Varicose veins

Varicose veins- this is a pathology that affects the vessels of the lower extremities and with an unfavorable course of the disease, a variety of complications are possible. These can be relatively harmless symptoms, such as feeling tired, aching and swelling of the legs, or reach such formidable consequences as thrombosis and trophic ulcers.

According to WHO, the diagnosis of varicose veins of the lower extremities occurs in almost every 4-5 adults. Currently, it is still considered one of the most common pathologies on the planet. In recent years, there has been a significant rejuvenation of the contingent of patients with this pathology - more than 80% of cases fit into the age of 30–50 years and occur even in adolescents.

Causes of varicose veins

Women are primarily at risk for developing varicose veins. This is due to several physiological features of the female body at once:

• First of all, these are hormonal changes that occur at different periods of life and lead to a weakening of the venous network and blood vessels. This happens during pregnancy, during childbirth, menopause. For example, during pregnancy, blood volume increases up to 30%, and the growing uterus compresses the vessels of the small pelvis, which makes it difficult for normal venous outflow. After childbirth, the situation only partially normalizes, since changes in the structure of the deep veins remain. Hence such sad statistics: after the first childbirth, every third or fourth woman faces manifestations of varicose veins. After the second - already every second.
• In addition, varicose veins develop due to a genetic predisposition. That is, if relatives on the female line had any problems with blood vessels, then under the influence of negative factors, this disease will manifest itself sooner or later. However, even if there is a predisposition to this disease, this does not mean that you will really have varicose veins. Genetics may or may not work, but you will always be at risk.
• Often, varicose veins also occur under the influence of external factors due to the peculiarities of everyday life. Long-term sitting and standing work, constant loads with weight lifting, excess weight, unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle also lead to its development.

Despite the fact that, according to statistics, women suffer from vascular problems to a greater extent, the male half is also able to get varicose veins. Excess weight, a sedentary lifestyle and power loads with weight lifting on a regular basis can lead to pathology.

Stages of varicose veins

There is a classification of diseases, according to which there are several stages of varicose veins: from zero to the most severe. At the zero level, there are still no external signs of the disease, but the person feels a feeling of heaviness, slight swelling appears by the end of the day. Therefore, many refer to varicose veins as an unpleasant cosmetic defect.

In fact, varicose veins are classified as a group of serious cardiovascular pathologies, which in the future will lead to the development of severe complications, limiting vital activity.

Conventionally, the symptoms of varicose veins are divided into several stages, which show the neglect of the pathology:

1. First, discomfort appears - constant pain and "heaviness" of the legs, swelling of the feet and ankles by the end of the day and night cramps in the legs. Often at the end of the day, marks from socks and shoes are visible on the skin. At the same time, the venous pattern on the skin becomes more noticeable, and in some places spider veins appear. Sometimes in appearance the legs remain the same, but the unpleasant symptoms progress every day.
2. At the second stage, the veins already take on the appearance characteristic of varicose veins - they begin to protrude above the skin, forming whole clusters and nodules. With progression, they "bulge" outward more and more, acquire a bluish-black color.
3. At the third stage, tissue trophism worsens. Dryness and pallor of the skin of the legs are added to the constant swelling and heaviness in the legs, cramps already appear not only at night, but also during the day. Sometimes a rash and itching appear in the affected area.
4. At the last stage, inflammatory processes of the skin and blood vessels are added to all the above symptoms of varicose veins. In places where a large number of bulging veins accumulate, non-healing trophic ulcers appear. Plus, it is possible to attach thrombophlebitis or a secondary infection.

If the patient does not take any measures, then the disease will progress. And if in the initial stages it is still possible to prevent unpleasant symptoms and the development of varicose veins, then in the later stages serious surgical treatment may be required.

What are the treatments for varicose veins?

Doctors have long been looking for ways to get rid of varicose veins. Over time, it was found that if the dilated veins were removed, the blood circulation in the limbs would remain in a normal state. This is due to the fact that during the disease, vessels that are not surrounded by muscles and are located on the surface of the body are primarily affected. Therefore, when they are "disconnected" from the circulatory system, trophic functions are performed by a network of vessels located in the deep layer of the legs and thighs.

In addition, in the 20th century, a number of drugs were developed that inhibit the development of the disease. Therefore, two types of treatment are currently used - conservative and surgical. In some cases they are combined. Therefore, the final treatment program depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and neglect.

What is the conservative treatment method?

It should be understood that when varicose veins appear, it is no longer possible to completely recover from this disease.

The pathological process cannot be reversed and structural changes in the vessels will no longer return to their original state, but there is a chance to significantly slow down its progression and partially eliminate unpleasant symptoms.

Therefore, a conservative technique is indicated in the initial stages of the disease, when there is no need for surgical intervention or there are any contraindications for the operation. For this, the following is assigned:

• Taking medications, the so-called phleboprotectors. Preparations for oral administration primarily fight the causes of the appearance - they increase the tone of the venous network, improve blood flow in tissues, restore valve function and stop inflammation processes. At the same time, together with venotonics, drugs are prescribed that will reduce blood viscosity and serve as a prevention of blood clots.
• In addition to the internal intake of tablets, ointments and gels of venotonics are prescribed. They are aimed at alleviating unpleasant symptoms in the legs - heaviness, pain and swelling. As a rule, such drugs combine a cooling effect, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
• The essence of compression therapy is reduced to the constant wearing of compression stockings (stockings) and elastic bandages. In this case, the material takes over the muscle function. It compresses the vessels, due to which the blood flow normalizes in the vertical direction and goes to the heart. With the constant use of compression products, the well-being of patients improves significantly. Moreover, it is prescribed without fail after surgical interventions, for pregnant women with varicose veins.
• When trophic ulcers appear in the last stages of varicose veins, local measures are applied. These include dressings, systemic use of antibiotics, antihistamines, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Only an experienced phlebologist is able to select a scheme for conservative treatment, including compression underwear. Here it is necessary to take into account not only the course of the disease, but also the presence of individual contraindications, the patient's condition.

Treatment with surgical methods

Since deformed vessels with damaged valves can no longer be restored, phlebologists use a variety of surgical techniques to remove them. The point is to "turn off" the deformed vein from the general circulatory system and remove it. This can be achieved in several ways:

1. The classic method of surgical treatment is phlebectomy. It is removed surgically, bandaged and removed from the body. Such an operation takes place under general anesthesia for 1-2 hours, while scars up to 5 mm in size remain on the legs. Such a procedure cannot be performed in coronary heart disease, in old age, in the presence of severe infectious diseases and in the second half of pregnancy because of its trauma.
2. A more gentle way to remove varicose veins is laser coagulation of dilated veins. In this case, there is an influence from the inside: an electrode with laser radiation is introduced into it. Under such influence, the vessel walls heat up and stick together, thereby stopping the blood flow, and over time it shrinks and completely resolves.
3. Another low-traumatic method is sclerotherapy. A special sclerosing drug resembling microfoam is injected into the problem vein. Under its influence, it is sealed and gradually overgrown. This procedure is quite fast and completely atraumatic, as it takes about 20 minutes to complete and no anesthesia is required.
4. By the type of laser, radiofrequency coagulation is done. Only instead of laser exposure, a different type of energy is used. The advantage is that it is carried out even in advanced cases, when trophic ulcers have already appeared and there are other skin lesions.

Preventive measures to control the disease

With the help of operations and drug treatment, good results are achieved, but when you return to your normal lifestyle and lack of prevention, the disease will return to the same state. Therefore, both in the presence of the first symptoms of varicose veins, and in severe cases, one should not forget about preventive measures, as they will stop the progression of the disease:

• Watch your weight and try to keep it normal. Since with excess weight, the load on the legs increases, and hence on the vessels. Therefore, it is important to balance the diet, eat healthier food, give up bad habits.
• Do not forget about physical activity: the more movements you make during the day, the more often you "pump" blood through the veins and train the vessels. Therefore, during sedentary work, take breaks with mini exercises, do not cross your legs, walk up the stairs and add suitable workouts to your regimen (yoga, exercise equipment, Nordic walking, exercise therapy, swimming, skiing). At the same time, it is worth excluding the occupation of those sports where there is a large load on the legs.
• Critically approach the choice of shoes and clothes for every day. Clothing should not restrict movement, and fully comply with the intended activity. Avoid high-heeled and flat-soled shoes whenever possible, or keep them to a minimum, such as on special occasions.
• Try dousing your feet at the end of the day - alternate warm and cold water, change the force of pressure. In addition, do self-massage to improve muscle tone. At the same time, "hot" procedures should be excluded or minimized - this applies to taking hot baths, visiting a bath, using hot wax for depilation, etc.
• Choose compression stockings with a specialist. You should not buy such products on your own, since it is the doctor who selects the appropriate degree of compression, taking into account the state of the venous network at the moment, and writes a prescription for them. Use such knitwear more often in combination with other preventive measures. At the same time, it is important to purchase quality products from trusted medical brands that have the right effect.
• Before taking any hormonal drugs, especially in women during periods of body restructuring, it is necessary to additionally consult with a phlebologist.

If you experience any symptoms of the disease, it is very important to seek qualified help. If you do not want to constantly endure pain and heaviness in your legs, "hide" your legs, deny yourself beautiful clothes, want to cope with varicose veins and maintain your health, it is enough to visit a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination.

It includes a consultation with a vascular surgeon, visual examination, anamnesis, examination of the state of veins and arteries using a modern diagnostic method (duplex scanning). Based on the data obtained, a diagnosis is made and a comprehensive treatment program is developed.

The arsenal of clinics includes all progressive methods of getting rid of varicose veins - from outpatient sclerotherapy and laser correction to complex surgical interventions. After carrying out any procedures, vascular surgeons give recommendations to each patient, taking into account individual characteristics, if followed, a lasting effect is ensured. If you do not follow the proposed rules, the disease will begin to progress again.

Therefore, if you have the first alarming symptoms and constant discomfort in your legs, you have been unsuccessfully fighting this disease for more than a year, then sign up for a consultation with a specialist. The clinics employ experienced doctors who will select the appropriate program, taking into account the current situation.