Varicose veins or varicose veins are pathological changes in the veins that are accompanied by their saccular expansion, increase in length, creation of convolutions and nodular entanglements, which leads to valve failure and impaired blood flow. Varicose veins are one of the most common problems with blood vessels.
What is varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a pathology of the veins, which is based on the violation of the valvular apparatus of blood vessels with the formation of venous insufficiency, dilation of the lumen, congestion, which are accompanied by constant pasty tissue.
The main causes of pathology
Varicose veins on the legs have different causes and symptoms that have slight gender differences. The main common trigger of pathology is called congenital connective tissue weakness. In second place are hormonal changes, so women are more likely to be diagnosed with varicose veins. Long static sitting or standing position plays a role, while the longer the legs, the more serious the situation. Excess weight also causes an increase in pressure in the veins of the lower extremities, as well as a lack of physical activity. Smoking, pregnancy, accompanying pathologies, tight underwear, shoes, heels, everything that causes stagnation of blood circulation in the veins on the legs are risk factors for varicose veins.
Symptoms and clinical manifestations
The signs of varicose veins on the legs in women and men have no fundamental differences. This is a staged disease, the symptoms of which are related to the stage of development of the pathological process.
The first phase is characterized by minor clinical manifestations: the veins barely protrude above the surface of the skin, the dermis is slightly hyperemic, the weight in the legs begins to bother the evening pastiness of the legs and ankles, convulsions are possible. Such symptoms of varicose veins are especially painful for women from an aesthetic point of view. Often visual signs are preceded by pain.
In the second phase, the clinical picture takes on a typical appearance: the veins on the legs protrude in relief above the surface of the skin, are well palpable and resemble nodules. If the pathological process progresses, the veins of the lower extremities acquire a sinuous shape, a bluish-purple hue, sometimes turning black.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the legs of the third stage are characterized by the development of complications: trophic disorders appear, the skin resembles parchment, swelling and cramps become common, the legs become covered with rash, itching, secondary flora, pyoderma, dermatitis, eczema.
The fourth stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities is the most severe in terms of symptoms: the skin above the bulging veins becomes inflamed, surrounding tissues are involved in the process, trophic ulcers open, pain in the legs with varicose veins is permanent, the addition of secondary infection causes thrombosishospitalization, complex treatment.
Which doctor should I go to?
Leg pain with varicose veins is resolved by a phlebologist, but a vascular surgeon can also perform an initial examination. It all depends on the severity of the pathology. A phlebologist prescribes conservative therapy or refers to consultations with a vascular surgeon in order to decide on surgery.
It is not possible to make an accurate diagnosis without a complete clinical and laboratory examination. Instrumental diagnostic methods help to clarify the stages of the pathology, the duration of the tests lasts 10 minutes, a maximum of half an hour. The doctor announces the result of the examination immediately, at the first appointment. The choice of adequate therapy depends on the stage of the pathology.
Characteristics of treatment
Varicose vein therapy lies on the "three pillars": drug treatment, minimally invasive techniques, operative classics.
Conservative therapy
In addition to mandatory general recommendations for varicose veins: dosed, regular physical activity, minimizing static load on the legs, exercise therapy, wearing compression stockings, use of elastic bandages - conservative therapy includes the appointment of phlebotonics based on flavonoids diosmin and hesperidin, horse chestnut extract.
Swallowing is most often combined with external therapy of varicose veins of the same name. According to doctors and patients, the combination of capsules and gels is the most effective.
Of course, one should not expect a complete cure from conservative methods, drugs are not able to restore varicose veins, but preventively, in preparation for surgery, the impossibility of surgical treatment of varicose veins - these drugs guarantee a delay in disease progression and relief of symptoms.
Compression sclerotherapy
The essence of the minimally invasive technique for the treatment of varicose veins is the introduction of a special sclerosant drug into the varicose vein. Through a syringe, the doctor injects a foamy solution into a vein, which fills a deformed vein, convulsing it.
The patient is put on a compression stocking, which is designed to keep the vein in this condition. Within three days, the walls of the veins stick together, the vessel is excluded from normal blood flow and becomes empty. You need to wear compression stockings for at least a month, sometimes two. Criteria for treatment efficiency - adhesion formation.
Compression sclerotherapy is performed if varicose veins are not complicated by reverse blood flow from deep to superficial through communication veins. If there is such a return flow, the efficiency of the procedure weighs zero.
Operation
Surgery was and remains the most reliable and effective way to treat varicose veins, regardless of the presence of reverse blood flow in the veins. But here, too, it is important to consult a doctor in time, because relapses often occur in later stages. Varicose veins are operated on with different techniques: microsurgical, radiofrequency and laser coagulation of deformed veins.
In the initial stages, photocoagulation or laser removal of arachnoid veins is effective. In the later stages, phlebectomy is indicated - complete removal of the affected veins. The operation is traumatic, there is a danger of complications, so today doctors are trying to use the technique of less invasive miniphlebectomy. If varicose veins are complicated by venous thrombosis, a secondary infection, surgery is performed.
What can be done with varicose veins at home?
The essence of the use of folk remedies for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins is the removal of toxins from the body while restoring normal blood flow. To do this, balance your diet, including cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, greens, citrus fruits, apples, peaches, cherries, cherries, strawberries, gooseberries and currants in your daily meals. Be sure to calculate the correct diet for drinking: 40 ml per kilogram of weight.
In addition, the properties of green tomatoes are used, which are tied in slices to the area of varicose veins. The effect is guaranteed by lycopene - an antioxidant in fruit pulp, which improves the structure of the vascular wall, tones the veins. You can try the juice treatment: all vegetables that are eaten raw are suitable.
Apple cider vinegar is popularly considered a source of minerals and vitamins, and for varicose veins it is taken orally in the morning and evening, dissolving two teaspoons of the product in a glass of water. Externally: Wipe varicose veins with a tampon soaked in vinegar to relieve itching and pain.
Compresses are made with honey, and a sterile napkin with the product is placed on the area of varicose veins for a couple of hours under the film. Overnight, use beaten cabbage leaves with vegetable oil under the bandage. The course is a month.
Prevention
Prevention of varicose veins has two goals: to prevent the occurrence of the disease and to reduce the number of relapses. To do this: you can not go to the sauna or take too hot baths, lift weights. It is recommended to move a lot, excluding strength sports, control weight, minimize the consumption of too spicy and fatty foods.
No need to wear tight clothes, socks, socks, socks with a narrow elastic band, cross your legs while sitting. Women are encouraged to give up high heels.
At night - take cold foot baths, in the morning you can pour cold water on your feet. It is necessary to give up bad habits, master acupressure: stroke the skin of the lower extremities from the bottom up and in the opposite direction for 10 minutes, minimize stress, avoid overheating, colds, undergo a medical examination.
With varicose veins, it is reasonable to visit the pool, walk, take a contrast shower at home and always wear compression stockings.