Varicose veins on the legs are one of the most common diseases in the world and, according to the WHO, occur in every fifth person. Pathology of the venous ducts in the lower leg is associated with intravenous valve damage, dilation of the vein and thinning of its wall. This leads to the backflow of blood and its stagnation in the ducts. Patient movement is difficult, pain syndrome appears, work capacity and quality of life decrease.
Varicose veins on the lower legs are caused by many factors. Therefore, the disease requires accurate diagnosis and competent treatment, which is selected individually for each patient.
In the absence of timely therapy, separate blood clots can lead to dangerous complications, disability, disability, and even death.
The cause of varicose veins
The blood in the veins moves jerky towards the heart. The muscles of the lower leg are responsible for this, as well as the intravenous valves that prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction. When the valves fail, blood flows against the movement, the pressure in the veins increases, and they expand. As a result, the walls of the veins become thinner, and blood seeps through them into the surrounding tissues, swelling and pain appear in the lower part of the legs.
Predisposing factors for varicose veins include:
- descent;
- excessive load on the lower limbs due to overweight, intense physical exercise, carrying weights;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- pulling or pinching the veins of the lower legs (tights, bandages, sports equipment: expanders, elastic bandages);
- prolonged work and stay in a sitting or standing position without changing body position and regular rest;
- continuous wearing of shoes with heels;
- periods of pregnancy and menopause;
- chronic diseases (constipation, diabetes, kidney and cardiovascular disease).
In men, the main factors in the development of varicose veins are heredity, unbalanced physical activity and bad habits, while varicose veins in women are more often associated with hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, wearing uncomfortable shoes.
Symptoms of varicose veins
The first signs of the disease may not be felt physically, but only appear externally in the form of vessels of dark blue and translucent purple color through the skin, spider veins and spider veins, veins bulging on the surface of the skin in shape. of twisted rope.
Signs of the next stage of varicose veins are manifested in the form of discomfort and pain, throbbing, burning or cramping in the legs are observed, there is a sensation of heaviness and swelling in the lower part of the legs, itching in the affected area. ship.
Complications of varicose veins
Varicose veins can have serious consequences, causing discomfort and being life threatening. This includes:
- trophic eczema or skin ulcers in the affected venous area, preceded by skin whitening;
- deep vein thrombosis caused by blood clots from smaller superficial veins;
- pulmonary embolism due to blood clots that have entered the bloodstream from the veins of the lower legs;
- ruptured varicose veins, which are accompanied by profuse bleeding that is difficult to stop.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
Vein problems are addressed by phlebologists, however, other specialists are involved in making an accurate diagnosis: angiologists, dermatologists, nutritionists, endocrinologists, and, if surgery is needed, vascular surgeons.
At the initial consultation, the phlebologist explains the symptoms, when they appear and how often they recur, and also asks about the presence of similar problems in other family members. In addition, it is important for physicians to know about the patient’s lifestyle and habits.
After a complete examination of the lower leg and the disturbed area in particular, the phlebologist may refer the patient for additional examinations: ultrasound, phlebography (x-ray of the veins), phlebomanometry (measurement of blood pressure in the veins), three-dimensional computed tomography, phleboscintigraphy (evaluationvenous blood flow with intravenous administration of radioisotope -labeled albumin molecules).
At an advanced stage or with complications, Dopplerography (color duplex angioscanning) is considered the most accurate method. It allows you to assess the nature of blood flow, the condition of valves and deep veins, to identify blood backflow and the presence of blood clots.
Only an accurate diagnosis will allow the doctor to devise an optimal treatment plan.
Treatment of varicose veins
Therapy aims to identify and minimize the influence of disease -triggering factors, as well as eliminate consequences and prevent complications.
There are three approaches to therapy for varicose veins: conservative, minimally invasive and radical surgery.
Conservative treatments for varicose veins include:
- The use of ointments, gels and tablets based on phlebotonics - substances that improve the tone of the vein, the condition of its walls, blood circulation, relieve swelling and discomfort. An effective remedy from this group for varicose veins is Detralex, which includes five plant components that have a beneficial effect on the condition of the venous tract. The drug is available in two forms: tablets and oral suspensions.
- Wearing compression underwear, which creates optimal pressure in the problem area of the foot, prevents vein expansion and maintains the tone of the vascular wall.
- Dietary therapy, depending on the particular case, can be aimed at weight loss, strengthening the walls of venous vessels, preventing edema and normalizing stool. Not only the diet itself is important, but also the specific diet, as well as the optimal amount of water consumption.
- Physiotherapy is needed to improve blood circulation, improve muscle tone and blood vessels in the legs, and eliminate venous stasis. In addition, physical activity helps in normalizing weight and improving the psychological state of the patient. Sports with varicose veins require compliance with safety precautions. In particular, during exercise, you should wear compression underwear and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and increased blood viscosity. Prolonged static loads and heavy lifting are also prohibited. After exercise, it is recommended to lie on your back with your legs up to ensure the outflow of blood from the veins.
Non -invasive methods for removing varicose veins include laser treatment (laser exposure) and radio frequency ablation (high frequency current exposure). As a result, the walls of the vessel are soldered, and the veins soon disappear.
Sclerotherapy is also performed: sclerosant is injected into the affected vein - a special substance that causes its blockage. As a result, blood flow is diverted to the nearest healthy duct, and the problematic vein disappears over time. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis with the mandatory wearing of compression underwear afterwards.
In cases of severe varicose veins, phlebectomy is performed - an operation to remove partially or completely the damaged duct. Such a radical approach is recommended in cases where the patient has contraindications to the method of "soldering", as well as at high risk for recurrence of the disease.
After surgery, to prevent varicose veins in the future, it is necessary to normalize the diet, give up bad habits, take medications prescribed by a doctor to thin the blood and strengthen blood vessels, and perform therapeutic exercises.
Prevention of varicose veins
It includes sports activities (swimming, walking, cycling, light jogging, aerobics), adhering to a drinking regimen, avoiding bad habits, tight clothing, high -heeled shoes, warming up regularly during sedentary work, when prescribed by a doctor - wear compression stockings. In addition, it is important to monitor general health conditions to identify and treat diseases that can trigger varicose veins in time.
At the first suspicion of a problem with the vessel, you should contact a specialist for diagnosis and begin timely treatment.