Varicose veins, commonly known as varicose veins, occur when the veins become stretched and dilated, turning blue-violet or red in color due to the accumulation of large amounts of blood.It is a widespread disease, which in most cases manifests itself on the legs (most often in the calf muscles), but it can also form on other parts of the body.
In general, the blood supply to the cells, known from the biology course, takes place in the following way: from the left ventricle of the heart, oxygenated blood flows through the aorta into the arteries and from there into smaller blood vessels to the capillaries, through which the organs and tissues of the body receive oxygen and the substances they need.Then, with the help of small blood vessels called "venules", the blood is collected from the capillaries and enters larger veins, whose job it is to send the blood back to the lungs and heart to be enriched with oxygen and repeat its journey.The mechanism that directs blood to the heart is called the venous pump.
Veins are blood vessels that return blood from body tissues to the heart.
Some veins have one-way valves inside them that open to allow blood to flow toward the heart and close to prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction.
In fact, this is how varicose veins happen: if the valves are damaged and do not block the flow of blood, it accumulates in the veins, causing them to swell and stretch, resulting in varicose veins.Angiosurgeons claim that varicose veins are a pathological process that leads to a change in the venous wall with subsequent valvular insufficiency.
With varicose veins, a reverse flow (reflux) of blood is created due to dysfunction of the valves.They do not close the venous cavity, which makes it possible to move blood in the opposite direction.As a result, increased venous blood pressure is created, which disrupts the integrity of the vein walls - they expand and protrude under the skin.
Since varicose veins are a modification of the veins, the pathology is considered not only a vascular disease, but also a cosmetic problem.Normal veins and varicose veins - when, due to improper functioning of the valves, there is reverse blood flow and expansion of the veins.
Why are the legs most often affected by varicose veins?
There are 3 types of veins in our legs - superficial veins, which are closest to the skin;deep veins, which are located inside the muscles and connect to the largest vein in our body - the vena cava leading to the heart;and perforating veins connecting the superficial and deep veins to each other.The varicose veins that we see are seen precisely in the superficial veins, located closest to the skin.
When we are standing, the blood in the legs must be directed upwards towards the heart, resisting the force of gravity.To do this, the leg muscles contract and squeeze the deep veins, pushing blood towards the heart.When the leg muscles contract, the valves in the veins open, but when the muscles relax, the valves close, blocking blood flow to the legs.
As you might guess, varicose veins are more common in the legs due to the fact that the pressure of gravity, which increases when sitting and standing, has the greatest impact on the venous circulation of the lower extremities.
How dangerous are varicose veins?
For most people, varicose veins are primarily an aesthetic problem and do not pose a health threat at first.Swollen, unsightly veins can spoil the appearance of certain parts of the body, but in most cases they do not disturb blood circulation.It is noted that if you do not pay the necessary attention to the fight against varicose veins, its appearance deteriorates over time and complications may develop.
Causes of varicose veins
A number of factors can increase the risk of varicose veins:
- Factor No. 1 – heredity.If someone in your family has or has had varicose veins, your chances of inheriting them increase.
- Floor.Varicose veins are more common in women than in men.
- Age.As we age, our veins and valves become weaker.
- Disturbance of blood flow between arteries and veins.
- Hormonal changes.Hormonal changes during pregnancy, premenstrual period and menopause increase the risk of varicose veins.During pregnancy, the growing fetus puts pressure on the leg veins.Varicose veins that appear during this period become less noticeable 3-12 months after the birth of the child.In addition, each subsequent pregnancy increases the risk of varicose veins.
- Overweight or obesity.Being overweight puts a lot of pressure on the veins, which can lead to varicose veins.
- Sedentary and standing work and sedentary lifestyle.If you stand or sit for a long time, you increase the risk of developing varicose veins.This happens because during long periods of inactivity, it is harder for the veins to deliver blood to the heart.
Symptoms of the development of varicose veins
In addition to the appearance of bulging dark blue or purple veins, here are the main signs of developing varicose veins:
- Slight swelling of the ankles and feet, especially after standing for a long time.
- Pain, burning and a feeling of heaviness in the legs.
- Leg cramps and throbbing sensation.
- Itchy ankles and lower legs that are often misdiagnosed as dry skin.
- Change in skin color in the area where varicose veins develop (bruising).
How to protect yourself from varicose veins
According to experts from the University of California Department of Surgery, the first thing a person can do to prevent varicose veins is to change their lifestyle and create new habits.Although these same changes will not help get rid of varicose veins that have already formed, they will reduce the likelihood of their appearance worsening, as well as reduce pain and protect other areas of the veins from developing.
What should be done to reduce the likelihood of varicose veins or to prevent already affected veins from worsening:
- Do not sit or stand in one place for a long time.Try to move at least every 30 minutes.
- When sitting, do not cross one leg over the other.
- If possible, elevate your legs when resting while sitting or lying down.Try to raise your legs so that they are above the level of your heart.
- Exercise.This will allow your leg muscles to move and move blood through your veins more efficiently.
- If you are overweight, try to get it back to normal.This will help improve blood circulation and reduce stress on the veins.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing, especially around the waist, hips and legs.
- Do not wear high heels too often or for long periods of time.Low-heeled shoes help keep the calf muscles toned, allowing blood to move more easily through the veins.
- Exercise regularly.This will help improve blood circulation, get rid of extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight.
Complications of varicose veins
According to the Circulation Foundation, although varicose veins get worse over time, this process takes a very long time.It is also noted that in some people with varicose veins, the high pressure in the veins can cause the skin in the ankle area to become damaged and discolored, as well as white marks.
If left untreated, progressive varicose veins can lead to more serious negative consequences:
- The appearance of ulcers
- phlebitis
- bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
If a person develops eczema (a red skin rash), it can later progress to ulcers that will need to be surgically removed.
Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein that is often accompanied by thrombosis in the affected vein, which becomes hard but brittle.In most cases, this disease does not pose a serious health risk, although it is often mistaken for a more serious pathology - deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Many people worry that accidentally hitting a varicose vein will cause bleeding, but this rarely happens.If this occurs, the bleeding is stopped by applying a tight gauze and applying ice.A person should lie down with their feet higher than their heart and seek medical attention immediately so that specialists can perform procedures that will reduce the risk of rebleeding.
Some patients suffering from varicose veins later encounter another pathology - deep vein thrombosis.Science is not entirely sure whether varicose veins directly increase the risk of DVT.Symptoms of DVT include swelling, pain, and skin that is hot to the touch.According to experts at the US National Library of Medicine, deep vein thrombosis mainly affects the large veins in the thigh and calf muscles, and it is noted that DVT almost always develops in only one leg.
Treatment of varicose veins
Compression therapy
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is recommended to wear compression clothing.Socks, tights, or leggings apply gentle pressure from the bottom of the leg up, reducing blood pooling and swelling.However, the effect is achieved only if you wear them regularly.Although wearing compression stockings will not cure varicose veins that have already formed, they will help prevent or reduce varicose veins and further complications.
In addition, the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) in its clinical guideline for the treatment of patients with varicose veins of the lower extremities and pelvis notes: "Stockings are the first therapeutic procedure for patients who have had ulcers removed as the varicose veins progress."
Endovenous ablation (radiofrequency or laser)
Endovenous ablation involves the use of laser or radiofrequency therapy to close or remove the varicose vein.The doctor makes a small incision in the skin near the vein and inserts a catheter into it.A special device is then connected to the tip of the catheter, with which the catheter is heated and closes or removes the dilated vein (depending on the ablation method chosen).The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the patient usually goes home the same day.
Endovenous ablation is one of the most effective and safe methods for treating varicose veins.The Society of Vascular Surgery (SVS) recommends this procedure instead of surgery to treat superficial varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
This is another gentle method of treating varicose veins.During the procedure, a special substance is injected into the vein affected by varicose veins, which destroys the inner lining of the vein and causes blood to clot in it.Over time, the vein shrinks and disappears.
Surgical method
In advanced cases of varicose veins, gentler treatment methods will not help correct the situation.In this case, the person is referred for surgery, during which the superficial vein is surgically removed.Indications for surgery are:
- Ulcers or the threat of their appearance,
- bleeding
- phlebitis.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and the patient is usually sent home the same day.A person may feel pain and discomfort for 2 weeks after surgery.
The Circulation Foundation notes that deep vein thrombosis can sometimes develop after surgery, but the risk of this pathology can be reduced by wearing compression stockings and maintaining a high level of physical activity on the face.
Varicose veins and training
Lots of movement and moderate exercise are the main helpers in the fight against varicose veins.
However, while some training methods are beneficial and recommended for varicose vein prevention, others can be harmful.
Moderate, rhythmic physical activity (such as walking) has a positive contribution to preventing the development of varicose veins and helps to minimize the likelihood of complications, as dynamic muscle movements help direct blood from the periphery to the heart.
walking
Walking is one of the best movements to prevent varicose veins and promotes healthy circulation by stretching and contracting the venous pump in the calf muscles.Walk for at least 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.
Low intensity running
Running at a slow pace puts a good strain on the calf muscles, but there is one downside – running puts strain on our joints.If you're not ready to replace running with another activity, run on grass or rubberized paths rather than hard asphalt.
Elliptical and ergometer
Elliptical and exercise bike workouts actively engage the calf muscles, promoting healthy circulation.Also, unlike running, these workouts put less stress on your joints.
Strength training
People with varicose veins should avoid excessive amounts of very intense weight training.With prolonged muscle tension of an uneven nature, the muscles of the legs and ventilation pumps do not contribute to the return of blood to the heart through the veins.For this reason, during exercise, blood accumulates in the veins of the legs, which can only contribute to the further development of varicose veins.In addition, the increase in intra-abdominal pressure during straining also hampers blood circulation.
Among the exercises that negatively affect venous circulation, the specialists of the vein clinic in Georgia note especially squats, lunges and sit-ups.
People with varicose veins should train with light weights and perform relatively high repetitions per set without reaching failure.In addition, to restore normal blood circulation after completing strength training, it is recommended to pedal on an ergometer or train on an elliptical trainer.It is also recommended to wear compression socks during and after strength training.
Why do veins stand out more in summer?
As noted by specialists from the venous center on behalf of.John and Hospital.St.Joseph Wayne, veins swell more in the summer due to the fact that under the influence of high temperature they expand and fill with more blood, increasing in size.
To reduce the swelling of veins in the summer, you should follow simple recommendations:
- Apply a thick layer of moisturizing SPF cream to your skin.
- If you are outside for a long time, try to hide in the shade.
- Do not sunbathe for too long.
- Swim regularly.Thus, you will carry out cooling procedures for your body without giving the opportunity for the veins to enlarge.
- Try to wear flats/low shoes and sandals rather than high heels.
- Drink more fluids.
You should not let the situation get worse;you must take action immediately.