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What causes varicose veins on women's legs?

According to statistics, up to 20% of the population suffers from varicose veins of the lower extremities, while the disease occurs twice as often in women. It has been proven that women have additional predisposing factors that contribute to a decrease in vascular tone (pregnancy, taking estrogen-gestagen contraceptives, imbalance of sex hormones).The types of leg vein treatment do not differ between men and women, however, the frequency of postoperative relapses in women is higher due to the additional influence of hormones (estrogen and progesterone influence).

varicose veins on the legs of women

What causes varicose veins on women's legs?

Leg vein diseases must be treated by a phlebologist who specializes in this pathology. Various methods of treating varicose veins are not radical, because they are not aimed at eliminating the main pathogenetic cause - the failure of the valve apparatus of the vein. Surgical and conservative treatment delay the progression of the disease for long periods. The recurrence rate is high and reaches from 10 to 50% 5 years after surgery.

Treatment of varicose veins should be comprehensive. There are three groups of methods for removing varicose veins:

  • phlebosclerosis,
  • surgical,
  • conservative.

Each type of treatment has its advantages and disadvantages and a certain rate of recurrence. The choice of method is conditional, because the phlebologist often has to combine all three methods in order to achieve the most favorable outcome.

Characteristic symptoms of varicose veins in women

Symptoms of varicose veins begin with the appearance of such functional disorders as a feeling of heaviness in the legs, swelling of the ankle joints at the end of the working day. Spider veins first form on the skin of the legs.

Spider veins are one of the first symptoms of the development of varicose veins in the legs. The main signs of the disease - the association of enlarged saphenous veins - appear several years after the onset of the disease. If left untreated at this stage, symptoms such as cramps in the calf muscles and itchy skin on the legs occur.

Signs of trophic disorders: pigmentation of the skin in the lower third of the leg, cyanosis, sclerotic changes in the subcutaneous tissue, eczema, on which a trophic ulcer forms.

Characteristic symptoms of varicose veins in women

  • Painful symptoms appear cyclically and intensify before menstruation, which is associated with changes in the level of sex hormones;
  • During pregnancy, signs of varicose veins may disappear after delivery;
  • in the second half of the menstrual cycle, due to the action of progesterone, the diameter of varicose veins increases, so the symptoms of swelling and heaviness in the legs are more pronounced;
  • signs of varicose veins worsen during hormone therapy.

Now let's talk about therapy methods.

Radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser coagulation

Radiofrequency vein ablation

The method is based on the introduction, under ultrasound control, of a special disposable catheter into the lumen of the varicose vein. The catheter is equipped with a special electrode, the working part of which is heated to 120 degrees under the influence of radiofrequency radiation. Advancement of the catheter along the vein leads to adhesion or "welding" of the vascular wall. Obliterated veins are excluded from the circulatory system of the legs.

Endovenous laser coagulation

The surgical technique consists of puncturing the affected vein and inserting a laser light guide into its lumen under ultrasound control. Under the influence of laser radiation, the proteins of the vascular wall coagulate, due to which the vein collapses and after some time becomes covered with connective tissue. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and endovenous laser obliteration (EVLO) are relatively new methods of treating varicose veins in the legs. Despite the differences in performance techniques, they have common characteristics.

Advantages and disadvantages of RFA and EVLA

It does not require hospitalization High price
Execution speed (from 30 minutes to 1 hour) Recurrence rate up to 10%
Painless Impossibility of performing the procedure due to certain anatomical characteristics of veins (strong curvature of blood vessels)
No blood
It is performed under local anesthesia
Absence of postoperative scar (desirable cosmetic effect for women)
Short periods of rehabilitation

RFA or EVLO is chosen by women who want to treat varicose veins on an outpatient basis with minimal restriction of physical activity in the postoperative period and while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of their legs.

Phlebosclerotherapy

A special drug is injected into the lumen of the affected segment of the vein, which has a sclerosing ("sticky") effect on the vascular wall. The sclerosant can be used in liquid or foam form. Foam sclerotherapy should be preferred because of the greater surface area of contact of the substance with the vein wall.

Advantages and disadvantages of phlebosclerotherapy:

There is no postoperative scar Possible long-term skin pigmentation at the injection site (up to 2 years)
It is performed on an outpatient basis In rare cases, postoperative vein inflammation (phlebitis)
The operation is performed without anesthesia Swelling and redness of tissue 2 days after the procedure
Manipulation is practically painless (minor burning sensation at the injection site) Allergic reaction due to individual intolerance to the drug
In 20% of cases, spider veins appear on the legs (telangiectasia).
Recurrence rate up to 50%

The recurrence of varicose veins after sclerotherapy depends on the lumen of the affected vessel - the wider the lumen, the greater the risk of recanalization in it. Sclerosing therapy is chosen in the treatment of recurrent varicose veins after surgical phlebectomy.

Surgical phlebectomy

Surgery is a more radical way to remove varicose veins. The principles of surgical treatment are the removal of pathological discharge of blood from the deep to the superficial veins of the legs and the removal of the dilated vessels themselves. Phases of combined phlebectomy:

  • Crossing and ligation of the mouth of the great saphenous vein (incision in the groin area) or small subcutaneous vein (incision in the popliteal fossa);
  • Removal of varicose veins. It is performed using a special metal probe that pulls a vein into an incision in the skin.
Radicality Hospitalization from 5 to 7 days
The possibility of performing surgery at any stage of the disease A scar on his legs
Spinal or general anesthesia
Injury to surrounding tissues during vein withdrawal
Possible complications: bleeding, wound infection
Recurrence rate up to 20%

Surgical treatment of a trunk-type lesion is preferable, when varicose deformation of the large or small saphenous veins appears to a significant extent. And also when there are signs of trophic disorders of soft tissues and symptoms of decompensation of venous insufficiency.

Miniphlebectomy

Miniphlebectomy is a separate surgical option that can treat varicose veins of the legs in the initial stages. It is most often used in the presence of individual varicose veins on the legs. A puncture is made on the skin over the pathological formation, and the vein is pulled out and crossed with a hook. The operation does not require general anesthesia or skin sutures.

Conservative therapy

It is necessary to start the treatment of varicose veins on the legs with the use of drugs and compression therapy.Prescribing drugs that improve blood circulation and wearing medical compression stockings are the main conditions that determine the outcome of any surgical intervention on leg veins.

Compression therapy

Elastic leg compression is the leading method of treatment in cases where surgery is contraindicated. Elastic bandages and special medical knitwear can be used as compression products: socks, knee socks, tights. Medical products are very durable, retain the original level of compression for a long time and are comfortable to wear, which is important for women.

There are 4 classes of elastic knitwear depending on the degree of compression. It is recommended to treat varicose veins with class 2 preparations in the absence of disease progression for up to 6 months and with further use during physical activity or during prolonged standing. If there are signs of damage to the valves of deep veins or pronounced symptoms of impaired lymphatic drainage, then class 3 jerseys are prescribed until the progression of varicose veins is stopped.

The therapeutic effect of compression stockings is due to:

  • reduction of vein volume, which leads to less blood flow in dilated vessels;
  • increased absorption of tissue fluid into the bloodstream, due to which signs of swelling and symptoms of heaviness in the legs disappear;
  • improves blood flow, which prevents the formation of blood clots.

Varicose veins are one of the oldest diseases known to mankind. It is mentioned in the works of Avicenna, Hippocrates, Paracelsus and other legendary healers, and the Italian scientist Marcello Malpighi devoted many years to its study. Pathology can affect any organ where there are large veins (stomach, esophagus, male testicles), but the most common are dilated veins of the lower extremities. Let's talk about the causes of varicose veins on the legs, methods of diagnosis and removal.

About varicose veins of the lower extremities

Varicose veins are irreversible expansion of veins due to disorders of the valves involved in the circulatory mechanism of the veins of the lower extremities. With normal muscle contraction and relaxation, it moves forcefully upward from the valve to the valve, but when the vein dilatesthe valves stop closing and blood flow slows, leading to a range of clinical symptoms.

According to statistics, people today suffer from the symptoms of varicose veins on the legs: every tenth man and every third woman aged 30-40. Among the leading countries in terms of pathology frequency are the developed countries of Europe, where it is diagnosed in 30-40% of the population; Varicose veins are rarest in Africa and Asia (about 0. 1%).

Why it occurs, risk factors

The exact causes of the disease are not known, but most expertsleans towards the hereditary theory: people who have had cases of varicose veins in their family are at risk. Factors that cause the development of pathology also include:

  • gender. Women are more susceptible to varicose veins than men - this is due to increased venous load during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as taking hormonal drugs;
  • bad habits and excess weight. Smoking, abuse of fatty foods and alcohol have a negative effect on the blood circulation in the body, increase the load on the veins and can cause corresponding disorders;
  • working conditions. People who, due to the nature of their profession, are forced to stand or sit motionless for a long time (hairdressers, salespeople, waiters, office workers) suffer from this disease more often than others;
  • excessive physical activity. Another category of people who are at risk of developing varicose veins are those who engage in heavy physical work or certain strength sports (for example, weightlifting);
  • uncomfortable clothes or shoes. Tight, restrictive clothing and high-heeled shoes also contribute to worsening venous blood.

Classification

Most often (in 75-80% of cases) the disease affects the stem and branches of the great saphenous vein, in 5-10% - the small saphenous vein, and in 7-10% of patients both veins are involved in the process. . In the clinical course of varicose veins of the lower extremities, experts distinguish between two forms and four groups.

Shapes:

  • descending– the process spreads from top to bottom along the great femoral vein, starting from its mouth;
  • ascending– the disease begins in the foot and is caused by a malfunction of the valvular apparatus of the deep veins.

groups:

  • subcutaneous or intradermal pathology that is not burdened by venous discharge;
  • segmental with reflux through perforating and superficial veins;
  • diffuse with venous reflux (through superficial and perforating veins);
  • dilatation with reflux through the deep veins.

According to the degree of venous insufficiency, there are four main stages of varicose veins:

  • - symptoms of the disease may be present, but this is not determined by diagnostic methods;
  • I - this phase is characterized by transient swelling, "heavy legs" syndrome and the appearance of "spider veins";
  • II - appearance of persistent swelling that occurs in the evening, change in skin color, eczema;
  • III - the presence of trophic ulcers, including those that do not heal.

Danger and complications

The risk to the health and life of the patient is not the disease itself, but the complications it causes. This includes disturbed nutrition of the skin, which causesTrophic ulcers and erysipelas may occur, as well as the most dangerous complication – thrombophlebitis. It leads to increased formation of thrombus, due to which blood clots, separating from the venous walls, can disrupt the work of internal organs, and in the most severe cases cause the death of the patient.

In addition, dilated vessels with thinner walls are at risk of mechanical damage that can cause serious bleeding.

Symptoms

The first symptoms of the disease are heaviness and fatigue in the legs, which usually occur in the evening and decrease when lying down.Veins take on a bluish hue and stand out on the surface of the skin, "spider veins" appear.(a network of dilated capillaries visible through the skin), and a characteristic sign is that the venous pattern disappears if the limbs are raised higher (for example, placed on a chair).

Over time, varicose veins become more pronounced and appearthe appearance of small nodules or large conglomerates.

Unpleasant symptoms intensify and disturb patients even at night, they appearswelling of soft tissuesmost often in the area of the feet, legs and ankles, as well as a feeling of fullness in the legs and cramps in the calf muscles.

In the absence of adequate treatment, varicose veins progressthe skin becomes dry, lumps and dark spots appear on it, and then trophic ulcers. With the development of thrombophlebitis, the veins become bright red, narrower and painfully tight on palpation.

When should you see a doctor?

Many people ignore the first signs of varicose veins, attributing them to simple fatigue. This greatly complicates the treatment of the disease and can therefore lead to the most serious consequencesYou should contact a phlebologist immediately after the symptoms of the disease appear.constant feeling of fatigue and heaviness in the legs, changes in the color of veins and skin, swelling, spike veins, etc.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of "varicose veins of the lower extremities" is made after a comprehensive examination, which includes:

  • general blood analysis- by the number of red blood cells, platelets, leukocytes and hemoglobin level, blood clotting disorders and the presence of inflammation can be judged;
  • ultrasonographyrepresents the most effective method for identifying affected vessels and parts of veins;
  • reovasographyit is carried out in order to determine the malnutrition of the tissue with blood (the so-called rheographic index), on the basis of which the stage of the disease can be determined;
  • phlebography, during which a contrast medium is injected into the veins, after which the state of the venous system is assessed with an X-ray machine;
  • physiological tests(Troyan-Trendelenburg test, Hackenbruch test) enable assessment of the functioning of the valvular apparatus of the superficial veins.

Treatment

In the initial stages of varicose veins, it can be controlled by conservative methods: taking medicines, using ointments and gels, wearing compression clothes and moderate physical activity. In order to correct cosmetic defects, patients may be recommended minimally invasive surgery or laser treatment. In more advanced cases, varicose veins can be eliminated exclusively by surgery, and the type is chosen individually for each specific case.

Varicose veins on the legs is a disease whose occurrence is best prevented, because it is quite difficult to cure. Therefore, every woman must know the causes and signs of such a problem.

What are the dangers of varicose veins on the legs?

With the early development of the disease, many believe that its worst manifestation is the appearance of a swollen limb. Unfortunately, it didn't. The worst case scenario for developing varicose veins on the legs in women is death. In addition, the complications of the disease can be very different.

The most common are:

  • trophic ulcers;
  • thrombosis;
  • phlebitis and thrombophlebitis.

Phlebitis is a process of damage to the inner walls of a vein. In this case, the leg swells more, and the protruding veins become hard on palpation. With the further development of phlebitis, the patient's body temperature rises, and every movement of the leg brings severe pain. And then phlebitis stops turning into thrombophlebitis. In this case, blood clots appear on the walls of the veins - small clots of stagnant blood.

Thrombosis is the formation of blood clots in the absence of phlebitis. This problem is scary because it is almost impossible to diagnose.

Attention! A thrombus that has detached from the vessel wall is the cause of death in most clinical cases. Moreover, this process takes place instantaneously (sometimes within minutes), and it is almost impossible to recognize a separate blood clot before it stops blood circulation.

Now you know what are the causes of varicose veins on the legs of women. In order to prevent varicose veins, it is necessary to constantly take preventive measures. This especially applies to those women who have a hereditary predisposition to this disease. To reduce the risk of disease, it is necessary to have moderate physical activity, wear comfortable shoes and avoid hypotension.

Consequences and complications

There is no single course of varicose veins. Different groups of patients have individual characteristics of the disease course associated with the pathogenesis of varicose veins. Varicose veins can be primary - that is, associated with congenital insufficiency of the venous valve and weakness of the vascular wall, which is almost always accompanied by reverse blood flow (reflux). And secondary (acquired), when reflux develops several years after the onset of the disease.

What are the dangers of varicose veins on the legs in women? Varicose veins tend to progress; as they develop and in the absence of conservative treatment, the symptoms of the disease worsen. Heaviness in the legs is replaced by persistent, persistent swelling, against the background of which tissue damage develops, open trophic ulcers appear, due to which a person completely loses his ability to work and requires constant maintenance therapy.

Treatment at home

Many women are interested in how to treat varicose veins on women's legs at home? Therapeutic exercises, herbal treatment and some recommendations for a healthy lifestyle for patients with varicose veins will help alleviate the symptoms of the disease and prevent its further development.

Therapeutic exercises

Every day in the morning and evening you need to perform simple exercises for varicose veins:

  • Lying on your back, raise your legs vertically, lean them against the wall at an angle of 90°. Hold them in this position for 3 minutes, breathing slowly through the chest, not the stomach.
  • While lying on your back, perform the bicycle exercise for 3-5 minutes.
  • While standing, lift both feet on toes 1 cm from the floor and lower yourself. Perform 30 times in two approaches.
  • While standing, alternately lift one heel off the floor, then the other, at an angle of no more than 45o. Start with 15 minutes a day, increase to 30 minutes.

Every day, you should set aside time for a walk, at least 30 minutes. It is useful to go to the pool for a swim once a week.

Folk remedies

Take the herbal mixture internally: mix 1 tablespoon each of birch buds, motherwort, string, calamus root, sycamore leaves, and thyme.

Pour boiling water over half a glass of the mixture and heat it in a water bath for 40 minutes. Let it cook, strain. Drink 0. 5 cups before each meal for a month.

Make compresses from homemade fats:

  • Mix half a glass of sour milk with fresh chopped wormwood leaves. Apply to the affected veins, secure with gauze from above and cover with a film. Hold for 30 minutes a day.
  • Grate the beets on a fine grater, add 2 spoons of melted honey, mix, cool and apply to sore feet.

To remove evening swelling, apply fresh cabbage leaves to the ankles, first pierce them with a fork until the juice appears. Secure with a bandage.

Forecasts and preventive measures

From varicose veinsis an irreversible process, in this case we should not talk about a complete recovery. But with timely diagnosis, adequate treatment and prevention, patients can completely get rid of unpleasant symptoms and lead a full life.

Preventive measures for varicose veins include:healthy lifestyle, proper diet and giving up bad habits. People who are forced to stay in the same position for a long time due to their professional activity are advised to avoid crossing their limbs, perform simple exercises from time to time, bend and straighten their legs and do a light massage to improve blood circulation.

In your free time, you should walk in the fresh air as often as possible and engage in moderate physical activity.

Ladies who follow the fashion or work dress code and constantly go tohigh heels, you should change them from time to time for more comfortable shoes.

The same goes foruncomfortable clothes, because even tight underwear can cause poor circulation and the appearance of varicose veins on women's legs.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities are today considered a widespread disease that is often not given much importance.

It is very important to remember thatInattention to the health of your feet can cost a person not only his ability to work, but also his life, while in the initial stages, varicose veins can be quite successfully corrected with the simplest methods.