Varicose veins of the lower extremities, also called varicose veins, manifest as dilation of the superficial veins of the legs, which is accompanied by impaired blood flow and valvular incompetence.Currently, varicose veins are very common: they are observed in approximately 17-25% of people.At an early age, before the onset of puberty, this disease develops in both sexes with equal frequency.In adult women, however, varicose veins are twice as common as in men.This picture can be explained by significant hormonal changes during the onset of menstruation, during pregnancy.As a result, the tone of the veins weakens, they expand and the venous circulation is disturbed.
Factors predisposing to varicose veins
Today, experts tend to support many theories that show why varicose veins develop in the legs.But nevertheless, speaking about the main cause of this disease, a violation of the valvular apparatus of the veins should be noted.When the venous valves are insufficient in a person who is standing up, blood flows downward under the influence of gravity.When walking, the lower leg muscles around the deep veins contract.Accordingly, the veins are emptied and an increase in venous pressure occurs.As a result, blood enters the superficial veins, they stretch and varicose veins appear.
There are a number of factors that directly influence the progression of varicose veins.In women, varicose veins often develop as a result of pregnancy.During this period, the volume of blood in the female body increases significantly.The growing uterus puts a lot of pressure on the veins coming from the legs.In addition, during pregnancy, the condition of the venous wall is affected by hormonal changes in the body.In many cases, varicose veins during pregnancy are reversible, that is, after birth, they gradually disappear.
Very often, varicose veins of the lower extremities appear in people who are forced to stand for a long time at work.Another risk factor for varicose veins is obesity: obese people have increased intra-abdominal pressure and, as a result, varicose veins.Often the veins expand in people who are prone to regular exercise.This happens with chronic constipation, cough, prostate adenoma and other conditions.Varicose veins can sometimes be a consequence of leg surgery.
Another factor predisposing to varicose veins is a person's age.Normally, the valves and walls of the veins age over time.As a result, elasticity is lost and the veins stretch.Varicose veins often occur in patients suffering from deep vein thrombosis and congenital anomalies of blood vessels.
Symptoms of the development of varicose veins in the legs
First of all, the visible symptoms of varicose veins on the legs are the appearance of a network of thin veins on the surface of the skin of the legs.Such manifestations appear mainly in the thigh area.Such varicose veins are most easily noticed in people suffering from cellulite.Sometimes cellulite becomes a kind of harbinger of varicose veins.Often the fat deposits due to cellulite press on the venous vessels and as a result blood circulation is hampered and varicose veins appear.
In some cases, swelling of the legs indicates the appearance of varicose veins.However, such a sign can be a symptom of other diseases (heart failure, urolithiasis of the kidneys).That is why in this case it is impossible to talk clearly about the development of varicose veins before making a diagnosis.Leg pain is often a symptom of varicose veins.The pain can be sharp and have unpleasant symptoms.The most common symptom of varicose veins is pain in the calves.Appears mainly in the afternoon, after some load on the legs.There may be a feeling of heavy heaviness in the legs, cramps may occur at night, and trophic changes in the legs gradually appear.
Thus, a person who observes the appearance of a capillary network, periodic manifestations of pain and swelling should consult a doctor and undergo the necessary tests.There are a number of different tests that allow you to assess the condition of the veins and the degree of development of the disease.If the patient has uncomplicated varicose veins, then in most cases instrumental diagnostic methods are not used.
Principles of treatment of varicose veins
Conservative treatment of varicose veins is prescribed mainly to those people who have clear contraindications for surgical intervention.Also, such treatment is indicated if the patient has mild varicose veins, which is a purely cosmetic defect.
The goal of conservative therapy is also to prevent further progression of this disease.For this purpose, patients are recommended to bandage the legs affected by varicose veins with an elastic bandage.In addition, compression hosiery is indicated for varicose veins.
People who are prone to varicose veins or already suffer from this disease should regularly place their feet on an elevated surface throughout the day, resting in this way for a few minutes.There are also special exercises for the lower leg and foot aimed at activating the musculo-venous pump.This is periodic extension and flexion of the ankle and knee joints.
Treatment of varicose veins also includes wearing comfortable shoes, which should have low heels and firm soles.You should not stand for a long time, allow physical stress, stand for a long time in rooms with high temperature and humidity.It is recommended to keep your legs elevated while sleeping.
Patients should limit fluid and salt intake and try to lose excess weight.For the treatment of varicose veins, it is necessary to periodically take diuretics, drugs that improve the tone of the veins.In addition, if there are indications, the patient can be prescribed drugs that stimulate microcirculation in the tissues.Treatment of varicose veins may also include the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.If the patient has an uncomplicated form of the disease, physical therapy exercises are indicated.Swimming, other water treatments, foot baths with warm water to which 5-10% sodium chloride solution is added are very useful.
However, the radical method of treating varicose veins is surgery.This operation is not performed if the patient has concomitant diseases of the lungs, cardiovascular system, kidneys or liver.This operation should not be performed on pregnant women, as well as people suffering from purulent diseases.Modern technologies allow the use of endoscopic techniques for such an operation.If a person only has small enlarged branches, sclerotherapy can be used.This surgery involves injecting a sclerosing solution into the vein to seal the vein walls.Repeated injections are then made in other areas of the vein, achieving complete obliteration of the vein.
For varicose veins, combined surgical therapy is also used, in which large trunks of the changed veins are removed and sclerotherapy is performed on small branches.After surgery, patients are advised to continue wearing an elastic bandage for 8-12 weeks.
Prevention of varicose veins of the legs
The prevention of varicose veins includes a number of measures aimed at preventing the signs of the disease.It is useful for each person to periodically keep their legs elevated, take breaks during sedentary work and not wear underwear that burdens the body.A good method to prevent varicose veins will be the contrast shower, the inclusion of food products that are good for the blood and doing some physical exercises.At the first signs of varicose veins, you should consult a doctor to prevent the progression of the disease.