Varicose veins, or varices, are pathological changes in the veins, accompanied by their saccular expansion, increase in length, formation of convolutions and nodular tangles, which leads to valve insufficiency and impaired blood flow. Varicose veins are one of the most common blood vessel problems.
What is varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a pathology of the veins, which is based on a violation of the valvular apparatus of blood vessels with the formation of venous insufficiency, expansion of the lumen, congestion, which are accompanied by constant pastiness of the tissues.
The main causes of pathology
Varicose veins in the legs have different causes and symptoms that have slight gender differences. The main common trigger of the pathology is called congenital connective tissue weakness. Second are hormonal changes, which is why women are diagnosed with varicose veins more often. A long, static sitting or standing position plays a role, while the longer the legs, the more serious the situation. The extra pounds also cause an increase in pressure in the veins of the lower extremities, as well as a lack of physical activity. Smoking, pregnancy, concomitant pathologies, tight underwear, shoes, heels, everything that causes stagnation of blood circulation in the veins of the legs are risk factors for varicose veins.
Clinical symptoms and manifestations
Signs of varicose veins in the legs in women and men have no fundamental differences. This is a disease in stages, the symptoms of which are correlated with the stage of development of the pathological process.
The first stage is characterized by minor clinical manifestations: veins barely protrude above the surface of the skin, the dermis is slightly hyperemic, heaviness in the legs, nocturnal pastiness of the legs and ankles begins to bother, convulsions are possible. Such symptoms of varicose veins are especially painful for women from an aesthetic point of view. Visual signs are often preceded by pain.
In the second stage, the clinical picture acquires a typical appearance: the veins of the legs protrude in relief above the surface of the skin, are very palpable and resemble knots. If the pathological process progresses, the veins of the lower extremities acquire tortuous shapes, a bluish-purple hue, sometimes they turn black.
Symptoms of leg varicose veins of the third stage are characterized by the development of complications: trophic disorders appear, the skin resembles parchment, swelling and cramps become common, the legs become covered with a rash, they begin to itch, the secondary flora becomes joint, pyodermal layers, dermatitis, eczema.
The fourth stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities is the most serious in terms of symptoms: the skin over the protruding veins becomes inflamed, nearby tissues are involved in the process, trophic ulcers open up, pain in the legs with varicose veins is permanent, the addition of a secondary infection causes thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, urgent hospitalization is required, complex treatment.
Which doctor should I contact?
Leg pain with varicose veins is treated by a phlebologist, but a vascular surgeon can also perform an initial consultation. It all depends on the severity of the pathology. The phlebologist prescribes conservative therapy or refers to a consultation with a vascular surgeon to decide on the operation.
Without a thorough clinical and laboratory examination, an accurate diagnosis cannot be made. Instrumental diagnostic methods help to clarify the stage of the pathology, the duration of the tests takes 10 minutes, a maximum of half an hour. The test result is announced by the doctor immediately, at the first appointment. The choice of appropriate therapy depends on the stage of the pathology.
Treatment features
Varicose vein therapy rests on the "three pillars": drug treatment, minimally invasive techniques, operational classics.
Conservative therapy
In addition to the mandatory general recommendations for varicose veins: dosed, regular physical activity, minimizing static load on the legs, exercise therapy, wearing compression stockings, wearing elastic bandages - conservative therapy involves the appointment of phlebotonics based on flavonoids diosmin and hesperidin, horse chestnut extract.
Most often, ingestion is combined with the eponymous external therapy for varicose veins. According to doctors and patients, the combination of capsules and gel is the most effective.
Of course, you should not expect a complete cure from conservative methods, drugs are not able to restore dilated veins, but as a preventive measure, in preparation for surgery, the impossibility of surgical treatment of varicose veins - these drugs guarantee a halt in the progression disease and relieve symptoms.
compression sclerotherapy
The essence of a minimally invasive technique for treating varicose veins is the introduction of a special sclerosing drug into the dilated vein. Using a syringe, the doctor injects a foamy solution into the vein, which fills the deformed vessel, causing spasms.
The patient is placed in a compression stocking designed to keep the vessel in this state. Within three days, the walls of the veins unite, the vessel is disconnected from normal blood flow and is empty. You need to wear compression stockings for at least a month, sometimes two. Criteria for the effectiveness of treatment - formed adhesions.
Compression sclerotherapy is performed if varicose veins are not complicated by reverse blood flow from deep to superficial vessels through communicating veins. If such reflux is present, the efficiency of the procedure tends to zero.
Surgery
Surgery has been and remains the most reliable and effective way to treat varicose veins, regardless of the presence of reverse blood flow in the veins. But even here it is important to consult a doctor in time, as relapses often occur in later stages. Varicose veins are operated on using different techniques: microsurgical, radiofrequency and laser coagulation of deformed veins.
In the early stages, photocoagulation or laser spider vein removal is effective. In later stages, phlebectomy is indicated - the complete removal of the affected veins. The operation is traumatic, there is a risk of complications, so today doctors are trying to use the less invasive miniphlebectomy technique. If varicose veins are complicated by venous thrombosis, secondary infection, an operation is performed.
What can be done with varicose veins of the legs at home?
The essence of using folk remedies for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins is to remove toxins from the body with the restoration of normal blood flow. To do this, balance the diet by including cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, greens, citrus fruits, apples, peaches, cherries, cherries, strawberries, currants and currants in daily meals. Be sure to calculate the correct diet to drink: 40 ml per kilo of weight.
In addition, the properties of green tomatoes are used, which are tied in slices to the area of varicose veins in the form of compresses. The effect is guaranteed by lycopene - an antioxidant in the fruit pulp, which improves the structure of the vascular wall, tones the veins. You can try the juice treatment: all vegetables that are eaten raw are suitable.
Apple cider vinegar is popularly considered a source of minerals and vitamins; for varicose veins, it is taken orally in the morning and in the evening, dissolving two teaspoons of the product in a glass of water. Externally: Clean varicose veins with a cotton swab dipped in vinegar to relieve itching and pain.
The compresses are made with honey, applying a sterile napkin with the product in the area of varicose veins for a few hours under the film. Use cabbage leaves beaten with vegetable oil under a bandage at night. The course is one month.
Prevention
The prevention of varicose veins has two objectives: to prevent the onset of the disease and to reduce the number of relapses. To do this: you cannot go to the sauna or take very hot baths, lift weights. It is recommended to move a lot, excluding strength sports, control weight, minimize the consumption of very spicy and fatty foods.
No need to wear tight clothes, socks, stockings, tight elastic stockings, cross your legs while sitting. Women are encouraged to give up high heels.
At night - take cold foot baths, you can pour cold water on your feet in the morning. It is necessary to give up bad habits, master acupressure: caress the skin of the lower extremities from the bottom up and in the opposite direction for 10 minutes, minimize stress, avoid overheating, colds, have a medical examination.
With varicose veins, it is reasonable to visit the pool, walk, take a contrast bath at home, and constantly wear compression stockings.