Varicose veins (varicose veins)

Varicose veins, or more correctly, 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 disguises itself as various gynecological ailments.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 utilization of useful substances by tissues to the heart, so that the heart sends it to receive oxygen to 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 his time in a vertical state, 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 a consequence of venous insufficiency.Violation of the structure of the wall leads to loss of elasticity and decreased tone.Sluggish valves are not able to retain blood, and excess deposition (accumulation) occurs in distant areas of the body.

Due to the slowdown in blood flow, favorable conditions are created for platelets to stick together and form blood clots.The situation becomes dangerous, since a blood clot can break off at any time and enter an important blood vessel and cause tissue necrosis.

Another complication is the development of infection in a weakened venous 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, changes occur in the valve apparatus.

This occurs 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 from long-term use of hormonal drugs (birth control pills, steroid drugs);
• heavy physical activity;
• forced long-term working position while standing;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• pregnancy;
• smoking;
• leg injuries.

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

• professions that require long periods of standing (salespeople, teachers, hairdressers);
• immobile body position (drivers of transport, 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 a lot of stress in the legs;
• people wearing tight underwear, stockings with elastic bands, a belt, a belt - any constriction helps to delay the outflow of blood;
• the habit of sitting cross-legged for a long period of time blocks the superficial veins of the lower leg, promoting stagnation;
• passion for alcoholic beverages and coffee causes dehydration of the body, accordingly the blood thickens and slows down the flow through the vessels.

Symptoms of the disease

With varicose veins, the most “unfavorable” blood circulation conditions are created in 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 note 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 signs listed above develop gradually over the years.

The appearance of “visible” symptoms indicates progressive vascular damage.

Treatment

Therapy for varicose veins cannot rid the patient of the disease, but it will help prevent severe complications and slow down the further development of the disease.

What habits will you need to break?

In the treatment of varicose veins, ask yourself the question: “What should you change in your usual life?”The following tips will help you:

• stop visiting the bathhouse, steam room, hot baths are contraindicated for you;
• limit the consumption of strong alcoholic drinks and beer;
• gradually stop smoking;
• control your posture when sitting, do not cross your legs;
• stop any tightening with belts, belts and special underwear;
• get rid of excess weight;
• do not wear tight shoes and high heels;
• Get into the habit of rinsing your feet with cold water after a shower, at night, and while relaxing at home, throw your feet up on a pillow.

Motor mode

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

It is necessary to walk as much as possible, the work of the muscles of the legs promotes the outflow of blood.

Exercise in the morning should include exercises lying on your back with raising your legs, pulling your toes towards you and straining the arch of your foot.

Sports recommended include swimming and cycling.

Diet

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

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

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

Conservative means

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

Any advertised medicines or ointments have an effect 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 medications.At the “visual” stage, 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 does not experience any restrictions and can perform his usual work.

Laser ablation

Under local anesthesia, a light guide is carefully inserted into the varicose area, and a circular laser is turned on during the reverse movement.The procedure takes up to two hours.The laser beam causes a burn of the inner shell with further sclerosis.Used to treat veins of any diameter.

Sclerotherapy

The patient is injected into the affected vessel with a substance that causes the walls to collapse and then sclerosis.Currently, clinics use foam preparations that are safe for the body.It is used when the diameter is no more than one cm. After the procedure, it is recommended to walk for an hour.You will need to wear compression socks for another month.

Microphlebectomy

After local anesthesia, a small skin incision is made (no more than a few mm), the diseased vein is grabbed with a special hook, brought out and removed.You can remove vessels of any size in this way.There will be visible bruising at the incision site for several days after the procedure.A small scar will form.It is necessary to wear compression socks for about 10 days.

Radiofrequency ablation

The method is similar to laser, but here a catheter with microwave radiofrequency exposure is inserted into the varicose vein area.It is believed that it does not cause burns and is safe for surrounding tissues.After half an hour of exposure, the lumen of the vessel is “sealed”.After just a week, you are allowed to play sports.

Surgical treatment

An operation to remove an enlarged vein or an entire bundle is called phlebectomy.It requires hospitalization.General anesthesia is used.Two skin incisions are made (in the groin and under the knee).Surface branches are tied.The entire vein is brought out and excised.After the operation, the patient must be observed in the hospital for about a week.The condition of postoperative sutures is monitored, medications are prescribed that slow down blood clotting to prevent blood clots.The stitches are removed after 7 – 10 days.

Contraindications to phlebectomy:

• simultaneous damage to the superficial and deep veins;
• age over 75 years;
• various skin diseases at the surgery site;
• oncological diseases;
• pregnancy;
• atherosclerosis of 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 medications.

Hirudotherapy (the use of leeches) is an old, proven method.The enzyme secreted by leeches into the blood helps relieve inflammation and tightens the walls of blood vessels.

Herbal decoctions and tinctures are recommended to be used in the form of compresses on the area of varicose veins.For this, the following are used: chamomile flowers, calendula, St. John's wort, yarrow, leaves of wormwood, horse chestnut, burdock.It is recommended to consume walnuts and garlic internally.

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