Varicose veins are a disease of the veins under the skin, which manifests itself in excessive expansion, stretching, loss of elasticity of the veins, and disruption of blood circulation processes. Swollen varicose veins usually appear on the legs.
Varicose veins are considered a cosmetic problem, but if left untreated, they can lead to complications. The main ones are trophic ulcers and thrombophlebitis, which develop in 70% of patients with varicose veins.
Symptoms of varicose veins
Signs that appear already at the initial stage:
- legs get tired quickly;
- burning sensation and heaviness in the legs;
- small swellings appear;
- there is pain in the veins;
- I have cramps in my calves.
Another characteristic sign of varicose veins is the localization of pain in the calves, which appears in the evening and disappears in the morning. The pain is not sharp, the sensations are moderate, pulling.
In the first stage, the dilated veins are not visible, but varicose veins are already forming. Sometimes it takes decades. Gradually, the symptoms become more and more disturbing, signs of venous insufficiency appear:
- swelling of the legs - in patients (most often in women with varicose veins), chronic venous disease is usually accompanied by an increase in the volume of the legs. At the same time, edema, as well as pain and heaviness, are observed in the afternoon and decrease after sleep. Leg edema is not characteristic of the mentioned pathology, it is a symptom of lymphedema;
- skin itching;
- knots, tortuosity, which can be seen with the naked eye;
- darkening, thickening of the skin, the appearance of a bluish tint.
As the venous disease progresses, the symptoms intensify. The appearance of the skin of the legs deteriorates, eczema and trophic ulcers appear.
Causes of varicose veins
The cause of varicose veins is the insufficiency of the venous valves of the legs, due to which the outflow of blood deteriorates. The venous network of the legs consists of superficial and deep veins, which are connected by blood vessels. Superficial veins carry blood away from the skin and subcutaneous structures, while deep veins carry blood away from internal organs. The veins connecting them act as compensators, equalizing the pressure in the superficial and deep veins.
Adequate blood flow is from the superficial veins to the deep veins. This direction can be provided by the movement of the surrounding muscles and the work of the vasomotor center, since the movement from the bottom to the top contradicts the forces of attraction.
If for some reason the outflow becomes difficult, the walls of the blood vessels become inflamed and thin, dilated veins and cyanotic nodules characteristic of varicose veins appear.
The disease develops as a response to a complex of adverse conditions listed below:
- heredity - the weakness of the walls of blood vessels can be transmitted from generation to generation and lead to the loss of vascular tone;
- exhausting work, standing on your feet - the high-risk group includes people who, due to the nature of their activity, have to sit or stand for a long time;
- frequent pregnancy and childbirth - during this period, the total amount of blood and compression of the veins increases, which causes varicose veins;
- obesity - increased venous pressure in overweight people increases the chance of developing varicose veins;
- failure of the hormonal system - self-administration of contraceptives and other hormone-based drugs causes changes in the venous wall. In women, such a reaction is observed during pregnancy;
- nutrition - the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in the menu leads to a lack of fiber, as a result - the weakening of the venous wall.
What does varicose veins look like?
Since varicose veins are changes in the veins, the disease is also called a cosmetic problem:
- first, patients notice the appearance of webs and a vein pattern on their legs;
- later the veins become tortuous, lifting the skin;
- in the most advanced stage, varicose nodes are clearly visible, which indicate the dilation and entanglement of blood vessels.
What is the danger of the disease
What happens if the disease is not treated? This inevitably leads to complications. The most dangerous are thrombophlebitis and "detachment" of the blood clot. 5% of all patients experience similar complications. With age, a trophic ulcer often develops, which is difficult to treat. The risk of complications of varicose veins increases with time.
Thrombophlebitis . This causes blood clots to form in the veins of the legs, which can break off and clog the arteries, leading to a heart attack.Venous thrombosis. Blockage of a blood vessel by a blood clot. This is expressed by pain in the legs, which is aggravated by physical exertion.Pulmonary embolism . Obstruction of its lumen by a detached thrombus. Death can occur in the first half hour. If the blood clot is small, a pulmonary infarction may occur.Trophic ulcers. Darkening and thinning of the skin with the further appearance of ulcers. It occurs as a result of tissue malnutrition. Poor response to treatment.
Risk factors
Heredity . If both parents have varicose veins, one child has a 90% chance, if one has 60%.Pregnancy. In this period, venous disease is provoked by 3 factors:- hormonal changes - the production of large amounts of progesterone relaxes the muscles and makes the veins more vulnerable;
- the pressure of the uterus, which has increased - in this connection, the outflow of blood from the legs worsens;
- an increase in blood volume by 20-30% - the venous valves of the legs cannot withstand the load, especially if they are initially weak;
Improper nutrition. The uncontrolled consumption of processed foods from industrial products, sugar and salt, fast food, fried and fatty foods, trans fats, preservatives and artificial additives also leaves its mark.Hormonal background. The activity of hormones can weaken the veins, which causes vasodilation and prevents the valves from closing normally.Tight clothes . Tightening belts, tight jeans and underwear interfere with harmonious blood flow and impede blood circulation.High heels . When walking, the veins work to the limit. This is due to the fact that the load is unevenly distributed - the main part falls on the front leg. Pain in the veins and swelling of the legs are the first signs of incipient varicose veins.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
In the early diagnosis of varicose veins, ultrasound technologies are used - angioscanning and dopplerography.
Ultrasound angioscanning (USAS) is an informative method for non-invasive examination of peripheral vessels. It enables the creation of a two-dimensional image of the artery, the visualization of intravascular structures, and the evaluation of the direction and character of fluid flow.
Computed tomography (CT) is used in severe cases where USAS cannot provide an answer.
Doppler ultrasound (Doppler ultrasound) is the simplest method for assessing the peripheral vessels. It evaluates the condition of the artery with indirect indicators: the reaction of blood flow to functional tests, etc.
X-ray contrast phlebography is used to diagnose arteriovenous angiodysplasia, acute thrombosis and their consequences, and pelvic varices.
Treatment of varicose veins
Surgical techniques
Complete healing of varicose veins is possible only after surgical treatment. It happens in three ways:
- phlebectomy - removal of an enlarged varicose vein;
- Sclerosis is the introduction of a special substance into the varicose vein, which "glues" the walls of the vessels, normalizing the blood flow. The swelling of the veins disappears, even the cosmetic defect disappears;
- laser coagulation - the walls of the vein are exposed to heat, as a result of which the venous lumen is "closed". Manipulation is performed only when the vein expands by no more than 10 mm.
Medical treatment of varicose veins
The leading role in the treatment is played by venotonics in the form of tablets. They improve blood circulation and heal the arteries.
Also prescribe venotonic drugs - phlebotonics. They are taken together with thinning of the walls of blood vessels, increased permeability, reduced elasticity and fluid stagnation. The preparations strengthen the vein walls, increase their elasticity, reduce swelling and other negative signs. Another quality of phlebotonics is the development of microcirculation in the affected area.
Antiplatelet drugs are used to thin the blood in the veins. Medicines are needed when it is necessary to reduce the formation of blood clots. Recommended for patients with increased blood viscosity. You can only take antiplatelet agents if you are not prone to bleeding.
Anticoagulants are sometimes used individually to stop thrombus formation. They eliminate blood clots and reduce viscosity. But the decision is made by the attending physician after evaluating the potential health benefits and potential rice.
Compression therapy
Compression clothing is a reliable assistant in the treatment of varicose veins. The operating principle of the products is as follows:
- while wearing compression stockings, the pressure in the superficial and deep veins increases;
- the greatest pressure is at the bottom, where the veins are more narrowed and the outflow of blood is fastest;
- due to the narrowing of the veins, the functioning of the valves improves;
- pain, swelling, fatigue in the legs disappear.
A complex approach
There are many treatment options, but the most appropriate is to focus on improving the entire body as a whole. Varicose veins in the broader sense are not only a problem of the veins, but also a symptom of a malfunctioning of the body. Therefore, we advise you to heal your body and do so consistently and wisely.
- drink plenty of water - dehydration is one of the causes of blood clotting, especially in hot periods;
- help the liver in detoxification - add artichokes, flax, grapefruit, oranges, apples, cruciferous vegetables, rosemary, dandelions, olives to the diet (make sure there is no allergic reaction and individual intolerance of the product);
- remove from the diet all pro-inflammatory foods that thicken the blood and have a harmful effect on the walls of blood vessels (alcohol, coffee, sugar, pastries, dairy products, smoked, canned food, fast food, refined food);
- eliminates constipation - compresses venous blood flow in the pelvis. Start drinking symbionts or microbiotics. The bacteria in their composition create a balance between the microflora and thereby normalize the stool. They improve the condition of the small and large intestine, as well as the gastric mucosa;
- take an analysis for homocysteine - it should not exceed 10. If it's higher, you need to make sure you're not deficient in vitamin B12, folic acid, or iron. At the same time, restore the microflora, otherwise their absorption may deteriorate;
- restoration of protein levels. For control, a biochemical blood test is given: the optimal concentration of protein in adults is 72-86 g / l, in children - 45-80 g / l;
- working with insulin resistance - the problem is often associated with this disorder. You can recognize it from the symptoms: constant hunger and frequent desire to eat, multiple papillomas, red dots that look like birthmarks, swelling, thirst and high blood pressure;
- introduction of exercises - Pilates, yoga, light cardio;
- improves the outflow of lymph - drink water with herbs, cranberries, spices, lemon, ginger;
- take a contrast shower - under the influence of cold, the small blood vessels begin to narrow, and under the influence of heat, on the contrary, they expand. This leads to the strengthening of the vessel walls and an increase in their tone.
- restoration of hormone levels - excessive activity of hormone production dilates the blood vessels and prevents the normal closing of the valves. Broccoli symbionts are suitable for supporting the restoration of hormonal balance. The active ingredient in it - sulforaphane - removes excess estrogen from the body. This is because of the cancer-causing substances found in broccoli, such as potassium, zinc, selenium, beta-carotene, amino acids, vitamins A, C and E.