Varicose veins are dilations of the superficial veins of the lower extremities, as a result of valvular insufficiency and poor blood flow.In this case, gravity plays a key role.It has a positive effect on the blood circulation of the organs located above the heart.If we talk about the vessels of the lower extremities, gravity has the opposite effect.Under its influence, normal blood flow is disturbed, as a result of which blood stagnates in the veins, thereby causing their deformation.Dilated vessels are usually found in the lower legs and the back of the knees.
Currently, approximately one in 10 people in the world suffers from varicose veins.Furthermore, women between 30 and 60 years old are the most susceptible to this disease.In general, men suffer from varicose veins 4 to 6 times less than women.
Factors that influence the appearance of varicose veins:
- hereditary predisposition;
- injuries that cause damage to the venous valves (as a result, blood outflow is disturbed);
- great physical activity;
- prolonged stay in an upright position (this is especially true for the category of people with professions that require standing for long periods: teachers, salespeople, surgeons, etc.);
- sedentary lifestyle (leads to blood stagnation);
- excess weight (excessive load on blood vessels);
- increased intra-abdominal pressure (can occur as a result of chronic constipation, chronic cough, prostate adenoma, etc.).
In addition, varicose veins of the lower extremities can appear as a result of wearing tight clothing that puts pressure on the blood vessels, frequently sitting cross-legged, and smoking.
On the other hand, pregnancy is worth mentioning.During this period, women often experience varicose veins, but they are usually reversible and gradually disappear after childbirth.During pregnancy, varicose veins can appear as a result of fetal pressure on the vessels leading to the legs;an increase in the total amount of blood in the body, as well as as a result of the influence of sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) on the state of the walls of the veins.
Thus, the category of people who most often suffer from varicose veins includes pregnant women, elderly people, athletes, people with "standing" professions, people with flat feet, overweight people, as well as those whose close relatives suffered (or suffer from) this disease.
Symptoms of varicose veins:
- the appearance of dark blue or purple tortuous veins, as well as spider veins, on the legs;
- brownish spots on ankles and shins;
- thickening and bulging of the veins;
- periodic cramps in the leg muscles;
- formation of trophic ulcers on the skin of the lower extremities;
- pain, swelling and fatigue of the legs;
- heaviness and burning in the lower extremities.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities occur in four stages:
- Tortuous veins, spider veins, and spider veins appear on the skin.Sometimes there is slight swelling of the legs at night.At this stage there is no pain or discomfort.
- Periodically, intense swelling of the ankle occurs and heaviness in the legs appears (most often in the late afternoon and after exercise).At night, the patient suffers from cramps in the calf muscles, along with goosebumps, numbness and tingling.
- Swelling of the legs becomes pronounced and permanent.Seals form on the skin and subcutaneous tissue.Pigmentation and dermatitis also appear at this stage of the disease.Additionally, the patient begins to feel discomfort from a sensation of itching and swelling.
- Trophic ulcers appear on the skin of the legs.
Varicose veins in themselves are not a dangerous disease, but in the absence of effective and timely treatment, they can lead to serious consequences, which in some cases end in death.
The most common complications derived from varicose veins:
- chronic venous insufficiency - obstruction of blood flow, as a result of malfunction of vascular valves due to an increase in the diameter of blood vessels;
- thrombophlebitis of varicose veins - the formation of blood clots in the veins as a result of inflammation of the venous wall;
- pulmonary embolism - cessation of blood flow in the pulmonary artery due to its blockage by a dislodged blood clot;
- Trophic ulcers are skin defects (wounds) that form when there is a severe interruption of blood flow through the superficial and deep veins.
Varicose veins always require qualified treatment.It does not go away on its own and gradually develops various complications.Only you yourself can reduce pain and discomfort.To prevent the disease and relieve its symptoms it is necessary:
- avoid a sedentary lifestyle (sitting or standing) (move more often, change body position, do gymnastics, etc.);
- wear special medical knitwear;
- bathe only at night;
- sleeping in a position where the feet are above the level of the heart (contraindicated for people with heart diseases);
- limit the consumption of salty foods;
- wear shoes with heels no higher than 4 cm;
- Try not to sit cross-legged.
The diagnosis of varicose veins, in addition to visual examination and palpation of the legs by a vascular surgeon, may include additional examinations such as:
- Ultrasound is one of the most informative methods for diagnosing varicose veins of the lower extremities.It allows you to determine the degree of dilation of the veins, their patency, as well as determine the presence of blood clots and the direction of blood flow.
- Contrast venography is a method that allows you to see the outlines of affected veins on an x-ray.To do this, before the exam, a substance is injected into a vein to color the blood with a contrasting color.
Basic modern methods of treating varicose veins of the lower extremities.
Miniphlebectomy
Miniphlebectomy is a gentle operation during which the affected veins are removed through small incisions and punctures using special hooks.It is often performed under local anesthesia, allowing the patient to return to their normal lifestyle within 2 to 3 hours after the procedure.In addition, thanks to minimal surgical intervention after mini-phlebectomy, there are practically no marks left on the skin of the legs, and all bruises and pigments finally disappear after a couple of months.
After this operation, it is necessary to regularly wear special therapeutic knitwear for several weeks and also strictly follow all the doctor's recommendations to prevent new relapses of the disease.
radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation allows complete treatment of varicose veins on an outpatient basis.This procedure is carried out as follows: under local anesthesia, a radiofrequency catheter is inserted into the affected vein through a puncture, which “seals” the vein through exposure to microwaves.
Thanks to precise and controlled effects, radiofrequency ablation allows you to achieve effective results.After this procedure, the patient returns to his normal lifestyle within 30 minutes and is allowed to engage in active sports within a week.
Laser treatment (EVLT)
This method is also known for its minimal level of trauma and high cosmetic effect.This procedure is performed under local or spinal anesthesia.Using small punctures, a light guide connected to a laser device is inserted into the lumen of the diseased vein.Under the influence of laser radiation, the affected area of the vein is reliably closed (adjacent tissues are not damaged).The process of advancing the light guide is controlled by a doctor using ultrasound, which ensures high precision of the procedure.
EVLT lasts 30 to 40 minutes, after which the patient goes home independently and returns to their normal lifestyle the next day.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is one of the safest and most aesthetic methods of treating varicose veins (including “stars”, “meshes”, “snakes”), which are completely
Eliminates the appearance of scars and marks on the skin.The technique of this procedure is as follows: with the help of very fine needles, an adhesive solution (sclerosant) is injected into the affected vein, after which it is compressed from the outside with a special latex pad and an elastic bandage.Thanks to sclerotherapy, the walls of blood vessels are glued together, as a result of which varicose veins are excluded from the bloodstream, blood circulation becomes healthy, and the symptoms of the disease disappear.
The procedure in question lasts several sessions (about 3-5), each of which lasts 5 to 10 minutes.After each procedure, the patient must wear a special stocking, which is worn for 1 to 3 days.
It is important to note that, in some cases, different methods are combined to treat varicose veins.
Treatment of trophic ulcers.
Trophic ulcers usually appear in the later stages of varicose veins as a result of venous stagnation.They are affected areas of skin and underlying tissues that do not heal in the long term.
Treatment of this complication involves a comprehensive, multi-stage approach.It may include both surgical intervention and pharmacotherapy, using compression garments.In the initial stages, trophic ulcers are successfully treated with the laser method.In advanced cases, biopsy and radiopaque venography are used.
It is worth mentioning the importance of immediately going to qualified specialists when the first symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities appear.This way you will eliminate the risk of complications and quickly recover your health.