If the leg veins are very large and clearly visible to the naked eye, then this is not a reason for pride (well, in fact, these are not muscles). However, they don't look as attractive as, say, quads. Therefore, most people tend to hide them. Even from doctors. Which, by the way, is completely false. Because if you have any problems with the condition of the veins and blood vessels, you need to show them to a doctor who specializes in them - a phlebologist. But first, read this article: in it you will learn how to treat varicose veins in the legs, what symptoms it has and what procedures are carried out to eliminate it.
Varicose veins of the legs: symptoms
The symptoms of this disease depend on its stage:
So, at the first stage, the patient is disturbed by a feeling of heaviness in the lower extremities, muscle cramps (more often during sleep), itching or burning, swelling of the legs. Sometimes there is pain in the legs, especially in the area of the veins. There are often telangiectasias.
In the second stage, there are vascular networks and all the symptoms inherent in the first stage, but already more pronounced. In addition, the visibility of the veins is significantly increased - they can be seen even with the naked eye.
The third stage is characterized by all of the above symptoms. At the same time, the swelling becomes almost permanent. Sometimes they can pass in the morning, but at the same time reappear at night.
In the fourth stage, the color of the skin changes. It can turn brown or even black. Inflammation appears, skin atrophy is possible. In this case, spots of a blue or purple hue appear.
At the fifth stage and the sixth stage, a trophic ulcer is formed: healed and unhealed, respectively.
Varicose veins of the legs: treatment
Today, the treatment of varicose veins in the legs can be done in several ways:
laser vein obliteration. This is a high-tech procedure, which is carried out using modern equipment - a medical laser device. The device is equipped with a flexible light guide, which is inserted through a puncture or incision into the lumen of the problematic vessel to a certain depth. After that, the phlebologist turns on the device and the tip of the light guide begins to emit a continuous stream of light. The light has such a wavelength that the rays are absorbed by the walls of the veins, due to which they heat up and weld. Control over the implementation of the procedure with the help of an ultrasonic laser makes it possible to treat varicose veins on the legs even more precisely and efficiently. After a while, the glued veins dissolve. The light guide is specially designed so that the entire inner circumference of the vessel is processed immediately. The required duration of treatment is achieved due to the fact that the doctor gradually withdraws the light guide. Laser ablation has an average session duration of 2 to 4. 5 hours, but this drawback is offset by the fact that varicose veins can be treated with a single laser ablation session. And since the procedure requires a small incision (not to exceed 0. 3 cm), there is no need to suture after the session.
miniphlebectomy. This procedure will also require a puncture or incision (and that too no more than 3mm). It is necessary to remove the affected area of the vein. After that, the phlebologist removes the removed vein, and its ends are compressed. The treatment of varicose veins of the legs with this procedure does not involve sutures, since the puncture is small; it is usually covered with a band-aid and bandaged. This is enough for healing.
sclerotherapy. For this procedure, you do not need to make an incision, the session is completely injectable. Using a syringe, a special liquid preparation (or in the form of a foam) is injected into the skin, which glues the walls of the veins. As in the case of laser vein obliteration, the stuck vessel dissolves into the tissues after some time.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins in the legs. This operation is performed under local anesthesia. During the operation, the doctor removed the skin in the area of the removed veins, after which he removed them. In addition, the cause of the blood backflow is simultaneously eliminated. After surgical treatment, a fairly long recovery period is required, which is accompanied by mandatory bandages.
It is worth remembering that after all procedures, you need to follow certain instructions that the doctor will give you after they are completed. Therefore, it is necessary to abandon any kind of tanning, not to go to the sauna or bath for a couple of months after the treatment of varicose veins on the legs. Standing or sitting for a long time is also prohibited. A special moment to achieve the effectiveness of the procedure, as well as in a faster rehabilitation period, is the use of compression underwear. At the same time, it is enough to adhere to this rule throughout the day for the first few days. In the future, compression underwear can only be worn during the day. By the way, uncomfortable shoes (high heels, tight) at first will also have to be abandoned. Two or three weeks after the intervention, it is advisable to wear comfortable and roomy shoes.
Causes of varicose veins
One of the main reasons for the appearance and development of varicose veins of the legs, experts call genetic predisposition. So, if a person in one of the relatives is diagnosed with varicose veins, then the risk of this disease will be significantly higher than in people whose relatives did not suffer from varicose veins. However, there are many other factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins in the legs:
Sedentary lifestyle.
Wear uncomfortable shoes or shoes with high heels.
Postponed leg injuries.
Increased loads: excess weight, weight lifting.
Wrong nutrition.
Pregnancy and childbirth.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Weakened vascular tone.
Taking certain hormonal drugs.
Smoking and alcohol abuse.
Diseases of the pelvic organs.
Constant stress and emotional tension.
High blood viscosity.
Varicose veins are more common in older people (because vascular tone decreases with age). However, it can also appear in young people even up to 30 years old. This disease affects both sexes.
Why do you need to treat varicose veins in the legs?
If the removal of varicose veins on the legs (treatment) is not carried out in a timely manner, various complications are possible, including a non-healing trophic ulcer. Subsequently, such an ulcer can cause gangrene, and this may already be fraught with amputation of the lower limb and disability. In addition, the treatment of any disease is easier to carry out in the initial stages of the disease.
Also, do not forget about the possible development of thrombophlebitis. One of the complications of this disease is pulmonary embolism, which can usually be fatal.
Prevention of varicose veins in the legs.
A good preventative measure for varicose veins in the legs is to wear compression underwear that can provide even pressure across the entire surface of the legs. It is also recommended to follow other tips:
Do not neglect sports activities: cycling, swimming, hiking, etc.
Avoid uncomfortable shoes (especially high heels).
Take a contrast shower.
Also, if you have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins (or other factors), see a phlebologist at least twice a year.