If the veins of the legs are very large and clearly visible to the naked eye, then this is not at all a cause for pride (well, they are not muscles). However, they are not as attractive as, say, quadriceps. Therefore, most people usually hide them. Even doctors. Which, by the way, is completely wrong. Because if you have problems with the condition of veins and blood vessels, you need to show them to a specialized doctor - a phlebologist. But first, read this article: here you will learn how to treat varicose veins in the legs, what symptoms it has and what procedures are performed to eliminate it.
Varicose veins of the legs: symptoms
The symptoms of this disease depend on its stage:
So, at 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 are pains in the legs, especially in the area of the veins. Often there are telangiectasias.
At the second stage, there are vascular networks and all the symptoms inherent in the first stage, but already more pronounced. In addition, the visibility of the veins is considerably increased: they can be observed even with the naked eye.
The third stage is characterized by all of the above symptoms. At the same time, the swelling becomes almost permanent. Sometimes they can pass in the morning, but at the same time reappear in the evening.
In the fourth stage, the color of the skin changes. It may turn brownish or even black. Inflammation appears, skin atrophy is possible. In this case, spots of a blue or purple tint appear on it.
At the fifth stage and at the sixth stage, a trophic ulcer is formed: healed and unhealed, respectively.
Varicose veins of the legs: treatment
Today, the treatment of varicose veins of the legs can be done in several ways:
Laser vein obliteration. This is a high-tech procedure, which is performed using modern equipment - a medical laser device. The device is equipped with a flexible light guide, which is inserted through a puncture or incision into the lumen of the problematic vessel at a certain depth. After that, the phlebologist 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, which heats them up and welds them together. Controlling the implementation of the procedure with the help of an ultrasound laser makes it possible to treat varicose veins on the legs even more accurately and effectively. After some time, the glued veins dissolve. The light guide has a special design, due 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 to 4. 5 hours, but this disadvantage is compensated by the fact that varicose veins can be treated with a single session of laser ablation. And since the procedure requires a small incision (no larger 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 necessary to extract the affected area from the vein. After that, the phlebologist excises the extracted vein and its ends are compressed. Treatment of varicose veins of the legs with this procedure does not involve suturing, since the puncture is small - it is usually covered with a bandage and bandaged. That's enough for healing.
Sclerotherapy. For this procedure you do not need to make an incision - the session is fully injectable. Using a syringe, a special liquid (or foam) preparation is injected into the skin, which glues the walls of the veins. Just like in the case of laser vein obliteration, the stuck vessel dissolves into the tissues after some time.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins of the legs. This operation is performed under local anesthesia. During the operation, the doctor excised the skin in the area of the removed veins, after which he removed them. In addition, the cause of blood reflux is simultaneously eliminated. After surgical treatment, a fairly long recovery period is required, which is accompanied by mandatory dressings.
It should be remembered that after all the procedures you need to follow certain instructions that the doctor will give you after they are completed. Therefore, it is necessary to abandon any type of tanning, not to go to the sauna or bath for a few months after the treatment of varicose veins on the legs. It is also forbidden to stand or sit for a long time. Wearing compression underwear is a great time to achieve the effectiveness of the procedure, as well as a faster rehabilitation period. At the same time, it is enough to adhere to this rule around the clock in the first days. In the future, compression underwear can only be worn during the day. By the way, uncomfortable shoes (high heels, tight) at first will also have to be abandoned. Two or three weeks after the operation, it is advisable to wear comfortable and spacious shoes.
Causes of varicose veins
One of the main reasons for the appearance and development of varicose veins on the legs, experts call a genetic predisposition. Thus, if a person from one of the relatives is diagnosed with varicose veins, the risk of contracting this disease will be significantly higher than in people whose relatives did not suffer from varicose veins. However, there are many other factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins on the legs:
Sedentary lifestyle.
Wear uncomfortable shoes or high-heeled shoes.
Reported leg injuries.
Increased loads: excess weight, weightlifting.
Bad nutrition.
Pregnancy and childbirth.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Weakened vascular tone.
Take certain hormonal medications.
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 appear in young people even up to 30 years old. This disease affects both sexes.
Why do you need to treat varicose veins in the legs
If the removal of varicose veins in the legs (treatment) is not carried out in a timely manner, various complications are possible, including a non-healing trophic ulcer. Subsequently, such an ulcer can cause gangrene, which can already lead to amputation of the lower limb and disability. 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 in the legs
A good preventative measure for varicose veins on the legs is to wear compression underwear that can provide even pressure over the entire surface of the legs. It is also recommended to follow other tips:
Do not neglect sports activities: cycling, swimming, walking, etc.
Avoid uncomfortable shoes (especially high heels).
Take a contrast shower.
Also, if you have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins (or other factors), then see a phlebologist at least twice a year.