Vein spasm in the legs

Vasospasm of the lower extremities

Angiospasm, better known as vasospasm, is a narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels as a result of prolonged and excessive contraction of their walls. The spasm does not last a long time - as a rule, a spasmodic attack lasts up to 20 minutes and does not initially cause concern to the person. Despite this, vasospasm can lead to serious consequences. In this article we will look at the causes, symptoms, and methods of treating vasospasm that occurs in the lower extremities.

Mechanism and causes of pathology

The main reason why a spasmodic reaction occurs lies in the biochemical processes of the body. When the transport of calcium, sodium and potassium ions is disrupted, frequent contraction of smooth muscles occurs, as well as spasm of the vascular walls, as a result of which muscle tone remains high all the time.

As a rule, vasospasm is localized and occurs only in the area of ​​lesions - inflammatory processes, aneurysms, blood clots, without affecting the entire bloodstream. As a result of the fact that the lumen of the vessels narrows, tissue areas in the area where vasospasm occurs do not receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients, which are transported by blood. If this phenomenon becomes permanent, ischemia may occur.

Physiological spasm

A spasm can be physiological in nature - this is one of the types of the body’s protective reaction. Thus, such a physiological reaction can appear as a result of trauma or injury (even with minor damage to the tissue of the arms and legs). A similar reaction occurs during severe hypothermia, in which the spasm performs a protective function - saving heat to ensure blood circulation in other, more important organs.

Pathological spasm

Pathological spasm occurs as a massive reaction to a certain irritating factor. For example, when the legs or arms are hypothermic, the heat causes a fairly rapid expansion of the vascular walls, but in the case of pathology, severe blanching of the skin surface appears.

Angiospasm is the first signal indicating a disturbance in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. This phenomenon is often ignored due to the fact that it does not cause much discomfort and does not last for a long time. But over time, spasms can lead to a number of negative consequences:

Frequent spasms lead to increased tissue swelling;

The walls of blood vessels are weakened, which ultimately leads to poor circulation;

Ischemia gradually develops, which can cause loss of functionality of the damaged organ, as well as necrotic changes.

Most often, vascular spasm of the lower extremities is observed. It can occur both as a result of narrowing of the vascular periphery, and as a result of spasm of the great vessels. In more rare cases, cerebral or coronary vasospasm may occur.

Why does vasospasm occur?

At the moment, the mechanism of occurrence of the pathology is not fully understood, and the occurrence of spasmodic reactions in different parts of the body has a different origin. Despite this, the following factors are identified that influence the development of vasospasm:

1. Smoking. The most dangerous factor that leads to frequent vasoconstriction.
2. Poisoning with lead and carbon disulfide compounds.
3. Atherosclerosis. The presence of atherosclerotic plaques is one of the direct factors in the development of vasospasm.
4. Various inflammatory vascular diseases.
5. Disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system. An extensive group that includes both endogenous and exogenous factors - disruption of the endocrine or hormonal system, neuroses, frequent stress, etc.

Symptoms of vasospasm

The initial symptoms are best noticeable when there is poor circulation in the peripheral vessels and capillaries. As a rule, the following symptoms of vasospasm occur:

White finger syndrome or Raynaud's disease appears. It is characterized by bleeding of the extremities (both arms and legs), fingers become marble-white, sensitivity disappears and tissue temperature decreases.

Livedo reticularis. On the surface of the tissues, most often in the leg area, some areas become bluish in color, and the surrounding skin becomes pale.

Severe swelling. Most often occurs as a result of the development of livedo with ongoing spasms.

Cramps. If the spasms become permanent, a cramp may appear in the limb in which the blood circulation is impaired.

Spasms of the great vessels lead to the appearance of such a symptom as “commander’s leg.” The phenomenon is very similar to Raynaud's disease, but the whitening of the tissue is observed over the entire surface of the legs, and not just the fingers or feet. With prolonged spasms, the skin may become bluish.

If the vessels are narrowed not only in the area of ​​the lower or upper extremities, but also large vessels in the body area, a number of other symptoms may appear, such as headache attacks, visual and cognitive impairment with cerebral spasm, pain in the body and disturbances in the functioning of the somatic system. system in case of spasms in the torso area.

It is forbidden to carry out independent treatment of pathology. In 95% of cases, vasospasm does not occur as an independent disease, but as a secondary symptom of another disease. Without thorough diagnostics and clinical studies, it is impossible to get rid of the pathology.

As a rule, conservative treatment is used, which consists of diagnosing diseases or factors that provoke the appearance of vasospasm. To eliminate the narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels, measures such as identifying and treating the underlying disease (atherosclerosis, hypertension, inflammatory processes), restoring the functioning of the nervous system and eliminating the negative consequences that have developed as a result of the existing pathology are used.

Preventive methods for strengthening the blood vessels of the lower extremities

Factors contributing to the occurrence of varicose veins

As you know from a school physics course, the functioning of the organs and systems of the human body is governed by the law of universal gravity. In order for the blood to rise upward through the vessels, there are special valves in the veins of the legs. The walls of the blood ducts may become thinner, the valves stretch and cannot fully perform their natural function.

Part of the liquid part of the blood flows down through the vessels, which leads to stagnation in the veins of the lower extremities, the formation of clots and blood clots. This pathology causes further expansion of the walls, formation of nodes, and pain. These symptoms indicate the onset of varicose veins.

The causes of the disease are different. The most common provoking factors include:

• Increased pressure in the abdominal cavity. This factor can arise as a result of various diseases: from problems with the gastrointestinal tract to pathology of the female genital area.
• Sedentary lifestyle and obesity. These conditions cause increased pressure in the vessels of the legs, which leads to stagnation and provokes changes in the vascular wall.
• According to statistics, varicose veins occur in women 2 times more often than in men. This is due to the hormonal characteristics of the female body, the process of bearing a child and childbirth.
• Various concomitant pathologies. Problems with the veins of the legs are often a consequence of deep vein thrombophlebitis or congenital abnormalities in the structure of the patient’s foot. Normal flat feet quite often become the cause of varicose veins.
• According to recent data, heredity plays a large role in the development of varicose veins. More than 70% of patients noted various disorders in the functioning of the venous system of the lower extremities in their relatives.

Many patients, faced with varicose veins of the lower extremities, begin to independently use various drugs to strengthen the blood vessels of the legs. This tactic of behavior is fundamentally wrong. Only a specialist can give appropriate recommendations.

The diet for thrombophlebitis of the deep veins of the lower extremities is aimed at cleansing the blood vessels. The patient must avoid consuming several foods.

General rules for preserving the vascular system of the lower extremities

There are several simple recommendations on how to strengthen the walls of blood vessels in the legs without drug intervention. Special sports activities and exercise therapy become a priority in this important matter.

The most useful exercises for the blood vessels of the legs for problems with the blood vessels of the lower extremities:

• a ride on the bicycle,
• regular long walks,
• swimming in open water.

In addition to the physical impact on the leg muscles, these sports promote greater oxygen consumption by the body, which improves the process of tissue nutrition.

Consultation with a nutritionist and a properly selected diet will help the patient reduce body weight, which will have a beneficial effect on intravascular pressure and reduce the likelihood of the formation of nodes in the veins.

What is harmful to the blood vessels of the legs is compressive underwear, tight tights and narrow high-heeled shoes. Wearing such things leads to stagnation of blood in the lower parts of the body and causes swelling of the legs. If a woman has the first signs of varicose veins, experts recommend using compression stockings or an elastic bandage for prolonged stress on the legs.

I would like these simple rules to help avoid the development of this pathology and allow the patient to do without specialized treatment for the first signs of varicose veins.

Medication for feet

Quite often there are situations when special treatment is required to strengthen the walls of the veins in the legs. What does modern medicine offer to solve this problem?

First of all, these are tablets for strengthening blood vessels in the legs. The most popular lately is the venotonic “Detralex”. This drug has a beneficial effect on the walls of veins and capillaries, minimizes their distensibility, which leads to a reduction in congestion in the vascular system of the lower extremities. The negative side of this medicine is its fairly high price.

You can buy the French drug “Phlebodia” for almost half the price. Its effect on blood vessels is practically the same; among other things, this medicine has a good analgesic effect.

The vein strengthening agent “Venoruton” has proven itself well in the treatment and prevention of varicose veins. This drug is available both for oral use and in gel form. In addition to varicose veins, the medicine gives a good therapeutic effect for other vascular pathologies. The effect of “Venoruton” has been proven for hemorrhoids, muscle cramps of the lower extremities, and deep vein thrombophlebitis.

In the pharmacy network you can find a fairly large number of medications recommended for the treatment of varicose veins. Most of them differ in pricing policy and efficiency. Most often, experts recommend Lyoton 1000, Venarus and Troxevasin tablets to their patients.

Do not forget that you can use the ointment to strengthen the blood vessels of the legs. This dosage form acts locally and is recommended for patients with gastrointestinal pathology.

The most frequently asked question in pharmacies is “Troxerutin”. This drug helps to disrupt the permeability of the walls of veins and capillaries, reduces swelling of the legs, and its effect is also noted at the cellular level. This medicine is also available in gel form.

There are many types of ointments for strengthening the vascular system of the legs. It depends on their effect on the pathological process:

Vein diseases in the legs and treatment methods

Treatment of veins in the legs and therapy of the arteries of the lower extremities are the main issues dealt with by modern phlebologists and angiosurgeons. Almost every second person suffers from peripheral vascular pathology. This not only causes physical and cosmetic discomfort, but can cause severe complications that can lead to loss of a limb or death. Therefore, it is important for almost every person to know how to treat blood vessels on the legs.

Vein diseases in the legs

Diseases of the veins of the lower extremities occur equally in men and women. Although there is evidence that the fair sex is more susceptible to venous disease due to pregnancy and hormonal changes during menopause.

The main reasons that cause damage to the veins in the legs are:

• prolonged position in one position associated with professional activities;
• burdened heredity;
• taking hormonal drugs containing gestagens (for the purpose of contraception in girls and women);
• hypodynamic lifestyle;
• long operations;
• injuries;
• immobility of the limbs due to a serious condition, paralysis, immobilization;
• pregnancy (uterine pressure, hormonal changes).

Problems with veins in the legs used to be classified as occupational diseases, but nowadays this pathology covers a large contingent of people who are not exposed to static loads. This is due to the modern way of life and rhythm of life. Below we consider the most common diseases of the veins of the lower extremities.

Phlebeurysm

According to modern theories, varicose veins of the lower extremities are a genetically determined pathology that develops under the influence of a combination of unfavorable factors.

The pathogenesis of varicose veins is based on a violation of the tone of the vascular wall with its damage, subsequent expansion and the inability of the valve apparatus to perform its functions.

The symptoms accompanying this pathology are expressed in:

• the appearance of “stars” and tortuous veins on the skin;
• pain along the vessels;
• swelling of the feet in the evening;
• heaviness in the feet;
• spasms of the calf muscles;
• impaired nutrition of skin areas (appearance of purple, red, brown spots).

Modern phlebology means thrombophlebitis - inflammatory changes that can be accompanied by the formation of a blood clot in the system of superficial veins of the legs. This disease is polyetiological.

To trigger the pathological process, a combination of endothelial damage, slowing of blood flow and a tendency to increased thrombus formation is necessary.

The clinical picture of thrombophlebitis is dominated by the following symptoms:

• intense pain that limits limb movements;
• red stripe on the skin at the site of inflammation;
• local temperature increase;
• swelling around the affected area;
• general malaise and high fever;
• increased sensitivity of the area of ​​inflammation.

As the blood clot spreads to the limbs, spots of varying colors from bluish to bright red can be observed, which indicates the progression of the disease.

The formation of a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg is the most common cause of a dangerous condition - thromboembolism of the branches of the pulmonary artery. If there is a congenital or acquired predisposition, or a combination of predisposing factors, a blood clot begins to form in the veins of the thigh or leg.

Signs accompanying the process of phlebothrombosis are:

• severe pain in the calf muscles, intensifying while walking and moving the foot;
• the appearance of tortuous surface strands due to impaired outflow through the communicants;
• swelling of the lower leg;
• tension and swelling of the skin of the leg;
• local increase in skin temperature of the affected limb.

Diseases of the arteries of the lower extremities

The pathology of the arteries is largely associated with blockage of the lumen, which results in acute or chronic insufficiency of blood supply to the underlying organs, including the legs. Increasingly, diseases of the arteries of the lower extremities are becoming a cause of disability at a young age.

Predisposing factors to the development of occlusion of the arteries of the lower extremities are:

• congenital and acquired heart defects;
• post-infarction state;
• ischemic disease;
• arterial hypertension of any origin;
• obesity;
• metabolic syndrome;
• pathology of the thyroid gland;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• smoking;
• abuse of alcoholic beverages;
• high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood;
• diabetes;
• infections;
• physical and emotional stress.

Vascular diseases of the legs affect males and females with equal frequency. The occurrence of pathology is closely related to age; the older it is, the higher the likelihood of damage to the arteries of the legs. The most common cause of vessel blockage is atherosclerosis and nonspecific endarteritis.

Atherosclerotic vascular disease of the lower extremities occurs in individuals with high levels of cholesterol in the blood. As a result of complex metabolic processes, a cholesterol plaque forms on the walls of any artery. It causes both a decrease in the lumen and complete blockage due to embolism.

Symptoms of obliterating atherosclerosis are:

• increased leg fatigue during exercise;
• "intermittent claudication";
• disappearance of pulsation in the foot;
• sensations of numbness, tingling in the limbs;
• pain in the foot, calves;
• increased chilliness, even in the warm season;
• depression and psychosis;
• pale skin, impaired hair and nail growth on the affected leg.

Due to tissue malnutrition, the skin becomes very vulnerable. Damage occurs with minor mechanical impact, ulcers occur, which tend to recur after healing.

Obliterating endarteritis

This disease of the blood vessels of the legs is one of the most common, which leads to trophic disorders and dry gangrene. The pathology is based on constant spasm, which is caused by hyperfunction of the adrenal glands.

The gangrenous period is characterized by multiple necrosis of the limb, gradual destruction of the personality due to constant pain.

Treatment of arterial diseases

All patients with suspected damage to the main arteries must be referred for consultation to an angiosurgeon. Hospitalization is necessary to clarify the localization of the pathology and clarify the treatment plan.

When the arteries of the lower extremities are affected, treatment includes conservative therapy and surgical intervention as indicated. The approach is always comprehensive and, in addition to the use of various medications, involves physiotherapeutic methods and diet therapy.

The diet is based on recommendations such as:

• a balanced diet enriched with vitamins;
• sharp limitation of animal fats (fatty meats, lard, butter);
• limiting the amount of table salt;
• exclusion of margarine, confectionery fat, coconut and palm oil;
• inclusion of seafood and red fish in the diet;
• limiting the consumption of mushrooms, eggs and offal.

Physiotherapeutic methods used include:

• UHF on the lumbar region;
• Bernard currents on the shin area;
• radon and hydrogen sulfide baths;
• hyperbaric oxygenation.

The purpose of drug therapy is to improve the rheological properties of the blood, reduce spasm and pain. Groups of drugs are selected individually, based on the presence of contraindications and concomitant pathologies.

To cure vascular diseases of the legs caused by damage to the arteries, use:

• vasodilators to relieve spasms and reduce pain (Galidor, No-shpa, Spazgan);
• to improve blood rheology - infusions of Reopoliglyukin, Trental, Thrombo Ass;
• drugs that regulate cholesterol metabolism (Trilipix, Vasilip, Probucol);
• desensitizers to reduce the body's hypersensitivity (Suprastin, Pipolfen);
• anticoagulants to reduce thrombus formation (Heparin, Warfarin, Clexane);
• thrombolytics for blood clot resorption (Fibrinolysin, Plasmin);
• antidepressants (Prozac, Deprim).

All medications are prescribed only by a doctor. When using anticoagulants, constant monitoring of the state of the coagulation system is necessary.

The main method of treating occlusions of the arteries of the lower extremities is surgery. When carrying out the intervention, the condition, age and concomitant pathology are taken into account.

Relative contraindications to surgical treatment are:

• chronic liver and kidney failure;
• acute stroke or heart attack;
• severe respiratory failure due to emphysema;
• congestive heart failure.

To restore blood flow in a spasmodic or thrombosed artery, surgical interventions such as:

• bypass (laying a line bypassing the affected area);
• prosthetics;
• removal of a blood clot or cholesterol plaques that threaten embolism;
• expansion of the lumen using special stents.

Treatment of veins on the legs

Therapy can be carried out both in outpatient and inpatient settings. This takes into account the likelihood of thromboembolism and the general condition. In cases where the vessels of the lower extremities are affected, treatment should include a combination of local and systemic medications, adherence to the basics of proper nutrition, reasonable physical activity and wearing elastic compression.

Diet therapy for venous disease includes:

• compliance with the drinking regime (up to 2.5 liters per day);
• exclusion of fried, salty, fatty, smoked and sausage products;
• restriction of rich baked goods and confectionery products;
• the consumption of parsley, canned peas, beets, spinach and prunes is reduced;
• the proportion of fruits and vegetables rich in pectin and dietary fiber is increasing.

Physiotherapeutic methods are used:

• electrophoresis of medicinal substances;
• darsonvalization;
• exposure to laser radiation;
• magnetic therapy;
• UHF.

The optimal physical activity is swimming, stretching, jogging, and Nordic walking.

Compression hosiery is used daily throughout the day, excluding night sleep. The length of the product and compression class are prescribed by the doctor.

Medication methods

Any venous disease requires a systematic and comprehensive approach. The purpose of prescribing medications is to relieve symptoms, prevent complications and relapses.

In order to treat veins in the legs, the following means are used:

• anticoagulants that inhibit the activity of the coagulation system (Fraxiparin, Heparin);
• antiplatelet agents that prevent increased thrombus formation (Curantil, Plavix);
• phlebotonics that improve the tone and condition of blood vessels in the legs (Troxevasin, Detralex);
• trophic preparations to improve tissue nutrition (Glivenol, Actovegin);
• local products in the form of gels and ointments (Troxerutin, Venolife);
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for local use (Ortofen, Ketoprofen).

Drug therapy is used before and after surgical treatment or as the main line, in case of refusal or contraindications to surgery.

Surgical methods

Surgical intervention is indicated in cases where complications of the disease develop and there is a real threat to life. Contraindications to surgery are extremely severe conditions or total blockage of a deep vein.

To restore blood flow through the veins and prevent pulmonary embolism, use:

• thrombectomy (removal of thrombotic mass);
• plication (stitching);
• installation of special catch filters;
• prosthetics of a section of the bloodstream or valve apparatus;
• vein ligation;
• phlebosclerosis (gluing the walls of veins by administering certain drugs).

Vascular diseases of the lower extremities are very common in the modern world. There are many reasons for the occurrence of this pathology. Veins and vessels carrying arterial blood can be equally affected. The symptoms of the disease are very varied and cause serious inconvenience for the patient. Therefore, the question of how to cure leg vessels is always very relevant. Timely treatment can prevent the development of serious complications.

Laser coagulation of blood vessels on the legs

Vascular pathology that causes venous dilatation is known as varicose veins. The disease in the lower extremities is quite difficult to tolerate, especially if varicose veins are in the later stages. In this case, severe fatigue and swelling of the legs are observed. The danger of this disease lies in the risk of its development into a state of thrombophlebitis, which can only be treated surgically. Previously, phlebectomy was used to treat varicose veins of the legs, after which the rehabilitation period for patients was quite painful. Today, non-surgical methods of treating varicose veins are used, such as laser coagulation of blood vessels (percutaneous and endovasal methods) or radiofrequency therapy (obliteration), which are low-traumatic and effectively combat vascular pathologies.

In what cases is laser vascular coagulation recommended?

Phlebeurysm

Laser coagulation of varicose veins can completely eliminate the signs of vascular insufficiency of the lower extremities. Treatment with this method eliminates varicose veins in the legs without damaging the tissue, and the patient can go home a few hours after the operation. Thanks to laser therapy, there are no scars, hematomas and no painful consequences, as in the case of surgical treatment. Endovenous laser coagulation may be prescribed in the following cases:

• the presence of varicose veins in the vascular apparatus of the legs, in which there is a violation of the functionality of the venous valves;
• the presence of trophic changes in varicose veins of the legs;
• trophic ulcerative formations of the lower extremities that are not amenable to therapeutic methods of treatment;
• varicose veins of the large saphenous vessel (vein).

It should be noted that laser coagulation of varicose veins in case of impaired trophism of the legs (disruption of nutritional processes at the cellular level) allows the patient to be relieved of the need for wound dressing, as well as to carry out excision (endoscopically) of the varicose vessel. Endovasal laser therapy effectively combats only pathological dilations of blood vessels not exceeding 1 cm.

When laser therapy may be contraindicated

Atherosclerosis of leg vessels

Endovenous laser coagulation has some contraindications for use. This operation may not be performed if:

• if atherosclerotic changes are found on the legs (in the vessels);
• chronic diseases of the vascular system, for example, endarteritis, in which obliteration is observed (narrowing of the arterial lumen);
• inflammation of the skin of the legs;
• chronic form of ischemic disease;
• detection of thrombophilia;
• disorders of blood clotting processes;
• severe obesity (due to the inability to create the proper level of compression on the legs).

Endovasal laser treatment is also not carried out in cases where the patient is unable to move independently due to a number of diseases, since after the operation patients need a certain load.

How is laser therapy performed?

Laser therapy (minimally invasive surgery) is performed to treat affected vessels using a special laser flexible light guide. A small puncture is made in the skin of the legs, and then the doctor brings the tube of the laser device to the diseased area of ​​​​the vessel. After this, laser irradiation of the blood occurs, resulting in the formation of steam bubbles that come into contact with the venous endothelial membrane. Thanks to this, the process of coagulation (laser cauterization) of the vascular channels occurs.

During laser cauterization, the vascular membranes affected by varicose veins are “glued together.” After the procedure, the blood flow is restored, which rushes into healthy vessels. Laser cauterization of the venous walls leads to the fact that over time they turn into a connective tissue membrane.

Endovenous laser coagulation

During endovasal coagulation (cauterization) of vessels with a laser, they “glue” together, after which the tissue is reabsorbed. This operation is used if the direct course of the venous channels of the legs is detected. This minimally invasive procedure is performed intravenously through contact.

Non-contact (percutaneous) venous cauterization (coagulation) is performed for varicose veins in case of detection of vascular nodes and plexuses (removal of venous stars with a laser). The use of laser coagulation (cauterization) does not leave the slightest trace of the procedure on the skin.

Only a phlebologist can decide on the advisability of various methods of treating vascular diseases based on a complete examination of the patient. The nature and severity of venous disease can be determined by ultrasound examination and duplex scanning of the vascular apparatus.

Advice: if spider veins are detected on the skin, severe pain and swelling of the legs, you must visit a treating specialist (phlebologist) to avoid the undesirable consequences of varicose veins.

Laser removal of blood vessels

Non-contact (percutaneous) venous cauterization

Removal of vessels with a laser can be prescribed if venous networks and nodes that are prone to further growth are identified. Tangles of veins and small vessels can be eliminated on any part of the body, including the face area. Removal of varicose veins using laser equipment does not affect healthy tissue, and the operation itself allows not only to cure diseased vessels, but also to give the skin an aesthetic appearance.

Advice: vascular networks on the body are a fairly common phenomenon, which disappears without a trace after several sessions of laser therapy. You should not be afraid of the procedure, since it is completely painless, and it will not last longer than 40 minutes. If necessary, you can discuss with your doctor such a sensitive topic as laser treatment of hemorrhoids, which is considered very effective.

Rehabilitation period

Laser therapy in the presence of venous pathologies is actually considered a low-traumatic procedure, after which there is practically no rehabilitation period. 2-3 hours after coagulation, the patient can go home and lead a normal lifestyle.

It is recommended to wear compression underwear (stockings) for 3-5 days after the procedure. After this, you need to wear it only during the daytime. The duration of wearing a compression stocking can vary between 2-4 weeks.

During the first 7-10 days, nagging pain may be observed in the area of ​​the manipulations performed. This phenomenon is considered absolutely normal. Walking for at least 1 hour daily is mandatory.

Categories : Diagnostics