Varicose veins are a disease of the venous channels, characterized by blood circulation disorders and changes in the valves.The disease is accompanied by an expansion of the walls and an increase in the length of the vein.The disease causes stagnation of blood and the formation of a node.It requires consultation with a doctor.
Symptoms of varicose veins
In the initial stage of the development of the disease, the size of 2-3 channels increases.There are no other symptoms.As varicose veins progress, the following symptoms appear:
- rapid fatigue of the lower limbs;
- swelling of the legs;
- feeling of heaviness;
- thickening of the venous channels on the surface of the skin;
- hair loss in the affected area;
- burning and itching;
- pain in the lower limbs;
- formation of bleeding cracks with minor injuries;
- dermatitis;
- redness along the venous channel.
- the veins take on a dark blue hue, nodes form;
- cramps in the lower limbs.
Reasons
The exact cause of varicose veins cannot be determined.However, factors that increase the risk of disease progression have been identified:
- genetic predisposition.It can be explained by the transfer of a non-standard gene, which is responsible for the construction of vascular channels.From the moment of birth, the child has muscle and connective tissue weakness, which leads to increased pressure in the lower limbs;
- changes in hormone levels, such as during pregnancy or menopause.The concentration of estrogen in the body decreases and the level of progesterone increases.This leads to a decrease in the tone of the venous wall and blockage of blood vessels;
- excess weight causes slow blood circulation and increased pressure in the abdominal area;
- the high concentration of sugar in the blood vessels damages the wall of the channels, creating a favorable environment for blood clot formation;
- excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages causes dehydration, blood cells thicken, blood clots form, and blood circulation is disturbed;
- long-term physical activity of the lower limbs causes a decrease in the tone of the muscle tissue, the blood flow of the cardiac system slows down, and stagnation develops in the legs;
- congenital disorders of blood cell coagulation;
- improperly prepared diet, low concentration of vitamins E and C lead to weakening of blood vessels;
- the constant use of tight underwear provokes compression of the venous channels;
- kidney diseases;
- chronic constipation.The disease leads to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, which impairs blood flow;
- frequent use of high-heeled shoes, the muscle tissue of the lower leg does not move, which causes stagnation;
- hot season, frequent dehydration thickens the blood, increasing the risk of blood clots;
- cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure;
- overdose of drugs that increase blood clotting;
- surgical interventions, blood loss during surgical treatment increases the risk of blood clots.
Stages of development of varicose veins
The progression of varicose veins of the lower limbs has several stages:
- the initial stage lasts from several months to several years, regardless of the age of the patient.It is characterized by a lack of clear signs.It is accompanied by mild pain in the venous channels, a burning sensation and rapid fatigue of the legs.Painful sensations intensify in the evening;
- the second stage is characterized by the development of symptoms.It is accompanied by severe pain, constant spasms of muscle tissue, the formation of lumps on the legs, an increase in the thickness of the veins and a feeling of itching;
- the third stage is characterized by an increase in edema, impaired blood circulation, ulcerative lesions that do not heal for a long time, and thrombophlebitis.
Varieties
Depending on the location, we distinguish several types of varicose veins:
Varicose veins on legs and arms
It is diagnosed more often than others and is easily treated.
Varicose veins of the pelvis
It is characterized by symptoms similar to other diseases.The process of urination is interrupted, pain is possible during sexual intercourse or exercise.
Uterine varicose veins
Rarely diagnosed, it is characterized by painful sensations during intercourse that radiate to the lumbar region.
Esophageal varicose veins
More often - concomitant diseases of portal hypertension.It is characterized by the absence of symptoms.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis requires a visual examination and history.Further tests reveal the condition of the valves and venous channels and make it possible to establish the type and stage of development of the disease.If necessary, the doctor prescribes functional tests to determine the patency of the veins, ultrasound examination with duplex, venography, Dopplerography to assess blood flow.To diagnose varicose veins, use:
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Examination (comprehensive examination of the body)
- Computerized electroencephalography
- Computer topography of the spine
- Duplex scanning
- Ultrasound (ultrasound examination)
- CT (computed tomography)
- Onco Check-up - free online consultation
Which doctor should I see?
If you suspect varicose veins, see a phlebologist - a doctor who specializes in blood vessels.You can also make an appointment with a surgeon, who will establish the diagnosis and select the appropriate treatment.
Treatment of varicose veins
The course of treatment depends on the individual characteristics of the disease.Medicines improve the functioning of the valves, nourish the walls of the vascular channels, and stimulate blood flow, but they cannot eliminate the disease.The patient's diet is modified, an individual daily schedule is drawn up, and compression clothing is prescribed.Traditional methods help to get rid of pain.If the disease cannot be cured by conservative methods, surgical intervention is prescribed.The following methods are generally used:
- Manual therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Therapeutic massage
- Orthopedic insole
- Reflexology
- Ozone therapy
- Plasma therapy
- SVF joint therapy
- Pharmacopuncture
Complications
- Venous bleeding;
- eczema, develops in case of persistent lack of oxygen;
- superficial thrombophlebitis;
- formation of blood clots in the deep venous channels;
- formation of trophic ulcers;
- infertility due to damage to the uterine veins;
- death due to a broken blood clot.
Prevention of varicose veins
To reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, the following rules should be followed:
- avoid intense physical activity on the lower limbs;
- use medications as directed;
- stop drinking alcoholic beverages;
- if you do sedentary work, do small gymnastics once an hour;
- stop using compression underwear;
- maintain a balanced diet;
- Consult a doctor at the first signs of varicose veins.