The diagnosis of varicose veins on the feet requires long-term therapy. The development of varicose veins on the feet leads to the fact that the venous vessels begin to lose their original shape, elasticity and stretch excessively. The walls of blood vessels can weaken due to increased stress and other factors.
This leads to blood stagnating in the veins, the legs become tired, swelling occurs, and pain appears. If varicose veins on the foot are not treated in a timely manner, dangerous complications develop.
There are many factors that can cause the development of varicose veins on the foot. These include:
The choice of clothing plays an important role. Too tight trousers, tights and stockings, as well as high heels can cause the development of varicose veins of the foot.
The primary symptoms of varicose veins on the feet are swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Spasms and pain in the calf muscles may also occur. It is necessary to pay special attention to the appearance of characteristic venous networks or stars on the feet.
Main symptoms of the disease:
As the disease progresses, changes in the venous vessels intensify. The following symptoms appear:
As the disease develops, swelling begins to appear in the legs. The appearance of swelling indicates the development of complications such as:
To protect yourself as much as possible from possible complications, you need to contact an angiosurgeon in a timely manner.
Varicose veins of the feet are classified into seven stages:
Photos of varicose veins of the foot are presented below.
At the first signs of varicose veins of the feet, you should immediately contact a specialist. A phlebologist deals with vein problems. The patient may be prescribed Doppler ultrasound of the blood vessels of the legs. This type of study is the most informative for diagnosing varicose veins.
Additionally, a transillumination procedure is performed, which involves examining the surface of venous vessels using special radiation. This technique allows you to detect the presence of varicose veins at the initial stages.
If you notice the first symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible to avoid surgical intervention. In the treatment of varicose veins of the feet, several types of therapeutic measures are used:
People whose professions require them to sit or stand for long periods of time are at risk. For normal blood circulation through the veins, regular contractions of the calf muscles are necessary. An excellent prevention of varicose veins on the feet is an active lifestyle. Recommended:
Loads on the legs should not be prolonged.
If you have varicose veins on the legs, you must avoid:
Should be included in your daily diet:
Regular wearing of compression garments, moderate exercise, a balanced diet including fiber and fresh fruits and vegetables, preventive examinations with a phlebologist - these are simple rules of prevention. They will help keep your legs healthy and prevent recurrences of varicose veins on the legs. But you should not self-medicate, as this can cause complications.
Varicose veins are a common health problem. The most common areas of pain are the knee, upper calf and lower leg. This is why there is a misconception that varicose veins are a problem exclusively of the upper legs.
In fact, for the feet this is a more common ailment that requires careful attention on the part of the patient. When you notice varicose veins on your feet, you should immediately contact a medical facility and begin treatment. To a large extent, its occurrence is the result of inaction on the part of a person, ignoring primary manifestations, short-term elimination of initial symptoms with ineffective means.
Such a violation can appear for various reasons; there are several theories about this. It is worth taking a closer look at the variety of symptoms so that you can not only recognize the problem and begin to get rid of it, but also prevent the occurrence of the disease.
Heavy legs at the end of the day, swelling, shoes seem tight to you - this is how varicose veins of the foot manifest themselves. The appearance of a blue mesh pattern, the so-called stars on the inside of the feet, tired swollen legs, the appearance of burning and heaviness in certain places - these are the first noticeable symptoms that are worth paying attention to. As night approaches, the foot begins to ache, muscle twitching appears in problem areas. Next, the development of irreparable transformations in the circulatory system will begin. Veins will begin to stand out on the surface of the legs and feet. In certain places, the walls of the vessels will become thinner, take on a tortuous shape, and turn blue or even dark burgundy.
Pay close attention to these signs:
Does the presence of flat feet have anything to do with the problem under discussion? It turns out that it not only has, but also directly contributes. Varicose veins become a logical continuation of uncorrectable flat feet.
Human feet perform three biomechanical functions: support, springing and balancing. During walking, the load is dynamically distributed between the toe and heel. If the foot is too flat, then the weight presses over the entire area, and this worsens shock absorption: muscles, bones, and joints suffer. Even in the brain, this reverberates with tangible micro-shocks. The muscles and ligaments of the foot and lower leg are forced to be under increased tension in order to avoid mini-injuries when moving. Flat feet greatly increases the risk of developing varicose veins, which, in turn, worsens the course of flat feet. Based on this, it is not surprising that flat feet and varicose veins are often associated. Both diseases aggravate each other, so treatment should be aimed at correcting one and the other problem.
When asked who to go to with such a disorder, everyone answers in their own way: some find out everything from their friends, some go to the clinic, visit many doctors, waste time and then end up with the right specialist, some easily find information on the World Wide Web. In at least two ways (either through a surgeon or a therapist), but in the end this problem ends up in the hands of a doctor called a phlebologist. This is the name of a physician with a highly specialized specialty who treats varicose veins. You may need to consult a neurologist and surgeon. Only a correctly made diagnosis, taking into account all factors, will give a positive result.
Methods of counteraction depend on the degree of development of the disease on the foot. Phlebotonics relieve itching and swelling, but do not provide vascular restoration. In this regard, they are hopeless. At the initial stage, they try to defeat varicose veins on the feet and palms with ointments and creams. They are used to prevent the development of complications, as well as for preventive purposes. Traditional methods do not produce long-lasting effective results. There are special venotonics that are prescribed by the doctor.
Medicines in many cases have low effectiveness. They are used mainly in the early stages and to eliminate the symptoms of the disease. At the following stages, treatment of the lower extremities with medications does not give a reliable result. Pharmacists produce a large number of venotonic drugs. Here are some of the widely used ones: glivenol, anavesol, phlebodia, venoruton, rutin. Self-treatment in such a situation is fraught with exacerbations. Since most medications contain components that thin the blood, in certain diseases, taking such medications can be harmful to the patient!
Only surgical removal of the vein or the procedure of sealing the vessels are a reliable method of treating varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy helps eliminate stars. Using a thin needle, a special medicine is injected into the affected vessels, causing a narrowing of the lumen. The duration of this small operation is about a quarter of an hour. The achieved effect will not last long without subsequent therapy.
Endovasal coagulation is a well-tolerated operation with a low risk of injury, excellent efficacy and safety. It is carried out using a three-component solution under local anesthesia. The essence of this operation is to eliminate abnormal blood flow using laser radiation by heating blood cells. This causes adhesion of the walls of blood vessels.
Now an innovative method has appeared - ozone therapy. It is similar to scleroscopy, but involves introducing ozone into the lumens of blood vessels using a microscopic needle. As a result, the gaps stick together. Several such procedures allow you to quickly experience visible results.
A diet that excludes fatty, floury and sweet foods, and also includes vitamins and blood-thinning foods, such as honey, fruits, eggs, olive oil, vegetables, seeds, and oatmeal, will help to avoid the appearance of varicose veins on the feet. Make your diet varied and nutritious, remove excess fats and carbohydrates from it. For the connective tissues of the veins and valves, it will be useful to increase the intake of proteins, vitamins C and E. Pay attention to the amount of water consumed per day. Try to drink up to two liters per day.
To prevent varicose veins of the foot, light physical activity is good. Use short runs or cycling (an exercise bike), try to walk regularly, take up swimming or dancing. If possible, find a job that is more comfortable for your feet. An important therapeutic effect is provided by wearing anti-varicose stockings, knee socks or tights made of special knitwear. Their compression functions help relieve discomfort in the limbs, increase blood flow and reduce pressure in the veins.
Means that improve the elasticity of the tissues of blood vessels will be useful - massages with a brush and just a massage of the limb for varicose veins of the legs, alternating baths. The secretion contained in leech saliva helps maintain health. Medical leech not only serves as a prophylactic agent, but also very effectively treats the disease at its different stages.
Among other things, it is important to harden yourself (by pouring cold water on your feet) and improve your immunity in every possible way. After all, healthy people have normal legs.
Nowadays it is not difficult to find everything you need for treatment on the Internet on specialized resources that offer clients certified products approved by experts and doctors. On such sites you will find a wide range of silk, breathable, hypoallergenic products in a rich range of colors from the best manufacturers. They can also offer the best prices. Other marketplaces also sell products to prevent and treat the disease. You can also order what you need on the World Wide Web and choose a convenient delivery method. There you can also find out the addresses of the nearest salons or phlebology centers. By visiting them you will be able to see the necessary items with your own eyes.
It is more practical to buy two pairs of compression garments at once so that you can alternate. You can take different colors of knitwear from the same model range. Over time, their effectiveness decreases. When worn daily, such stockings, special socks and tights are recommended to be replaced with new ones every couple of months.
If problems with your legs prevent you from living a full and quality life, seek help, don’t delay!
Dear friends, I welcome you to the site dedicated to the phenomenon of sleep and quality of life. Today we’ll talk about a problem that every third contemporary person faces.
Heaviness and pain in the legs may indicate poor circulation and be the first signs of varicose veins. In this article: varicose veins on the legs, causes, symptoms and prevention.
WHO experts and cardiologists recognized varicose veins as a dangerous disease that “shoots first in the legs and then in the heart.” Complications of varicose veins pose a mortal threat: thrombophlebitis, thromboembolism, trophic ulcers and bleeding.
Women are genetically predisposed to varicose veins and are 3 times more likely to suffer from the disease than men.
Recently, this disease is rapidly becoming “younger”; its signs are found even in schoolchildren.
Varicose veins are the price humans pay for walking upright; no mammal suffers from problems with veins. There are mentions of varicose veins in the Old Testament. In Byzantine manuscripts it is called a disease that “knocks you down.”
A mummy found during the excavation of an ancient burial in Egypt showed traces of varicose veins and treatment for a trophic ulcer on the leg. Scientists and historians have come to the conclusion that this disease has accompanied humanity throughout its history.
The impetus for the development of varicose veins is an imbalance of elastin and collagen in the body, leading to loss of elasticity of the venous walls, their thinning and stretching, as well as disturbances in the functioning of the venous valves. Veins and valves cannot cope with the flow of blood, reverse blood flow and stagnation occur.
1. Hereditary predisposition is the main reason for a third of all patients.
The risk of varicose veins reaches 70 percent if any of the parents, grandmothers, or great-grandmothers suffered from varicose veins.
What is inherited is not the disease itself, but the genetically determined structure of the veins: weak connective tissue of the venous walls, congenital defective vein valves.
That is why varicose veins can be observed in young, healthy and active (regardless of gender) people and even in children.
2. Changes in hormonal balance in the body.
Puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and menstruation are natural factors that disrupt hormonal levels in women and explain their greater vulnerability to venous diseases.
The hormonal cause of varicose veins is becoming increasingly common. This is explained by the widespread use of hormonal drugs in the treatment of metabolic disorders, menopause, contraception , etc.
Scientists have proven that progesterone (the female sex hormone), estrogens and their analogues destroy collagen and elastic fibers, which significantly reduces the tone of the vein walls.
3. Inflammatory processes in the pelvic and genital organs (especially in women) affect small veins and lead to hormonal disorders. As a result, the communication between the venous and arterial vessels opens, and blood enters the veins in large volumes and under high pressure. The veins expand and the valves cannot cope with the reverse flow of blood. The result is varicose veins.
The elasticity of the vein walls is regulated by nerve endings. If the nature of their activity changes (during stress, depression, neurosis, etc.), the tone of the veins decreases, and the lumen in the vessels expands.
5. Physical activity : domestic and professional increases pressure in the veins of the legs.
The vertical position of the human body creates a natural increase in venous pressure in the vessels of the legs. If the static load is excessive, then the pressure in a standing position increases many times over. This occurs during heavy lifting, pregnancy and childbirth, excess weight, standing for a long time, etc.
The risk group includes sellers, teachers, hairdressers, couriers, loaders and others.
6. Sedentary nature of work or lifestyle.
Profession and computer addiction are the most common causes of varicose veins, according to doctors.
When sitting for a long time, the veins are pinched and blood circulation is disrupted. Phlebologists have a professional term for this case: “computer varicose veins.”
The muscles of the leg and foot perform the function of a muscle “pump”, pumping blood upward. If we do not move, vascular tone weakens, venous pressure rises and blood stagnates.
In women, vascular diseases are more common due to genetic predisposition. Men are less susceptible to varicose veins, but they tend to treat it more negligently than women and consult a doctor when the disease literally “knocks you off your feet,” that is, in late and life-threatening stages.
9. Prolonged constipation, sneezing and coughing lead to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure and pressure in the veins, disrupting the functioning of the venous valves.
11. Tight shoes, high heels.
12. Body constitution - tall people suffer more than short people.
The first signs of poor circulation:
At the next stage:
Swelling of the legs is a serious warning from the body that varicose veins are progressing and that the deep veins are not performing their main function. At this stage, complications are dangerous: thrombophlebitis, thromboembolism, trophic ulcers and bleeding (can occur from the slightest blow, and is very difficult to stop).
It is not the disease itself that is dangerous, but its complication: thrombophlebitis, which is formed when the internal walls of the veins become inflamed and leads to the formation of blood clots. Blood clots block the lumens of the veins (phlebothrombosis), or, breaking away from the wall of a blood vessel, enter the lungs (thromboembolism).
These complications are life-threatening, especially thromboembolism, which is often fatal.
To avoid a deadly threat, treatment for varicose veins should begin as early as possible: with a visit to a phlebologist and a mandatory blood test for clotting.
Walking is better than standing. Sitting is better than standing. Lying down is better than sitting. This lifestyle stereotype is for those who love themselves and their legs. The leg muscles must be forced to contract or given a horizontal position, preferably elevated. In this case, the knees should be straight.
You are at risk if you are forced to sit or stand for long periods of time. Regular contractions of the muscles and heart are necessary for normal circulation.
Active lifestyle: go swimming, cycling. When hiking, don't just walk, but put moderate stress on your legs by walking briskly.
Physical activity should not be prolonged or excessive.
If you have to stand for a long time, try to shift from foot to foot and move your toes.
If you have to sit for a long time:
Wear compression hosiery during pregnancy, when flying on an airplane, long journeys by transport, exercising on simulators or on a treadmill.
Today, medicine has effective and very effective methods for treating varicose veins. In the early stages, it can be completely cured. Do not start the disease by wasting precious time on dubious experiments, contact a phlebologist.
The purpose of the article about varicose veins of the legs, causes and symptoms:
Be healthy! Have a flying gait!
I hope the information was useful to you. I will be glad to add additions and comments, as well as reviews on social networks.
Elena Valve for the project Sleepy Cantata.
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According to international medical organizations, almost half of the world's population suffers from varicose veins in the legs, and women face this problem three times more often than men. As a rule, varicose veins of the lower extremities appear in people aged 30-40 years and can accompany them for the rest of their lives if timely treatment is not started. Russia, among all countries in the world, ranks 4th in terms of the prevalence of this disease, after the USA, France and Great Britain. But this does not mean that citizens of other countries should not be aware of the symptoms of varicose veins in the legs.
It affects those who are forced to stand a lot during the day, and this is a lot of professions in different parts of the world. In addition, the likelihood of getting it is high for anyone who leads a sedentary lifestyle - spends a lot of time at the computer or driving a car. And in the modern world, this is often impossible to do without, which explains the high prevalence of varicose veins.
It is known that the causes of varicose veins in the legs and their elimination are closely interrelated, and therefore it is imperative to know what led to the disease in each specific case.
Regardless of which of these reasons varicose veins in the legs are caused, the earlier the diagnosis is made, the easier it will be to cope with it.
The first symptoms of varicose veins in the legs include swelling, cramps and itching. However, there are a number of other signs by which you can determine the occurrence of this disease. These include:
There are 7 degrees of this disease in total:
If you find any signs of varicose veins in your legs, immediately consult a phlebologist, as you need to undergo an examination, which includes the following basic steps:
Treatment of varicose veins of the legs is prescribed only on the basis of these modern diagnostic methods.
Can varicose veins in the legs be cured? Today, the level of development of medicine makes it possible to treat varicose veins of the legs quite effectively at different stages, but there is no complete cure. Therefore, the main thing is to prevent the disease from developing beyond the initial stage and, as doctors say, to learn to live with it. There are many different ways that will help the patient not only alleviate his condition, but also permanently get rid of the symptoms that cause him discomfort.
Treatment of varicose veins of the legs with medications is the main method of its treatment. All medications for varicose veins of the legs can be produced in different forms and have different types of effects on the veins - toning them, preventing the inflammatory process in them and thinning the blood.
Venotonic drugs include: Detralex, Phlebodia 600, Angistax, Troxevasin, Venoruton, Aescusan, Reparil-gel, Escin (Venitan). The price of venotonics for varicose veins of the legs is quite reasonable. Only the first 2 drugs from the above list cost more than 500 rubles. The cost of the rest does not exceed 200 rubles.
The best blood-thinning agent for varicose veins of the legs is heparin ointment. Other drugs are made on its basis: Venolife, Lyoton 1000, Trental, Aspirin and Cardiomagnyl, Curantil.
Anti-inflammatory drugs include Diclofenac and Indomethacin, which not only relieve inflammation, but also relieve pain. Varikosette leg cream for varicose veins has the same effect.
From some plants you can prepare special ointments, compresses and decoctions. But they can help the patient only in the very first stages of development of varicose veins of the legs. Below are a few such recipes:
A bath for varicose veins of the legs is indicated only with great reservations, but foot baths for varicose veins with herbs or with apple cider vinegar, which is diluted in warm water, are good for swelling and itching.
To date, special sets of exercises have been developed against varicose veins of the legs, which help improve blood circulation in the vessels and prevent further development of the disease. However, they can only be used if they are prescribed by the attending physician. Here is an example of such a complex:
Block I – physical exercises for varicose veins of the legs, which must be performed standing:
Block II – exercises for legs with varicose veins, which must be performed while sitting:
III Block – therapeutic exercises for legs with varicose veins, which must be performed lying down:
These simple exercises can be performed at any time of the day, but it is better in the morning - this will be a kind of morning therapeutic exercise for varicose veins of the legs. In addition, with this disease, you can also engage in some sports without allowing yourself too much stress: swimming, water aerobics, fitness, Nordic walking. All this improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of developing varicose veins. Cycling, exercise on exercise machines, running and squats for varicose veins of the legs are indicated only at the initial stage and only strictly following the doctor’s recommendations.
Many phlebologists advise their patients who are diagnosed with the initial stage of varicose veins of the legs, yoga and walking. But step aerobics and callanetics are recommended to be completely excluded, since these sports place heavy stress on the lower extremities.
Massage is recommended in the early stages of the disease. It is not difficult to master anti-varicose leg massage; a special leg massager will help with this; in case of varicose veins, it improves blood flow in the vessels, which prevents the formation of blood clots in the veins. However, self-massage and leg massage for varicose veins is contraindicated for those who have an advanced stage - there are open ulcers.
Hirudotherapy for varicose veins of the legs (treatment with leeches) is a modern and quite popular method of treating this disease. What it consists of: 1-2 leeches are placed at the place where the venous node has formed, and 3 more leeches along the entire length of the vein. This achieves the effect of bloodletting, which treats not only varicose veins, but also many other diseases. It is worth noting that not all doctors support this method of treating varicose veins, calling it “quack”.
Leg stockings for varicose veins are another simple way to alleviate the condition of sore limbs; bandaging the legs for varicose veins has no less effect. You can buy everything you need for this at any pharmacy or on the Internet.
An orthopedic leg pillow for varicose veins can significantly alleviate your condition. Today there are many manufacturers of these medical devices, offering a variety of models. Purchase and use as often as possible to reduce the strain on blood vessels.
How to eat if you have varicose veins in your legs? People diagnosed with varicose veins of the lower extremities must adhere to a strict diet: they should not eat foods high in cholesterol, smoked foods, coffee, alcohol, marinades, or broths. But vitamins for varicose veins of the legs are very useful, so you can eat fruits and vegetables, seafood and dairy products in unlimited quantities, since they contain the necessary amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals that strengthen the walls of blood vessels and make them more elastic.
To combat varicose veins in the legs, it is enough to follow a few simple rules:
If the disease is advanced, you have to resort to surgical treatment of varicose veins in the legs, don’t let your body do this!
Pregnancy is a responsible and touching time. The health of the unborn baby depends on how it proceeds. And, of course, any woman takes care of herself, tries to prevent all sorts of risks, and is observed by doctors. However, not only pleasant anticipation accompanies pregnancy. Sometimes a woman encounters complications that did not bother her before pregnancy. Varicose veins in pregnant women are the most common pathology. It occurs in almost half of expectant mothers. We will tell you why and how the disease occurs.
If we analyze the main causes of the development of varicose veins, pregnancy is always a risk for blood vessels. What is so special about the body of expectant mothers that varicose veins take root so well in them?
If you are expecting a baby and notice venous nodules appearing on your legs, immediately contact a phlebologist. As an option, we suggest you consult at the Baltic Vein Clinic, where qualified specialists work. The clinic's website offers an online test that can assess the severity of your problem.
After all, spider veins and increased vascular patterns are not always a sign of varicose veins. Sometimes this is a simple cosmetic defect that you can easily cope with after pregnancy.
It is clear that during pregnancy it is advisable to limit the intake of medications, so no one will prescribe venotonic medications to you. But they will select compression garments, and they will tell you how to behave correctly so that varicose veins do not progress.
In the initial stages of varicose veins, pregnant women are recommended:
What to do if varicose veins are severe? The phlebologist, together with the surgeon and obstetrician-gynecologist, assess the severity of the pregnant woman’s condition and decide on a minimally invasive operation . The choice is not easy, but it is necessary to make it. In recent years, an innovative method of treating varicose veins has emerged - the biological glue method. It is successfully used by doctors at the Baltic Vein Clinic, is performed without anesthesia and is absolutely safe for the fetus. The only drawback of the method is its high cost.
There are other minimally invasive interventions that a phlebologist can recommend to a pregnant woman. But, again, each case must be analyzed individually.
We also advise you to familiarize yourself with exercises for varicose veins for pregnant women at this link.
Symptoms of varicose veins can include not only spider veins, nodes, and tortuous veins. It is useful for pregnant women to know other signs of beginning varicose veins :
We describe these signs to alert you. Varicose veins most often begin asymptomatically, but progress quickly. Therefore, if the above symptoms appear, still visit a doctor.
Prevention of varicose veins is your correct lifestyle. Follow all doctors' recommendations and take care of yourself.
Full treatment of varicose veins of the legs will still have to be carried out after childbirth. We say “full” because during pregnancy it is better not to resort to either radical or minimally invasive methods of treatment. The only exceptions are cases of severe varicose veins.
Since it appeared once during pregnancy, you are already at risk for the occurrence of pathology. Therefore, monitor your condition. Varicose veins can hide for a while, and then arise with renewed vigor. Don't forget about disease prevention.
Varicose veins and pregnancy - causes, prevention and treatment on video from the program “I’m Expecting a Baby”:
In this material we will not advise taking any medications or suggest minimally invasive and conservative treatment methods. Only so as not to harm you, dear expectant mothers. Your varicose veins should only be dealt with by an experienced phlebologist or a doctor observing you. Pregnant women should not treat varicose veins differently!
Take care of yourself. We wish you a wonderful mood, excellent health and the birth of wonderful and healthy children!
Varicose veins are pathological expansion of superficial veins. In this case, they lengthen and increase in diameter, leading to various changes in the venous trunks. Currently, varicose veins on the legs are a very common disease. The incidence rate in women is 3 times higher than in men. This is due to the anatomical structure of the vessels, their location and pregnancy.
In recent decades, there has been a “rejuvenation” of the disease - often varicose veins on the legs, the symptoms of which are already clearly pronounced, are found even in schoolchildren. WHO classifies varicose veins as a life-threatening disease that “shoots first in the legs and then in the heart” due to its fatal complications.
Unlike arteries, veins have valves, due to which the reverse flow of blood is impossible. If the functioning of these valves is disrupted, if there is an imbalance of elastin and collagen in the body, the elasticity of the walls sharply decreases, and they become thinner and stretched. As a result, the valves and the vessels themselves cannot cope with their functions, reverse blood flow occurs, and stagnation develops. This is the mechanism of formation of varicose veins.
When varicose veins form on the legs, there are several reasons leading to its development.
This is one of the main causes of varicose veins on the legs - it is detected in 1/3 of patients with this pathology. If close relatives (parents, grandmothers, great-grandmothers) have varicose veins, the probability of the disease occurring is 70%. The hereditary factor is not the disease, but the genetically determined anatomical structure of the blood vessels:
• congenital defective valves;
• insufficiently developed connective tissue of the vein walls.
In this regard, varicose veins on the legs, the symptoms of which are found to varying degrees in young people of both sexes and even in children, are so widespread.
Hormonal imbalance in the body
With varicose veins on the legs, the reasons for its development are varied, but among them the most important is hormonal imbalance, which occurs when:
• pregnancy and childbirth;
• treatment with hormonal drugs or their use in contraception.
Female sex hormones (progesterone, etc.) and their analogues cause the destruction of collagen in the walls of the veins. This significantly reduces their tone.
Inflammatory processes of the genital organs
Inflammation in the pelvic organs leads to hormonal imbalances and changes in blood flow in small veins. As a result, a connection appears between the veins and arteries, and the volume and pressure of blood in the veins increases. They expand, the valves cannot withstand the reverse flow of blood, and varicose nodes appear.
The tone of all blood vessels is regulated by nerve endings. If, under certain influences (stress, depression, neurosis, etc.), a disturbance in nervous regulation occurs, venous tone decreases and the diameter of the vessels increases.
Physical overload leads to increased pressure in the veins. With large static loads (excess body weight, heavy lifting, pregnancy and childbirth, prolonged standing on your feet without moving), the pressure in the veins increases significantly. The risk group includes sellers, teachers, hairdressers, and loaders.
Sedentary lifestyle or work
The scourge of modern life is “computer varicose veins”. The leg muscles are a kind of “pump”: when they contract, venous blood moves upward faster. In a sitting position, the muscles do not contract; in addition, the veins are pinched, their tone decreases, and blood circulation is disrupted.
Increased intra-abdominal pressure leads to high pressure in the veins of the legs, which disrupts the functioning of the valves. This occurs with prolonged constipation, sneezing, coughing.
Reduced immunity and injuries can lead to the development of varicose veins on the legs. Gender plays a certain role. Due to a genetic predisposition, varicose veins on the legs, the symptoms of which can be expressed to varying degrees, are much more common in women than in men. Men turn to a doctor when dangerous complications occur and it is no longer possible to do without surgical treatment.
With varicose veins on the legs, the first symptoms with which the disease begins may be mild and do not immediately attract attention. These include:
• thin vascular network of purple-blue color;
• pain, fatigue, burning or itching in the legs in the evening;
• numbness or muscle contractions at night.
As changes in the venous vessels with varicose veins in the legs progress, the first symptoms of the disease worsen, and the number of complaints increases:
• the skin in places of varicose veins on the legs thickens, peels, and becomes covered with bluish spots;
• pain in the calf muscles becomes constant and intensifies when walking;
• venous nodes appear, which are accompanied by pain on palpation.
In the future, with varicose veins on the legs, the signs of the disease intensify and swelling appears. They are a signal that the veins are not coping with their function. This period is dangerous due to complications that can lead to death:
• bleeding, which can occur from a small blow, is difficult to stop.
Therefore, varicose veins on the legs, the symptoms of which are increasing, must be treated in time due to possible complications. Thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the internal walls of the veins) contributes to the formation of blood clots, which can block the flow of blood in the vessel (phlebothrombosis), or, breaking off, enter the lungs with the blood flow (thromboembolism), which can be fatal.
To avoid fatal complications, it is necessary to contact a phlebologist (angiosurgeon) in a timely manner and check blood clotting.
If symptoms of varicose veins appear on the legs, treatment should begin immediately. Currently, medicine has made significant progress in the treatment of this pathology.
If the first signs of varicose veins are detected on the legs, treatment is still possible without surgery and consists of several procedures:
1. Medication: depending on the condition of the blood vessels (after the results of a vascular examination using ultrasound or contrast venography), venotonics, NSAIDs, and anticoagulants are prescribed. It is possible to use drugs from these groups topically in the form of gels, ointments, and creams.
The main role in the treatment of varicose veins is played by therapy aimed at restoring the tone of the venous walls, for example, using the drug Phlebofa. This is a modern, highly purified preparation of diosmin, the only one among domestic products without a film coating, dyes and preservatives, due to which the active substance is absorbed as quickly as possible, and the likelihood of allergic reactions is minimized.
2. Compression treatment: wearing special stockings, knee socks, or, in extreme cases, using elastic bandages.
3. Pneumomassage - improves tissue nutrition and leads to improved venous blood flow.
4. Sclerotherapy - the introduction of special medications into a vein, blocking the blood flow through it. Gradual atrophy of the vessel occurs and it disappears.
5. Laser coagulation of blood vessels is the most modern method. It is carried out under anesthesia, a positive result occurs within a month.
For varicose veins on the legs, disease prevention in a broad sense consists of three rules:
1. Walking is better than standing.
2. Sitting is better than standing.
3. Lying down is better than sitting.
In order for the veins to function normally, the leg muscles must contract. Or the legs should be in a horizontal, elevated position with straight knees.
If a person is forced to stand or sit for a long time, he is at high risk. For good circulation of venous blood, there must be contractions of the muscles of the legs and heart. Therefore, for varicose veins on the legs, prevention is an active lifestyle, including, if possible:
• walking at a fast pace;
• cycling.
Physical activity should not be long and exhausting.
When standing for a long time, “shuffle” from foot to foot, wiggle your toes.
Preventative measures for prolonged sitting:
• periodically raise your legs to the table or to the level of your heart to improve blood flow:
• you can put your feet on a stand and forcefully lift your toes towards you several times - this will reduce venous pressure;
• a 10-minute break to walk or stretch your legs after every hour of sitting;
• in all cases of physical activity (workouts, running, training on a simulator), as well as during pregnancy, before flying on an airplane, and during long trips by car, you must use compression stockings.
Contraindicated for varicose veins on the legs:
• overeating, eating large amounts of spicy, salty, fatty foods;
• lifting and carrying heavy weights;
• hot baths for more than 10 minutes with a temperature above 36.70 C, saunas, baths, solariums;
• taking hormonal medications, including contraceptives;
• the heel is more than 4 cm (the lower leg muscles begin to partially contract, which leads to impaired venous circulation).
You cannot self-medicate. At the first signs of varicose veins, you should consult a doctor and begin timely treatment - this will help avoid serious complications.
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