Varicose veins, more commonly known as varicose veins, occur when veins stretch and enlarge, turning purple-blue or red due to the accumulation of large amounts of blood.This is a widespread disorder that, in most cases, appears in the legs (most often in the calf muscles), but can also form in other parts of the body.
In general, the blood supply to cells, as known in the biology course, occurs as follows: from the left ventricle of the heart, oxygenated blood flows through the aorta into the arteries and from there to the smallest blood vessels to capillaries, through which the organs and tissues of the body receive oxygen and the necessary substances.Subsequently, with the help of small blood vessels called “venules”, the blood is collected from the capillaries and enters the larger veins, whose task is to send the blood back to the lungs and heart to be enriched with oxygen and repeat its path.The mechanism that directs blood to the heart is called the venous pump.
Veins are blood vessels that return blood from the body's tissues to the heart.
Some veins have one-way valves inside them that open to allow blood to flow toward the heart and close to prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction.
This is actually how varicose veins appear: if the valves are damaged and do not block the flow of blood, blood builds up in the veins, causing them to swell and stretch, resulting in varicose veins.Angiosurgeons claim that varicose veins are a pathological process that causes a change in the venous wall with subsequent valve insufficiency.
In varicose veins, a reverse flow (reflux) of blood is created due to valve dysfunction.They do not close the vein cavity, which makes it possible for blood to flow in the opposite direction.As a result, an increase in venous blood pressure is created, which violates the integrity of the walls of the veins: they expand and protrude under the skin.
Since varicose veins are a modification of the veins, the pathology is considered not only a vascular disease, but also a cosmetic problem.Normal veins and varicose veins: when, due to poor functioning of the valves, reverse blood flow and dilation of the veins occurs.
Why are the legs most affected by varicose veins?
There are 3 types of veins in our legs: superficial veins, which are closer to the skin;deep veins, which are found inside the muscles and connect to the largest vein in our body: the vena cava, which leads to the heart;and perforating veins, which connect the superficial and deep veins to each other.The varicose veins that we see are observed precisely in the superficial veins, located closest to the skin.
When we are in an upright position, the blood in the legs must be directed upwards, towards the heart, resisting the force of gravity.To do this, the muscles in the legs contract and press on the deep veins, pushing blood towards the heart.When the leg muscles contract, valves inside the veins open, but when the muscles relax, the valves close, blocking blood flow to the feet.
As you may have guessed, varicose veins are most common in the legs because the pressure of gravity, which increases when sitting and standing, has the greatest effect on venous circulation in the lower extremities.
How dangerous are varicose veins?
For most people, varicose veins are primarily a cosmetic problem and do not initially pose a health threat.Swollen and unsightly veins can spoil the appearance of certain parts of the body, but in most cases they do not harm blood circulation.It is noted that if proper attention is not paid to the fight against varicose veins, their appearance worsens over time and complications may develop.
Causes of varicose veins
Several factors can increase the risk of varicose veins:
- Factor No. 1 – heredity.If someone in your family has or has had varicose veins, your chances of inheriting them increase.
- Floor.Varicose veins are more common in women than men.
- Age.As we age, our veins and valves weaken.
- Interruption of blood flow between arteries and veins..
- Hormonal changes.Hormonal changes during pregnancy, the premenstrual period and menopause increase the risk of developing varicose veins.During pregnancy, the growing fetus puts pressure on the veins in the legs.Varicose veins that appear during this period become less noticeable 3 to 12 months after the birth of the child.In addition, each subsequent pregnancy increases the risk of developing varicose veins.
- Overweight or obesity.Excess weight puts a lot of pressure on the veins, which can cause varicose veins.
- Sedentary and standing work and sedentary lifestyle..If you stand or sit for long periods of time, you increase your risk of developing varicose veins.This happens because during long periods of inactivity, the veins have a harder time carrying blood to the heart.
Symptoms of the development of varicose veins
In addition to the appearance of dark blue or purple bulging veins, these are the main signs of varicose vein development:
- Slight swelling of the ankles and feet, especially after standing for a long time.
- Pain, burning and a feeling of heaviness in the legs.
- Spasms in the legs and throbbing sensation.
- Itchy ankles and lower legs, often misdiagnosed as dry skin.
- Change in skin color in the area where varicose veins develop (appearance of bruises).
How to prevent varicose veins
According to experts from the Department of Surgery at the University of California, the first thing a person can do to prevent varicose veins is to change their lifestyle and instill new habits.Although these same changes will not help eliminate already formed varicose veins, they will reduce the likelihood of their appearance worsening, as well as reduce pain and protect other areas of the veins from varicose vein formation.
What should be done to reduce the likelihood of varicose veins appearing or protect already affected veins so that the condition does not worsen:
- Do not sit or stand in one place for a long time.Try to move at least every 30 minutes.
- When sitting, do not cross one leg over the other.
- If possible, elevate your legs when resting while sitting or lying down.Try to raise your legs so that they are above the level of your heart.
- Exercise.This will allow the leg muscles to move and move blood through the veins more efficiently.
- If you are overweight, try to get back to normal.This will help improve blood circulation and reduce stress on the veins.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing, especially around the waist, hips and legs.
- Don't wear high heels too often or for long periods of time.Low-heeled shoes help keep your calf muscles toned, allowing blood to circulate through your veins more easily.
- Exercise regularly.This will help improve blood circulation, eliminate extra kilos and maintain a healthy weight.
Complications with varicose veins.
According to the Circulation Foundation, although varicose veins deteriorate over time, this process takes a long time.It is also noted that in some people with varicose veins, high pressure in the veins can cause damage to the skin in the ankle area and a change in its color, as well as the appearance of white scars.
If left untreated, progressive varicose veins can have more serious negative consequences:
- The appearance of ulcers.
- phlebitis
- Bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
If a person develops eczema (red skin rash), it may later progress to ulcers that will need to be removed surgically.
Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein that is usually accompanied by thrombosis within the affected vein, which becomes hard but fragile.In most cases, this disorder does not pose a serious health risk, although it is often mistakenly confused with a more serious pathology: deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Many people worry that accidentally hitting a varicose vein will cause it to bleed, but this rarely happens.If this happens, the bleeding is stopped by applying a tight gauze bandage and applying ice.A person needs to lie down so that his legs are higher than his heart and, without delay, seek medical help so that specialists can perform procedures that reduce the risk of further bleeding.
Some patients who suffer from varicose veins subsequently face another pathology: deep vein thrombosis.Science is not entirely sure whether varicose veins directly increase the risk of DVT.Symptoms of DVT include swelling, pain, and skin that is warm to the touch.According to experts at the US National Library of Medicine, deep vein thrombosis primarily affects the large veins of the thigh and calf muscles, and DVT is seen to almost always develop in only one leg.
Treatment of varicose veins
Compression therapy
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is recommended to wear compression clothing.Stockings, tights, or leggings apply gentle pressure from the bottom of the leg up, reducing blood pooling and swelling.However, the effect is only achieved if you use them regularly.Although wearing compression stockings will not cure already formed varicose veins, it will help prevent or reduce vein enlargement and additional complications.
Furthermore, the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), in its clinical guideline for the treatment of patients with varicose veins of the lower extremities and pelvis, notes: “The use of stockings is the first therapeutic procedure for patients who have had their ulcers removed as the varicose veins progress.”
Endovenous ablation (radiofrequency or laser)
Endovenous ablation involves the use of laser or radiofrequency therapy to close or remove the varicose vein.The doctor makes a small cut in the skin near the vein and inserts a catheter into it.After this, a special device is attached to the tip of the catheter, with which the catheter is heated and the varicose vein is closed or removed (depending on the ablation method chosen).The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the patient usually returns home the same day.
Endovenous ablation is one of the most effective and safe methods to treat varicose veins.The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) recommends this procedure over surgery for the treatment of superficial varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
This is another gentle method to treat varicose veins.During the procedure, a special substance is injected into the vein affected by varicose veins, which destroys the inner lining of the vein and causes blood to clot inside.Over time, the vein collapses and disappears.
surgical method
In advanced cases of varicose veins, gentler treatment methods will not help correct the situation.In this case, the person is referred for surgery, during which the superficial vein is surgically removed.The indications for surgery are:
- Ulcers or the threat of their appearance,
- Bleeding
- Phlebitis.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and the patient is usually sent home the same day.A person may feel pain and discomfort for 2 weeks after surgery.
The Circulation Foundation points out that deep vein thrombosis can sometimes develop after surgery, but the risk of this pathology can be reduced by wearing compression stockings and maintaining high physical activity of the person.
Varicose veins and training.
Moving a lot and doing moderate exercise are the main aids in the fight against varicose veins.
However, while some training methods are beneficial and recommended for the prevention of varicose veins, others can be harmful.
Moderate and rhythmic physical activity (such as walking) positively contributes to preventing the development of varicose veins and helps minimize the likelihood of complications, since dynamic muscle movements help direct blood from the periphery to the heart.
Walking
Walking is one of the best movements to prevent varicose veins and promotes healthy circulation by stretching and contracting the venous pump in the calf muscles.Walk for at least 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.
low intensity running
Running at a slow pace works out your calf muscles well, but it has a downside: Running puts pressure on our joints.If you're not ready to substitute running for another activity, run on grass or rubber trails instead of hard asphalt.
Elliptical and stationary bike.
Workouts on the elliptical trainer and stationary bike actively engage the calf muscles, promoting healthy circulation.Plus, unlike running, these workouts put less pressure on your joints.
strength training
People with varicose veins should avoid excessive amounts of very intense weight training.During prolonged muscle tension of an irregular nature, the leg muscles and ventilator pumps do not contribute to the return of blood to the heart through the veins.For this reason, during training, blood accumulates in the veins of the legs, which can only contribute to the further development of varicose veins.In addition, the increase in intra-abdominal pressure during exercise also impedes blood circulation.
Among the exercises that negatively affect venous circulation, the specialists at the Georgia Venous Clinic especially highlight squats, lunges and sit-ups.
People with varicose veins need to train with light weights and perform relatively high repetitions per set without reaching failure.Additionally, to restore normal blood circulation after completing strength training, it is recommended to pedal on a stationary bike or exercise on an elliptical bike.It is also recommended to wear compression stockings during and after strength training.
Why do veins swell more in summer?
As the specialists at the Venous Center that bears the name point out.San Juan and Hospital.St. Joseph Wayne, veins swell more in summer because, under the influence of high temperatures, they expand and fill with more blood, increasing in size.
To reduce swelling of veins in summer, you should follow simple recommendations:
- Lubricate your skin with a thick layer of SPF moisturizing cream.
- If you spend a lot of time outdoors, try hiding in the shade.
- Don't sunbathe for too long.
- Swim regularly.This way you will perform cooling procedures for your body, without giving the veins the opportunity to increase in size.
- Try to wear flat/flat shoes and sandals instead of high heels.
- Drink more fluids.
You shouldn't let the situation get worse;You must take action immediately.