Varicose veins (varicose veins)

Varicose veins, more precisely varicose veins, is a disease that affects only the venous system.Many consider it a selective foot disease.

But varicose veins occur not only on the lower extremities, but also in the pelvis.At the same time, it manifests itself as hemorrhoids, varicocele (dilated testicular veins) or is disguised as various gynecological problems.Varicose veins of the esophagus with cirrhosis of the liver cause a lot of trouble for patients.

Causes of varicose veins

The task of the venous system is to ensure the delivery of blood after the use of useful substances by the tissues to the heart, so that the heart sends it to receive oxygen in the lungs.The outflow is constant.The negative pressure created by the diaphragm and some parts of the heart helps the blood vessels.Since a person spends most of the time in a vertical position, the veins must overcome the force of gravity and prevent blood stagnation.To do this, they have a muscular frame and valves on the inner shell.

Varicose veins are the result of venous insufficiency.Damage to the wall structure leads to a loss of elasticity and a decrease in tone.Sluggish valves are unable to retain blood, and excess deposition (accumulation) occurs in distant parts of the body.

Due to the slowing down of blood flow, favorable conditions are created for platelets to stick together and form blood clots.The situation becomes dangerous, because the blood clot can break off at any moment and enter an important blood vessel and cause tissue necrosis.

Another complication is the development of an infection in the weakened vein wall (phlebitis).This leads to even more negative symptoms.

Signs of varicose veins are found in every fifth woman and every tenth man.

The causes of the disease are conventionally divided into primary and secondary varicose veins.

• The primary lesion is associated with disturbances in the structure of the vein wall.
• In secondary cases, there are changes in the valve apparatus.

This happens when:

• hereditary predisposition associated with a lack of collagen in the body, which ensures the elasticity of the wall or components for its synthesis;
• endocrine disorders caused by long-term use of hormonal drugs (contraceptive pills, steroid drugs);
• heavy physical activity;
• forced long-term working position in a standing position;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• pregnancy;
• smoking;
• leg injuries.

Taking into account the listed factors that contribute to the onset of the disease, it is possible to determine a risk group that will include future patients with varicose veins, regardless of age:

• professions that require long standing (salespeople, teachers, hairdressers);
• immobile position of the body (transport drivers, sitting at the computer) - stagnation is created in the legs and pelvis;
• the habit of wearing high heels - redistributes body weight and increases the load on blood vessels;
• athletes - weightlifting, bodybuilding, wrestling, tennis cause great stress in the legs;
• people who wear tight underwear, stockings with elastic bands, belt, belt - any tightness helps to delay the outflow of blood;
• the habit of sitting with crossed legs for a long time blocks the superficial veins of the lower leg, promoting stagnation;
• the passion for alcoholic drinks and coffee causes dehydration of the body, consequently the blood thickens and slows down the flow through the vessels.

Symptoms of the disease

Varicose veins create the most unfavorable conditions for blood circulation in the peripheral tissues.Therefore, varicose veins of the legs are the most common manifestation of the disease.

• Pain and fatigue in the legs occur at the end of the working day.
• Burning sensation.
• Cramps when walking or at night.
• Swelling of the feet in the evening, patients notice that their usual shoes are too tight.
• The appearance of "vascular spiders" on the legs.
• Darkening and dryness of the skin of the feet and legs.
• Trophic ulcers on the feet.

The above signs develop gradually over the years.

The appearance of "visible" symptoms indicates progressive damage to blood vessels.

Treatment

Varicose veins therapy cannot free the patient from the disease, but it will prevent severe complications and slow down the further development of the disease.

What habits will you have to break?

When treating varicose veins, ask yourself, "What should you change in your normal life?"The following tips will help:

• stop visiting the swimming pool, steam bath, warm baths are contraindicated;
• limit the consumption of strong alcoholic beverages and beer;
• gradually stop smoking;
• control your posture when sitting, do not cross your legs;
• stop any tightening of belts, belts and special underwear;
• get rid of excess weight;
• do not wear tight shoes and high heels;
• Get into the habit of washing your feet with cold water at night after showering and while relaxing at home, throw your feet on a pillow.

Motor mode

Considering the risk factors, it is necessary for people in "dangerous" professions to take breaks with a foot massage: drivers get out of the car to take a walk, hairdressers sit on a chair and rub their legs with light movements from bottom to top.

It is necessary to walk as much as possible, the work of the leg muscles stimulates blood flow.

Exercise in the morning should include exercises lying on your back with leg lifts, pulling your toes towards you and straining the arch of your feet.

Recommended sports include swimming and cycling.

Diet

The choice of foods for varicose veins is related to the need to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, limiting spicy and salty foods that retain fluid.

You should limit fatty meats in any form, spicy spices, smoked foods, butter, cheese, mayonnaise, sweets and carbonated drinks.

Include vegetables and fruits, cereals, dairy products, green or herbal tea, vegetable oil, onions and garlic in your daily diet.

Conservative means

To support venous blood flow, it is recommended to wrap the legs from the toes to the middle of the thigh.It is much more practical to wear special compression socks.They are sold in chain pharmacies and have sizes.The doctor will help you choose knee socks.

Any advertised drugs or ointments work only in the initial stages of the disease, when a person notices increased fatigue in the legs.The doctor will recommend the most modern and effective medicines.In the "visual" phase, their use is practically useless.

Phlebologists treat varicose veins.They believe that about 95% of cases can be compensated using low-traumatic methods, only 5% require surgical intervention.

Low-traumatic methods of treating varicose veins

These procedures require no skin incision at all or involve a small incision.They are performed on an outpatient basis and are painless.The patient has no restrictions and can do his usual work.

Laser ablation

Under local anesthesia, the light guide is carefully introduced into the dilated area, and the circular laser is turned on during the reverse movement.The procedure lasts up to two hours.The laser beam causes burns of the inner shell with further sclerosis.It is used to treat veins of any diameter.

Sclerotherapy

The patient is injected with a substance that causes the walls to collapse and then sclerosis into the affected vessel.Currently, clinics use foam preparations that are safe for the body.It is used when the diameter is not greater than one cm.After the procedure, it is recommended to walk for an hour.You will need to wear compression stockings for another month.

Microphlebectomy

After local anesthesia, a small incision is made on the skin (no larger than a few mm), the diseased vein is grasped with a special hook, pulled out and removed.In this way, you can remove containers of any size.A few days after the procedure, there will be visible bruising at the incision site.A small scar will form.Compression stockings should be worn for about 10 days.

Radiofrequency ablation

The method is similar to laser, but here a catheter with microwave radio frequency is inserted into the area of varicose veins.It is believed not to cause burns and to be safe for surrounding tissues.After half an hour of exposure, the lumen of the vessel is "sealed".After only one week, you are allowed to play sports.

Surgical treatment

The operation to remove the varicose vein or the entire bundle is called phlebectomy.Requires hospitalization.General anesthesia is used.Two incisions are made on the skin (in the groin and below the knee).Surface branches are tied.The entire vein is pulled out and excised.After the operation, the patient must be monitored in the hospital for about a week.The condition of postoperative sutures is monitored, drugs are prescribed that slow blood clotting to prevent the formation of blood clots.The stitches are removed after 7-10 days.

Contraindications for phlebectomy:

• simultaneous damage to superficial and deep veins;
• age over 75 years;
• various skin diseases at the site of surgery;
• oncological diseases;
• pregnancy;
• atherosclerosis of the blood vessels of the lower extremities;
• severe form of diabetes.

Traditional methods of treatment

Traditional methods are best used in the early stages of the disease in combination with drugs.

Hirudotherapy (using leeches) is an old, proven method.The enzyme that leeches secrete into the blood helps to relieve inflammation and tighten the walls of blood vessels.

Herbal decoctions and tinctures are recommended for application in the form of poultices in the area of varicose veins.The following are used for this: chamomile flowers, calendula, St. John's wort, yarrow, leaves of wormwood, horse chestnut, thistle.Nuts and garlic are recommended for internal consumption.

The choice of treatment for varicose veins is a matter for an experienced surgeon.A timely visit to the doctor and following the recommendations will help prevent serious consequences of the disease.