VARICOSE VESSELS

Varicose veins

Fatigue, heaviness in the legs, mild tissue edema, swelling of the arteries, and the first visible "vascular networks" may indicate the development of varicose veins in the lower extremities.

The statistics of this disease are terrible. For example, in one country alone, about 37 million people suffer from this disease. Every 6th patient is a girl under 12 years old. Such an early appearance of the disease significantly increases the risk of complications that can lead to disability and even death if left untreated.

What is so terrible about varicose veins of the lower extremities? Why is it so important to stop development in the early stages? Read this article about treatment methods, preventive measures in terms of specialists and a lot of useful information about varicose veins of the lower extremities.

What are varicose veins of the lower extremities?

All the blood vessels in the human body are divided into deep, superficial and perforated. The deep veins do almost all the work (90%) to carry the blood to the heart, and the perforated arteries are a kind of bridge between the deep and the surface. The structure of the arteries ensures the presence of valves that direct and promote the flow of blood only in the right direction. When the circulatory system breaks down, part of the blood collects at one point. This leads to local expansion of the vessel. The first to suffer are deep veins (called internal varicose veins), then the superficial ones in the form of "spider veins and nodules".

To fully understand the severity of the disease, it is necessary to note that its development threatens the development of thrombophlebitis, thrombus (or thromboembolism) of the pulmonary artery, as well as trophic ulcers of the foot, lymphostasis (edema of the lower extremities) and many other problems.

The main causes of varicose veins of the lower extremities

Many factors in the work of blood vessels, in general, can lead to disruption of blood flow, and then stimulate the appearance of varicose veins of the superficial vessels of the lower extremities. Let's look at the main ones:

Causes of varicose veins in the legs
  1. Congenital malformation of the valves inside the venous vessels can be hereditary. According to statistics, two-thirds of patients have close relatives with similar diseases.
  2. Insufficient mobility reduces stress in soft tissues. As a result, it reduces the load and tone of blood vessels.
  3. During "standing", the pressure inside the arteries of the legs increases tenfold. With a long vertical adjustment, the valves cannot cope with the increasing load, which leads to a malfunction of their operation.
  4. Decreased vascular tone - age-related changes can cause the wall to lose its elasticity after certain diseases.
  5. Pregnancy - this period is characterized by an increase in blood in the female body, along with the hormones progesterone and estrogen. Together, these changes stimulate the development of varicose veins in the lower extremities. However, if varicose complications do not occur, it is possible to normalize the process about 1 year after birth.

Overweight, injuries, previous surgeries, hormonal disorders and contraceptive use complete the list of causes of the disease.

Determination of varicose veins of the lower extremities - symptoms and diagnosis

The effectiveness of treatment, the speed of a positive result depends mainly on the accuracy and timeliness of diagnosis.

Symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities will help to diagnose the disease at an early stage:

  • appearance of slight swelling in the legs;
  • swelling of superficial venous vessels, increase in diameter;
  • itching of the lower extremities with varicose veins;
  • excessive work, feeling of heaviness;
  • burning, pain as a result of excessive elongation of the vessel walls;
  • leg cramps;
  • noticeable blue skin along the vein, compression (induration) of problem areas of tissues, the formation of varicose eczema of the lower extremities.
How varicose veins appear in the legs

Even the slightest violation of the integrity of the skin at the site of eczema can lead to the formation of trophic ulcers.

In the case of deep intravenous varicose veins of the lower extremities, the symptoms may appear at a later stage, which is also undesirable. Therefore, if you have the slightest suspicion of a disease, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Diagnosis of varicose veins of the lower extremities is carried out with special equipment. Such work is safe, painless and allows you to thoroughly study the severity of the disease.

There are several diagnostic options:

  • visual inspection;
  • color duplex examination method - a blood flow map developed during the study allows you to assess the direction and speed of blood flow through the veins. The procedure provides information about the condition of the blood vessels, which is important for predicting the development of varicose veins;
  • Phlebography - is rarely used because it involves X-rays.

During the diagnosis, you can monitor the condition of blood vessels, valves, analyze their functionality and determine the direction of blood flow.

Generally, the first reason to see a doctor is aesthetic changes. They are harmless from the first type and can lead to more serious diseases and complications. Therefore, you should not ignore their importance.

Classification of varicose veins of the lower extremities

Doctors generally distinguish 5 stages of varicose veins of the lower extremities, each of which has its own symptoms:

  • Stage 1- reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities that are the easiest to treat. It is distinguished by the presence of a "vascular network". The dilated veins are visible through the thin skin (especially in the fossa below the knee), and the pain has not yet occurred.
  • Stage 2- segmental varicose veins of the lower extremities, slight fatigue, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, even convulsive spasms in the calf muscles, slight swelling of the arteries is possible;
  • Stage 3- venous veins, especially inside the lower leg, with dark brown spots, thin skin, itching, rashes, signs of dermatitis, significantly different from the skin. Increased swelling causes discomfort when moving.
  • Stage 4Varicose veins of the lower extremities - symptomatology is announced, complications of the disease such as thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers appear. Varicose swollen nodules are strongly visible on the thinned skin of the lower leg, feet and thighs.
  • Stage 5- has all the symptoms of stage 4. In addition, the disease progresses to the groin area. The number of trophic ulcers is increasing rapidly, as is the frequency of thrombophlebitis crises. At this stage, the doctor determines the disability of the lower extremities with varicose veins.

The main task of both the patient and the doctor is to prevent the development of the disease outside the early stages, and the sooner you contact a phlebologist, the easier it will be to stop the disease.

Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities

methods of treatment of varicose veins

Medicine does not stand still, but develops the latest technologies to combat venous diseases. Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities can be carried out by conservative methods (drugs, minimally invasive procedures), surgery, massage and home remedies.

Deterioration of visual appeal is not a list of possible problems. It can add complications and disability. Modern medicine has a wide range of non-surgical effects on problem areas, and in most cases is physiotherapy for varicose veins of the lower extremities, which is most effective in the early stages of the disease:

  1. The use of creams, gels, ointments for varicose veins of the lower extremities brings significant relief. It is easy to apply on the surface, does not cause pain and discomfort.
  2. Use of venotonics - drugs that normalize the function of blood vessels in the case of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
  3. Laser exposure - the method of endovenous laser obliteration of vessels (ELOV) is widely used in the fight against varicose veins. The principle of the procedure is to stop the work of the problem vessel due to the effect of heat radiation. Laser manipulations are performed under local anesthesia, there are no restrictions on movements and no additional hospital stay is required. The patient has the right to go home immediately after the procedure.
  4. Magnetotherapy for varicose veins of the lower extremities is a modern adjuvant that promotes blood thinning, stimulates blood circulation and, consequently, removes toxins from the tissues and saturates them with oxygen.
  5. RF exposure - RF works like a laser. They remove the problem blood vessels from the circulatory system, thus eliminating the risk of possible complications;
  6. Sclerotherapy - involves the insertion of a special drug into a patient's vein, which prefers to stick to the walls of blood vessels and after a while remove it from the bloodstream.

It should be noted that initial consultation with a doctor and a special examination are required.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities

Late visits to a doctor, neglect of the disease lead to CVI (chronic venous insufficiency) and minimally invasive therapy. In such cases, surgery helps.

varicose vein surgery

The following factors are considered surgical intervention of varicose veins of the lower extremities:

  • The disease is in severe stages when trophic ulcers are increasingly present;
  • development of thrombophlebitis;
  • Excessive fatigue, anxiety associated with swelling of the legs.

The principle of surgical intervention, like conservative methods, is based on the removal of the problem vessel from the circulatory system. Only in minimally invasive methods are the vessels glued together and closed and removed on both sides during the operation.

There are several main methods of surgical treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities:

  1. Phlebectomyis ​​a classic variant of the operation. A small incision (up to five millimeters) is made in the skin, through which a probe is placed and the patient's vein is removed. The procedure does not take more than two hours and does not involve long-term hospitalization.
  2. Miniflebectomy- differs from the classic phlebectomy in the size of the hole in the skin. In this case, these are minimal punctures that minimize the rehabilitation process and leave no visible marks on the body.
  3. Short peeling- requires the exact location of the problem area. Only the affected segment is deleted. There are no traces left after the procedure.
  4. Vascular rupture under the control of a high optical endocopy. The patient is injected directly into a vein, the operation is performed through a monitor. Experience, the surgeon's specialty increases the chances of successful surgery.

Surgery will solve the problem of painful veins, reduce the risk of developing the disease and help relieve symptoms in the later stages. Compression underwear, venotonic drugs are the main condition of the rehabilitation period. Early recovery helps normalize blood circulation.

Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities with folk remedies

folk remedies for varicose veins in the legs

Home treatment has a special place in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities. There is no need to acknowledge their great importance, and at the same time there is nothing to degrade them. Baked decoctions, infusions, compresses can reduce pain, reduce the feeling of heaviness and fatigue after a hard day.

Traditional medicine as a treatment for reticular varicose veins recommends a tincture of calamus root in red wine for internal use. There are also recipes for external rubbing.

Unopened maple shoots are brewed in 0. 5 liters of vodka for 10 days. When ready, the product is rubbed into the skin.

Useful compresses for varicose veins of the lower extremities from garlic yogurt or wrapping with fresh cabbage leaves.

You shouldn't expect super fast results. The means are suitable for prophylactic purposes and for the treatment of primary varicose veins of the lower extremities in combination with drugs prescribed by a doctor. Do not use any treatment without talking to your doctor.

Massage and gymnastics for varicose veins of the lower extremities

The healing properties of massage have long been known to mankind. Massage of the lower extremities with varicose veins also has a beneficial effect. Increases blood and lymph flow, normalizes venous pressure and initiates metabolic processes in tissues.

Massage technique is unique. It is forbidden to touch the affected vascular area only on all sides. Light pinching, wide grip and caressing are the main methods of the procedure. It is recommended to combine massage with a number of exercises.

Gymnastics for varicose veins of the lower extremities involves a number of exercises:

gymnastics for varicose veins
  1. Warming up - you need to lie down with your legs up for two to three minutes. They should stand on a wall or other hill, this situation provides complete relief.
  2. Exercise "Cycling" - the movements are the same as when riding a bicycle. Only the "lying behind" position of the body.
  3. Exercise "Scissors" - cross the raised limbs for at least a minute.
  4. Calf Muscle Exercise - Bend one leg while lying down so that your knee reaches the chest. When massaging a problem muscle, do the opposite. Repeat the procedure four times with each foot.
  5. Get up. Get on your feet for three to five minutes and lower yourself to the starting position.
  6. A complex of gymnastic exercises or exercise therapy for varicose veins of the lower extremities has a prophylactic, therapeutic effect aimed at accelerating the flow of venous blood to the heart, increasing vascular tone.

It is important that the doctor not only approves the set of exercises for daily exercise, but also makes sure that the patient performs them correctly without creating additional stress on the arteries.

Prevention of varicose veins of the lower extremities

It is better to prevent a problem than to treat it later! Experts unanimously recommend the following measures to prevent the disease:

  1. Exercise more - this reduces the risk of blood and lymph blockage.
  2. Exercise regularly against varicose veins.
  3. Shoes should be comfortable, the heel should not exceed four centimeters.
  4. Prolonged exposure to the sun does not work well on the walls of the arteries, limit the time of hot baths.
  5. Measures to prevent varicose veins in the legs
  6. Prefer a contrast shower, it increases blood circulation.
  7. Pay attention to fresh vegetables, fruits, plant products. A special diet for varicose veins of the lower extremities is the "best friend" of health.
  8. Recover your body with 2 liters of fluid a day.
  9. Eliminating fatigue, improper sitting or restlessness at rest is the best prevention of varicose veins of the lower extremities.

It should not be forgotten that varicose veins of the lower extremities are a progressive disease. Thrombophlebitis and trophic ulcers can turn from painless "stars". Beauty is protected by following the simple recommendations of experts, the absence of pain and heaviness in the legs. If you have the slightest suspicion of the disease, hurry to phlebology. Remember, varicose veins cannot be completely cured, but they can be prevented to minimize the risk of future development. Bless you!