surgery, but the risk of this pathology can be reduced by wearing compression stockings and maintaining a person's high physical activity.
Varicose veins and training
Moving a lot and practicing moderate exercise are the main help in combating varicose veins.
However, although some training methods are beneficial and recommended for preventing varicose veins, others can be harmful.
Moderate, rhythmic physical activity (such as walking) contributes positively to preventing the development of varicose veins and helps minimize the likelihood of complications, as dynamic muscle movements help direct blood from the periphery to the heart.
Walking
Walking is one of the best movements for preventing varicose veins and promotes healthy circulation by stretching and contracting the venous pump in the calf muscles.Walk for at least 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.
Low intensity running
Running at a low pace works your calf muscles well, but it has a downside: running puts stress on your joints.If you're not ready to replace running with another activity, run on grass or rubberized paths rather than hard asphalt.
Elliptical and exercise bike
Exercises on the elliptical trainer and stationary bike actively engage the calf muscles, promoting healthy circulation.Plus, unlike running, these exercises place less stress on your joints.
strength training
Individuals with varicose veins should avoid excessive amounts of very intense weight training.During prolonged muscle tension of an irregular nature, the leg muscles and ventilator pumps do not contribute to the return of blood to the heart through the veins.Therefore, during training, blood accumulates in the veins of the legs, which can only contribute to the development of varicose veins.Furthermore, the increase in intra-abdominal pressure during exertion also impedes blood circulation.
Among the exercises that negatively affect venous circulation, experts at the Georgia Venous Clinic especially highlight squats, lunges and sit-ups.
People with varicose veins need to train with light weights and perform relatively high repetitions per set without reaching failure.Also, to restore normal blood circulation after the end of strength training, it is recommended to ride an exercise bike or exercise on an elliptical trainer.It is also recommended to use compression socks during and after strength training.
Why do veins bulge more in summer?
As noted by experts at the Venous Center that bears his name.São João and Hospital.Saint Joseph Wayne, veins become more prominent in summer due to the fact that, under the influence of high temperature, they expand and fill with more blood, increasing in size.
To reduce swelling of veins in the summer, you need to follow simple recommendations:
- Lubricate your skin with a thick layer of moisturizing cream with SPF.
- If you spend a lot of time outside, try to hide in the shade.
- Don't sunbathe for too long.
- Swim regularly.This way you will perform procedures to cool your body, without giving your veins the opportunity to increase in size.
- Try wearing flats/low-top shoes and sandals instead of high heels.
- Drink more fluids.
You shouldn't let the situation get worse;you need to act immediately.