Varicose veins or varicose veins are pathological changes in the veins, accompanied by their saccular expansion, an increase in length, the formation of convulsions and nodular cramps, which lead to valve failure and circulatory disorders. Varicose veins are one of the most common vascular problems.
What is varicose veins?
Varicose veins is a pathology of veins, which is based on a violation of the valvular apparatus of blood vessels with the formation of venous insufficiency, lumen dilation, congestion, which are associated with persistent tissue pastosis.
The main causes of pathology
Varicose veins in the legs have different causes and symptoms that have minor gender differences. The main common cause of pathology is called congenital connective tissue weakness. In second place are hormonal changes, so women are more often diagnosed with varicose veins. A long static sitting or standing position plays a role, while the longer the legs, the heavier the situation. Excess pounds also provoke an increase in pressure in the veins of the lower extremities, as well as a lack of physical activity. Smoking, pregnancy, concomitant pathologies, tight underwear, shoes, heels, everything that causes blood circulation to stagnate in the veins of the legs are risk factors for varicose veins.
Symptoms and clinical manifestations
Signs of varicose veins in the legs in women and men have no essential differences. It is a scaled disease, the symptoms of which are related to the stage of development of the pathological process.
The first stage is characterized by small clinical manifestations: veins barely emerge on the surface of the skin, the dermis is slightly hyperemic, aggravation in the legs, evening pasteurization of the legs and joints begins to bother, convulsions are possible. Such symptoms of varicose veins are especially painful for women from an aesthetic point of view. Often visual cues are preceded by pain.
In the second stage, the clinical picture takes on a typical appearance: the leg veins emerge in relief over the surface of the skin, are well palpable, and resemble joints. If the pathological process progresses, the veins of the lower extremities take on twisted shapes, a bluish-purple tinge, sometimes they become black.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the third stage of the legs are characterized by the development of complications: trophic disorders appear, the skin resembles parchment, swelling and cramps become common, the feet are covered with redness, begin to itch, secondary flora joins. pyodermal layer, dermatitis, eczema.
The fourth stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities is more severe in terms of symptoms: the skin over the elongated veins becomes inflamed, nearby tissues are involved in the process, trophic ulcers open, the pain in the leg with varicose veins ispermanent. the addition of a secondary infection provokes thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, urgent hospitalization is required, complex treatment.
Which doctor should I contact?
Leg pain with varicose veins is treated by a phlebologist, but a vascular surgeon can also make an initial appointment. It all depends on the severity of the pathology. The phlebologist prescribes conservative therapy or refers to a consultation with a vascular surgeon to decide on surgery.
Without a thorough clinical and laboratory examination, an accurate diagnosis is not possible. Instrumental diagnostic methods help to clarify the stage of pathology, the duration of the analysis lasts 10 minutes, maximum half an hour. The result of the examination is announced by the doctor immediately, at the first appointment. The choice of adequate therapy depends on the stage of the pathology.
Characteristics of treatment
The therapy of varicose veins lies in the "three pillars": drug treatment, minimally invasive techniques, classical surgery.
Conservative therapy
In addition to the general mandatory recommendations for varicose veins: dose, regular physical activity, minimization of static load on the legs, exercise therapy, wearing compression stockings, use of elastic bandages - conservative therapy includes the appointment of flavonoids based on flavonoids diosmin andhesperidin. , horse chestnut extract.
Most often, swallowing is combined with external therapy of the same name for varicose veins. According to doctors and patients, the combination of capsules and gel is the most effective.
Of course, you should not expect a complete cure from conservative methods, medicines are not able to restore varicose veins, but as a preventive measure, in preparation for surgery, the impossibility of surgical treatment of varicose veins - these drugs guarantee a stop indisease progression and symptom relief.
Compression sclerotherapy
The essence of a minimally invasive technique for treating varicose veins is the introduction of a special-sclerosing drug into the varicose vein. Through a syringe, the doctor injects a foam solution into the vein, which fills the deformed vessel, trapping it.
The patient is put on a compression stocking, which is designed to hold the container in this position. Within three days, the walls of the veins cling together, the vessel shuts off from normal blood flow, and empties. You should wear compression stockings for at least a month, sometimes two. Criteria for the effectiveness of treatment - adhesions formed.
Compression sclerotherapy is performed if varicose veins are not complicated by reverse blood flow from deep to superficial vessels through the communication veins. If such a leak is present, the efficiency of the procedure tends to zero.
Surgery
Surgery has been and remains the most reliable and effective way to treat varicose veins, despite the presence of reverse blood flow in the veins. But even here it is important to consult a doctor in time, as relapses often occur at later stages. Varicose veins are operated with different techniques: microsurgical, radiofrequency and laser coagulation of deformed veins.
In the initial stages, photocoagulation or laser spider vein removal is effective. In later stages, phlebectomy is indicated - complete removal of the affected veins. The operation is traumatic, there is a risk of complications, so today doctors are trying to use the less invasive miniflebectomy technique. If varicose veins are complicated by venous thrombosis, secondary infection, surgery is performed.
What can be done with varicose veins at home?
The essence of using folk remedies for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins is the removal of toxins from the body by restoring normal blood flow. To do this, balance your diet, including cabbage, tomatoes, bell peppers, greens, citrus fruits, apples, peaches, cherries, cherries, strawberries, eggplants and currants in your daily meals. Be sure to calculate the proper drinking diet: 40 ml per kilogram of body weight.
In addition, the properties of green tomatoes are used, which are bound in slices in the area of varicose veins in the form of compresses. The effect is guaranteed by lycopene - an antioxidant in the pulp of the fruit, which improves the structure of the vascular wall, tones the veins. You can try the juice treatment: all vegetables that are eaten raw are suitable.
Apple cider vinegar is widely regarded as a source of minerals and vitamins; for varicose veins, it is taken orally in the morning and in the evening, dissolving two teaspoons of the product in a glass of water. On the outside: wipe the varicose veins with a swab dipped in vinegar to relieve itching and pain.
Compresses are made with honey, applying a sterile napkin with the product in the area of varicose veins for several hours under the film. Use cabbage leaves beaten with vegetable oil under a bandage overnight. The course is one month.
prevention
Prevention of varicose veins has two purposes: to prevent the onset of the disease and to reduce the number of relapses. To do this: you can not go to the sauna or take very hot baths, lift weights. It is recommended to exercise a lot, excluding strength sports, control weight, minimize the consumption of very spicy and fatty foods.
No need to wear tight clothes, socks, stockings, socks with a tight elastic band, cross your legs while sitting. Women are encouraged to give up high heels.
At night - take fresh foot baths, you can pour cold water on your feet in the morning. It is necessary to give up bad habits, to master acupressure: hit the skin of the lower extremities from bottom to top and in the opposite direction for 10 minutes, minimize stress, avoid overheating, colds, do a medical examination.
With varicose veins, it is reasonable to visit the pool, take a walk, take a contrast bath at home, and constantly wear compression stockings.