Varicose veins of the lower extremities are found in one in five men and 28% of able-bodied women, according to medical records.
If we look at the entire population, half of adults will have characteristic symptoms.
The peculiarity of this disease is that it grows out of comfortable living conditions. Studies in Asian countries have shown that there is less prevalence among the poor who carry hands and take long walks.
Why are the arteries of the legs loaded?
The anatomical structure of the vessel wall is characterized by a reinforced skeleton of muscles and a valve apparatus. The goal is not only to keep a person's blood flowing in a vertical position, but also to organize his rise against the force of gravity towards the heart.
Valves prevent backflow to prevent overfilling at the farthest points of the body. This "uncomfortable" place is the feet and legs.
The mechanism of formation of varicose veins of the legs
At the age of 40, the human body begins to synthesize a limited amount of plastic materials, the main of which is collagen protein. It is important for good venous valve tone. Lack leads to tone loss, sagging and inability to delay reverse blood flow and the resulting mass.
The venous network in the legs consists of superficial veins lying directly under the skin and deep veins located in the thickness of the muscle layer.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are characterized by initial damage to the valves of the superficial vessels. The blockage manifests itself in areas with dilated fine veins visible in the form of a thin mesh.
Further development of the pathology leads to blood clots in the periphery and tissue edema (fluid leakage from the walls of blood vessels), malnutrition (reduced output of toxins, oxygen and nutrients are retained by constricted arteries).
How complications come together
The stagnation of venous blood in the legs slows down the blood flow in the arteries, which creates favorable conditions for platelet aggregation. Blood clots complicate an already disrupted blood supply.
The risk of rupture of the embolus and the movement of large vessels to the heart increases. If a person has defects in the communication of the right and left chambers, the embolism can enter the arterial blood and the development of necrotic changes in the organs is possible.
The most common accompanying complication is the addition of a local infection to the affected area of the venous wall, followed by the development of phlebitis or thrombophlebitis.
Causes of the disease
For varicose veins of the lower extremities, there is only one cause that does not depend on the person - a genetic defect in the structure of collagen. It manifests itself not only in varicose veins, but also in the relatively early signs of skin aging (dryness, deep wrinkles).
Other reasons are related to people's activities and behaviors.
- Decreased physical activity or, conversely, heavy physical labor leads to a violation of the vascular tone of the legs.
- Prolonged standing and sitting during working hours cause blood stasis in the legs and impaired flow.
- Pregnancy puts increased pressure on the pelvic organs and large vessels, preventing drainage from the lower vessels.
- Doctors from Asian countries have linked the growth of varicose veins in the legs in patients who are addicted to the European habit of sitting in a chair or chair instead of kneeling.
- Comfortable high toilets require increased tension of the muscles of the abdominal wall during bowel movements, the tension causes stagnation in the legs. Defecation during squats is more physiological.
- Fast food habits, a decrease in the proportion of raw vegetables and fruits in the diet leads to constipation and long-term stress.
- Smokers expose the whole body to nicotine, which acts as a poison that paralyzes the arteries.
- Fashionable shoes with high heels cause improper stress on the leg muscles and disrupt the tone of the arteries.
- General pills, hormonal contraceptives, treatment with hormonal drugs for menopause, osteoporosis leads to disruption of collagen synthesis.
- The advertised weight loss underwear and skinny jeans cause blood clots in the lower parts of the body.
Who should be included in the risk group
Given the listed causes of the development of venous pathology, the group of people most likely to develop varicose veins of the legs should include the following:
- professionally connected people (salesmen, teachers, hairdressers, drivers, office workers) who stay on their feet or in a sitting position for a long time;
- women who prefer skinny jeans, underwear and high heels;
- people involved in weightlifting and bodybuilding;
- people accustomed to sitting "side by side";
- women who frequently take pregnancy and childbirth, as well as hormonal contraceptives;
- smokers, lovers of strong coffee and alcohol;
- receipt
There is a need for preventive measures for this population.
Symptoms
The first symptoms of varicose veins in the legs appear at a young age. In the initial stage, they appear with increasing stress on the legs:
- pain in the legs and feet, muscle fatigue appear at the end of the turn;
- swelling of the feet is observed when changing shoes due to the tightness of the shoes;
- in the evening your feet "burn", you want to immerse them in cold water;
- "spiders" form on the skin of the thighs and feet.
In the next stage, the form of chronic venous insufficiency develops, the symptoms of internal varicose veins appear:
- when calves are bothered by nocturnal cramps, cramps while walking are possible;
- dark spots, dryness, peeling appear on the skin of the feet and legs;
- appearance of trophic ulcers, very painful, loose edges, difficult to treat.
If there is an increase in body temperature against the background of local pain, swelling, redness of the skin, it is necessary to think about thrombophlebitis.
Diagnostics
In the diagnosis, it is customary to distinguish between true (primary) varicose veins as a result of trauma and tumors, depending on the damage to the valve apparatus.
Surgeons of polyclinics, vascular surgeons, phlebologists are involved in the examination. The doctor sees subcutaneous venous nodules, vascular networks, skin pigmentation, beginning ulcers, dermatitis.
Palpation assesses the tension of the superficial vessels, the density of the wall, the size of local changes, the presence of thrombi, the temperature of the skin over the nodules (signs of thrombophlebitis).
A general blood test will show that inflammation (leukocytosis, accelerated ESR) is prone to thrombus formation according to a coagulogram.
Vascular ultrasound allows you to monitor blood flow, the work of venous valves and detect blood clots.
Doppler examination allows you to check the structure of blood vessels and make a diagnosis in the early stages of the disease.
Spiral computed tomography is performed when there are difficulties in diagnosis. It allows you to get a three-dimensional image of the anatomical region and helps in the choice of surgical treatment.
Treatment of varicose veins of the legs
It is better to start treatment of varicose veins of the legs at an early stage. To do this, you will have to think about the necessary changes in habits, diet and movement.
Regime
In order not to cause swelling of the feet until the end of the working day, the owners of "sitting" and "standing profession" are advised to take physical training breaks or warm-ups with foot massage in a high position. Drivers and office workers must walk during breaks.
The simplest exercises can be done at work:
- stand barefoot on the ground, alternately on the toes and ankles;
- sitting in a chair, lift your legs and turn your feet in one direction, then the other.
Morning exercises should include exercises in a lying position: alternate leg lifts, "bikes", shaking the raised legs. Squats, exercises with bent knees do not fit.
Those who love power education should give them up. Most are shown swimming, cycling and walking.
A balanced diet option
Limit all foods that help you lose weight, promote fluid retention, and increase blood viscosity.
Fatty meat and dairy products, spicy and salty foods, canned food, sweets, bakery products, carbonated beverages are not recommended.
The daily diet should use more vegetables and fruits, berries, onions, garlic, fermented dairy products, cereals, butter, vegetable oil instead of walnuts.
Vascular support methods
It is recommended to wear compression stockings or golf to support blood flow. They are the size to be worn while lying on your back.
Silicone-filled teeth are shown on the surface of the foot as a means of generating an electric charge.
Experts focus on the possible effect of these aids only in the early stages of the disease. When there are superficial nodules and edema in the legs, its use is completely useless.
Use of drugs
Drug treatment consists of taking drugs from the group of "venotonics" in therapeutic doses selected by the doctor. They help to relieve fatigue and discomfort in the legs, but do not eliminate the disease.
Surgeons focus on the treatment of varicose veins conservative treatment, but it is one of the less traumatic ways to affect the affected veins. Efficacy is confirmed in 95% of patients. More serious interventions are used in only 5% of patients.
What about low-traumatic surgery
Low-traumatic methods of treatment of varicose veins allow you to avoid surgery and rightly come first in terms of effectiveness. There is no need to cut the skin, it can be done in the clinic and it is practically painless. Patient work is not limited in terms of movement. No long recovery period is required after surgery.
Laser cutting method
It is performed under local anesthesia. A light guide is inserted into the varicose vein and a circular laser beam is activated during the reverse motion.
Action of the method: the beam causes further hardening of the inner lining of the vessel. The duration of the intervention is about two hours. The method is used in the treatment of vessels of any size.
Sclerotherapy techniques
A substance is injected into the affected vein, which can cause the walls to collapse with subsequent scarring. Foam preparations that fill the lumen of the patient's vessel quickly and reliably are especially recommended. The method is applied when the diameter of the vessel is up to 1 cm. You need to walk for an hour after the entrance. Phlebologists recommend wearing compression stockings for another month.
Microflebectomy method
Under local anesthesia, an incision is made in the skin of a few mm, through which the patient is caught with a vascular fork, brought to the surface of the skin and cut. The method is suitable for venous nodules of any size and diameter. A small scar will remain at the incision site. You should wear compression stockings or socks for 10 days.
Radio frequency ablation method
It is similar to a laser, but differs in the effect of microwave radio frequencies. This method does not cause tissue burns, so it is less traumatic than a laser. After 30 minutes in the microwave, the lumen of the vessel closes. Rehabilitation is considered complete after 7 days. You can play sports.
In what cases is the operation indicated?
Phlebectomy is prescribed with unsuccessful treatment with conservative methods and the use of minimally invasive methods. Allows to remove large areas of varicose veins, bundles.
The patient was hospitalized. Surgical treatment is performed under general anesthesia. Usually two incisions are made: in the groin and below the knee. The vessel is closed on both sides, pulled aside and removed. Stitches are applied to the incisions. The patient is treated in hospital for a week. Drugs that reduce blood clotting are used. The stitches are removed after at least 7 days.
Phlebectomy is not performed:
- when the patient is old;
- with massive damage of deep and superficial vessels;
- during pregnancy;
- atherosclerosis of the arteries of the legs, diabetes mellitus;
- If there are skin diseases at the proposed site of operation.
Methods of prevention
Prevention of varicose veins of the legs is necessary primarily for people with occupational risk factors.
It is recommended to walk more. There is a massage and strengthening of the walls of the arteries.
During the breaks, vendors and hairdressers are shown ankle massage. It is done with slow, smooth movements from the fingers along the knee and thigh. The knots of the fist are massaged in a circular motion towards the central fossa of the foot.
Drivers must get out of the car, walk around and stretch their legs. Exercises for the legs are shown.
Fashionistas should think about the consequences before wearing high heels and tight clothes.
You can take contrast baths or foot showers at home. Apply a compress to tired legs with chamomile, chestnut, wormwood, burdock.
A timely visit to the surgeon allows you to get rid of painful problems, restore activity and movement.