Varicose veins, or rather varicose veins, is a disease that affects only the venous system.Many consider it a selective foot disease.
However, varicose veins occur not only in the lower extremities, but also in the pelvis.At the same time, it manifests itself as hemorrhoids, varicocele (enlargement of testicular veins) or is disguised as various gynecological diseases.Varicose veins of the esophagus with cirrhosis of the liver cause a lot of problems for patients.
Causes of varicose veins
The function of the venous system is to ensure that the blood is delivered to the heart after the use of useful substances by the tissues, so that the heart sends it to the lungs to receive oxygen.The output is permanent.The negative pressure created by the diaphragm and some parts of the heart helps the blood vessels.Since a person spends most of his time in an upright position, the veins must overcome gravity and prevent blood stagnation.For this, they have a muscle frame and valves in their inner shell.
Varicose veins are the result of venous insufficiency.Disruption of the wall structure leads to loss of elasticity and decrease in tone.Sluggish valves are unable to hold back blood and excess deposition (pooling) occurs in distant parts of the body.
Due to the slowing down of blood flow, favorable conditions are created for platelets to stick together and form blood clots.The situation becomes dangerous because the blood clot can break off at any time and enter an important blood vessel and cause tissue necrosis.
Another complication is the development of infection in the weakened venous wall (phlebitis).This causes even more negative symptoms.
Symptoms of varicose veins occur in every fifth woman and every tenth man.
The causes of the disease are conventionally divided into primary and secondary varicose veins.
- The primary lesion is associated with a violation of the structure of the vessel wall.
- In secondary cases, changes occur in the valve apparatus.
This happens when:
- hereditary predisposition associated with the lack of collagen in the body, which provides the elasticity of the wall or components for its synthesis;
- endocrine diseases as a result of long-term use of hormonal drugs (birth control pills, steroid drugs);
- heavy physical activity;
- forced long-term work position while standing;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- pregnancy;
- smoking;
- leg injuries.
Taking into account the listed factors that cause the disease, regardless of age, it is possible to determine the risk group that patients with varicose veins will include in the future:
- professions that require standing for a long time (salesmen, teachers, hairdressers);
- motionless body position (drivers, sitting at the computer) - stagnation occurs in the legs and pelvis;
- the habit of wearing high-heeled shoes - redistributes body weight and increases the load on blood vessels;
- athletes - weightlifting, bodybuilding, wrestling, tennis cause a lot of stress on the legs;
- people wearing tight underwear, stockings with elastic bands, belt, belt - any constriction helps delay blood flow;
- the habit of sitting cross-legged for a long time blocks the superficial veins of the lower leg, promoting stagnation;
- the craving for alcohol and coffee causes the body to become dehydrated, and accordingly the blood thickens and slows down the flow through the veins.
Symptoms of the disease
With varicose veins, the most "unfavorable" blood circulation conditions arise in the peripheral tissues.Therefore, varicose veins of the legs are the most common manifestation of the disease.
- Pain and fatigue in the legs occurs at the end of the working day.
- Burning sensation.
- Cramps when walking or at night.
- Swelling of the feet in the evening, patients note that their usual shoes are too tight.
- The appearance of "vein spiders" on the legs.
- Darkening and drying of the skin of the legs and feet.
- Trophic ulcers on the legs.
The symptoms listed above develop gradually over the years.
The appearance of "visible" symptoms indicates progressive vascular damage.
Treatment
Therapy for varicose veins cannot save the patient from the disease, but it will help prevent severe complications and slow down the further development of the disease.
What habits should be broken?
In the treatment of varicose veins, ask yourself: "What should you change in your usual life?"The following tips will help you:
- stop visiting the bath, steam room, hot baths are contraindicated for you;
- limit the consumption of strong alcoholic beverages and beer;
- gradually stop smoking;
- control your posture while sitting, do not cross your legs;
- stop any compression with belts, belts and special underwear;
- get rid of excess weight;
- do not wear narrow shoes and high heels;
- After showering, make it a habit to rinse your feet with cold water at night, and throw your feet on a pillow while relaxing at home.
Motor mode
Taking into account the risk factors, it is necessary for "dangerous" professions to take a break with a foot massage: drivers get out of the car to walk, hairdressers sit in a chair and massage their feet from bottom to top with light strokes.
It is necessary to walk as much as possible, the work of the muscles of the legs helps the blood flow.
Morning exercise should include lying on your back, lifting your legs, pulling your toes toward you, and stretching the arch of your foot.
Recommended sports include swimming and cycling.
Diet
The choice of foods for varicose veins is associated with the need to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, limit spicy and salty foods that retain fluid.
You should limit any form of fatty meat, spicy spices, smoked foods, butter, cheese, mayonnaise, sweets and carbonated drinks.
Include vegetables and fruits, grains, dairy products, green or herbal tea, vegetable oil, onions and garlic in your daily diet.
Conservative means
To support venous blood flow, it is recommended to bandage the legs from the toes to the middle of the thigh.It is more comfortable to wear special compression stockings.They are sold in the pharmacy chain and have sizes.The doctor will help you choose knee socks.
Any advertised medicine or ointment is effective only in the initial stages of the disease, when a person feels increased fatigue in the legs.The doctor will recommend the most modern and effective drugs.Their use at the "visual" stage is practically useless.
Phlebologists treat varicose veins.They believe that about 95% of cases can be compensated by low-traumatic methods, only 5% require surgical intervention.
Low-traumatic methods of treating varicose veins
These procedures require no skin incision or involve a small incision.They are performed on an outpatient basis and are painless.The patient does not experience any restrictions and can perform his usual work.
Laser ablation
Under local anesthesia, a light guide is carefully inserted into the varicose area, and a circular laser is activated during the opposite movement.The procedure lasts up to two hours.The laser beam causes burning of the inner shell with more sclerosis.It is used for the treatment of veins of any diameter.
Sclerotherapy
The patient is injected with a substance that causes the walls to collapse and then sclerosis into the affected vein.Currently, clinics use foam preparations that are safe for the body.It is used when the diameter does not exceed one cm.It is recommended to walk for an hour after the procedure.You will have to wear compression stockings for another month.
Microphlebectomy
After local anesthesia, a small incision (no more than a few mm) is made in the skin, the diseased vein is grasped with a special hook, removed and removed.You can make ships of any size this way.There will be visible bruising at the incision site for a few days after the procedure.A small scar will form.Compression stockings should be worn for about 10 days.
Radiofrequency ablation
The method is similar to the laser, but here a catheter exposed to microwave radiofrequency is inserted into the varicose veins.It is believed that it does not cause burns and is safe for surrounding tissues.After half an hour of exposure, the lumen of the vessel is "sealed".After only one week, you are allowed to do sports.
Surgical treatment
The operation to remove an enlarged vein or an entire bundle is called phlebectomy.Hospitalization is required.General anesthesia is used.Two incisions are made in the skin (in the groin and below the knee).Superficial branches are closed.The entire vein is removed and cut.After the operation, the patient should be observed in the hospital for about a week.The condition of the postoperative sutures is monitored, blood clotting medications are prescribed to prevent blood clotting.Stitches are removed after 7-10 days.
Contraindications to phlebectomy:
- simultaneous damage to superficial and deep veins;
- Age over 75 years;
- various skin diseases at the operation site;
- oncological diseases;
- pregnancy;
- atherosclerosis of the blood vessels of the lower extremities;
- severe form of diabetes.
Traditional treatment methods
Traditional methods are best used in the early stages of the disease in combination with drugs.
Hirudotherapy (using leeches) is an old, proven method.An enzyme secreted by leeches into the blood helps to eliminate inflammation and tightens the walls of blood vessels.
It is recommended to use herbal decoctions and tinctures in the form of compresses in the area of varicose veins.The following are used for this: chamomile flowers, calendula, St. John's wort, yarrow, wormwood leaves, horse chestnut, burdock.It is recommended to consume walnuts and garlic inside.
The choice of treatment of varicose veins is the work of an experienced surgeon.Seeing a doctor on time and following the recommendations will help prevent serious consequences of the disease.