Varicose veins of the legs - symptoms and treatment

27 May 2022

Varicose veins (VV) are a fairly common disease that affects both men and women. It can affect a person's lower limbs as well as deep veins, leading to thrombosis and post-thrombophlebitis.

Spider veins, which appear on a person's legs due to the development of the disease, make him begin to feel unattractive. In addition to external, there are internal manifestations of explosives, which are expressed in the appearance of discomfort and pain in the muscles of the calf legs. The development of the disease increases the risk of other pathologies of the circulatory system.

The key to success in the fight against pathology lies in timely diagnosis and competent treatment. A big mistake on the part of a person is the independent use of various ointments and creams, which in most cases do not have the desired effect. As a result, time was lost, which could be directed to proper and effective therapy.

To get rid of varicose veins, you need to solve the following tasks:

Elimination of symptoms.
Removal of varicose veins.
Prevent the development and recurrence of VV.

Only a highly qualified specialist with sufficient experience in the treatment and prevention of pathologies of this type can successfully cope with each of the above tasks.

Symptoms of varicose veins

The symptoms of the disease are signs that clearly show its development. They are divided into:

subjectively:
1. Non-intense and painful pain in the calf muscles.
2. Burning and itching sensation along the veins affected by varicose veins.
3. Heaviness in the legs, worse at the end of the day.
4. Hyperpigmentation of the skin.
5. Increased fatigue of the lower extremities.
6. Trophic venous ulcer of the leg.
7. Calf muscle pain worsened when walking.
8. The appearance of swelling in the legs and feet.
Objective:
1. Varicose veins that are clearly visible even without the use of special equipment.
2. Well visible varicose intradermal and subcutaneous veins.
3. The presence of spider veins.
4. Changes in the structure and color of the skin, the appearance of lipodermatoscosis and venous trophic ulcers.

What do veins look like?

The first alarm signal for the presence of problems with the veins is swelling of the lower extremities by the end of the day. Swelling is especially pronounced if a person spends most of the day in an upright position. It can disappear in the morning after a night spent relaxing.

However, if you do not pay proper attention to this problem, the condition can worsen significantly. Intradermal veins of the legs with varicose veins become dark blue, protruding above the surface of the skin of the legs and feet. Outwardly, they look like bunches of red grapes that are overripe. Such external manifestations of the pathology are accompanied by pain in the calves, a feeling of warmth in the legs, swelling and cramps in the muscles of the calf. Over time, these symptoms are accompanied by a change in the appearance of the skin.

Causes of varicose veins of the lower extremities

VV of the lower extremities can develop under the influence of a number of factors and circumstances, the main of which are:

Pregnancy. This is a key risk factor for the onset of the disease. This explains the fact that varicose veins in women are several times more common than in men. In this case, the disease develops under the influence of increasing the volume of circulating blood and compression of the pregnant uterus by retroperitoneal veins.
obesity. The connection of this condition with the development of VV has been proven by a number of studies. At the same time, a direct link has been established between weight gain and an increased risk of developing pathology.
A way of life characterized by prolonged static loads with regular weight lifting or prolonged immobility in an upright or sitting position.
dyshormonal conditions. Their role in the development of the disease has increased significantly in recent years. This is due to the widespread use of hormonal contraceptives, the proliferation of hormone replacement therapy for osteoporosis and during the premenopausal period.
Heredity. The role of this factor in the development of varicose veins of the legs today is not unequivocally confirmed.
Disruption of the valvular apparatus of the veins, which leads to a rush of blood under the influence of gravity every time a person gets to his feet. The muscles around the deep veins contract as you walk. These veins are subject to emptying, which increases the venous pressure. Blood enters the superficial veins through communication vessels with insufficient valves. As a result, they fill with blood, which leads to their stretching and dilation (varicose veins).

Classification and stages

Like any disease, VV has several stages that differ from each other in the extent of the pathology and symptoms. Among them are the following stages:

Initially (or compensation).
The second (or subcompensation).
Third (or decompensation).

It is worth noting that complications can occur at any of the above stages, but their greatest probability is inherent in the latter two. VV can serve as an impetus for the development of diseases such as:

Thrombophlebitis.
erysipelas.
Deep venous thrombosis.
Trophic eczema.

A visit to a specialist at the first signs of the onset of the disease will help reduce the risk of worsening the situation and start removing varicose veins. Do not ignore even minor symptoms, because this can lead to unwanted and extremely negative consequences.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of varicose veins, the symptoms of which are described above, aims to solve the following tasks:

Determining the presence of pathology in each individual patient. It often happens that people who do not have varicose veins are sure that they have, and vice versa. However, only an experienced phlebologist, based on an external examination and a number of complex studies, can make an accurate diagnosis.
Identification of the type characteristic of venous pathology. The doctor determines exactly which veins have suffered a pathological lesion, and also determines the extent of this damage and the possible or already occurred consequences.
Prescribing the right course of treatment. Based on the diagnosis and characteristics of each specific organism, the attending physician makes a choice in favor of one or another treatment or set of therapeutic measures.
Assessment of the level of effectiveness of the therapy performed by the attending physician during the elimination of the disease or after the complete recovery of the patient.

The main methods for diagnosing VV include:

Plethysmography.
thermography.
Magnetic resonance.
Ultrasound angioscanning.
CT.
Clinical trials: interview with the patient, external examination and manual examination.
Radionuclide phlebography.
Intravascular ultrasound.
X-ray phlebography.

Most often, it is enough for a professional to perform a clinical examination and ultrasound angiography to diagnose varicose veins in the legs.

Methods of treatment

Modern methods of treating varicose veins are aimed at reducing the degree of damage and trauma, which contributes to faster recovery of the patient. The main therapeutic methods include:

Sclerotherapy. This method involves the introduction into the lumen of varicose veins of the legs of a special drug that provokes chemical burns of the inner venous wall. This leads to their sticking and stopping the pathological blood flow through them. It can be used alone or in combination with other manipulations. It is performed without prior anesthesia by piercing skin punctures with a thin needle. The duration depends on the extent of the lesion.
Foam sclerotherapy, which involves the preparation of foam by a specialist from a special drug that can use an impressive area of the inner walls of the affected venous vessels. It is used to treat large diameter veins.
Endovenous laser coagulation, which is performed using a laser device on the main trunks of the leg veins and allows you to stop the pathological flow of blood through the affected veins due to burning of their inner walls and their subsequent sticking.
Miniphlebectomy aimed at eliminating subcutaneous nodules and tributaries dilated by varicose veins through skin punctures. It has an excellent cosmetic effect and is used alone or in combination with other therapeutic methods under local anesthesia.
Elimination of incompetent perforating veins performed for the prevention of venous insufficiency and treatment of trophic disorders, including ulcers.
Combined phlebectomy, which is a combination of some methods of IV therapy, based on the indications and the nature of the pathologies of the veins.

Complications of varicose veins

It should be understood that improper treatment of the disease or its complete rejection can lead to complications. The latter appear not only in cosmetic defects of the lower extremities, but also in more serious forms. Between them:

Trophic eczema, subsequently turning into an ulcer.
Thrombotic lesions of the venous system, including superficial vein thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities.

Venous blood is a kind of "sewer" for body tissues and is saturated with substances and metabolic products of cells that are relatively harmful to the human body. Skin and subcutaneous tissue cells, as well as muscle and bone, dispose of respiratory products and other waste products in the venous system, which carries them to the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver. In case of disturbances in the functioning of the venous system, an increase in the content of these products in the tissues of the body is observed.

Varicose veins lead not only to an increase in the concentration of harmful products in the tissues, but also to an increase in their swelling. Such disruption of the outflow of harmful products, combined with swelling observed for a long time, leads to the death of skin cells and subcutaneous tissue and their subsequent replacement by venous eczema, represented by a dense and punctured structure of dark color. The death of the superficial layer of the skin is the cause of trophic ulcers.

Prevention

Varicose veins of the legs, which are now treated by various methods, can be avoided if preventive measures are followed. Due to the fact that the risk of developing VV is much higher in women, they are the ones who should not neglect the prevention of this disease. However, men should also not neglect preventive measures aimed at preventing the development of varicose veins in the legs. The main activities include:

The use of topical preparations (gels, ointments, creams) that help strengthen the walls of blood vessels, optimize the functioning of the valves, reduce the risk of blood clots, eliminate swelling and heal wounds.
The use of socks, tights, socks and elastic bandages with a compression effect. This is a great tool in the fight against varicose veins. These products can be purchased in specialty stores after consulting a doctor, which is necessary due to the relative difficulty in determining the required type of compression underwear.
Special exercises performed daily. They are able to stop even the already started dilation of blood vessels. It should be borne in mind that if there is a tendency to BB, it will make you give up heavy physical activity, but in no case should you neglect an active lifestyle. Light jogging, swimming, yoga and skiing, for example, help keep leg veins healthy.
Preventive pills for varicose veins are recognized as a more effective method of preventing VV than the use of topical medications. However, the use of any oral medicine should be carried out exclusively for its intended purpose and under the strict supervision of a competent specialist.

To prevent aggravation of the situation, you should refrain from self-medication at the first signs of the disease and consult a doctor. This will make it possible to timely diagnose and prescribe adequate treatment, which will stop the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of developing other pathologies to zero.

Frequently Asked Questions

Very often people are interested not only in the question of how to treat varicose veins. Many patients suffering from this disease are interested in what they can and cannot do, so as not to worsen their health and not to provoke other health problems. The following are frequently asked questions that people with VV are interested in.

Is it possible to get vaccinated against coronavirus with varicose veins?

The answer to the question of whether a vaccine against coronavirus for varicose veins is allowed is possible. This pathology is not a limitation for vaccination against COVID-19 in the absence of exacerbations. If a person does not suffer from acute thrombophlebitis, this refers to the decompensation of varicose veins in the legs and he is not forbidden to be vaccinated against coronavirus infection.

Is it possible to drink coffee with varicose veins?

Caffeine has the ability to raise blood pressure and speed up the heartbeat, which are unfavorable factors for fragile swollen veins damaged by varicose veins. Coffee has the following effects on blood vessels:

Increased load on the walls of the veins.
Increase in blood pressure.
Short-term venous expansion.

Therefore, with varicose veins, you can drink coffee, but not more than the daily dose. Complete abandonment of your favorite tonic will not lead to the recovery of pathologically affected veins, so you should not suffer and do not drink coffee. Just do not drink more than 1-2 glasses a day. It is also recommended to dilute the coffee with milk.

Is massage allowed?

The complex treatment of varicose veins at an early stage includes massage. However, it must be done correctly.

For varicose veins you can do an extremely light massage of the lower extremities. It is also indicated for patients with uncomplicated varicose veins.

It is recommended to do a professional hand massage for patients with varicose veins, but all the peculiarities of the course of the disease must be taken into account. It is recommended to consult a specialist before starting a massage of the area whose veins are affected by varicose veins.

Can you warm your feet?

When the legs heat up, the veins dilate, the blood circulation increases and the load on the non-venous walls only increases. This can worsen the already poor condition of the dilated vessels. It is therefore recommended to limit hot tubs for patients with varicose veins. It will be better to reduce the water temperature from hot to warm, which will not provoke vasodilation and will not lead to deterioration of the human condition. It should always be remembered that consultation with a specialist is necessary, whether we are talking about hot tubs or vaccinations for varicose veins.

Is running and squatting allowed?

Experts recommend starting jogging at the first signs of BB development. It is important to ensure that these exercises are systematic. During running, the blood is saturated with oxygen. Therefore, it is better to give preference to jogging through the woods or park, where the air is always clean.

However, you need to adequately assess your capabilities and endurance and avoid excessive stress, which is contraindicated in varicose veins. It is important to monitor the gradual increase in loads that do not exceed the indicators that are comfortable for the body.

A person with BB should not feel tired while running. Running only short distances using compression stockings is allowed. In case of thrombophlebitis, jogging should be abandoned. The permissibility of running and squatting in varicose veins of the pelvis should be discussed with your doctor.

What is the best treatment for varicose veins?

Today, there is no clear answer to the question of which therapeutic method is most effective for varicose veins. The fact is that the success of treatment depends on a number of factors that must be assessed by a qualified specialist in each case. Only then can they make a final decision on prescribing specific treatment for BB.