Symptoms of varicose veins

Varicose veins on the legs are not only a cosmetic problem that worries people about their attractiveness, but also a dangerous disease that requires adequate treatment and preventive measures.

The causes of varicose veins are many: from a sedentary lifestyle, physical overload and ending with hormonal disorders, congenital weakness of the walls of blood vessels, pregnancy. What happens during varicose veins? With varicose veins of the lower extremities, they lose their normal elasticity and stretch under blood pressure.

The valves in the veins are usually locked and when blood passes through them, they close and allow blood to flow back. If the valves malfunction, blood can be released freely down, leading to a blood clot.

In this respect, the veins can not withstand the pressure, they expand, the valves are no longer able to block the large lumen. . . all this causes the onset of the initial stage of varicose veins (see photo).

Reasons

Why do varicose veins occur and what is it? The main risk factors for the development of the disease are considered to be genetic predisposition and gender. Due to the love for high heels, hormonal changes during pregnancy and taking contraceptives, women become victims of varicose veins twice as often as men.

The development of diseases is promoted by:

1. Heredity. It is not the disease itself that is inherited, but the genetically determined structure of the veins: weak connective tissues of the venous walls, congenital defective veins. This is why varicose veins can occur in young, healthy and active (regardless of gender) people and even children. According to scientists, genetic predisposition is the main factor that leads to varicose veins in the legs.
2. Hormonal changes. Due to the characteristics of the body in women, periods of hormonal disorders become the causes of blood stasis. For them, the most dangerous periods are adolescence, pregnancy, the time after childbirth. The moment of menopause is also dangerous. This group of patients visits doctors 2-3 times more often. There are not enough hormones in the female organs called estrogens. On the contrary, the so-called corpus luteum hormones predominate. It is believed to be the one that has a relaxing effect on the muscles. This promotes varicose veins.
A sedentary, sedentary lifestyle or a long-term job contributes to the development of varicose veins.
3. Age. Over time, the valves and the walls of the veins become thinner, which leads to the cessation of their work.
4. Obesity. Being overweight leads to increased stress on the veins in the legs.

Secondary varicose veins occur with injuries to the legs, heart abnormalities, liver and spleen dysfunctions. In this case, first of all, appropriate treatment of the primary disease is carried out.

What contributes to varicose veins?

The main risk factors for the development of the disease are considered to be genetic predisposition and gender. Due to the love for high heels, hormonal changes during pregnancy and taking contraceptives, women become victims of varicose veins twice as often as men.

The development of diseases is promoted by:

• Obesity
• Prolonged standing or sitting
• Heavy physical activity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Constipation
• Smoking

Secondary varicose veins occur with injuries to the legs, heart abnormalities, liver and spleen dysfunctions. In this case, first of all, appropriate treatment of the primary disease is carried out.

What promotes varicose veins

The development of varicose veins is based on the congenital weakness of the venous wall, the insufficiency of the superficial venous valves and the increase in venous pressure in relation to it. The special one-way valves prevent the blood from flowing back and prevent it from stopping in one place, when they are destroyed, the movement of blood from the tissues back to the heart is stopped. It should be noted that conservative treatment does not affect the pressure in the veins.

Stages

There are 3 stages in the development of symptoms in the development of varicose veins.

1. Compensation stage. There are no complaints. During the examination, varicose veins are observed in one or both legs.
2. Overcompensation stage. On examination, severe varicose veins are visible in the legs. Patients complain of a feeling of fullness, paraesthesia ("chills") in the lower legs, night cramps. There is a slight swelling of the legs, ankles and lower legs at night. The swelling disappears in the morning.
3. Compensation stage. Dermatitis and eczema are among the points mentioned. Patients worry about itching. The skin becomes dry, glowing, attached to the subcutaneous tissue. Minor bleeding and subsequent hemosiderin deposition cause hyperpigmentation.

By itself, varicose veins are not considered a very serious disease, but if they have already developed, they will never go away on their own, and even more, they will progress, leading to all sorts of complications that pose the greatest risk.

Signs

The first signs that indicate the beginning of varicose veins:

• rapid fatigue in the legs
• swelling of the lower extremities.
• feeling of heaviness in the legs.

At later stages, spider veins appear on the skin, protruding veins and various seals, indicating congestion in the vessels.

Varicose veins: symptoms

Diagnosing the early stages of the disease is quite difficult, as in the initial stage there are no spider veins and dilated veins that rise above the skin.

Symptoms of early varicose veins:

• Heavy legs at the end of the day
• Fatigue
• Mild to moderate pain
• Enhancement of the venous pattern in the skin

Often, before the first cobwebs appear or veins are found in places they have not seen before, the patient does not feel any other symptoms of the disease and only cosmetic defects in the skin cause discomfort. As a rule, in the early stages, the symptoms of varicose veins disappear completely or are significantly reduced with rest, so they often go unnoticed.

One or more veins protruding above the skin indicate progression and neglect of the disease. With prolonged posture, aching pain appears in the area of ​​the nodes, numbness, tingling, "creeping cramps", which explode in the legs. By the end of the day, swelling often occurs, which disappears after a good night's sleep. You can judge the swelling with shoes that are free in the morning, which start to get tight at night.

Why are varicose veins dangerous?

Thrombophlebitis is one of the most common complications of varicose veins. In addition, increased pressure in the venous portion leads to the penetration of erythrocytes through the vessel walls into the tissue. Because of this, skin pigmentation, thickening and tissue hypoxia are observed, which contributes to the appearance of food ulcers. Even with small skin lesions in the nodule area, severe bleeding can break.

Diagnostics

In order to diagnose varicose veins of the lower extremities and prescribe the appropriate treatment, the specialist will offer the patient to undergo a comprehensive examination, including various methods.

1. Double-sided scanning (venous ultrasound) is the most informative method for diagnosing varicose veins, which makes it possible to get an idea of ​​the degree of varicose veins, the direction of blood flow through the veins and thetheir spaciousness, as well as detecting the presence of blood clots (thrombi).
2. Contrast ventography, which is a test method that allows you to detect dilated veins and find out how well they are available for blood.

Only a qualified venologist can diagnose varicose veins.

Consequences

The complicated course of varicose veins is accompanied by the formation of thrombosis and inflammation of the veins, food ulcers and skin disorders. These complications are manifested in the discoloration of the skin on the feet, in the redness, in the dark, blue skin.

Persistent swelling of the ankle is also common, especially when walking or standing. In the calf area, pain occurs when you walk, pain along the complicated vein, hardening of the skin and the formation of ulcers of various sizes in it.

During pregnancy

Pregnancy significantly increases the risk of developing lower extremity varicose veins, this is facilitated by the following reasons:

1. Hormones that circulate in the blood during pregnancy increase the elasticity of the venous wall and contribute to the congestion of venous blood in the legs.
2. Increased intra-abdominal pressure in late pregnancy makes it difficult for blood to flow through the veins of the legs.
Varicose veins that appear during pregnancy may disappear completely after childbirth or go further, depending on individual factors (heredity, the presence of other factors).

Treatment of varicose veins in the legs

For varicose veins in the legs, treatment may not be a medical necessity unless the symptoms are problematic.

However, some people may want to have varicose vein treatment for cosmetic reasons because they are unhappy with their appearance.

Let's look at the main methods that will help get rid of this problem.

1. Sclerotherapy. This method of treatment is used both independently and in combination with conservative procedures. Its essence lies in the fact that a special preparation that fills it is injected into the vein with a fine needle or syringe, and then the vein disappears completely. Sessions are held once a week, 3 to 6 of these sessions are required. The method avoids marks and scars.
2. Non-surgical treatment. If the varicose veins are in their early stages and are not very uncomfortable, then elastic compression may be recommended. They are worn during daily activities. They help constrict the veins, preventing them from stretching and reducing any discomfort or pain.
3. Medical treatment of varicose veins relieves the symptoms, reduces swelling and pain, slows down the growth process, but is not able to completely stop the disease and restore the damaged veins.
4. Laser treatment for leg varicose veins can be used on the surface of the skin. With the help of a small flash of laser light, a hardening process develops in the vein wall and the varicose veins disappear as if removed.

Physical activity - brisk walking, exercise, swimming and water exercises (in addition to heavy leg exercises - tennis, weightlifting, jumping) play an important role in treatment and prevention.

Conservative treatment of varicose veins is prescribed mainly for those people who have clear contraindications for surgery.

Similar treatment is also indicated if the patient has a slight swelling of the veins, which is a purely cosmetic defect. The goal of conservative treatment is also to prevent further progression of this disease. For this purpose, patients are advised to apply a bandage to the legs affected by varicose veins with an elastic bandage. Additionally, compression stockings are available for varicose veins. People who tend to have varicose veins or are already sick with this disease should regularly put their feet in a daisy during the day, thus resting for several minutes. There are also special exercises for the lower leg and foot, aimed at activating the muscular venous pump. This is a periodic extension and flexion of the ankles and knee joints.

The patient should be careful not to let the legs and thighs be pulled together by different types of toilets, as this can significantly impede the flow of venous blood.

With the help of elastic compression, you can activate blood flow in the deep veins, prevent swelling, reduce the amount of blood in the saphenous veins, promote the body's metabolic processes and blood microcirculation.

But to achieve positive results, it is important to tie the leg properly. This procedure should be done in the morning, before getting out of bed. The bandage starts from the toes to the thigh and there should be a slight tension in the bandage. During the bandaging process, be sure to grip the heel and ankle. The bandage with each turn around the edge should cover half of the previous round. Only buy certified elastic bandage and compression stockings.

The treatment of varicose veins also involves the use of comfortable shoes, which must have a low heel and a hard sole. You do not have to stand for a long time, let go of physical stress, stay in rooms with high temperature and humidity for a long time. In a dream, it is recommended to keep the legs in an elevated position.

Patients should limit their fluid and salt intake and try to get rid ofoverweight. For the treatment of varicose veins, it is necessary to periodically take diuretics, drugs that improve the tone of the veins. In addition, if there is evidence, the patient may be prescribed drugs that stimulate microcirculation in the tissues. Treatment for varicose veins may also include the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

If the patient has a simple form of the disease, physiotherapy occurs. It is very useful swimming, other water procedures, feet with hot water, to which is added 5-10% sodium chloride solution.

Very often, local treatment methods are used to treat varicose veins. But this treatment should be used in combination with other methods of medication. Topical treatments for varicose veins are produced in the form of gels, ointments, creams. Most of these medicines containheparinor venoactive ingredients. Ointments for varicose veins help to normalize the tone of the walls of the veins, can correct disorders of lymph outflow and microcirculation. In some topical preparations, there are several different active ingredients in the composition.

If there is a secondary infection during the varicose vein process, the use of external agents withantibioticsorantisepticsis ​​recommended.

Since ancient times, the treatment withhirudotherapyfor varicose veins has been used for treatment. The use of leeches, which secrete hirudin, allows you to dilute the blood, promotes the absorption ofblood clots, getting rid of spider veins and varicose veins. In addition, varicose vein therapy can reduce leg pain, overcome edema. However, it is important to apply hirudotherapy in the very early stages of varicose veins. This treatment should not be used by people withhemophilia,anemia,hypotension,pregnant women.

However, a radical method of treating varicose veins is surgery. It is performed to eliminate venous reflux. Such an operation is not performed if the patient has concomitant diseases of the lungs, cardiovascular system, kidneys and liver. Such an operation should not be performed on pregnant women, as well as people suffering from purulent diseases. Modern technologies allow the use of endoscopic techniques for such an operation.

If a person has only branched small branches, sclerotherapy is allowed. This operation involves injecting a sclerosing solution into the vein to stick to the walls of the veins. After that, in other parts of the vein, repeated injections are performed, while complete elimination of the vein is achieved.

For varicose veins, combination surgery is also used, in which large trunks of varicose veins are removed and small branches are sclerotherapy. After surgery, patients are advised to continue wearing the elastic bandage for 8-12 weeks.

Conservative treatment

Those looking for an effective and wonderful treatment for varicose veins should be immediately upset: even the most modern and expensive drugs are not able to completely eliminate varicose veins. They help relieve pain, swelling and even improve the condition of the venous wall, but there is no complete recovery.

In addition, conservative treatment has a tangible effect only in the initial stage of the disease, after it is carried out to prevent the further development of varicose veins. The primary role in the treatment of this disease belongs to herbal preparations, which are based on natural plant substances. However, do not forget that most of the ventonic drugs cause photosensitivity; when you take them, you should not let the sun's rays hit open areas of the skin.

In addition to drug use, relaxation activities and performing special exercises for the legs, doctors strongly recommend that you wear compression tights regularly: socks, knees, tights. They improve the microcirculation of the blood and prevent the formation of edema. It is very important to choose the right size of elastic socks and the degree of compression, which can be both preventive and therapeutic.

Treatment with tablets and ointments

To improve vascular tone, use Venetian varicose vein tablets - phlebotonics. These preparations are analogous and contain a purified flavonoid fraction consisting of 90% diosmin. Take one tablet twice a day, the course of treatment is selected separately.

Chestnut horse preparations can be used to reduce capillary permeability, reduce blood viscosity and increase vein tone

How to treat varicose veins with folk remedies

There are a huge number of methods for treating varicose veins in the legs with folk remedies, both for external and internal use. Below are the most common:

1. Chestnut horse flowers (50 grams), you need to pour 500 grams of alcohol and then let it brew for 14 days, shaking the bottle every day. Pass the tincture through a grid and consume a tablespoon of water three times a day before meals. How to treat for a week - take a break for two weeks. Then the treatment can be started again.
2. Dried nettle infusion is used for varicose veins. The dried crushed leaves of the plant are poured into warm with 1/2 liter of boiling water, infused for 30-40 minutes, filtered and taken 1/3 cup 3 times a day 1 hour after meals.
3. Tomato compression. Chopped tomato, put on a bandage, gauze and spread on the toothache. For convenience, you can tie it with a rubber band or other bandage. Such a compression lasts in the vein for 2 hours, then changes to new ones, and so on for a total of 3 times. The convenience of this compression is that it can be repeated every day.
4. Nut tincture with oil: finely chop the unripe walnuts, pour into a glass jar, add olive oil and leave in a sunny place for 40 days. Lubricate the wounds with a prepared tincture. The course of treatment is long, as with the use of Kalanchoe.

In addition to folk remedies, many patients with varicose veins supplement with special exercise therapy - Mikulin exercises allow you to feel significant improvement.

Complications of varicose veins of the legs

Very often,acute superficial venous thrombophlebitismanifests itself as a complication of varicose veins. Sometimes the lesion causes the veins to rupture and bleed. When blood is spilled from an exploded node, a very significant blood loss is possible.

In addition, arterial blood flow slows down due to increased pressure in the venous system. Because of this,hypoxiaand consequentoxygen starvationmay develop. Due to the development of such a condition, tissue cells can die, which is a dangerous process for the body. Due to the strong stagnation of blood in the veins, toxins accumulate in the tissues.

Complications of this disease also include blockages from blood clots, malnutrition of the foot tissues, the appearance of pigmentation and dark skin.

The layer of subcutaneous fat gradually appears,dermatitis,venous food ulcers. In very rare cases, such ulcers degenerate into malignant formations.

If the disease persists for a long time, then the person may then developchronic venous insufficiency.

But the most dangerous complication of varicose veins ispulmonary embolism. This disease is deadly.

Precautionary measures

If you are in a risk group, your relatives have suffered from varicose veins or have to spend a lot of time supporting the nature of their work - you need to pay close attention to the condition of your feet so you do not miss the first "bells"".

Basic prevention measures help prevent the onset of the disease and also slow down the progression of existing varicose veins.

Prevention measures:

• Do not abuse the sun's rays and hot baths. The baths and saunas are not ideal for visiting.
• Do not wear tight shoes, socks with tight elastic bands or tight clothes.
• The optimal heel height does not exceed 6 cm.
• Avoid weight gain. Try to eat a diet rich in fiber, vegetables and fruits.
• Refuse very intense physical activity and weight lifting.
• Do special leg exercises that include lifting ("bike", "scissors").
• Do self-massage if there are no swollen veins.
• At the end of the day, wash your feet with cold water, a contrast shower also has a positive effect.

Despite its prevalence, varicose veins are difficult to treat. When the first worrying symptoms appear, do not postpone a visit to the vascular surgeon, because the sooner the disease is detected, the more likely you are to avoid surgery.

Prediction

Varicose veins on the legs are a disease that can be treated for years, and even after surgical removal in 80% of cases it reappears.

The prognosis depends on the stage at which treatment begins. A set of measures for prevention in the early stages (treatment of varicose veins with phlebotonics 2 times a year and a healthy lifestyle) allows you to stop the further development of the disease. You need to follow a strict prevention framework throughout your life.

In the later stages (with the appearance of severe deformity, nodules, edema and signs of oxygen starvation), the prognosis determines the presence of concomitant diseases (diabetes, obesity) and the patient's readiness to follow the recommendations (follow the recommendations). , take medication, lose weight).

Complications of varicose veins (thrombophlebitis, food ulcers) develop in 89% of diabetics.

Varicose veins are considered a non-life-threatening disease, but its complications can significantly worsen quality of life and prognosis. With deep vein thrombosis, approximately 50% of patients die from thromboembolism within 3 months.