Veins are blood vessels that help return blood to the heart. Increased pressure in superficial veins can lead to the development of varicose veins.
Varicose veins can develop anywhere on your body, but most often the lower extremities are affected.
Many factors can increase the risk of developing varicose veins, including:
- heritage
- excess weight
- old age
- pregnancy
- work that requires prolonged sitting or standing
Varicose veins can be treated with noninvasive methods, in a short time and without changing your usual rhythm of life. The main purpose of treatment is to relieve symptoms, prevent complications and achieve good cosmetic results. Varicose veins enlarge, can deform and cause pain. They usually rise above the skin and convex, and also have a red or bluish color.
Varicose veins often occur through an underlying condition known as chronic venous insufficiency. Varicose veins are very common, especially in women.
Predisposition to varicose veins
Varicose veins can appear in men or women of any age. Most often it happens:
- women who have had multiple pregnancies
- in postmenopausal women
- in men over 50 years
- in people of any age who have varicose veins in the family
- to men and women with jobs that require prolonged sitting or standing, such as nurses, teachers, drivers, etc.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins usually develop in the legs because the veins in the legs have to pump blood to the heart against gravity.
Less common causes of varicose veins are phlebitis (inflammation of the veins) and congenital vein abnormalities. Varicose veins are usually caused by a condition called venous insufficiency.
- Venous valve. The veins in the legs have valves that prevent blood flow. When the function of these valves is disturbed, blood in the veins begins to accumulate and is not fully sent to the heart.
- Enlarged veins. The veins enlarge and the increased pressure leads to the development of varicose veins.
- Weakness of vein walls. In addition, weakness in the walls of the veins (due to trauma or blood clots in the past) can also lead to valve damage and the formation of varicose veins.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Many cases of varicose veins are asymptomatic, but visual signs of varicose veins include:
- Large, twisted and swollen veins
- Swollen feet, sore feet
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs, especially at night
- Telangiectasias (spider veins) in the same area as varicose veins
- Lipodermatosclerosis (strong fatty deposits under the skin)
- Change in skin color to bluish or brown on the feet and ankles
- Varicose eczema (congestive dermatitis) Dry, itchy and red skin on the affected area
- leg cramps
- restless legs syndrome
How to cure varicose veins?
There are different types of treatment for varicose veins. The best treatment will depend on the structure of your venous system:
- Location and size of the affected vein
- Presence or absence of symptoms
- Presence of skin-related changes (eg dermatitis, edema, ulcers, etc. )
Treatment of varicose veins without surgery is a top priority. Potentially effective treatments for varicose veins include:
- Sclerotherapy. Insertion of a special drug into the vein, which leads to adhesion of the vessel walls
- Laser ablation Removal of abnormal veins using radiofrequency, laser or other techniques
- Miniflebektomia. Painless surgical treatment of varicose veins
Is it safe to treat varicose veins?
On the internet, you can often find search queries like "medicine for varicose veins treatment, varicose vein ointment treatment, treatment for varicose veins at home or treatment for veins with folk remedies". Such methods do not have an effective evidence base, and self-treatment only delays high-quality therapy and worsens the condition of the veins.
Laser treatment of varicose veins is safe and convenient. The advent of minimally invasive therapy in the early 2000s has led to a very favorable prognosis and minimal risks to most treatments.
It is important to contact a specialist phlebologist so that he or she can choose an individual treatment plan that will focus on the specific course of your disease.
How to diagnose varicose veins?
- Physical examination. A phlebologist performs a physical examination and gets a complete medical history, taking into account your symptoms and the condition of your venous system.
- Ultrasound examination. To detect venous insufficiency, the doctor will prescribe an ultrasound scan. Venous ultrasound allows a complete assessment of your venous system. The doctor will check if you have a blood clot to see at what level the varicose veins are located.
What happens if varicose veins are not treated?
If you do not feel any symptoms, then you can check the condition of the veins without treatment. However, in some cases, varicose veins can lead to the development of blood clots or venous ulcers (wounds that do not heal). Sometimes a varicose vein can rupture and cause severe bleeding. If you have varicose veins, a consultation and examination by a phlebologist is recommended.