Neoveris Official site
Share this

What causes varicose veins on women's legs?

According to statistics, up to 20% of the population suffers from varicose veins of the lower extremities, while in women the disease occurs 2 times more often. It has been proven that women have additional predisposing factors that contribute to a decrease in vascular tone (pregnancy, taking estrogen-progestogen contraceptives, imbalance of sex hormones).The types of treatment for leg veins do not differ between men and women, but the frequency of postoperative recurrences in women is higher due to the additional influence of hormones (estrogen and progesterone influence).

varicose veins on the legs of women

What causes varicose veins on women's legs?

Venous diseases of the legs should be treated by a phlebologist who deals specifically with this pathology. The various methods of treating varicose veins are not radical, as they are not aimed at eliminating the main pathogenetic cause - damage to the valvular apparatus of the vein. Operative and conservative treatment slow down the progression of the disease for a long time. The recurrence rate is high and reaches from 10 to 50% 5 years after the operation.

Treatment of varicose veins should be comprehensive. There are three groups of methods for removing varicose veins:

  • phlebosclerosis,
  • surgical,
  • conservative.

Each type of treatment has its advantages and disadvantages and a certain rate of relapse. The choice of method is conditional, since the phlebologist often has to combine all three methods to achieve the most favorable result.

Characteristic symptoms of varicose veins in women

Symptoms of varicose veins begin with the appearance of such functional disorders as a feeling of heaviness in the legs, swelling of the ankle joints at the end of the working day. Spider veins first form on the skin of the legs.

Spider veins are one of the first symptoms of developing varicose veins in the legs. The main signs of the disease - associations of enlarged saphenous veins - appear several years after the onset of the disease. If not treated at this stage, symptoms such as cramps in the calf muscles and itching of the skin of the legs occur.

Signs of trophic disorders: pigmentation of the skin in the lower third of the leg, cyanosis, sclerotic changes in the subcutaneous tissue, eczema, against the background of which a trophic ulcer is formed.

Characteristic symptoms of varicose veins in women

  • Painful symptoms appear cyclically and intensify before menstruation, which is associated with changes in the level of sex hormones;
  • During pregnancy, the signs of varicose veins may disappear after delivery;
  • in the second half of the menstrual cycle, due to the action of progesterone, the diameter of varicose veins increases, so the symptoms of swelling and heaviness in the legs are more pronounced;
  • signs of varicose veins worsen during hormone therapy.

Now let's talk about treatment methods.

Radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser coagulation

Radiofrequency ablation of veins

The method is based on the introduction under ultrasound supervision of a special disposable catheter into the lumen of the dilated vein. The catheter is equipped with a special electrode, the working part of which is heated to 120 degrees under the influence of radio frequency radiation. Moving the catheter along the vein causes the vessel wall to stick or "weld". Obliterated veins are disconnected from the circulatory system of the legs.

Endovenous laser coagulation

The operative technique consists in puncturing the affected vein and introducing a laser light guide into its lumen under ultrasound control. Under the influence of laser radiation, the proteins of the vascular wall coagulate, as a result of which the vein shrinks and after some time becomes overgrown with connective tissue. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and endovenous laser obliteration (EVLO) are relatively new methods of treating varicose veins in the legs. Despite the differences in performance techniques, they have common characteristics.

Advantages and disadvantages of RFA and EVLA

It does not require hospitalization High price
Execution speed (from 30 minutes to 1 hour) Relapse rate up to 10%
Painless Impossibility of performing the procedure due to certain anatomical features of the veins (severe distortion of blood vessels)
Bloodless
It is performed under local anesthesia
No postoperative scar (desired cosmetic effect for women)
Short periods of rehabilitation

RFA or EVLO is chosen by women who want to treat varicose veins on an outpatient basis with minimal restriction of physical activity in the postoperative period and preservation of the aesthetic appearance of the legs.

Phlebosclerotherapy

A special drug is injected into the lumen of the affected segment of the vein, which has a sclerosing ("sticking") effect on the vessel wall. The sclerosing agent can be used in liquid or foam form. Preference should be given to foam sclerotherapy due to the larger area of contact of the substance with the vein wall.

Advantages and disadvantages of phlebosclerotherapy:

No postoperative scar Possible long-term pigmentation of the skin at the puncture site (up to 2 years)
It is performed on an outpatient basis In rare cases, postoperative inflammation of the vein (phlebitis)
The operation is performed without anesthesia Swelling and redness of the tissues for 2 days after the procedure
The manipulation is practically painless (slight burning at the site of the injection) Allergic reaction due to individual intolerance to the drug
In 20% of cases spider webs appear on the legs (telangiectasia)
Relapse rate up to 50%

The recurrence of varicose veins after sclerotherapy depends on the lumen of the affected vessel - the wider the lumen, the higher the risk of recanalization in it. Sclerosis therapy is chosen in the treatment of recurrent varicose veins after surgical phlebectomy.

Surgical phlebectomy

Surgery is a more radical way to remove varicose veins. The principles of surgical treatment are to remove the pathological outflow of blood from the deep to the superficial veins of the legs and to remove the dilated vessels themselves. Stages of combined phlebectomy:

  • Crossing and ligation of the mouth of the great saphenous vein (incision in the groin area) or the small saphenous vein (incision in the popliteal fossa);
  • Removal of trunks of varicose veins. It is performed using a special metal probe that pulls the vein into the skin incision.
Radicality Hospitalization from 5 to 7 days
Possibility of performing surgery at any stage of the disease A scar on the legs
Spinal or general anesthesia
Injury to surrounding tissue when pulling a vein
Possible complications: bleeding, wound infection
Recurrence rate up to 20%

It is preferable to treat surgically in the trunk type of lesion, when varicose deformation of large or small saphenous veins is observed to a significant extent. And also when there are signs of trophic disorders of soft tissues and symptoms of decompensation of venous insufficiency.

Miniphlebectomy

Miniphlebectomy is a separate surgical option that can treat varicose veins in the legs in the initial stages. It is most often used in the presence of single varicose veins on the legs. A puncture is made in the skin above the pathological formation and the vein is pulled out and crossed with a hook. The operation does not require general anesthesia or skin sutures.

Conservative therapy

It is necessary to start treatment of varicose veins of the legs with the help of medication and compression therapy.The prescription of drugs that improve blood circulation and the wearing of medical compression stockings are the main conditions that determine the outcome of any surgical intervention on the veins of the legs.

Compression therapy

Elastic leg compression is the leading method of treatment in cases where surgery is contraindicated. Elastic bandages and special medical knitwear can be used as compression products: socks, knee socks, pantyhose. Medical products are very durable, maintain the initial level of compression for a long time and are comfortable to wear, which is important for women.

There are 4 classes of elastic knitwear depending on the degree of compression. Treatment of varicose veins with class 2 products is recommended in the absence of disease progression for up to 6 months and with further use during physical activity or prolonged standing. If there are signs of damage to the valves of the deep veins or severe symptoms of impaired lymphatic drainage, then class 3 shirts are prescribed until the progression of varicose veins stops.

The therapeutic effect of compression hosiery is due to:

  • a decrease in the volume of the vein, which leads to less outflow of blood in the dilated vessels;
  • increased absorption of tissue fluid into the bloodstream, due to which signs of swelling and symptoms of heaviness in the legs disappear;
  • improving blood flow, which prevents the formation of blood clots.

Varicose veins are one of the oldest diseases known to mankind. Mentions of it are found in the works of Avicenna, Hippocrates, Paracelsus and other legendary healers, and the Italian scientist Marcello Malpighi devoted many years to its study. The pathology can affect all organs where there are large veins (stomach, esophagus, male testicles), but varicose veins of the lower extremities are most common. Let's talk about the causes of varicose veins on the legs, methods of diagnosis and elimination.

About varicose veins of the lower limbs

Varicose veins are irreversible enlargement of the veins due to destruction of the valves involved in the mechanism of blood circulation of the veins of the lower extremities. During normal muscle contraction and relaxation, it moves vigorously upward from valve to valve, but when the vein dilatesthe valves stop closing and blood flow slows, leading to a range of clinical symptoms.

According to statistics, people today suffer from symptoms of varicose veins in the legs:every tenth man and every third woman aged 30-40. Among the leading countries in terms of the prevalence of the pathology are the developed countries of Europe, where it is diagnosed in 30-40% of the population; Varicose veins are least common in Africa and Asia (about 0. 1%).

Why it occurs, risk factors

The exact causes of the disease are not known, but most expertsleans towards the hereditary theory: people who have had cases of varicose veins in their family are at risk. Factors that provoke the development of pathology also include:

  • gender. Women are more susceptible to varicose veins than men - this is due to the increasing venous load during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as taking hormonal drugs;
  • bad habits and overweight. Smoking, abuse of fatty foods and alcohol have a negative effect on blood circulation in the body, increase the load on the veins and can cause the corresponding disorders;
  • working conditions. People who, due to the nature of their profession, are forced to stand or sit still for a long time (hairdressers, salespeople, waiters, office workers) suffer from this disease more often than others;
  • excessive physical activity. Another category of people who are at risk of developing varicose veins are those who engage in heavy physical labor or certain power sports (for example, weight lifting);
  • uncomfortable clothes or shoes. Tight, restrictive clothing and high-heeled shoes also contribute to worsening venous blood flow.

Classification

Most often (in 75-80% of cases) the disease affects the trunk and branches of the great saphenous vein, in 5-10% - the small saphenous vein, and in 7-10% of patients both veins are involved in the process. . In the clinical course of varicose veins of the lower extremities, specialists distinguish two forms and four groups.

Forms:

  • descending– the process spreads from top to bottom along the great femoral vein, starting from its mouth;
  • ascending– the disease starts from the foot and is caused by improper functioning of the valvular apparatus of the deep veins.

groups:

  • subcutaneous or intradermal pathology that is not burdened by venous secretion;
  • segmental with reflux through perforating and superficial veins;
  • widespread with venous reflux (through superficial and perforating veins);
  • dilatation with reflux through the deep veins.

According to the degree of venous insufficiency, there are four main stages of varicose veins:

  • – there may be symptoms of the disease, but it is not determined by diagnostic methods;
  • I - this stage is characterized by transient swelling, "heavy legs" syndrome and the appearance of "spider veins";
  • II - the appearance of persistent edema that appears in the evening, discoloration of the skin, eczema;
  • III - presence of trophic ulcers, including non-healing ones.

Danger and complications

The risk to the health and life of the patient does not lie in the disease itself, but in the complications it causes. These include impaired nutrition of the skin, which causesTrophic ulcers and erysipelas may form, as well as the most dangerous complication – thrombophlebitis. This leads to increased formation of thrombus, as a result of which blood clots, separated from the venous walls, can disrupt the functioning of internal organs and, in the most difficult cases, cause the death of the patient.

In addition, dilated vessels with thinner walls are at risk of mechanical damage, which can cause serious bleeding.

Symptoms

The first symptoms of the disease are heaviness and fatigue in the legs, which usually appear in the evening and decrease when lying down.Veins acquire a bluish hue and stand out on the surface of the skin, "spider veins" appear.(a network of dilated capillaries visible through the skin), as a characteristic sign is that the venous pattern disappears if the limbs are raised higher (for example, placed in a chair).

Over time, varicose veins become more pronounced and appearappearance of small nodules or large conglomerates.

Unpleasant symptoms intensify and disturb patients even at night, they appearsoft tissue swellingmost commonly in the area of the feet, legs and ankles, as well as a feeling of fullness in the legs and cramps in the calf muscles.

In the absence of adequate treatment, varicose veins progressthe skin becomes dry, lumps and dark spots appear on it, and subsequently trophic ulcers. With the development of thrombophlebitis, the veins become bright red, cord-like and painfully compacted on palpation.

When should you see a doctor?

Many people ignore the first signs of varicose veins, attributing them to simple fatigue. This greatly complicates the treatment of the disease and therefore can lead to the most serious consequencesYou should contact a phlebologist immediately after the symptoms of the disease appear.a constant feeling of fatigue and heaviness in the legs, changes in the color of veins and skin, swelling, spider veins, etc.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis "varicose veins of the lower extremities" is made after a comprehensive examination, which includes:

  • general blood analysis- the number of red blood cells, platelets, leukocytes and the level of hemoglobin can be used to judge blood coagulation disorders and the presence of inflammation;
  • ultrasoundrepresents the most effective method for identifying the affected vessels and sections of veins;
  • rheovasographyit is conducted to determine the lack of nutrition of the tissues with blood (the so-called rheographic index), based on which the stage of the disease can be determined;
  • phlebography, during which a contrast agent is injected into the veins, after which the state of the venous system is assessed using an X-ray machine;
  • physiological tests(Trojanov-Trendelenburg test, Hackenbruch test) allow to assess the functioning of the valvular apparatus of the superficial veins.

Treatment

In the initial stage, varicose veins can be fought with conservative methods: taking medications, using ointments and gels, wearing compression clothing and moderate physical activity. To correct cosmetic defects, patients may be recommended minimally invasive surgery or laser treatment. In more advanced cases, varicose veins can be eliminated only by surgery, and their type is selected individually for each specific case.

Varicose veins of the legs are a disease whose occurrence is best prevented, as it is quite difficult to cure. That is why every woman should know the causes and signs of such a problem.

What are the dangers of varicose veins in the legs?

With the early development of the disease, many believe that its worst manifestation is the appearance of a swollen limb. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The worst case scenario for developing varicose veins on the legs in women is death. In addition, the complications of the disease can be very different.

The most common are:

  • trophic ulcers;
  • thrombosis;
  • phlebitis and thrombophlebitis.

Phlebitis is a process of damage to the inner walls of the vein. In this case, the leg swells more, and the bulging vessels become hard on palpation. With the further development of phlebitis, the patient's body temperature rises, and any movement of the leg causes severe pain. And then phlebitis stops turning into thrombophlebitis. In this case, blood clots appear on the walls of the veins - small clots of stagnant blood.

Thrombosis is the formation of blood clots in the absence of phlebitis. This problem is scary because it is almost impossible to diagnose.

attention! A thrombus detached from the vessel wall is the cause of death in most clinical cases. Moreover, this process happens instantaneously (sometimes within minutes) and it is almost impossible to recognize an individual blood clot before it stops circulation.

Now you know what are the causes of varicose veins on the legs of women. To prevent varicose veins, it is necessary to constantly take preventive measures. This is especially true for those women who have a hereditary predisposition to the disease. To reduce the risk of the disease, moderate physical activity, wearing comfortable shoes and avoiding hypotension is necessary.

Consequences and complications

There is no single course of varicose veins. Different groups of patients have individual characteristics of the course of the disease related to the pathogenesis of varicose veins. Varicose veins can be primary - that is, associated with congenital insufficiency of the venous valve and weakness of the vascular wall, which is almost always accompanied by reverse blood flow (reflux). And secondary (acquired), when reflux develops several years after the onset of the disease.

What are the dangers of varicose veins on women's legs? Varicose veins have a tendency to progress, with their development and in the absence of conservative treatment, the symptoms of the disease worsen. Heaviness in the legs is replaced by constant, permanent edema, against the background of which tissue damage develops, open trophic ulcers appear, as a result of which a person completely loses the ability to work and needs constant supportive therapy.

Treatment at home

Many women are interested in how to treat varicose veins on women's legs at home? Therapeutic exercises, herbal medicine and some recommendations for a healthy lifestyle for patients with varicose veins will help relieve the symptoms of the disease and prevent its further development.

Therapeutic exercises

Every day in the morning and evening you need to perform simple exercises for varicose veins:

  • Lying on your back, raise your legs vertically, resting them on the wall at a 90° angle. Hold them in this position for 3 minutes, breathing slowly through the chest, not the stomach.
  • While lying on your back, perform a bicycle exercise for 3-5 minutes.
  • While standing, lift both feet on toes 1 cm from the floor and lower them down. Perform 30 times in two approaches.
  • While standing, alternately lift one heel off the floor, then the other, at an angle no higher than 45o. Start with 15 minutes a day, build up to 30 minutes.

You should set aside time for a walk every day, at least 30 minutes. Once a week it is useful to go to a swimming pool.

People's funds

Take the herbal mixture internally: mix 1 tablespoon each of birch buds, motherwort, string, yarrow roots, fennel leaves, thyme.

Half a cup of the mixture is poured with boiling water and heated in a water bath for 40 minutes. Let it boil, strain. Drink 0. 5 cups before each meal for one month.

Make compresses from homemade ointments:

  • Mix half a cup of boiled milk with fresh chopped wormwood leaves. Apply to the diseased veins, fasten with gauze on top and cover with a film. Hold for 30 minutes every day.
  • Grate the beets on a fine grater, add 2 tablespoons of melted honey, mix, cool and apply to the sore feet.

To eliminate evening swelling, apply fresh cabbage leaves to your ankles, first pierced with a fork until juice appears. Secure with a bandage.

Forecasts and preventive measures

Because varicose veinsis an irreversible process, it is not necessary to talk about a full recovery in this case. But with timely diagnosis, adequate treatment and prevention, patients can completely get rid of unpleasant symptoms and lead a full life.

Preventive measures for varicose veins include:healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition and giving up bad habits. People who, due to their professional activities, are forced to stay in the same posture for a long time, it is recommended to avoid crossing the limbs, occasionally perform simple exercises, bend and straighten their legs, and do a light massage to improveof blood circulation.

In your free time, you should walk in the fresh air as often as possible and engage in moderate physical activity.

Ladies who follow fashion or work dress code and constantly go tohigh heels, you should change them from time to time for more comfortable shoes.

The same goes foruncomfortable clothes, as even tight underwear can cause poor blood circulation and the appearance of varicose veins on women's legs.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities are today considered a widespread disease, which is often not given much importance.

It is very important to remember that thisneglecting the health of your feet can cost a person not only their ability to work, but also their life, while in the initial stages varicose veins can be corrected quite successfully with the simplest methods.