Varicose veins, or varicose veins, are pathological changes in the veins, accompanied by their saccular expansion, increase in length, formation of convulsions and nodular tangles, leading to valve failure and impaired blood flow. Varicose veins are one of the most common blood vessel problems.
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are a pathology of the veins, which is based on the violation of the valve apparatus of blood vessels with the formation of venous insufficiency, expansion of the lumen, congestion, which is accompanied by constant pastosity of tissues.
The main cause of pathology
Varicose veins in the legs have different causes and symptoms that have little gender difference. The main common trigger of pathology is called congenital weakness of connective tissue. In second place are hormonal changes, so women are more often diagnosed with varicose veins. Prolonged static sitting or standing positions play a role, while the longer the legs, the more serious the condition. The extra pounds also trigger an increase in pressure in the veins of the lower legs, as well as a lack of physical activity. Smoking, pregnancy, concomitant pathology, tight underwear, shoes, heels, everything that causes circulatory stagnation in the veins in the legs are risk factors for varicose veins.
Symptoms and clinical manifestations
The signs of varicose veins in the legs in women and men have no fundamental difference. This is a staged disease, the symptoms of which are associated with the developmental stage of the pathological process.
The first stage is characterized by small clinical manifestations: veins are almost not prominent on the surface of the skin, slightly hyperemic dermis, heaviness in the legs, evening pastosity of the feet and ankles begin to interfere, seizures are possible. Symptoms of such varicose veins are very 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 on the legs protrude with relief above the surface of the skin, can be felt well, and resemble knots. If the pathological process takes place, the veins of the lower legs acquire a winding shape, bluish-purple color, sometimes turning black.
Symptoms of varicose veins in the legs of the third stage are characterized by the development of complications: trophic disorders appear, skin resembles skin, swelling and cramps become common, legs become covered with rashes, itching begins, secondary flora merges, pyodermic lining, dermatitis, eczema.
The fourth stage of varicose veins in the lower leg is the worst in terms of symptoms: the skin above the prominent veins becomes inflamed, nearby tissues are involved in the process, trophic ulcers open, pain in the legs with varicose veins is permanent, the addition of secondary infections causes thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, immediate hospitalization required, complex treatment.
Which doctor should I call?
Pain in the legs with varicose veins is treated by a phlebologist, but a vascular surgeon can also make an early 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 impossible to make an accurate diagnosis. Instrumental diagnostic methods help clarify the degree of pathology, the duration of the test takes 10 minutes, a maximum of half an hour. The results of the examination are announced by the doctor immediately, at the first appointment. Adequate therapy options depend on the stage of pathology.
Characteristics of treatment
Varicose vein therapy is located on the "three pillars": drug treatment, minimally invasive techniques, classic surgery.
Conservative therapy
In addition to mandatory general recommendations for varicose veins: dosage, regular physical activity, minimizing static load on the legs, exercise therapy, wearing compression stockings, use of elastic bandages - conservative therapy involves the appointment of phlebotonics based on flavonoids diosmin and hesperidin, horse chestnut extract.
Often, ingestion is combined with external therapy of the same name for varicose veins. According to doctors and patients, a combination of capsules and gels is the most effective.
Of course, you can not expect a complete cure from conservative methods, drugs can not restore dilated veins, but as a preventive measure, in preparation for surgery, the impossibility of surgical treatment of varicose veins-these drugs guarantee a halt in the progression of the disease and relievesymptoms.
Compression sclerotherapy
The essence of minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of varicose veins is the introduction of special drugs-sclerosan into the dilated veins. Through a syringe, the doctor injects a foaming solution into the vein, which fills the defective vessel, spasming it.
The patient wears compression stockings, which are designed to keep the vessel in this condition. Within three days, the walls of the veins stick together, the vessels are shut off from normal blood flow and become empty. You should wear compression stockings for at least a month, sometimes two. Criteria for the effectiveness of treatment - the adhesion formed.
Compression sclerotherapy is performed if the varicose veins are not complicated by reverse blood flow from the inner to the superficial ones through the communicating veins. If such a backflow exists, 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 here it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner, because relapses often occur at a later stage. Varicose veins are dissected with different techniques: microsurgical, radiofrequency and laser coagulation of deformed veins.
In the early stages, photocoagulation or removal of spider veins with a laser is effective. At a later stage, phlebectomy is indicated - complete removal of the affected vein. The operation was traumatic, there was a risk of complications, so today doctors try to use less invasive miniphlebectomy techniques. If the varicose veins are complicated by vein thrombosis, a secondary infection, surgery is performed.
What can be done with varicose veins of the legs at home?
The essence of the use of folk remedies for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins is to remove toxins from the body with the restoration of normal blood flow. To do this, balance your diet, including cabbage, tomatoes, bell peppers, vegetables, citrus fruits, apples, peaches, cherries, cherries, strawberries, gooseberries, and raisins in your daily diet. Be sure to calculate the correct diet of drinks: 40 ml per kilogram of weight.
In addition, the nature of green tomatoes is used, which is tied in pieces to the area of varicose veins in the form of compresses. The effect is guaranteed by lycopene - an antioxidant in the pulp of the fruit, which improves the structure of the vascular wall, the tone of the veins. You can try a juice treatment: all vegetables eaten raw are suitable.
Popular apple cider vinegar is considered a source of minerals and vitamins; for varicose veins, it is taken orally in the morning and evening, dissolving two teaspoons of the product in a glass of water. Externally: wipe the varicose veins with a swab soaked in vinegar to relieve itching and pain.
Compresses are made with honey, using a sterile napkin with the product to the area of varicose veins for several hours under the film. Use cabbage leaves beaten with vegetable oil under a bandage at night. The course is a 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 shower too hot, lift weights. It is recommended for a lot of moving, excluding strength sports, weight control, minimizing the consumption of foods that are too spicy and fatty.
No need to wear tights, socks, socks, tight -fitting socks, cross your legs while sitting. Women are encouraged to give up high heels.
At night - a cold foot bath, you can pour cold water on your feet in the morning. It is necessary to let go of bad habits, master acupressure: stroke the skin of the lower leg 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 reasonable to visit the pool, walk, contrast bath at home, and always wear compression stockings.