Varicose veins on 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 extremities, as well as deep veins, leading to the development of thrombosis and post-thrombophlebitic disease.

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

The key to success in the fight against pathology is 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 bring the desired effect. As a result, time was wasted that could have been spent on proper and effective therapy.

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

Elimination of symptoms.
Removal of varicose veins.
Prevention of development and recurrence of VV.

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

Symptoms of varicose veins

Symptoms of the disease are signs that clearly indicate its development. They are divided into:

Subjective:
1. Not intense, aching pain in the calf muscles.
2. Burning sensation and itching along the veins affected by the varicose veins.
3. Heaviness in the legs, worse towards the end of the day.
4. Cutaneous hyperpigmentation.
5. Increased fatigue of the lower limbs.
6. Trophic venous ulcer of the leg.
7. Pain in the calf muscles, worse when walking.
8. The appearance of edema in the leg and feet.
Objective:
1. Saphenous varices, which are clearly visible even without the use of special equipment.
2. Clearly visible dilated intradermal and saphenous veins.
3. The presence of varicosities.
4. Changes in the structure and color of the skin, the appearance of lipodermatoscoerosis and venous trophic ulcers.

What do veins look like?

The very first warning signal regarding the presence of venous problems is the swelling of the lower extremities at the end of the day. Puffiness is especially pronounced if a person spends most of the day standing on their feet. It can already disappear in the morning after a night spent relaxing.

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

Causes of varicose veins of the lower limbs

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

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 an increase in the volume of circulating blood and compression of the gravid uterus from the 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 relationship was found between increased body weight and an increased risk of developing pathology.
A lifestyle that is characterized by long-term static loads with regular weight lifting or prolonged immobility while standing or sitting.
disordered states. Their role in the development of the disease has increased considerably in recent years. This is due to the generalization of the use of hormonal contraceptives, the diffusion of hormonal replacement treatments for osteoporosis and during the premenopausal period.
Heredity. The role of this factor in the development of varicose veins on the legs today does not have unequivocal confirmation.
Violation of the valvular apparatus of the veins, resulting in a rush of blood flow under the influence of gravity each time a person stands up. The muscles around the deep veins contract when you walk. These veins are prone to emptying, which increases venous pressure. Blood enters the superficial veins through communicating vessels with insufficient valves. As a result, they are filled with blood, causing them to stretch and expand (varicose veins).

Classification and stages

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

Initial (or compensation).
The second (or undercompensation).
Third (or decompensation).

It should be noted that complications can occur at any of the above stages, but their greater probability is inherent in the last two. VV can serve as an impetus for the development of diseases such as:

Thrombophlebitis.
Erysipelas.
Deep vein thrombosis.
Trophic eczema.

A visit to a specialist, carried out at the first signs of the onset of the disease, will help reduce the risk of aggravation of the situation and begin to eliminate varicose veins. Do not ignore even minor symptoms, as this can lead to undesirable and extremely negative consequences.

Diagnostic

Diagnosis of varicose veins, the symptoms of which are described above, sets itself the solution of the following tasks:

Determination of the presence of pathology in each patient. It often happens that people who do not have varicose veins are sure to have them and vice versa. However, only an experienced phlebologist, based on an external examination and a number of complex studies, can establish an accurate diagnosis.
Establishment of the characteristic type of the pathology of the veins. The doctor determines exactly which veins have suffered pathological damage, and also establishes the degree of this damage and the possible or already occurring consequences.
Prescribe the right treatment. Depending on the diagnosis and characteristics of each specific organism, the attending physician makes a choice in favor of one or another treatment or a complex of therapeutic measures.
Evaluation of the level of effectiveness of therapy, which is carried out by the attending physician when eliminating the disease or after the patient has completely recovered.

The main methods for diagnosing VV include:

Plethysmography.
thermography.
Magnetic resonance imaging.
Ultrasonic angiography.
CT scan.
Clinical studies: conversation with the patient, his external examination and his manual examination.
Phlebography of radionuclides.
Intravascular ultrasound.
X-ray venography.

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

Treatment methods

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

Sclerotherapy. This method involves the introduction into the lumen of the varicose veins of the legs of a special drug that causes a chemical burn of the internal vein wall. This leads to their sticking and the cessation of pathological blood flow through them. It can be used alone or in combination with other manipulations. It is performed without prior anesthesia with punctures of skin punctures using a thin needle. The duration depends on the extent of the lesion.
Foam sclerotherapy, which involves the preparation of a 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 for the treatment of large diameter veins.
Endovenous laser coagulation, which is carried out with the help of a laser device on the main trunks of the veins of the legs and allows stopping pathological blood flow in the affected veins due to burning of their inner walls and sticking togetherulterior.
Miniphlebectomy, aimed at removing subcutaneous nodes and enlarged tributaries of varicose veins through punctures of the skin. It has an excellent cosmetic effect and is used alone or in combination with other therapeutic methods under local anesthesia.
Removal of incontinent perforating veins, carried out for the prevention of venous insufficiency and the treatment of trophic disorders, including ulcers.
Combined phlebectomy, which is a combination of certain 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 complete rejection of it can lead to complications. The latter appear not only in aesthetic defects of the lower limbs, but also in more serious forms. Among them:

Trophic eczema, later turning into an ulcer.
Thrombotic lesions of the venous system, including thrombophlebitis of superficial veins 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. Cells in the skin and subcutaneous tissue, along with muscle and bone, dump tissue respiratory products and other waste products into the venous system, which transfers them to the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. In case of violation of the functioning of the venous system, there is an increase in the content of these products in the tissues of the body.

A vein enlarged by varicose veins leads not only to an increase in the concentration of harmful products in the tissues, but also to an increase in their swelling. Such a violation of the outflow of harmful products, together with long-observed swelling, leads to the death of cells of the skin and subcutaneous tissues and their subsequent replacement with venous eczema, represented by a dense dotted structure of colordark. The death of the surface layer of the skin is the cause of trophic ulcers.

Prevention

Varicose veins on the legs, the treatment of which today is carried out by various methods, can be avoided if preventive measures are observed. Due to the fact that the risk of developing VV is much higher in women, it is they who should not ignore the prevention of this disease. However, men should also not ignore preventive measures aimed at preventing the development of varicose veins in the legs. Main activities include:

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

In order to prevent the situation from getting worse, you should abandon self-medication at the first manifestations of the disease and consult a doctor. This will make it possible to make a timely correct diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment that will stop the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of developing other pathologies to zero.

Frequently Asked Questions

Very often people are not only interested 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 condition and cause other health problems. Here are frequently asked questions of interest to people with VV.

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

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

Is it possible to drink coffee with varicose veins?

Caffeine has the ability to increase blood pressure and increase heart rate, 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.
Increased blood pressure.
Short-term venous expansion.

Therefore, with varicose veins, you can drink coffee, but not to exceed the daily intake. A complete rejection of your favorite tonic drink will not lead to the restoration of pathologically affected veins, so you should not torture yourself and drink coffee. Do not drink more than 1-2 cups per day. It is also recommended to dilute the coffee with milk.

Are massages allowed?

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

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

It is advisable to do a professional manual massage for patients with varicose veins, but all the features of the course of the disease should be taken into account. A mandatory consultation with a specialist is recommended before proceeding to massage the area whose veins are affected by varicose veins.

Can you warm your feet?

When the legs are heated, the veins expand, blood circulation increases, and the load on the non-venous walls only increases. This can aggravate the already poor condition of the varicose vessels. This is why it is recommended to limit hot baths for patients with varicose veins. It will be better to reduce the temperature of the water from hot to hot, which will not cause vasodilation and will not lead to aggravation of the human condition. It should never be forgotten that the consultation of a specialist is necessary, whether it is hot baths or vaccinations against 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 in the forest or park, where the air is always clean.

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

During a run, a person with BB should not feel tired. Running only a short distance with the use of compression stockings is permitted. In case of thrombophlebitis, jogging should be abandoned. The eligibility of running and squats for pelvic varicose veins should be discussed with your doctor.

What is the best treatment for varicose veins?

Today there is no unequivocal 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 after this can they make a final decision on the appointment of a particular treatment for BB.