Varicose veins in the lower legs: symptoms and treatment

What we think of when we hear that wordvaricose veins"First of all, the ugly legs are purple-blue in color, covered with many tubercles and vascular networks that are visible through the skin. Many of us consider varicose veins as an exclusive cosmetic pathology that does not require special treatment. There is an opinion that you can live with veinsvaricose veins for many years, that the disease does not develop and does not lead to serious consequences, only external defects remain. Unfortunately, this opinion is not only wrong, but also dangerous.

To understand why varicose veins are dangerous, is there a way to prevent it, why the disease must be treated if it has appeared, and, most importantly, how to do it, we turned to a phlebologist for advice. We talked about the mechanism of disease onset, ways to prevent it, lifestyle features in the presence of this diagnosis and modern methods of correction.

Are varicose veins

Varicose veins are a disease known to man since ancient Egypt. Archaeological excavations confirmed the presence of pathology among the contemporaries of the famous pharaohs and pyramid builders. Hippocrates and Avicenna, people recognized as the best doctors of antiquity, were looking for ways to successfully treat varicose veins. What happens to varicose veins? Why does the disease occur?

Usually, in the human body, blood moves through the veins from the bottom up - from the tissues to the heart and lungs, and the contraction of our muscles helps in this. But due to the force of gravity, which affects all aspects of human existence, fluids logically tend to go down. The special valves that are in our veins do not allow him to do this. They open toward the bloodstream and close to prevent it from coming out. Thus, under the "sensitive guide" of the valve inherent in the vein, blood is directed to where it is needed.

But often, for some reason, the operation of the valves is interrupted, they do not close completely, and blood still flows down through the veins. Blood vessels cannot contain all the blood, they stretch and protrude above the skin with tubercles. Often, the external thin veins on the legs are affected in this way, and "varicose veins" disease occurs.

The cause of the disease

There are several causes of varicose veins, and all of them are well known in medicine.

1. hereditary tendencies.Heredity is one of the most common causes of disease. Scientists have identified the so -called "varicose gene", which is responsible for its appearance. Therefore, if your relatives have any problems with veins, it is necessary to be examined by a phlebologist as soon as possible. After all, the disease can manifest at any, even a very young age. Varicose veins are dangerous because the symptoms appear to appear later than the disease itself.
2. Weaknesses of vascular walls and valve apparatus.Many chronic diseases (pyelonephritis, rheumatism, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, etc. ), hormonal changes and metabolic disorders, unhealthy lifestyle, physical inactivity, injuries to the lower legs, women taking hormonal contraceptives lead to this condition.
3. The profession is associated with prolonged stay in a static position(standing or sitting). Programmers, drivers, hairdressers, salesmen, craftsmen, carpenters and many more are at risk for varicose veins.
4. Pregnancy. Although there is no cause of hereditary disease in the anamnesis of the pregnant mother, during pregnancy the risk of "getting" varicose veins increases significantly. Why did it happen? The synthesized "pregnancy hormones" affect the smooth muscle, loosening the tone of the venous wall. The volume of circulating blood increases, thereby increasing the pressure on the vascular walls and valve apparatus. The rapid weight gain of a woman during pregnancy puts unusually strong pressure on the legs and, thus, on the veins.
5. Overweight.With excess weight, vascular wall deformation occurs due to large loads, increased vascular pressure and pressure in the surrounding tissues. With excess weight, blood pressure rises, the movement of blood to the heart becomes difficult, and venous congestion occurs.
6. Gender and age.According to statistics, more than 70% of cases of varicose veins occur in women of childbearing age. But cases of this disease are not uncommon in men, children and adolescents. Therefore, if any disturbing symptoms appear, consultation with a phlebologist is necessary, regardless of the gender and age of the patient.

Symptoms of the disease

As we said above, the disease in the early stages is asymptomatic or disguised as normal fatigue: after a day of work, the feet are buzzing and swollen, but in the morning or after a long rest, everything disappears. There may also be seizures at night, itching and burning in the lower part of the legs, a feeling of heaviness in them. Such symptoms, as a rule, do not cause concern and are eliminated as superficial overwork. The early stages of varicose veins do not reduce a person’s physical activity, do not force him to change his lifestyle.

In the future, with the progression of the disease, symptoms become more pronounced: vascular and tuberculous networks appear on the lower legs, swelling does not disappear even after a long rest, severe pain occurs after a short walk, forcing a person to change the normal rhythm of life, reducing physical activity to a minimum, which leads to more serious blood stasis and, thus, exacerbation of the disease.

Why are varicose veins dangerous?

In addition to the obvious negative consequences in the form of cosmetic defects and inability to continue a normal lifestyle, varicose veins are dangerous for their complications.

• Venous bleeding.It occurs due to the fact that the normal connective tissue of the vascular wall gradually changes its nature, becoming brittle and inelastic. Even a little physical effort (e. g. , coughing or sneezing) can cause a rupture of the ducts and serious consequences in the form of bleeding.
• Eczema and dermatitis.Occurs due to impaired blood supply, prolonged oxygen starvation. On the skin of the limbs affected by varicose veins, small bubbles, scales, crusts appear, which are accompanied by severe itching.
• Thrombophlebitis.This is a severe chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the veins of the lower extremities, accompanied by the appearance of blood clots in their lumen. In most cases, thrombophlebitis appears as a result of varicose veins. The disease is accompanied by an increase in body temperature up to 38-39 ° C, acute curvature pain in the affected area, persistent edema, and complete limitation of motor activity.
• Necrosis and trophic ulcers.One of the most severe complications of varicose veins. Such a pathological process occurs against the background of thrombophlebitis, when, due to inflamed varicose veins, metabolism is disturbed and the tissues experience prolonged oxygen starvation. As a result, areas of dead cells appear on the surface of the skin, which eventually turn into large ulcers. Trophic ulcers are difficult to treat, the average duration of treatment for such ulcers and necrosis is 3-4 months.
• Thrombosis.The most dangerous complications of varicose veins. This pathological condition is characterized by the formation of blood clots in the deep veins, which interfere with blood flow. Deep vein thrombosis is dangerous, first of all, because in the process of the most superficial household activities, blood clots can rupture, which can lead to blockage of pulmonary arteries or other important vessels and lead to death. The presence of deep vein thrombosis means a lifelong restriction of the patient’s motor activity.

It should be noted that all the severe consequences of varicose veins occur against the background of lack of treatment or as a result of improper treatment of the disease.

How to treat varicose veins?

The disease is difficult to treat and in 80% of cases returns even with careful and adequate therapy, because the deformed vessel will not be able to take its previous shape under any circumstances. But you need to treat varicose veins! Since the advanced stages of the disease can lead to severe consequences and even death. The combination of modern methods of treatment and prevention of varicose veins can prevent the development of the disease and the emergence of serious complications. Modern medicine offers several ways to deal with this disease.

1. Compression therapy.It is carried out with the help of special compression underwear. The basis of therapy is the creation of pressure on the lower part of the foot. As a result of such treatment, venous circulation is improved, valve function is restored, excess fluid is removed, venous pressure in the legs is reduced several times, joints become more mobile, and blood outflow rates increase. Compression therapy can be used as an independent method of treatment, and in addition to other methods of dealing with varicose veins. Compression underwear is only prescribed by a doctor!
2. Medical therapy.It is prescribed by doctors to reduce the symptoms of the disease, reduce blood viscosity, increase the elasticity and regrowth of blood vessels, increase metabolism and prevent the formation of blood clots.
3. Sclerotherapy.This is an innovative and minimally invasive technique, the undoubted advantage of which is not only an excellent cosmetic effect, but also a significant reduction in the symptoms of the disease. To date, sclerotherapy is one of the most effective ways to combat varicose veins and related functional disorders. The procedure consists of the introduction of a special solution with a syringe with a thin needle into the damaged vein. The injected drug sticks to the vessel, thus stopping the blood circulation in it. This is the main goal of manipulation - to remove problem areas from general circulation.
4. Surgical intervention.It is shown at the stage when the disease significantly affects the quality of life and threatens the development of dangerous complications. Surgical intervention in most cases includes several different methods at once, the main goal of which is to reduce the symptoms of the disease, improve the quality of life of the patient, and prevent the development of complications.

There are many effective ways to deal with varicose veins in modern medicine. The main thing that doctors call is: don’t self -medicate! When the first unpleasant symptoms appear, such as heaviness and pain in the legs, night cramps, the formation of vascular network, etc. , consult a phlebologist (vascular surgeon). The doctor will conduct an examination, if necessary, prescribe additional examinations and treatment.