What are varicose veins like?

Prominent small veins are not scary yet, but should make you think!

The early stages of the disease are characterized by mild symptoms. However, a woman who cares about her health should not forget the first signs of varicose vein development:

• weight on the legs at the end of the day;
• swollen feet;
• appearance of pigmentation on the skin of the lower legs and thinning of the skin;
• limb numbness, frequent leg muscle spasms;
• protrusion of veins on the surface of the skin;
• appearance of vein pattern, spider veins on legs.

If, when returning home after a day of work, a woman finds her feet in a "sad" state, then one should not blame only the uncomfortable shoes or the extra "slightly salty" at dinner. Swelling and heaviness in the legs are the first signs of the development of blood stasis in the ducts. Remember - vein disease is difficult to treat. Early prevention and timely medical treatment can significantly stop or slow down the vein stretching process. Treatment should be started as early as possible.

Class 1 varicose veins

The main causes of varicose veins are considered to be pregnancy, overweight, prolonged physical activity, unsteady lifestyle, and even genetic predisposition to the disease. Ordinary people call varicose veins a "stewardess disease" because of the uniqueness of this profession and its longevity. The stage of the disease is the lightest.

Classify diseases according to different factors. One of the classifications is according to the stage of disease development:

• Varicose veins level 1 or compensation level.
• Varicose veins level 2 or subcompensation level.
• Grade 3 or varicose veins varicose veins.

Different levels of varicose veins in the lower part of the leg have radically different treatments. You do not have to try to cope with the disease itself. This can only be harmful and lead to bad consequences. It is better to ask for help from a competent professional.

The first stage of varicose veins is characterized by edema at night, seizures at night. Often, people consider all of these symptoms to be normal fatigue. However, already at this stage it is necessary to take preventive measures, including warming the feet to increase overall blood flow, light foot massage, periodic swimming, cycling.

Varicose veins in the first stage can also manifest as cramps in the calf area, patients often complain of feeling stretched legs or burning muscles. This is more often accompanied by pain in the lower leg.

Already at this stage, manifestations of the visual nature of varicose veins may be seen, which should immediately warn:

1. Cyanosis of the skin slightly.
2. Spider veins first appear on various parts of the body, more often on the legs.
3. Visible vein disease.

First-degree varicose veins are most often indicated by such external changes.

Another important factor in the manifestation of the first stage of varicose veins is the external condition in which a person is present. For example, in a hot environment, symptoms increase, swelling, pain, and cramps increase.

First degree varicose vein treatment

Sometimes doctors recommend the use of additional venotonics, which are quite effective in treating first-degree varicose veins. Separately, it should be said about massage: not every type of therapy is suitable for this disease. If after the procedure, the pain only increases, then it is necessary to change the approach of complex massage options.

It is best to arrange a soothing cold bath for the feet, which will soothe the muscles, relieve swelling, help reduce pain, and relieve fatigue. But a hot shower should be excluded, as it does not improve the condition of the limbs with varicose veins.

Your doctor may recommend the following treatments for these varicose veins:

1. Sclerotherapy - a special medicine injected directly into a vein with a needle. The action of this drug is aimed at the resorption of veins, strengthens weak vascular walls, restricts blood flow in the desired area.
2. Ozone therapy - an action aimed at strengthening blood vessels, reabsorption of varicose asterisks.

Each of the above options is quite effective. However, the maximum effect can be achieved only if all the recommendations should be followed after the procedure is applied.

Wearing special compression clothing is the most important thing. Such elements help put pressure on the veins, thus preventing their further expansion.

Causes of disease

There are more than fifty reasons that can trigger venous system changes. Particularly vulnerable to this disease are people whose profession is related to the pressure on their feet and inactive activities: salesmen, hairdressers, programmers, accountants, drivers.

Scientists have been doing research for many years and have identified the main factors that cause varicose changes:

• Hormonal changes in the body: pregnancy, menopause, adolescence;
• Obesity at any level
• Genetic predisposition. 70% of children whose parents have venous insufficiency suffer from varicose veins;
• Weak muscle system;
• Wearing uncomfortable underwear: stockings with tight elastic straps, tights for men;
• Lack of activity and physical activity;
• The habit of sitting with one foot on the other;
• Rare body position changes: long standing, lying down, sitting;

• Chronic diseases: diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure.

Of the ten patients with varicose veins, eight were female patients. Weak sex is subject to venous pathology due to forced hormonal disorders during pregnancy, after childbirth, during menopause. The second important factor why women experience foot pain more often than men is love on high heels.

Rules and guidelines

In the early stages of varicose veins, patients are advised to follow the rules:

1. Increase once or twice a day. You should walk calmly, stopping periodically to relax.
2. Wear comfortable shoes with heels no higher than 3 cm. The top of the shoe should not have a puller, the strap is not tied as tightly as possible.
3. Take gym training twice a week. The load is chosen individually by doctors and trainees.

4. Change your diet. Foods high in sugar, fatty meats, flour products and starchy vegetables are not included in the diet. Most varicose vein patients' diets consist of steamed or boiled vegetables. Fried and spicy foods are not recommended.

5. Legs need to rest in the evening. Blood flow will increase if you lift your legs and throw them on a high pillow or back of the couch.
6. If the work involves little movement, it is recommended to lubricate the feet with a refreshing gel or ointment containing heparin.
7. Special compression garments or elastic bandages are used daily. Special underwear is chosen by the doctor. The specialty of compression garments is in the function of squeezing. Stress on the body occurs with varying strengths, which forces the blood to circulate forcibly.
8. Often changes positions. If you always sit at work, then get up and sit a few times every 30 minutes. Exercise will help prevent varicose veins of the legs and hemorrhoids.

Multi-stage treatment

Effective therapy at an early stage can have the opposite effect on advanced pathology. The choice of treatment method should be sufficient for the level of varicose veins:

Compression jersey

It is used at all stages of varicose veins, however, the level of compression should differ significantly at different stages of disease development. In the early stages of varicose veins, compression is used for prophylactic purposes during standing and inactive work.

Compression can stop the development of varicose veins, but before medical use, it is necessary to consult a phlebologist, because compression is dangerous by exacerbating venous outflow problems. At the compensation and subcompensation stages for significant swelling and varicose veins, first and second compression underwear is usually prescribed.

Third-class compression is used in cases of severe venous insufficiency. If lymph edema occurs, use fourth-grade underwear. Hospital jerseys are worn for inpatient treatment.

People's solution

Traditional medicine helps treat varicose veins in the early stages. The following tools are widely used:

• using cabbage leaves
• compress potatoes, wormwood and garlic;
• chestnut tincture,
• decoctions of hop and nettles.

However, ease of use, accessibility, gentleness of action of folk remedies are combined with its low efficiency (compared to medicines), therefore, the hobby of this method is fraught with the development of this disease. Herbal medicines and compresses should be used after receiving medical advice and only serve as a major treatment aid.

Hirudotherapy

Treatment with leeches is indicated in rare cases in the early stages of varicose veins. Sometimes leeches are prescribed for thrombophlebitis.

Leeches can provoke allergies and trophic ulcers that worsen varicose veins. Currently, this method is being replaced with non-traumatic drugs containing anticoagulant components.

Medicine

Medications can help relieve symptoms. Tablets, capsules based on grape extract, chestnut, which are biologically active additives, are effective in the early stages of varicose veins.

Assistance is set at the compensation level. Most ointments and gels contain heparin, which prevents blood clotting. For the most part, the effects of ointments and gels are caused by massage during application.

But at the decompensation stage, the use of such products can cause additional skin manifestations. Relieving symptoms with medication is often temporary and does not cure the cause.

Operation

Laser coagulation and sclerotherapy are minimal invasive techniques to exclude veins from the bloodstream. They are used for small diameter widening veins in the early stages of varicose veins (when getting rid of spider veins, nets).

Varicose veins of the varicose vein endovasal laser

Phlebectomy

Surgical removal of the vein is indicated in the third stage of the disease, accompanied by trophic ulcers and complications. In some cases, varicose veins in the legs do not develop according to the model shown in the gradual classification. For example, the symptoms of the first stage may not be completely present: the subcompensation image immediately appears.

Or, as the disease progresses, some signs of varicose veins are not added to the symptoms of the previous stage, but disappear. Thus, in the early 21st century, Russian phlebologists, in addition to a gradual approach, adopted the international classification (CEAP), in which, when diagnosing the severity of the disease, the individual characteristic facts of varicose vein travel and treatment effects were taken into account.

Symptoms

Pathological symptoms with the onset of varicose veins do not cause people to think about venous disease:

• feeling heavy in the legs;
• fatigue after walking.

They tend to be related to flat feet, unusual high heels, uncomfortable new shoes, lumbar osteochondrosis.

And only visual detection of cyanotic dilated veins under the skin raises suspicion of the development of varicose veins.

Vascular mesh as the first sign of varicose veins appearing most often below the knee

Women see a doctor when they see an unpleasant cosmetic defect in the form of "spider" red veins on the legs, below the knees, on the skin of the thighs.

"Admission" of young women seeking treatment to a phlebologist who specializes in venous diseases is usually associated with the upcoming summer beach season, keeping their appearance from health. With the help of pills, they want to restore the beauty of the skin of the feet.

Pregnant women pay more attention to their condition. In addition to cosmetic changes, they noted difficulty walking, increased fatigue at night.

The early stages of the disease are indicated by the disappearance of clinical symptoms after lying down.

You can reassure yourself by doing this experiment: measure the volume of the lower leg at the level of the ankle or calf muscles in the morning and evening after work. If the difference is more than 1 cm, there are early signs of varicose veins.

After that appears:

• leg pain;
• swollen feet;
• feeling full and heavy in the legs;
• muscle cramps at night;
• The veins widen like a dense "snake" rope with dark areas of skin.

These symptoms are manifestations of undiagnosed venous insufficiency and require treatment.

The main cause of varicose veins in women

Fatigue and edema may be the first manifestations of venous blood flow disorders

The sex hormone estrogen plays a special role in the development of varicose veins in women. Its action leads to problems such as weight gain, depression, swelling, drowsiness, dry mucous membranes. This hormone increases the permeability of small vessels. The fluid easily leaves the bloodstream, the blood becomes less flowing. Excess fluid accumulates in the surrounding tissues. These factors contribute to the development of stagnation in the vessels in the lower extremities.

Causes of increased estrogen in women:

• Imbalances in estrogen-progesterone production. It occurs as a result of decreased progesterone levels in the female body;
• Chronic stress. During stress, cortisol is produced in the body, and in turn inhibits progesterone synthesis;
• Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the amount of estrogen in a woman's body increases;
• Take birth control pills. Varicose veins occur as a side effect of taking this medication;
• Liver disease, because estrogen is released from the body by the liver. With its weak function, this hormone accumulates in the body;
• Changes in age-related hormone levels also cause a sex hormone imbalance with estrogen dominance.

Separately, the causes of the development of varicose veins should be noted overweight and genetic predisposition to the disease. If overweight can and should be fought for health in general, then genetic predisposition is unavoidable. As a result of these factors, varicose veins become significantly "younger" and are now commonly found in 16-20 year old girls.

Full liver function is important for maintaining normal hormone levels. In addition to removing excess hormones, it participates in the synthesis of substances - precursors of progesterone and estrogen. To improve his work, physical activity, good nutrition, and reduction of the intake of toxic substances into the body are needed.

Treatment of varicose veins with traditional medicine

Treatment of varicose veins on the legs with medication is the most effective method, suitable for almost all patients. The variety of medications allows you to choose the most suitable medication for long-term treatment.

Medical methods for treating varicose veins of the legs

Venotonic is one of the most effective drugs for the treatment of this disease. Venotonic is a drug that improves vein tone and better blood outflow from veins.

This tablet can prevent the formation of varicose veins and nodules.

Using ointment

The best treatment for varicose veins of the legs is an integrated approach, which includes medications in tablet form, as well as the use of gels and ointments for external treatment on problem areas.

Ointment for varicose veins in the legs also helps to increase blood flow and prevent the formation of blood clots.

This fund is recommended for use only after consulting a physician, who will also determine the duration of treatment and the regimen of its use.

Do not treat yourself - this can endanger a patient's already weak condition.

Consequences of varicose veins.

Varicose veins can cause the development of trophic leg ulcers, thrombosis in the varicose vein system, thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism (immediate death) in the midst of visible health.

The degree of varicose vein complications requires surgical intervention. Although varicose veins are most commonly experienced by women, men are also affected by the disease, mainly for hereditary reasons.

A man under the age of 40 can appear on the operating table, and radical action is used to cure him from varicose veins - the painful veins are removed.

Removing varicose veins is easy.

In the groin, the surgeon makes an incision where the large saphenous vein affected by the varicose vein flows into the femoral vein. The blood vessels are exposed, bound and cut, and a second incision is made in the ankle. With the help of a special metal probe, which is inserted into the lumen of the vessel, the entire enlarged vein is removed.

In the future, with proper operating technology, recurrence is not observed. The blood supply to the legs is channeled to other channels, and after 2 weeks everything is fully restored.

Risk factors that tend to the development of varicose veins.

• Genetics and pathology of connective tissue;
• Female;
• Taking hormone medications: progesterone, estrogen;
• Pregnancy;
• Age: more common after 50;
• Overweight and physically inactive;
• Long standing in an upright position (standing work: hairdresser, salesman, teacher, etc. );
• Obesity.

Symptoms and signs of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.

Varicose vein symptoms	External signs
It hurts	Telangiectasia
Heavy feet	Reticular veins
Fatigue	Varicose veins
Pride	Thrombophlebitis
Itchy skin	Hyperpigmentation
Foot discomfort	Bleeding trauma node
Cramps in calf muscles	Ulceration

Varicose vein treatment options.

Treatment options depend on the diameter and type of varicose veins

• Varicose veins of the saphenous vein
• Drug therapy
• Elastic compression and foot bandages
• Injection sclerotherapy
• Foam sclerotherapy
• Laser therapy
• Miniflebectomy

Dear ladies, varicose veins can wrap you in a skirt and long pants forever. If pills and ointments are not able to get your feet back to normal, then the only sure way to get rid of dilated veins is still there. In what and where, only after consulting a phlebologist. Veins can now be treated surgically without hospitalization, without anesthesia, without incision, with high accuracy. You just have to take steps towards your health.

Detailed information on varicose veins, symptoms, disease prevention, special training, treatment methods and nutrition required can be found on the website: ovaricoze. ru

How varicose veins appear at an early stage. Why is he dangerous

As a rule, reticular varicose veins are not painful. Thus, the most frequent complaint that a patient turns to a doctor is a cosmetic defect - a visible reticular vein.

In more rare cases, the appearance of varicose veins is accompanied by a burning sensation or other changes in skin sensitivity.

In addition to these symptoms, the first stage of varicose veins manifests itself:

• weight on the legs;
• increased leg fatigue;
• cramps in the lower leg muscles, especially at night;
• itching at the site of appearance of vascular network;
• swelling of the legs and feet.

To prevent the development of this disease, it is necessary to start treatment on time

Therefore, it is important to see a phlebologist, angiologist or vascular surgeon in a timely manner, who will tell you what to do with such skin formation. For a start, a specialist will perform an examination and prescribe the necessary additional examinations that will help identify the cause of the appearance of the asterisk or snare, as well as determine the degree of circulation of the affected vein

To determine the extent of vascular lesions and their deficiencies, do:

• complete blood count (indicates if the patient has anemia or thrombocytopenia);
• biochemical blood tests (detecting blood clotting disorders or liver and kidney function);
• general urinalysis (detects kidney problems);
• vascular ultrasound - duplex angioscanning (reveals vascular wall pathology and blood flow disorders);
• Contrast X-ray phlebography (determines the localization of venous lesions and the degree of functional deterioration).

If you do nothing after detecting the first signs of reticular varicose veins, it is possible:

• the onset of inflammation and the development of thrombophlebitis in the superficial veins of the lower leg;
• transition of pathological processes from the superficial veins of the lower limbs to the lower extremities;
• venous thrombosis. If thrombosis occurs in the venous veins of the head, dangerous for stroke and sinus thrombosis;
• pulmonary artery thromboembolism is a fatal complication that occurs due to the separation of blood clots from the walls of blood vessels and blockage of the lumen of the pulmonary arteries.

If you ignore the appearance of reticular varicose veins and do not start treatment on time, the disease will continue. Then the development of complications will be inevitable.

Prevention

Don't forget about precautions. For prevention, you need to spend time playing sports.

Avoid excessive physical activity. Wear comfortable shoes with low heels (up to 4 cm). Remember that hot showers, showers, and saunas have a detrimental effect on foot health.

And following these simple guidelines will help prevent the development of this disease:

1. try to get rid of bad habits - alcohol consumption and smoking negatively affect the condition of your blood vessels;
2. compression therapy - wearing medical stockings, tights and knees;
3. diet, weight control (overweight people tend to suffer from varicose veins), excluding fatty meats and poultry, leaving spicy and salty foods, be sure to include vegetables and fruits in the diet;
4. massage - get used to doing light foot massage after a day of work, this will help you relax and improve the body's natural blood circulation.

Any disease is always easier to prevent than to cure. Get well!