Varicose veins of the lower extremities, also called varicose veins, are manifested by dilation of the superficial veins of the legs, which is accompanied by disruption of blood flow and valvular incompetence.Currently, varicose veins are very common: they are observed in approximately 17 to 25% of people.At a young age, before the onset of puberty, this disease develops in both sexes with the same frequency.However, in women in adulthood, varicose veins are observed twice as often as in men.This picture can be explained by significant hormonal changes at the start of periods during pregnancy.As a result, the tone of the veins is weakened, they dilate and venous circulation is disrupted.
Factors predisposing to varicose veins
Today, experts tend to support many theories as to why varicose veins develop in the legs.But nevertheless, speaking about the main cause of this disease, it is worth noting a violation of the valvular apparatus of the veins.When the venous valves are insufficient in a person who has stood up, blood flows downward under the influence of gravity.When walking, the muscles in the lower leg surrounding the deep veins contract.As a result, the veins empty and venous pressure increases.As a result, blood enters the superficial veins, they stretch and varicose veins appear.
There are a number of factors that directly affect the progression of varicose veins.In women, varicose veins often develop following pregnancy.During this period, the volume of blood in the female body increases significantly.The enlargement of the uterus puts a lot of pressure on the veins coming from the legs.Additionally, during pregnancy, the condition of the vein wall is affected by hormonal changes in the body.In many cases, varicose veins during pregnancy are reversible, that is, they gradually disappear after delivery.
Very often, varicose veins of the lower extremities appear in people who are forced to stand for a long time while working.Another risk factor for varicose veins is obesity: obese people have increased intra-abdominal pressure and, consequently, dilation of the veins.Often, veins also dilate in people subject to regular exertion.This occurs with chronic constipation, cough, prostate adenoma and other ailments.Varicose veins can sometimes be a consequence of leg surgery.
Another predisposing factor to varicose veins is the age of the person.Typically, valves and vein walls age over time.As a result, elasticity is lost and the veins stretch.Varicose veins often occur in patients with deep vein thrombosis and congenital blood vessel abnormalities.
Symptoms of the development of varicose veins of the legs
First of all, the visible symptoms of varicose veins on the legs are the appearance of a network of fine veins on the surface of the skin of the legs.Such manifestations mainly occur on the thighs.These varicose veins are easier to observe in people suffering from cellulite.Sometimes it is cellulite that becomes a kind of harbinger of varicose veins.Often, fatty deposits due to cellulite compress venous vessels, which complicates blood circulation and leads to the appearance of varicose veins.
In some cases, swelling in 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).Therefore, in this case it is impossible to clearly talk about the development of varicose veins before making a diagnosis.A symptom of varicose veins is often pain in the legs.The pain may be acute and present with persistent symptoms.The most common symptom of varicose veins is calf pain.This mainly occurs in the afternoon, after a certain load on the legs.There may be a feeling of intense heaviness in the legs, cramps may occur at night, and trophic changes gradually appear on the legs.
So, a person who observes the appearance of a hair network, periodic manifestations of pain and swelling, should consult a doctor and undergo the necessary research.There are a number of different tests that help assess the condition of the veins and the degree of development of the disease.If a patient has simple varicose veins, in most cases instrumental diagnostic methods are not used.
Principles of treatment of varicose veins
Conservative treatment of varicose veins is mainly prescribed to people with clear contraindications to surgical intervention.In addition, such treatment is indicated if the patient has slight varicose veins, which are a purely cosmetic defect.
The goal of conservative treatment is also to prevent the progression of this disease.To this end, patients are recommended to bandage the legs affected by varicose veins with an elastic bandage.In addition, compression knits are indicated for varicose veins.
People who are prone to or already suffering from varicose veins should regularly place their legs on an elevated surface throughout the day, resting for several minutes.There are also special exercises for the lower leg and foot, aimed at activating the musculovenous pump.It involves periodic extension and flexion of the ankle and knee joints.
Treatment of varicose veins also involves wearing comfortable shoes with low heels and hard soles.You should not stand for a long time, allow physical stress or stay in rooms with high temperature and humidity for a long time.It is advisable to keep your legs in an elevated position while sleeping.
Patients should limit their fluid and salt intake and try to lose weight.To treat varicose veins, it is periodically necessary to take diuretics, drugs that improve the tone of the veins.Additionally, if indicated, the patient may be prescribed drugs that stimulate microcirculation in the tissues.Treatment for varicose veins may also include taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.If the patient has a simple form of the disease, physiotherapy exercises are indicated.Swimming, other water treatments, foot baths in 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, nor on people suffering from purulent diseases.Modern technologies make it possible to use endoscopic techniques for such an operation.If a person only has small, dilated branches, sclerotherapy may be used.This operation consists of injecting a sclerosing solution into the vein to seal the vein walls.After this, repeated injections are given into other sections of the vein, thus completely obliterating the vein.
For varicose veins, combined surgical therapy is also used, in which large trunks of altered veins are removed and sclerotherapy of small branches is carried out.After surgery, patients are recommended to continue wearing an elastic bandage for 8 to 12 weeks.
Prevention of varicose veins of the legs
Prevention of varicose veins includes a number of measures aimed at preventing 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 puts strain on the body.A good method to prevent varicose veins would be to take a contrast shower, include foods good for the blood in your diet and do some physical exercises.At the first signs of varicose veins, you should consult a doctor to prevent the progression of the disease.