Varicose veins, or varicose veins, are pathological changes in the veins, accompanied by their saccular dilation, increase in length, formation of curves and nodules, which leads to valve insufficiency and impaired blood flow. Varicose veins are one of the most common problems with blood vessels.
What is varicose veins?
Varicose veins is a pathology of the veins, which is based on a violation of the valvular apparatus of blood vessels with the formation of venous insufficiency, dilation of the lumen, congestion, which is accompanied by constant pastosity of tissues.
The main causes of pathology
Varicose veins of the legs have different causes and symptoms, which have slight differences in gender. The main common cause of pathology is called congenital connective tissue weakness. In second place are hormonal changes, so women are diagnosed with varicose veins more often. Prolonged static sitting or standing up plays a role, while the longer the legs, the more serious the situation. Excess weight also provokes an increase in pressure in the veins of the lower extremities, as well as lack of physical activity. Smoking, pregnancy, concomitant pathologies, tight underwear, shoes, heels, everything that causes stagnation of blood circulation in the veins of the legs are risk factors for varicose veins.
Symptoms and clinical manifestations
The signs of varicose veins in women and men are not fundamentally different. This is a staged disease, the symptoms of which are related to the stage of development of the pathological process.
The first stage is characterized by minor clinical manifestations: the veins barely protrude above the surface of the skin, the dermis is slightly hyperemic, heaviness in the legs, evening pastiness of the legs and ankles begins to bother, convulsions are possible. Such symptoms of varicose veins are especially painful for women from an aesthetic point of view. Often visual signs are preceded by pain.
In the second stage, the clinical picture acquires a typical appearance: the veins of the legs protrude embossed above the surface of the skin, are well palpable and look like nodules. If the pathological process progresses, the veins of the lower extremities acquire distorted shapes, bluish-purple hue, sometimes turning black.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the legs of the third stage are characterized by the development of complications: trophic disorders appear, the skin resembles parchment, swelling and cramps become frequent, the legs become covered with rash, begin to itch, secondary flora joins, pyoderma, dermatitis, eczema.
The fourth stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities is the most severe in terms of symptoms: the skin over the bulging veins becomes inflamed, nearby tissues are involved in the process, trophic ulcers open, pain in the legs with varicose veins is constant, the addition of secondary infection provokesthrombosis, thrombophlebitis, urgent hospitalization, complex treatment is required.
Which doctor should I see?
Leg pain with varicose veins is treated by a phlebologist, but a vascular surgeon can also make an initial appointment. It all depends on the severity of the pathology. The phlebologist prescribes conservative therapy or refers to a consultation with a vascular surgeon to decide on surgery.
Without a complete clinical and laboratory examination, it is not possible to make an accurate diagnosis. Instrumental diagnostic methods help to clarify the stage of the pathology, the duration of the tests takes 10 minutes, a maximum of half an hour. The result of the examination is announced by the doctor immediately at the first appointment. The choice of adequate therapy depends on the stage of the pathology.
Characteristics of the treatment
The treatment of varicose veins is based on the "three pillars": drug treatment, minimally invasive techniques, operative classics.
Conservative therapy
In addition to the mandatory general recommendations for varicose veins: dosed, regular physical activity, minimizing static load on the legs, exercise, wearing compression stockings, use of elastic bandages - conservative therapy includes the appointment of phlebotonics based on flavonoids diosmin, extractin diosmin and xyxapof horse chestnut.
Most often, ingestion is combined with the eponymous external therapy for varicose veins. According to doctors and patients, the combination of capsules and gel is the most effective.
Of course, you should not expect a complete cure from conservative methods, drugs are not able to restore varicose veins, but as a preventive measure in preparation for surgery, the impossibility of surgical treatment of varicose veins - these drugs guarantee to stop disease progression andrelief of symptoms.
Compression sclerotherapy
The essence of the minimally invasive technique for the treatment of varicose veins is the introduction of a special sclerosing drug into the varicose vein. Using a syringe, the doctor injects a foamy solution into the vein, which fills the deformed vessel, spasming it.
The patient is fitted with a compression stocking, which is designed to keep the vessel in this condition. Within three days, the walls of the veins stick together, the vessel is shut off from normal blood flow and becomes empty. You should wear compression stockings for at least a month, sometimes two. Criteria for the effectiveness of treatment - formed adhesions.
Compression sclerotherapy is performed if the varicose veins are not complicated by reverse blood flow from deep vessels to superficial ones through the communicating veins. If such a reverse flow is present, the efficiency of the procedure tends to zero.
Surgery
Surgery has been and remains the most reliable and effective way to treat varicose veins, regardless of the presence of reverse blood flow in the veins. But even here it is important to consult a doctor in time, as recurrences often occur in the later stages. Varicose veins are operated with various techniques: microsurgical, radiofrequency and laser coagulation of deformed veins.
In the initial stages, photocoagulation or laser removal of spider veins is effective. In the later stages, phlebectomy is indicated - the complete removal of the affected veins. The operation is traumatic, there is a risk of complications, so today doctors are trying to use the technique of less invasive miniphlebectomy. If varicose veins are complicated by venous thrombosis, a secondary infection, surgery is performed.
What can be done with varicose veins at home?
The essence of the use of folk remedies for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins is the removal of toxins from the body by restoring normal blood flow. To do this, balance your diet, including cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, greens, citrus fruits, apples, peaches, cherries, cherries, strawberries, gooseberries and blackcurrants in your daily meals. Be sure to calculate the correct drinking diet: 40 ml per kilogram of body weight.
In addition, the properties of green tomatoes are used, which are tied in slices to the area of varicose veins in the form of compresses. The effect is guaranteed by lycopene - an antioxidant in fruit puree, which improves the structure of the vessel wall, tones the veins. You can try the juice treatment: all vegetables that are eaten raw are suitable.
Apple cider vinegar is considered a source of minerals and vitamins; for varicose veins taken orally in the morning and evening, as two teaspoons of the product are dissolved in a glass of water. Externally: wipe the varicose veins with a swab soaked in vinegar to relieve itching and pain.
The compresses are made with honey by applying a sterile napkin with the product on the area of varicose veins for several hours under the film. Use crushed cabbage leaves with vegetable oil under a bandage at night. The course is one month.
Prevention
Prevention of varicose veins has two goals: to prevent the onset of the disease and to reduce the number of relapses. To do this: you can not go to the sauna or take too hot baths, lift weights. It is recommended to move a lot, excluding strength sports, to control weight, to minimize the consumption of too spicy and fatty foods.
No need to wear tight clothes, socks, socks, socks with a thick elastic band, cross your legs while sitting. Women are encouraged to give up high heels.
At night - take cool foot baths, in the morning you can pour your feet with cold water. It is necessary to give up bad habits, to master acupressure: stroke the skin of the lower extremities from the bottom up and in the opposite direction for 10 minutes, minimize stress, avoid overheating, colds, undergo a medical examination.
With varicose veins, it is wise to visit the pool, take a walk, take a contrast shower at home and always wear compression stockings.