Varicose veins

Varicose veins, or more correctly varicose veins, is a disease that affects only the venous system.Many consider it a selective foot disease.

But varicose veins appear not only on the lower limbs, but also in the pelvis.At the same time, it manifests itself as hemorrhoids, varicocele (dilated veins of the testicles) or disguises itself as various gynecological diseases.Varicose veins of the esophagus with cirrhosis of the liver cause many problems for patients.

Causes of varicose veins

The task of the venous system is to ensure the delivery of blood after absorption of useful substances from the tissues to the heart, so that the heart sends it to receive oxygen in the lungs.The outflow is constant.The negative pressure created by the diaphragm and some parts of the heart helps the blood vessels.Since a person spends most of his time in a vertical position, the veins must overcome the force of gravity and prevent blood stagnation.To do this, they have a muscular frame and flaps on the inner shell.

Varicose veins are a consequence of venous insufficiency.Violation of the wall structure leads to loss of elasticity and reduced tone.The sluggish valves are unable to hold back the blood and excess deposition (pooling) occurs in distant parts of the body.

Due to the slowing down of blood flow, favorable conditions are created for platelets to stick together and form blood clots.The situation becomes dangerous because a blood clot can break off at any time and enter an important blood vessel and cause tissue necrosis.

Another complication is the development of infection in a weakened venous wall (phlebitis).This leads to even more negative symptoms.

Signs of varicose veins occur in every fifth woman and every tenth man.

The causes of the disease are conditionally divided into primary and secondary varicose veins.

• The primary lesion is associated with disturbances in the structure of the vein wall.
• In secondary cases, changes occur in the valvular apparatus.

This happens when:

• hereditary predisposition associated with the lack of collagen in the body, which ensures the elasticity of the wall, or components for its synthesis;
• endocrine disorders from long-term use of hormonal drugs (contraceptive pills, steroid drugs);
• heavy physical exertion;
• forced long-term working position in an upright position;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• pregnancy;
• smoking;
• leg injuries.

Taking into account the listed factors contributing to the disease, it is possible to determine the risk group that will include future patients with varicose veins, regardless of age:

• professions that require long periods of standing (salesmen, teachers, hairdressers);
• immobile position of the body (transport drivers sitting at the computer) - stagnation is created in the legs and pelvis;
• the habit of wearing high heels - redistributes body weight and increases the load on blood vessels;
• athletes - weightlifting, bodybuilding, wrestling, tennis cause a lot of stress on the legs;
• people wearing tight underwear, stockings with elastic bands, a belt, a belt - any narrowing helps to slow down the flow of blood;
• the habit of sitting cross-legged for a long period of time blocks the superficial veins of the lower leg, promoting stagnation;
• the passion for alcoholic beverages and coffee causes dehydration of the body, accordingly, the blood thickens and slows down the flow through the vessels.

Symptoms of the disease

With varicose veins, the most unfavorable conditions for blood circulation are created in the peripheral tissues.Therefore, varicose veins of the legs are the most common manifestation of the disease.

• Pain and fatigue in the legs appear at the end of the working day.
• Burning sensation.
• Cramps when walking or at night.
• Swelling of the feet in the evening, patients note that their usual shoes are too tight.
• The appearance of "spider veins" on the legs.
• Darkening and dryness of the skin on the feet and legs.
• Trophic ulcers on the legs.

The signs listed above develop gradually over the years.

The appearance of "visible" symptoms indicates progressive vascular damage.

Treatment

Therapy for varicose veins cannot rid the patient of the disease, but it will help prevent severe complications and slow down the further development of the disease.

What habits will you have to give up?

When treating varicose veins, ask yourself, "What do you need to change in your regular life?"The following tips will help:

• stop visiting the bath, steam bath, hot baths are contraindicated for you;
• limiting the consumption of strong alcoholic beverages and beer;
• gradual cessation of smoking;
• control your posture when sitting, do not cross your legs;
• stop any tightening with belts, belts and special underwear;
• get rid of excess weight;
• do not wear tight shoes and high heels;
• Get into the habit of rinsing your feet with cold water after showering, at night, and while resting at home, throw your feet on a pillow.

Engine mode

Considering the risk factors, it is necessary for people with "dangerous" occupations to take breaks with foot massages: drivers get out of the car to go for a walk, hairdressers sit in a chair and massage their feet from the bottom up with light stroking movements.

It is necessary to walk as much as possible, the work of the leg muscles promotes blood flow.

Exercises in the morning should include exercises lying on your back with leg lifts, pulling your toes towards you and tension on the arch of the foot.

Recommended sports include swimming and cycling.

diet

The choice of foods for varicose veins is related to the need to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, limiting spicy and salty foods that retain fluids.

You should limit fatty meat in any form, spicy spices, smoked foods, butter, cheese, mayonnaise, sweets and carbonated drinks.

Include in your daily diet vegetables and fruits, cereals, dairy products, green or herbal tea, vegetable oil, onions and garlic.

Preservatives

Bandaging the legs from toes to mid-thigh is recommended to aid venous blood flow.It is much more comfortable to wear special compression socks.They are sold in the pharmacy chain and have sizes.A doctor will help you choose knee socks.

All advertised drugs or ointments have an effect only in the initial stages of the disease, when a person notices increased fatigue in the legs.The doctor will recommend the most modern and effective drugs.At the "visual" stage, their use is practically useless.

Phlebologists treat varicose veins.They believe that about 95% of cases can be compensated using low-traumatic methods, only 5% require surgical intervention.

Low-traumatic methods for the treatment of varicose veins

These procedures require no skin incision at all or involve a small incision.They are performed on an outpatient basis and are painless.The patient does not experience any restrictions and can carry out his usual work.

Laser ablation

Under local anesthesia, a light wire is carefully inserted into the varicose area, and a circular laser is turned on during the reverse movement.The procedure takes up to two hours.The laser beam causes a burn of the inner shell with further sclerosis.It is used to treat veins of any diameter.

Sclerotherapy

The patient is injected into the affected vessel with a substance that causes the walls to collapse and then sclerosis.Currently, clinics use foam preparations that are safe for the body.It is used when the diameter is no more than one cm. After the procedure, it is recommended to walk for an hour.You will need to wear compression stockings for another month.

Microphlebectomy

After local anesthesia, a small skin incision (no more than a few mm) is made, the diseased vein is grasped with a special hook, brought out and removed.In this way, you can remove dishes of any size.A few days after the procedure, there will be visible bruising at the incision site.A small scar will form.You need to wear compression stockings for about 10 days.

Radiofrequency ablation

The method is similar to the laser, but here a catheter with a microwave radio frequency is inserted into the area of the varicose veins.It is believed to cause no burns and is safe for surrounding tissue.After half an hour of exposure, the lumen of the vessel is "sealed".After only a week you are allowed to play sports.

Surgical treatment

Surgery to remove a varicose vein or an entire bundle is called a phlebectomy.Requires hospitalization.General anesthesia is used.Two skin incisions are made (in the groin and below the knee).Surface branches are tied.The entire vein is removed and cut.After the operation, the patient must be observed in the hospital for about a week.The condition of the postoperative sutures is monitored, drugs that slow blood clotting are prescribed to prevent the formation of blood clots.Sutures are removed after 7-10 days.

Contraindications for phlebectomy:

• simultaneous damage to superficial and deep veins;
• age over 75 years;
• various skin diseases at the site of the operation;
• oncological diseases;
• pregnancy;
• atherosclerosis of the blood vessels of the lower extremities;
• severe form of diabetes.

Traditional methods of treatment

Traditional methods are best used in the early stages of the disease in combination with drugs.

Hirudotherapy (the use of leeches) is an old, tried and tested method.The enzyme secreted by the leeches into the blood helps relieve inflammation and tightens the walls of blood vessels.

Herbal decoctions and tinctures are recommended to be used in the form of compresses on the area of varicose veins.The following are used for this: chamomile flowers, calendula, St. John's wort, yarrow, wormwood leaves, horse chestnut, burdock.Internal intake of walnuts and garlic is recommended.

The choice of treatment for varicose veins is a matter for an experienced surgeon.A timely visit to the doctor and compliance with the recommendations will help to avoid the serious consequences of the disease.