Varicose veins or varicose veins are pathological changes in the blood vessels, which are accompanied by enlargement of the sac, increase in length, the formation of wrinkles and nodules, which lead to valve insufficiency and impaired blood flow. Varicose veins are one of the most common vascular problems.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are vascular pathology based on the formation of venous insufficiency, dilatation of the lumen, disruption of the valve apparatus of blood vessels with occlusion, accompanied by permanent pasteurization of tissues.
The main causes of pathology
Varicose veins in the legs have different causes and symptoms with slight sexual differences. The main common trigger of the pathology is called congenital weakness of connective tissue. In the second place, there are hormonal changes, so varicose veins are more often diagnosed in women. Long static sitting or standing position plays a role, the longer the legs, the more serious the situation. The extra pounds also increase the pressure in the arteries of the lower extremities, as well as the lack of physical activity. Smoking, pregnancy, accompanying pathologies, tight underwear, shoes, heels, everything that causes stagnation of blood circulation in the arteries in the legs are risk factors for varicose veins.
Symptoms and clinical manifestations
Symptoms of varicose veins in the legs in women and men do not have fundamental differences. It is a gradual disease, the symptoms of which are associated with the developmental stage of the pathological process.
The first stage is characterized by minor clinical manifestations: the veins are difficult to remove from the surface of the skin, the dermis is slightly hyperemic, heaviness in the legs, evening paste of the feet and ankles begin to worry, convulsions are possible. These symptoms of varicose veins are especially painful for women from an aesthetic point of view. Often, visual symptoms precede the pain.
In the second stage, the clinical picture acquires a typical appearance: the veins in the legs protrude above the surface of the skin, feel good and look like knots. As the pathological process progresses, the vessels of the lower extremities become curved, bluish-purple, sometimes black.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the third stage of the legs are characterized by the development of complications: trophic disorders appear, the skin resembles parchment, swelling and cramps become normal, the legs are covered with rash, itching begins, secondary flora merges, pyoderma layers, dermatitis, eczema.
The fourth stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities is the most severe in terms of symptoms: inflammation of the skin on the veins, involvement of nearby tissues, trophic ulcers, pain in the legs with varicose veins, secondary infection, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, urgent hospitalizationcomplex treatment.
Which doctor should I see?
Pain in the legs with varicose veins is resolved 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 consults a vascular surgeon to decide on surgery.
It is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis without a complete clinical and laboratory examination. Instrumental diagnostic methods help to clarify the stage of the pathology, the duration of the tests is 10 minutes, a maximum of half an hour. The results of the examination are announced by the doctor immediately, at the first appointment. The choice of adequate therapy depends on the stage of the pathology.
Features of treatment
Treatment of varicose veins lies in "three pillars": drug treatment, minimally invasive methods, surgical classics.
Conservative therapy
In addition to the mandatory general recommendations for varicose veins: dose, 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 absorption is combined with external therapy of the same name for varicose veins. According to doctors and patients, the combination of capsules and gel is the most effective.
Of course, it is not necessary to expect a complete cure from conservative methods, drugs can not restore dilated vessels, but as a prophylactic measure, the impossibility of surgical treatment of varicose veins in preparation for surgery - these drugs guarantee vascular stasis. eliminate the development and symptoms of the disease.
Compression sclerotherapy
The essence of minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of varicose veins is the introduction of a special drug - sclerosant into the dilated vein. Using a syringe, the doctor injects a foamy solution into the spasmodic vessel, filling the deformed vessel.
The patient is placed in compression stockings designed to keep the vessel in this position. Within three days, the walls of the arteries stick together, the vessel closes and empties from normal blood flow. You need to wear compression stockings for at least a month, sometimes twice. Criteria for the effectiveness of treatment - the resulting adhesions.
Compression sclerotherapy is performed if the varicose veins are not complicated by the blood flowing from the deep veins to the superficial veins. If there is such a backflow, the efficiency of the procedure is reduced to zero.
Surgery
Surgery has been and remains the most reliable and effective method of treating varicose veins, regardless of the presence of reverse blood flow in the veins. But here, too, it is important to consult a doctor in time, because relapses often occur in the later stages. Varicose veins are operated on in a variety of ways: microsurgery, radiofrequency, and laser coagulation of deformed vessels.
In the early stages, laser photocoagulation or removal of spider veins is effective. In the next stages, phlebectomy is performed - complete removal of the affected vessels. The operation is traumatic, there is a risk of complications, so today doctors try to use less invasive miniflebectomy techniques. If varicose veins are complicated by vascular thrombosis, secondary infection, surgery is performed.
What to do at home with varicose veins of the legs?
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 foods such as cabbage, tomatoes, bell peppers, greens, citrus fruits, apples, peaches, cherries, cherries, strawberries, corn, currants in your daily diet. Make sure you calculate the correct drinking diet: 40 ml per kilogram of body weight.
In addition, the properties of green tomatoes, which are attached to slices in the area of varicose veins in the form of compresses, are used. The effect is provided by lycopene - an antioxidant in fruit pulp, improves the structure of the vascular wall, tones the arteries. You can try the treatment with juice: all vegetables eaten raw are suitable.
Apple cider vinegar is popularly considered a source of minerals and vitamins, it is taken orally in the morning and evening for varicose veins, two teaspoons of the product are dissolved in a glass of water. Appearance: Wipe varicose veins with a swab soaked in vinegar to relieve itching and pain.
Compresses are made with honey, a sterile napkin with the product is applied to the area of varicose veins for several hours under the film. At night, use cabbage leaves beaten with vegetable oil under the bandage. The course is one month.
Prevention
Prevention of varicose veins has two purposes: to prevent the onset of the disease and to reduce the number of relapses. To do this: go to the sauna or take a very hot bath, you can not lift weights. With the exception of vigorous sports, it is recommended to exercise a lot, control weight, and minimize the consumption of spicy and fatty foods.
No need to wear tight clothes, socks, stockings, socks with tight elastic bands, 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 cold water on your feet. It is necessary to give up bad habits, to master acupressure: to apply the skin of the lower extremities from bottom to top and vice versa for 10 minutes, to minimize stress, to avoid overheating, colds, to undergo a medical examination.
It is advisable to visit the pool with varicose veins, walk, take a contrast shower at home and always wear compression stockings.