If the veins in the legs are very large and clearly visible to the naked eye, then this is not a cause for pride at all (well, it's not really muscles). However, they do not look as attractive as, say, the quadriceps. That's why most people usually hide them. Even from doctors. Which, by the way, is completely untrue. Because if you have any problems with the condition of the veins and blood vessels, then they should be shown to a doctor who specializes in them - a phlebologist. But first read this article: in it you will learn how to treat varicose veins of the legs, what are the symptoms and what procedures are performed to eliminate them.
Varicose veins of the legs: symptoms
The symptoms of this disease depend on its stage:
So, in the first stage the patient is disturbed by a feeling of heaviness in the lower extremities, muscle cramps (more often during sleep), itching or burning, swelling of the legs. Sometimes there is pain in the legs, especially in the veins. There are often telangiectasias.
In the second stage there are vascular networks and all the symptoms inherent in the first stage, but already more pronounced. Also, the visibility of the veins is significantly increased: they can be observed even with the naked eye.
The third stage is characterized by all the symptoms listed above. At the same time, the swelling becomes almost constant. Sometimes they can pass in the morning, but at the same time reappear in the evening.
In the fourth stage, the skin color changes. It can become brownish or even black. Inflammation occurs, skin atrophy is possible. In this case, spots with a blue or purple tinge appear on it.
In the fifth and sixth stages, a trophic ulcer is formed: cured and untreated, respectively.
Varicose veins of the legs: treatment
Today, the treatment of varicose veins of the legs can be done in several ways:
Laser vein removal. This is a high-tech procedure that is performed with the help of modern equipment - a medical laser device. The device is equipped with a flexible light guide, which is inserted through a puncture or incision in the lumen of the problem vessel at a certain depth. The phlebologist then turns on the device and the tip of the light guide begins to emit a continuous stream of light. The light has such a wavelength that the rays are absorbed by the walls of the veins, as a result of which they are heated and soldered. The control over the implementation of the procedure with the help of ultrasonic laser makes it possible to treat varicose veins of the legs even more accurately and effectively. After a while, the glued veins dissolve. The light guide has a special design, thanks to which the entire inner circumference of the vessel is immediately processed. The required duration of treatment is achieved due to the fact that the doctor gradually removes the light guide. Laser ablation has an average session duration of 2–4. 5 hours, but this inconvenience is compensated by the fact that varicose veins can be treated with only one session of laser ablation. And since the procedure requires a small incision (no more than 0, 3 cm), there is no need for suturing after the session.
Miniphlebectomy. This procedure will also require a puncture or incision (and also no more than 3 mm). It is needed to extract the affected area of the vein. The phlebologist then excises the extracted vein and compresses its ends. Treatment of varicose veins with this procedure does not involve suturing, as the puncture is small - it is usually covered with plaster and bandaged. That's enough for healing.
Sclerotherapy. You do not need to make an incision for this procedure - the session is completely injectable. With the help of a syringe, a special liquid (or foam) preparation is injected into the skin, which sticks to the walls of the veins. Just as with laser obliteration of the veins, the glued vessel dissolves in the tissues after a while.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins of the legs. This operation is performed with the help of local anesthetics. During the operation, the doctor cuts the skin in the area of the removed veins, then removes them. In addition, the cause of reverse blood flow is eliminated simultaneously. After surgical treatment, a fairly long recovery period is required, which is accompanied by mandatory dressings.
It is worth remembering that after all the procedures you must follow certain instructions that the doctor will give after their completion. So it is necessary to give up any type of tan, not to go to the sauna or bath for several months after the treatment of varicose veins of the legs. It is also forbidden to stay upright or sitting for a long time. A special moment in achieving the effectiveness of the procedure, as well as in a faster rehabilitation period, is the wearing of compression underwear. At the same time, it is enough to adhere to this rule around the clock for the first few days. In the future, compression underwear can only be worn during the day. By the way, uncomfortable shoes (high heels, tight) in the beginning will also have to be abandoned. Two or three weeks after the procedure it is recommended to wear comfortable and spacious shoes.
Causes of varicose veins
One of the main reasons for the appearance and development of varicose veins in the legs experts call genetic predisposition. So, if a person in one of the relatives is diagnosed with varicose veins, then the risk of this disease will be significantly higher than in people whose relatives have not suffered from varicose veins. However, there are many other factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins in the legs:
Sedentary way of life.
Wearing uncomfortable shoes or shoes with high heels.
Delayed leg injuries.
Increased loads: overweight, weightlifting.
Improper nutrition.
Pregnancy and birth.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Weakened vascular tone.
Taking certain hormonal drugs.
Smoking and alcohol abuse.
Diseases of the pelvic organs.
Constant stress and emotional tension.
High blood viscosity.
Varicose veins are more common in older people (because vascular tone decreases with age). However, it can also occur in young people up to the age of 30. This disease affects both sexes.
Why you should treat varicose veins of the legs
If the elimination of varicose veins in the legs (treatment) is not done in time, then various complications are possible, including non-healing trophic ulcer. Subsequently, such an ulcer can cause gangrene and this can now be met with amputation of the lower limb and injury. In addition, the treatment of any disease is easier to carry out in the early stages of the disease.
Also, do not forget about the possible development of thrombophlebitis. One of the complications of this disease is pulmonary embolism, which can usually be fatal.
Prevention of varicose veins of the legs
A good preventative measure for varicose veins of the legs is to wear compression underwear, which can provide even pressure on the entire surface of the legs. It is advisable to follow other tips:
Do not neglect sports activities: cycling, swimming, walking, etc.
Avoid uncomfortable shoes (especially high heels).
Take a contrast shower.
In addition, if you have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins (or other factors), then consult a phlebologist at least twice a year.