Considering what varicose veins are, we will highlight the main points of the pathology, which is difficult to diagnose at the initial stage and cannot be cured in moderate or severe cases.
People “attribute” the feeling of moderate pain when walking to osteochondrosis, flat feet, and arthrosis.
Varicose veins are a disease in the development of which congenital and acquired factors take part. Pathology develops in people with congenital and acquired connective tissue pathology. The condition has a hereditary predisposition, so if it appears in one family member, it may well be observed in others. The nosology is transmitted with equal probability through the female and male lines.
Acquired causes of varicose veins are numerous - stressful situations, hormonal disorders, metabolic disorders, connective tissue diseases.
The main starting element that triggers the process of expansion of the venous wall is a disruption in the functioning of the valves. Reverse blood flow causes stagnant changes. Disruption of the physiological balance between elastic fibers, collagen, and muscle cells leads to an increase in wall thickness under the influence of hemodynamic pressure.
At an early stage, the pathology is not influenced by genetic factors that provoke circumstances. Slowing blood flow and muscle tension are parameters that affect the speed of blood flow. Under the influence of these factors, “leukocyte rolling” is triggered, a mechanism for the development of an inflammatory response when endothelial cells are damaged.
Leukocytes actively move into the endothelium and move along the surface. If the factor acts for a long time, leukocytes firmly attach to endothelial cells, which activates the inflammatory process. The reaction spreads through the venous bed of the lower extremities. Damage to the entire thickness of the wall develops under active mechanical loads.
Leukocyte rolling is a condition in which any external mechanical impact can lead to a significant activation of damage to the vascular wall and the formation of a pronounced inflammatory reaction. The reason is constant mechanical loads.
At the initial stage, the valve apparatus is affected. Under the influence of maximum mechanical load, blood is discharged through the small and large saphenous vein. Sometimes the distribution of blood flow through large perforated veins is gradually accompanied by overstretching of the vein wall. An increase in the total blood volume in the lower extremities leads to overstretching of the perforating veins - deep varicose veins develop. The result of the process is valve insufficiency and dilatation. When the muscular system operates, part of the blood is discharged through perforating veins into the system of subcutaneous vessels. Against the background of the pathology, “horizontal” reflux occurs, in which the ejection fraction decreases, which is accompanied by an increase in the amount of blood in the venous bed. This is how insufficiency of the muscle pump of the veins is formed, stagnation occurs, and varicose nodes appear.
Initially, dynamic venous hypertension develops. Swelling, pain in the lower extremities, and bulging of the venous trunks are initially visible only when walking. Gradually, the swelling shifts to the subcutaneous fatty tissue. First, the formed elements of blood (leukocytes, erythrocytes) penetrate there. Hyperpigmentation and lipodermatosclerosis gradually develop. With the preservation of microcirculation and progression of disorders, stagnant changes can be traced in the deep layers, and a trophic ulcer can be traced on the surface.
The causes and provoking factors of varicose veins are numerous, so it is difficult to select medications at the prehospital stage. It is impossible to completely eliminate the disease using existing methods, since it is based on stretching of the venous wall due to ruptures, damage by toxins and bacteria. Disturbance of the physiological balance between the structural elements of the vessel wall - collagen, elastin, and other muscle fibers. When blood stagnates and accumulates in nodules above the surface of the skin, bluish nodules are formed, which indicate severe varicose veins.
Provoking factors for varicose veins:
The main causes of varicose veins:
Most doctors consider the main cause of varicose veins to be hereditary determinism. The risk of varicose veins increases if a grandmother or mother has the disease. Weakness of the venous wall can indeed be inherited, but it manifests itself at different ages due to lifestyle, behavior, and the influence of aggressive factors. The main danger of varicose veins is the formation of blood clots. The danger of thrombophlebitis is that the pathology is characterized by serious complications. When the receptors of the pulmonary artery are irritated, a reflex narrowing of the cardiac artery appears. The consequence of the condition is death.
Hairdressers and salespeople have always been at risk for varicose veins. This category of people spends a lot of time on their feet. The list can also include representatives of the following professions:
Problems with varicose veins develop in obese women, since compression of blood vessels develops due to compression by fat cells. During pregnancy, an enlarged uterus also provides excess pressure.
People associate the first signs of varicose veins with other diseases. Only a doctor can predict varicose veins based on the convoluted, reinforced pattern on the lower leg. Such symptoms in young girls are associated with congenital superficial vessels. The assumption has a right to exist, but only after excluding varicose veins.
The first signs of varicose veins:
Other complaints are not typical for the initial stages of varicose veins. Heaviness, fatigue, swelling of the calf muscles are nonspecific symptoms. When they occur, aching sharp pain appears in the dilated veins. Swelling in the lower extremities occurs at the end of the working day. After resting at night, the symptoms disappear on their own.
Swelling with varicose veins is typical. At the beginning of the day, the lower limbs are unchanged. At this stage, you need to take a measuring tape and measure the narrow area of the lower leg, the wide part at the level of the calf muscle. Repeated changes are made in the evening. If the results differ by more than 1 cm, a violation of the venous outflow is likely.
If after rest the signs of varicose veins disappear, then the degree of stagnation is small. The pathology can be corrected with elastic compression.
The symptoms of severe varicose veins are difficult to miss. At the initial stage of the disease, there is a feeling of heaviness in the legs, a burning sensation along the veins, swelling of the lower leg, and tortuous veins along the lower extremities.
At the initial stage of the nosology, pain syndrome appears in the lower extremities after intense physical activity. With severe varicose veins, pain appears in the lower abdomen and groin area immediately after getting out of bed. Painful cramps of the lower extremities.
According to clinical manifestations, the following degrees of varicose veins are distinguished:
Patients with varicose veins complain of hot, throbbing legs, muscle itching at night, pain when walking along the venous trunks, general body aches, and a feeling of fullness in the calf muscles.
Skin changes are characterized by increased pigmentation. The skin gradually darkens and becomes covered with brown spots. Later, eczema and dermatitis join the pathology. Trophic disorders heal poorly.
Twisted varicose nodes protrude above the surface of the skin, feet, and legs. Saccular, cylindrical mixed dilations are symptoms of grade 3 and 4 varicose veins.
With severe nosology, dangerous complications develop:
Varicose veins are often combined with thrombophlebitis. The combination changes the course of the clinical picture of the disease. Against the background of the pathology, pain, redness, and thickening of the subcutaneous vessels occur. When blood clots form during therapy, the blood clots become overgrown with connective tissue. Gradually, the pathological nodes resolve, and the process of vessel recanalization begins. When the lumen is completely blocked, there is a risk of obliteration and sclerosis of the affected vein.
As the nosology progresses, factors are formed that contribute to the appearance of ascending varicothrombophlebitis. The consequence of the disease is phlebothrombosis, covering the deep vein system, forming pulmonary embolism. If there is no desire to undergo treatment, the risk of sclerosis and obliteration of the affected venous network increases.
As the disease progresses, factors are formed that contribute to the existence of ascending varicothrombophlebitis. If timely treatment is not started, occlusion of the vessels of the limb develops, and gangrene forms.
Recommendations for the prevention of varicose veins at home:
Remember that at the first signs of varicose veins you need to contact a phlebologist, since severe symptoms cannot be eliminated by conservative means. The operation will also not eliminate varicose veins, but will only temporarily relieve swelling and pain.
Venous valves act as locks: when blood passes through the valves, the lock closes and does not let it back out. As soon as such a system begins to fail, blood flows freely downwards and stagnates in the legs. Time passes, stagnation increases and interferes with the functioning of healthy valves, blood begins to flow into the superficial veins, which are located directly under the skin, they stretch and lose their shape. The veins swell and appear outward.
Varicose veins are one of the independent diseases (which can be combined with other vein diseases or be their consequence), often have a progressive course that causes irreversible changes in the saphenous veins, skin, muscles and bones. Visually they are characterized by the presence of dilated and tortuous veins on the foot, leg and thigh.
The causes of varicose veins are different:
According to statistics, up to 40% of the adult population of our country suffers from chronic diseases of the veins of the lower extremities. Varicose veins are the most common pathology among the population. Its complications in the form of diseases such as dermatitis, cellulitis, bleeding, thrombosis and trophic ulcers often lead to long-term loss of ability to work and sometimes cause disability.
Varicose veins or varicose veins of the lower extremities are due to the fact that the veins cannot cope with the flow of blood through them. It is obvious that blood flows through the veins of the legs from bottom to top, that is, against the action of gravity. This is achieved through several mechanisms: the pressure of blood from the arteries (the smallest contribution), the contraction of the leg muscles during movement (this acts as a pump) and the presence of valves in the veins that prevent the reverse flow of blood (from top to bottom).
It is the inability of these valves to perform their function that causes disruption of venous blood flow, which leads to overstretching of the veins. An increase in the lumen of the vein, in turn, further worsens the operation of the valve, since it cannot close a lumen of such a diameter. The downward flow of blood increases. That is, it turns out to be a vicious circle.
A risk factor for the development of varicose veins is standing work.
Symptoms of varicose veins in the legs: tortuous veins protruding above the surface of the skin of the legs and feet, pain in the legs, initially combined with swelling and then changes in the skin.
Skin changes are initially expressed in dry skin, its pigmentation (it darkens, acquires a brownish color in the form of spots). Later, so-called trophic disorders appear in the form of poorly healing wounds such as eczema and even ulcers. The pain is more disturbing in the evenings or in the afternoon.
Varicose veins fall under the competence of vascular surgeons, who decide how to treat the patient in this case. Currently, there are methods for treating varicose veins without surgery, however, it is most effective in the early stages of development of varicose veins, when skin changes are not pronounced. In addition to medications, in the early stages of the disease, bandaging the legs with elastic bandages and regular walking helps.
The veins that are visible under the skin bulge in the form of twisted cords and nodes. The skin over them is thinned, easily injured, and subsequently becomes pigmented. In the future, with the development of varicose veins, swelling and trophic ulcers may occur. Slowing blood flow in dilated veins, mild trauma, and susceptibility to inflammatory changes predispose to thrombophlebitis.
If varicose veins of the lower extremities are not significantly dilated, it is advisable to persistently carry out preventive measures for varicose veins: when sitting or standing, move periodically, give a dosed load to the muscles of the lower extremities, rise on your toes, walk vigorously (you can stand still). This helps prevent varicose veins, muscle contraction, improve blood circulation, and increase venous outflow of blood.
The most common misconception is that varicose veins are ugly knots of veins that protrude on the legs. In the early stages of the disease, there are no such frightening signs yet, but there are effective treatment methods! And if the time to use gentle non-surgical methods is lost, then within 30% of cases surgical intervention is required. One of the main methods of treating varicose veins in many countries of the world is sclerotherapy of varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy is a method of removing dilated veins, which involves the intravenous administration of special products - sclerosants. The affected vein seems to “stick together” from the inside and stops working, the blood flows through healthy veins. The procedure in experienced hands is safe and virtually painless. Sclerotherapy is performed on an outpatient basis, the patient does not leave normal life. Sclerotherapy sessions are held once a week. The duration of treatment depends on the stage and form of the disease. On average, 3-6 treatment sessions are required for each leg and 3 to 5 sclerosant injections per session.
The positive cosmetic result of the treatment appears 2-8 weeks after the procedure. In some cases, for better cosmetic results, the intervals between sessions are increased to 3-10 weeks. After treatment with sclerotherapy as a result of bloodless removal of varicose veins, blood flow through healthy veins improves, nutritional processes in tissues are restored, and the symptoms of the disease disappear or are significantly reduced.
The main conservative preventive measures include:
Many people experience varicose veins in their lives. Unfortunately, this is a fairly common phenomenon, affecting not only the legs, as is usually believed, but also other organs. Fortunately, it is treatable. True, it is long and complex and should be started only after fully understanding the reasons for its occurrence.
The main symptoms of the onset of the disease:
What are varicose veins? This question torments many middle-aged people and others. This term refers to swelling of the veins in the lower extremities. The veins swell, form knots, become very tortuous and create a lumpy blue surface.
This happens because the blood flow in the veins is not good enough. Blood stops moving as it should, causing pressure inside the vein to increase. When it exceeds all normal levels, excess blood begins to have a stretching effect on the walls of the veins. The edges of the vessels move closer to the upper layer of the epidermis and become visible to the naked eye. The first sign of varicose veins is the appearance of vascular networks. Vessels on the legs that are visible through the surface of the skin are diseased.
Varicose veins - what it is has been known since ancient times. Even Byzantine doctors mentioned this disease in their works. The Egyptians dealt with it using elastic bandages, and Hippocrates, Avicenna and Paracelsus tried to invent more effective ways to treat it.
It is very scary that this pathology is very common - approximately 25 percent of the world's population is susceptible to this disease. Phlebologists say that the main cause of varicose veins is the poor level of development of connective tissues in the legs. Most often, women suffer from this disease, since constant hormonal changes create good conditions for the development of the disease.
Good strong veins require constant self-care. At the initial stage, varicose veins destroy the beauty of the legs and pose a slight threat to health, but as they progress, they create complications and are life-threatening. Varicose veins of other organs are most often companions of various diseases and to obtain a real effect they need to be treated together with them. Risk groups who first need to remember about the prevention of varicose veins:
Many people do not even suspect that they are carriers of a serious illness. The advanced stage of this disease is quite difficult to treat, unlike the initial stage. Therefore, everyone, and especially those who have bad heredity, need to know what varicose veins are, their symptoms and remember that a timely visit to a phlebologist is simply necessary, just like a preventive examination at the dentist. You need to take care of your health on your own, without letting things take their course.
Varicose veins, what is it?
To understand what varicose veins are, let's look at the underlying causes of this disease. As you know, our body is penetrated by a dense network of blood vessels, some of which drive blood to the heart - veins, others, on the contrary, carry it in the opposite direction - these are arteries. As long as the system works smoothly and the blood vessels are clean, elastic and not subject to excessive stress, everything is fine. If regular failures begin, sooner or later they can lead to diseases, one of which is varicose veins.
It can occur in any part of the body, but is most often located in the extremities. Partially because, lifting blood up the legs, the veins withstand high loads, partly because our limbs are one of the busiest parts of our body - we are forced to lift weights, walk a lot, stand or sit, which is also bad, so how it interferes with normal blood flow.
The most common form of this disease, which is basically what is meant when mentioning varicose veins, is varicose veins of the legs. Its initial symptoms were listed above, but what can lead to neglect of treatment? We list the main complications of this disease:
What is thrombophlebitis ? This is inflammation of the walls of the external veins and the appearance of blood clots on them, which not only narrow the space for blood flow, but can ultimately completely block the vessel. It accompanies varicose veins of the extremities almost from the very beginning. And a person who does not take care of his veins, as a result, and a bunch of complications, gets acute thrombophlebitis, when a blood clot not only interferes with blood circulation, but is also the center of inflammation, affecting not only the walls of the vessel, but also nearby tissues.
Phlebothrombosis is the so-called thrombophlebitis of the deep veins, an equally serious and difficult to treat disease, when thrombosis interferes with blood flow, and the vessels and tissues around them become inflamed. What is thrombosis? This is the appearance of blood clots in the vessels, interfering with blood flow, or even completely blocking the lumen of the blood vessels. Even a partial reduction in the supply of fresh blood slows down tissue metabolism and leads to the accumulation of its products, and complete blockage can ultimately lead to cell death, that is, tissue necrosis.
The particular danger of these diseases is that it can ultimately lead to thromboembolism - a blood clot, having come off, will migrate with the bloodstream throughout the body, blocking one of the large arteries, which in turn can be fatal.
Another serious problem, varicose veins of the last stages, are trophic ulcers - open, long-term non-healing wounds. How long? If within a month and a half the wound does not seem to heal, this is a trophic ulcer. She is being treated, but it is a long and complex treatment, when you have to combine surgical and therapeutic methods.
No less dangerous is a complication such as bleeding of varicose nodes . It can be caused either simply by thinning of the blood vessels in places of thickening, or by mechanical stress. Because it costs nothing to damage a vessel that has become thin and has lost its elasticity. Do not think that this only applies to the external veins; those located deep are just as “delicate” and susceptible to any stress, shock, or displacement.
Consequences of not treating varicose veins in the photo:
Varicose veins in the video make an even more depressing impression. To prevent this from happening, you need to consult a doctor as early as possible and strictly follow all his instructions, both in treatment and in lifestyle.
As mentioned above, there are other types of varicose veins. There are many of them; these diseases arise for various reasons, and while some are quite widespread, others are a very rare phenomenon, usually associated with other diseases.
This is a short list of the main types of this serious disease. You can learn about how to treat varicose veins of each type from detailed articles published on our website. We try to regularly talk about both traditional and the most modern methods of treating it.
The source of this problem is bipedalism, which means we are the only species on Earth that is susceptible to it. We will not consider pseudo-scientific hypotheses explaining why this happened, although some of them are quite funny. One, for example, assumes that humanity arrived on earth from Mars, where the force of gravity is much less, and therefore our body is not adapted to earthly loads, the other, that humans were created by aliens and were underdeveloped somewhere. Be that as it may, upright walking requires the blood vessels to raise blood to a significant height, which means it subjects them to serious stress.
Usually this system works harmoniously, the blood quickly and evenly supplies all parts of the body with oxygen and necessary substances. But if some kind of failure occurs (injury, for example) or the body is constantly affected by some unfavorable factors (hard work, heavy weight, hormonal deficiency, etc.), CVI develops - chronic venous insufficiency. In recent decades, this disease has become noticeably younger and now occurs not only in the older generation, but also in adolescents, and therefore everyone should know its symptoms:
As you can see, they largely coincide with the symptoms of varicose veins that were listed at the beginning of the article, because this is the beginning of the same disease - varicose veins. Therefore, if you have at least some of these signs, you need to immediately contact a phlebologist who will prescribe treatment and help you decide on your diet and lifestyle. Varicose veins are not a disease that can be cured with pills, it is actually a way of life that must be followed constantly so as not to encounter more serious stages of its development.
Modern science offers a lot of treatment methods that to some extent compensate for CVI, removing both its external manifestations and generally positively influencing the condition of blood vessels. For example, read about spider veins on the legs, their causes and treatment. Medicine now offers a set of measures to combat this “cosmetic” defect, including:
Also effective methods that help get rid of telangiectasia and its causes include therapeutic exercises and lymphatic drainage massage.
Treatment of varicose veins with complications is much more difficult, but here, too, an integrated approach does its job. What is meant? This is what modern medicine offers:
Drug treatment of varicose veins involves the use of medications both for oral administration - such as drops, tablets and capsules, and for application to the skin - these are various ointments that are used to rub sore legs. Some drugs narrow and strengthen blood vessels, others relieve inflammation, and others reduce blood clotting, so they can only be used after a doctor’s prescription. External agents, that is, various creams, ointments and jellies, usually have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. Often they are supplemented with components that affect blood clotting. These drugs act mainly on superficial vessels, but have fewer contraindications.
Having discovered chronic venous insufficiency, if possible, it is necessary to exclude the causes of venous disease. That is, change a job that requires you to stand on your feet all day or lift weights, lose weight, give up spicy food, etc. It is clear that, for example, you cannot remove a hereditary predisposition, but knowing about it, you can choose an appropriate profession and monitor the condition of your veins, including visiting a phlebologist once a year for prevention. Despite all the advances in medicine, our health is still in our hands.
Varicose veins are a pathology as a result of which the superficial veins dilate and insufficiency of the venous valve apparatus appears, leading to circulatory disorders. Varicose veins are a fairly common pathology and although it is a disease, in most cases requiring surgical intervention, there is a need for ongoing therapeutic treatment. Risk factors for varicose veins include diseases characterized by metabolic disorders; professions that require prolonged standing; diseases of the endocrine system; bad habits associated with smoking and alcohol abuse; an excess of foods containing red pepper in the diet.
The problem of varicose veins becomes more understandable if you have knowledge of the characteristics of the circulatory system of veins. The morphological differences between veins and arteries are that the venous wall does not have a muscular layer, therefore, it is not capable of contractions, which are the leading factor in creating the vector of blood direction in the bloodstream. The blood of the veins flows away from the skin and muscle tissue thanks to the venous vessels located on the surface. It then collects in the communicant veins - the veins in which the superficial and deep veins connect. The venous valve apparatus is located here, operating only in one direction. So the blood passes through the superficial veins and does not have the opportunity to return back. This causes venous blood to accumulate in the deep veins. Further, the muscles of the lower extremities, when moving, compress the venous vessels of the legs. Thus, the bloodstream is directed to the region of the heart muscle. Dilatation of the superficial veins under conditions of high pressure causes incomplete closure of the valve, and the blood is forced to return. This leads to the formation of varicose nodes, characterized by the presence of edema, bluish discoloration of the tissues surrounding the nodes and, as a possible consequence, the development of trophic ulcers.
One of the most controversial causes of varicose veins is a hereditary factor. It has not been proven that varicose veins are inherited, but it has been noted that in some families the incidence of the disease is much more common than others. The leading causes of varicose veins today are considered to be lifestyle, nutrition and hormonal levels of a person.
The main reason for the development of varicose veins is considered to be metabolic disorders leading to obesity. The higher the degree of this pathology, the higher the likelihood of varicose veins. Obesity occurs as a result of an inactive lifestyle and poor nutrition. Currently, the world's population is forced to eat highly processed foods. And products of plant origin, consisting of substances that strengthen the vascular wall and reduce intra-abdominal pressure, are almost absent from the diet.
In addition, improper organization of human labor also leads to obesity. While working, people either sit for a long time or stand for a long time. This has a bad effect on the valvular system of the veins. Heavy types of work associated with heavy lifting or sudden movements have an adverse effect on the veins.
Varicose veins in men occur when the load on the lower limbs increases. Congestion in the area of the superficial veins can also occur due to long journeys or flights.
Wearing tight clothes, as a tribute to fashion trends, causes compression of the inguinal veins, and such a wardrobe element as a corset can lead to high intra-abdominal pressure. It should be remembered that wearing shoes with high heels and uncomfortable arch supports causes great harm.
Frequent pregnancies in women are characterized by the development of chronic varicose veins. As the uterus grows, it can increase intra-abdominal pressure, and the production of progesterone adversely affects the venous wall and destroys collagen, which is part of the cell fibers. If a pregnant woman has a history of osteoporosis or rheumatoid arthritis, this leads to changes in hormonal levels, causing varicose veins.
Chronic constipation, cough, prostate adenoma cause regular straining. Such people are often susceptible to the progression of varicose veins. Surgical interventions using general anesthesia can also cause varicose veins. Often deep vein thrombosis is a consequence of congenital anomalies of the circulatory system. In this case, the elasticity of the venous vessels is impaired, which causes them to stretch.
The first sign of varicose veins is the appearance of a specific venous pattern resembling a “mesh” in the area of the skin of the lower extremities. It is mostly localized in the hip area. A mesh pattern is typical for people with pronounced signs of cellulite. It is cellulite, which occurs as a result of a violation of fat metabolism in tissues, that leads to compression of venous vessels and complicates blood circulation. The capillary mesh pattern of varicose veins is called telangiectasia. But such a manifestation can be a sign not only of varicose veins, but a symptom of inflammation.
Another striking sign of varicose veins is swelling of the soft tissues of the lower extremities. Differential diagnosis of varicose veins is carried out with insufficiency of the cardiovascular system, with urolithiasis of the kidneys.
The progression of varicose veins is characterized by pain in the legs. Pain with varicose veins can be acute or nagging in nature. The pain is usually localized in the calf muscles. The pain with varicose veins worsens closer to lunch, when the legs have had time to experience a certain load. The appearance of all of the above signs should alert a person and become a reason to seek advice from a specialist.
In addition to the fact that manifestations of varicose veins cause cosmetic defects, they can cause a feeling of “heavy” legs, night cramps and trophic changes in the lower legs. Visual examination of the legs may be marked by either subtle “stars” or more visible intertwined nodular seals. They are clearly expressed when the patient is in a standing position. Upon palpation examination of these elements, the elastic consistency of the seals is noted. They are quite easy to compress. Local hyperthermia of the skin over varicose veins is also noted. When a person assumes a supine position, vascular tension decreases, and nodular formations become invisible.
If a person neglects his health at the first signs of varicose veins, the disease is prone to progression and the described symptoms are accompanied by rapid fatigue, heaviness in the legs, tissue swelling and signs of cramps. Swelling may disappear after a long night's rest.
Varicose veins damage the varicose node, which leads to its rupture and bleeding. This process is expressed by significant blood loss. In addition, varicose veins can cause tissue hypoxia, which causes oxygen starvation. This condition is characterized by the death of tissue cells, which poses a serious danger to humans. Severe stagnation in the bloodstream of the veins with varicose veins leads to the accumulation of toxins in the interstitial space. Toxic damage to the tissues of the legs disrupts the trophism of the lower extremities and is manifested by pigmentation and darkening of the skin. Then the fat layer thickens, causing manifestations of dermatitis and venous trophic ulcers.
There are four stages of varicose veins.
The first stage of varicose veins is called a condition of cosmetic impairment. It manifests itself as swelling of the veins and heterogeneity of their structure. The veins become dense, nodular elements are formed. There is no stagnation in the bloodstream yet, but the progression of the process leads to thrombophlebitis.
The second stage of varicose veins is marked by irritability, fatigue, the lower limbs become “heavy”, and noticeable fatigue appears when walking for a long time. A person develops characteristic signs of memory impairment, his general condition worsens, and symptoms of insomnia may occur. At this stage of varicose veins, oxygen starvation of the venous system occurs, which causes pronounced swelling of the legs. These swellings can be easily identified by the remaining mark on the skin from the sock. At night, patients note convulsive contractions of the lower extremities in the calf area. This leads to the fact that the patient sleeps poorly and often wakes up with a feeling of numbness in the calf muscle area. This sign indicates that there is an increase in oxygen starvation of tissues. The second stage of varicose veins requires urgent consultation with a specialist.
The third stage of varicose veins is characterized by trophic changes in the medial surface of the legs. Clearly visible brown elements of the skin are formed, they become dry, lifeless and cracked. Dermatitis may develop, accompanied by severe itching and rashes of the lower extremities. Swelling greatly worries the patient; now it can be localized in various areas of the legs. There is a feeling of heaviness in the lower extremities; patients describe it as a feeling of muscle tissue bursting. The seals merge and, if mechanically damaged, can rupture, which will lead to the formation of erosive changes. With the slightest physical exertion, the patient becomes even more fatigued. This leads to weakness, poor sleep, and depression, which is explained by stagnation of blood in the vessels.
The fourth stage of varicose veins is characterized as the stage of complications. The most dangerous of them include inflammation of the walls of the veins; the occurrence of trophic ulcers that are difficult to treat; bleeding resulting from a violation of the integrity of the seals and venous insufficiency, prone to chronicity.
Varicose veins are often caused by pregnancy. Statistics show that approximately 35% of women experience varicose veins after the birth of their first child, then the percentage increases to 50% at the birth of the second and to 75% at the birth of the third baby. Typically, the pathology is inherent in women who have a tendency to varicose veins, and their first signs appear long before pregnancy.
During a visual examination, the presence of “spider veins” and “worms” is first noted. The first elements of varicose veins look like translucent small vessels, woven in the form of a spider web. The venous pattern is purple and does not extend beyond the skin. The second elements of varicose veins arise due to the expansion of the main venous vessels. Veins swell and bulge. They are blue-green in color and are approximately 5 cm in diameter. These manifestations are unpleasant not only due to a cosmetic defect, but are also dangerous due to their consequences. This can lead to thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers, and bleeding. Thus, there is a possibility of a blood clot breaking off from the wall of the vessel, which poses a direct threat to the health of the woman and baby.
Varicose veins in pregnant women are formed as a result of dilation of the lumen of blood vessels. Thus, blood flows through the arteries to the lower extremities. But its outflow does not occur. This is explained by the fact that partial compression of the veins occurs and they are not able to function normally. Venous blood accumulates inside the vessel and expands it.
The initial stage of varicose veins is characterized by the absence of symptoms. In rare cases, there may be venous deformity. In the evening there is swelling that is not there in the morning. A pregnant woman complains of a feeling of fatigue and heaviness in her legs. Then, in the subsequent stage of varicose veins, cramps occur in the calf area. They are felt, as a rule, at night and are accompanied by pain and severe itching of the skin.
At the next stage, varicose veins manifest themselves as significant deformation of the veins. The vessels extend beyond the skin, expand and sometimes have a curved appearance. In this case, there may be no sensation of pain.
The causes of varicose veins include hormonal changes during pregnancy. These changes lead to weakness of the vein wall, the amount of blood increases, and the load on the veins increases. The causes of varicose veins can also be the growing uterus and the mother's weight gain, which leads to pressure that the veins feel. A woman’s body, which has individual characteristics regarding the elasticity of the vascular wall and underdevelopment of the valvular apparatus of the veins, can also be the cause of the disease.
Along with varicose veins, a pregnant woman has a pathology associated with the expansion of the veins of the external genitalia and anus. If treatment measures for varicose veins are not taken in a timely manner, these diseases can lead to damage to the veins and further fatal bleeding.
The absence of serious complications depends on the prevention of varicose veins. And the sooner it is started, the more favorable the prognosis for the woman. During pregnancy, the expectant mother needs to wear compression stockings or use elastic bandages. A specialist should be responsible for the correct selection; purchasing compression garments on your own can lead to the wrong choice.
If you have varicose veins, it is necessary to avoid wearing tight clothing, especially tight trousers, which interfere with normal blood circulation. The same requirements apply to shoes. It should be comfortable and the heel should not exceed 4 cm. Physical exercise is an integral part of the prevention of varicose veins. It is necessary to give rest to the lower limbs by changing positions and placing them in a certain position. A woman, lying on her back, should raise her legs above her body position by throwing her legs onto a height (pillows, back of the sofa). Preventive exercises include movements reminiscent of cycling, tiptoeing and others. It is necessary to sleep on the left side of the body to improve blood flow. You cannot cross your legs and take the same body position for a long time. You can do water aerobics, which has a beneficial effect on the vascular system. It is necessary to monitor weight gain; it should not increase significantly.
Treatment of varicose veins in pregnant women is carried out comprehensively. As mentioned earlier, compression stockings, exercise therapy, a diet enriched with products of plant origin are used, medicinal ointments and gels are used (Lioton, Indovazin, etc.), venotonics are prescribed (Venoruton, Troxevasin, Detralex, etc.) and, in As a last resort, resort to surgical treatment.
Varicose veins tend to appear not only in the area of the lower extremities, but also to affect the pelvic organs. The clinical picture of these types of disease is similar. Women suffer more from varicose veins of the small pelvis. Therefore, when making a diagnosis, pathology was sometimes confused with gynecological diseases. This condition was called chronic pelvic pain syndrome and was characterized by painful sensations in the right and left iliac regions. In this case, doctors prescribed antibacterial drugs and hormones, which brought more undesirable consequences than benefits and did not in any way affect the underlying disease.
Modern medicine has learned to recognize pelvic varicose veins. To do this, it is enough to resort to a three-dimensional ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs. Ultrasound devices not only easily recognize the dilation of pelvic veins, but also make it possible to diagnose inflammatory diseases of the ovaries, uterus and bladder.
When varicose veins occur, the veins of the small pelvis expand. The vessels experience additional stress, as a result, the valve apparatus of the veins is not able to pass blood only in the direction of the inferior vena cava. This leads to stagnation in the bloodstream, which is manifested by a feeling of heaviness and pain in the lower abdomen.
The causes of pelvic varicose veins include pregnancy, childbirth and physiological pathologies of the pelvic organs. When the mother constantly carries the baby in her arms, varicose veins can also occur. In addition, varicose veins can be provoked by using oral contraceptives, adhering to a sedentary lifestyle and having congenital underdevelopment of the vascular wall. The combination of varicose veins of the lower extremities with hemorrhoids is the first sign that a patient has pelvic varicose veins. For women who are unable to conceive, such a diagnosis can most likely be made in the presence of pain in the iliac regions.
The main symptoms of varicose veins include pain of unknown etiology, radiating down the abdomen. The pain is not constant, occurs during physical activity, and intensifies before menstruation and after sexual intercourse. Women describe them as a pulling, aching sensation of pain radiating to the lower extremities, to the lumbar region and to the perineum. It is also possible that painful symptoms may appear in the second half of the menstrual cycle and during sexual intercourse.
Varicose veins of the pelvis lead to various complications, since the occurrence of the disease is directly related to stagnation in the bloodstream. Complications include infertility, miscarriage and termination of pregnancy. Disturbances that arise as a result of reduced blood circulation in the pelvis lead to a decrease in the functional capacity of the uterus. Women with a history of pelvic varicose veins suffer from other types of pathology, namely hemorrhoids and varicose veins of the lower extremities. In addition, the female half of patients with varicose veins note mental disorders, such as increased irritability, anxiety, insomnia, impaired attention and memory, and convulsive muscle contractions of the vagina during sex.
Treatment of pelvic varicose veins begins with conservative methods of therapy. Medicines are prescribed that can thin the blood and strengthen the vascular wall of the veins. This, of course, will not be enough. The drugs can only temporarily reduce the speed of the pathological process and can be an excellent method of preventing varicose veins. But the main thing is that these medications cause many side effects, which makes them impossible to take for a long time. Taking hormones can also be complicated by increased blood clotting, leading to the formation of a blood clot. Therefore, their use when diagnosing pelvic varicose veins is undesirable. Therapy for varicose veins should be carried out if suspicions of an ovarian cyst, uterine fibroids, sexually transmitted infections and hormonal disorders are excluded.
Modern medicine offers to treat pelvic varicose veins surgically. The most effective method is a mini-surgery, which is performed using a laparoscope. This manipulation not only successfully treats pelvic varicose veins, but also allows the woman to subsequently have a child born naturally.
If there is a serious clinical picture of varicose veins, conservative treatment is resorted to in case of existing contraindications to surgery. This therapy is also used if the patient has slight varicose veins that are only bothered by minor cosmetic defects.
The goal of conservative treatment of varicose veins is to prevent further progression of the pathology. To achieve this, patients must use compression stockings or elastic bandaging. Compression stockings for varicose veins are more convenient to use and look aesthetically pleasing. Elastic bandages are difficult to use and inconvenient to use in the summer. Positive results are possible with proper bandaging of limbs. To do this, in the morning, without getting out of bed, you need to bandage your leg from bottom to top so that the compression of the bandage is felt. During bandaging, the heel and shin joint must be grasped so that each subsequent ball of the bandage covers the previous one.
Elastic compression helps improve blood circulation in the deep veins, prevents swelling, reduces the volume of circulating blood in the superficial veins, helps normalize metabolic processes in the body and ensures good microcirculation in the bloodstream. When purchasing elastic bandages and compression hosiery, you should give preference to certified products. A patient with varicose veins should also avoid wearing tight clothing to prevent compression of the venous vessels.
People prone to varicose veins need to place their lower limbs in an elevated position during the day, thereby providing short rest for their legs. There are a number of special exercises that involve the lower leg and foot. These exercises are aimed at enhancing the activation of the muscular-venous apparatus. It is necessary to periodically bend and straighten the ankle and knee joints. Wearing low-heeled shoes is also an important factor in the treatment and prevention of varicose veins. You cannot take the same body position for a long time. This leads to physical stress and, as a result, pathological processes worsen. Staying in a poorly ventilated area with high temperatures is undesirable.
When following a diet, patients with varicose veins must exclude large amounts of salt and liquid from the diet. To improve the tone of the venous vessels, diuretics are prescribed. For example, Veroshpiron, Hydrochlorothiazide. Venoprotectors are used for varicose veins, improving the elasticity of the venous wall, which leads to a decrease in venous stagnation and contributes to reduced capillary permeability and high resistance. Venoprotectors include Detralex, Troxevasin, Aescusan and others. In some cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed: Indomethicin, Nemisil, Movalis, etc.
In uncomplicated forms of varicose veins, they resort to exercise therapy. Swimming, water aerobics, and bathing with sodium chloride 9% are beneficial.
Locally, for varicose veins, an ointment, gel or cream for varicose veins based on anticoagulant substances is used. These drugs normalize the tone of the venous wall, correct microcirculatory processes and improve lymph circulation. They use Lyoton, Venoruton, Indovazin, Troxevasin and many others.
When a secondary infection occurs, it becomes necessary to use external agents with an antibiotic or antiseptic. For example, Tetracycline ointment contains substances with both antimicrobial and antiseptic effects.
As a type of physiotherapy for varicose veins, you can use hirudotherapy. Hirudin, contained in leeches, thins the blood, resolves blood clots, removes spider veins and varicose veins.
Hirudotherapy for varicose veins is relevant even at the first stage of the disease and helps reduce pain and swelling of the lower extremities. This treatment method is contraindicated for people with a history of hemophilia, hypotension, anemia, as well as for pregnant women.
Radically varicose veins are treated surgically. With the help of surgery, venovenous reflux is eliminated. Surgical intervention has contraindications; it cannot be performed on patients with pulmonary, cardiac, renal and hepatic insufficiency. Pregnancy and a tendency to pustular skin diseases also make it impossible to perform the operation. When dilating small branches of venous vessels, sclerotherapy is used, which consists of injecting a sclerosing solution into the cavity of the vessel. This promotes the adhesion of the venous walls and complete fusion of the vessels.
Surgical interventions for varicose veins are performed using tumescent anesthesia. It refers to local anesthesia using natural anesthetics. This type of anesthesia has many positive qualities. Firstly, patients can safely go home after surgery in about two to three hours. Secondly, such an operation does not leave a hematoma and does not have an intoxicating effect. And thirdly, it is the preservation of the therapeutic effect for a long period.
The use of general anesthesia for surgical treatment of varicose veins is also not uncommon. This anesthesia is also quite effective, but after it it is more difficult for a person to come to his senses. This suggests that local anesthesia is more easily tolerated by patients than general anesthesia.
An operation that can be performed using local anesthesia includes miniphlebectomy. The essence of miniphlebectomy for varicose veins is to make special punctures on the surface of the skin, which make it possible to remove varicose venous ducts. There is no scar after such an operation. The use of compression garments in the postoperative period is limited to two weeks.
Another type of surgery for varicose veins includes the removal of venous vessels using short scraping. The section of the vein that was affected is removed. In general, the vein remains in place. To do this, the location of the affected area of the vein is determined and two surgical incisions are made, through which the operating doctor will remove them.
Endoscopic vein dissection is very effective for varicose veins. This is a surgical procedure using an endoscopic device. This device provides objective information about the condition of a person’s veins and allows one to accurately determine where the affected areas of the veins are located.
Minor trauma includes laser treatment of varicose veins . The vessel is coagulated under the influence of laser beams. For this purpose, it is advisable to use a light guide, the introduction of which to the affected vessel is carried out using ultrasound scanning. The laser closes the affected vein and stops its subsequent functioning.
Varicose veins make it possible to use combined surgical treatment. The use of such therapy makes it possible to remove large trunks of modified venous vessels and perform sclerotherapy of small sections of veins. After surgery, it is necessary to use compression stockings or elastic bandages for two months, as recommended by your doctor.
A noticeable effect in the treatment of varicose veins is observed when using not only compression garments, solid dosage forms, injections, but also after using ointments. Ointment preparations include paste, gel, cream and liniment. They differ in consistency, in the method of production and in the ratio of the medicinal substances they contain. The main ingredients include the fat base and the active substance. The base can consist of vegetable oils, animal and synthetic fats. The active substance varies and its use determines the effectiveness of the ointment used. Mild medications for varicose veins strengthen the vascular venous wall, improve the functioning of the valve apparatus of the veins, reduce the formation of blood clots, and have a healing effect.
The pharmacy industry is replete with a selection of ointments used in the treatment of varicose veins. The first dosage form to consider is Venoruton. It comes in the form of a gel. Its active ingredient includes rutin, which acts at the cellular level. Having penetrated the skin, Venoruton reduces cellular permeability and protects the venous wall from damage from radicals. As a result, pain in the affected area decreases and swelling is relieved. This ointment is not recommended for pregnant women in the first trimester.
The next type of ointment for varicose veins is Heparin ointment, based on heparin and anesthesin. The first active ingredient prevents thrombus formation and leads to increased metabolic processes in the vascular wall. Anesthesin exhibits an analgesic effect. This ointment should not be used in the presence of trophic ulcers.
Lyoton has a good characterization. It has an inhibitory effect on the formation of a blood clot and the strengthening of the inflammatory mechanism in the area of the vein wall. Constant rubbing with Lyoton can be a good preventive measure in the development of trophic changes. But the presence of ulcers is a contraindication to the use of Lyoton.
Hepatothrombin also contains an anticoagulant substance, but in combination with healing components, which include Dexpanthenol and Allantoin. In addition, these ingredients help improve the absorption of Heparin by the skin.
Venozol is available in the form of cream and gel. It belongs to the dietary supplement. The good therapeutic effect of this ointment is due to the natural plant extracts and essential oils included in its composition. Venozol improves the functioning of venous valves, eliminates pain and swelling of the lower extremities.
If there are trophic ulcers with varicose veins, Ichthyol ointment is prescribed. The drug has an antiseptic and wound-healing effect. What is connected with castor oil, bismuth salts and xeroform, which form the basis of the active substance Ichthyol.
When implementing the prevention of varicose veins, two goals are pursued. The first goal is aimed at avoiding the occurrence of varicose veins in people who do not already suffer from them. The second goal is preventive measures aimed at preventing further development of the disease for those who have already been affected by the problem of varicose veins. These actions will not only help avoid relapse of the disease, but will also prevent the pathology from leading to complications.
Varicose veins are characterized by a chronic course and cannot be completely cured. But varicose veins can be stopped. To do this, prevention must also be carried out during the lull of the disease, which is prone to frequent exacerbations. Varicose veins reflect the general condition of the human body. This is precisely why prevention is needed, which must be comprehensive. This will help avoid the occurrence of varicose veins even if a person has the opportunity to acquire it by inheritance. You just need to adjust your diet, lead an active lifestyle, and pay attention to your well-being.
First you need to purchase medical compression garments. It is better to give preference to knee socks, tights and stockings. It is also necessary to control your weight, since large kilograms provoke the progression of varicose veins. Abuse of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages negatively affects the blood vessels of the lower extremities, therefore, when diagnosing varicose veins, it is advisable to give up bad habits as quickly as possible.
Prevents varicose veins by using a light massage of the lower extremities. This type of prevention is good to use at the initial stage of varicose veins. It is necessary to lightly stroke the palm along the leg to the foot. Continue massaging for about ten minutes and it is better to do it in the morning immediately after exercise therapy. In some cases, with varicose veins, it is useful to massage the lower back, because in this area there are nerve endings that innervate the muscles and blood vessels of the legs.
Hygiene of the lower extremities is an important component of preventive measures for varicose veins. Feet should be looked after; special attention is required to the area between the toes. If the skin is damaged due to varicose veins, treatment with some kind of antiseptic is necessary. This measure is important, since an abrasion, scratch, callus, or abrasion are an entry point for an infectious agent and can lead to phlebitis. To strengthen the vascular wall, it would not be superfluous to use a contrast shower or warm pine baths.
Chronic fatigue prevents the veins from functioning normally. This condition requires urgent relief from stress. Therefore, it is so important to visit a specialist who can prescribe medications that have a calming effect. In addition, you can take a course of auto-training aimed at acquiring stress resistance.
It has been proven that varicose veins are directly related to constipation, which is a consequence of diseases such as intestinal dysbiosis, chronic colitis and others. Tension during a disturbed act of defecation creates pressure in the pelvis and thereby disrupts blood circulation in the venous bed of the lower extremities. In this case, you should enrich your diet with foods containing fiber. Then the intestines will work without failures, and the provoking factor will be excluded.
If the work involves physical strain, it is necessary to change the type of activity. When this is not possible, you should change your body position more often and give your legs a chance to rest. To do this, place your feet on a hill and get up every 60 minutes to do simple exercises. In addition, crossing your legs is an extremely bad habit, so there is no need to do it.
To prevent varicose veins, you can resort to traditional medicine. So honey is very useful for the venous system (and not only). Honey therapy is a source of beneficial compounds. In case of intolerance to honey products, it is necessary to replace them with tincture of aralia, lemongrass or ginseng.
It would not be superfluous to mention the dangers of shoes with high heels. Also, with varicose veins, tight shoes are harmful. To do this, you need to replace your shoes with more comfortable ones so that their heels do not exceed four centimeters. When implementing preventive measures, you should walk with bare feet at home as often as possible.
Prevention of varicose veins includes a set of specific exercises. It is needed to train the thighs, buttocks and legs, such important parts of the body. It is necessary to strengthen them in case of varicose veins in order to avoid or stop the pathological process. Phlebologists have developed exercises that improve circulation in the bloodstream and prevent the formation of blood clots.
There are a number of requirements for these exercises: they must be performed in the morning or evening hours, the duration of one cycle is no more than fifteen minutes with a break of five minutes. If you feel tired, exercises for varicose veins should be stopped and resumed after proper rest.
One of the most common exercises for those suffering from varicose veins is an activity that involves lying on your back for two minutes with your legs elevated above body level. To give the lower limbs the desired position, you can place a cushion under them. They often resort to the “bicycle” exercise. To do this, a person lies down, presses the muscles of the lumbar region to the surface on which he is located, then imitates riding a bicycle with his feet. You can't overexert yourself. You need to choose the pace that the patient can handle.
For varicose veins, it is necessary to exercise the feet of the lower extremities. To do this, the legs at the ankle joint are extended and bent, twisted in the upper and lower directions. You can include your feet in the exercises either one at a time or together. The convenience of this gymnastics is that it is easy to perform while sitting at your workplace.
One of the methods of exercise for varicose veins can be a contrast shower. Its essence lies in alternating a hot stream with a cold one. This change in temperature has a massage effect on the skin of the lower extremities. The duration of the procedure is about seven minutes.
The effectiveness of a set of exercises for varicose veins will be achieved only if performed regularly. In addition, classes should take place along with the use of medicinal ointment, wearing compression stockings and the use of other types of prevention. Varicose veins are a serious disease, so it is easier to prevent than to treat.