If the veins in the legs are very large and clearly visible to the naked eye, then this is by no means a cause for pride (well, in fact, these are not muscles). However, they do not look as attractive as, say, the quadriceps. Therefore, most people usually hide them. Even by doctors. Which, by the way, is completely false. Because if you have any problems with the condition of the veins and blood vessels, then they should be shown to a doctor who specializes in them - a phlebologist. But first, read this article: in it you will learn how to treat varicose veins in the leg, what are the symptoms and what procedures are performed to eliminate it.
Varicose veins of the legs: symptoms
The symptoms of this disease depend on its stage:
So, in the first stage, the patient is bothered by a feeling of heaviness in the lower extremities, muscle cramps (most often during sleep), itching or burning, swelling of the legs. Sometimes there is pain in the legs, especially in the area of the veins. There is often telangiectasia.
In the second stage, there are vascular networks and all the natural symptoms in the first stage, but already more pronounced. Also, the visibility of the veins is significantly increased: they can also be seen with the naked eye.
The third stage is characterized by all of the above symptoms. At the same time, the swelling becomes almost permanent. Sometimes they can pass in the morning, but at the same time reappear in the evening.
In the fourth stage, the skin color changes. It can be brown or even black. Inflammation occurs, skin atrophy is possible. In this case, spots of a blue or purple color appear on it.
In the fifth and sixth stages, a trophic ulcer is formed: healed and unhealed, respectively.
Varicose veins of the legs: treatment
Today, the treatment of varicose veins in the legs can be done in several ways:
Laser disappearance of veins. This is a high-tech procedure, which is performed using modern equipment - a laser medical device. The device is equipped with a flexible light guide, which is inserted through a drill or cut into the lumen of the problematic vessel at a certain depth. After that, the phlebologist turns on the camera and the tip of the light guide begins to emit a steady stream of light. Light has a wavelength such that rays are absorbed by the walls of the veins, as a result of which they heat up and coalesce. Control over the implementation of the procedure with the help of an ultrasonic laser makes it possible to treat varicose veins in the legs even more accurately and efficiently. After a while, the adjacent veins dissipate. The light guide has a special design, due to which the entire inner perimeter of the vessel is processed immediately. The required duration of treatment is achieved due to the fact that the doctor gradually issues the light guide. Laser ablation has an average session duration of 2-4, 5 hours, but this concern is offset by the fact that varicose veins can only be treated with one laser removal session. And since the procedure requires a small incision (not more than 0, 3 cm), there is no need for sutures after the session.
Miniflebektomia. This procedure will also require a puncture or incision (and also no more than 3 mm). It is necessary to remove the affected area of the vein. After that, the phlebologist removes the extracted vein, and its edges are compressed. Treatment of varicose veins of the legs with this procedure does not involve suturing, as the drilling is small - it is usually covered with plaster and bandaged. That's enough for healing.
Sclerotherapy. For this procedure, you do not need to make an incision - the session is completely injectable. By means of a syringe, a special liquid preparation (or foam form) is injected into the skin, which sticks together the walls of the veins. As in the case of laser vein disappearance, the adjacent vessel is distributed to the tissue after a while.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins in the legs. This operation is performed using local anesthesia. During the operation, the doctor cuts the skin in the area of the removed veins, after which he removes them. Moreover, the cause of back blood flow is eliminated simultaneously. After surgical treatment, a fairly long recovery period is required, which is accompanied by mandatory dressing.
It is worth remembering that after all procedures, you should follow certain instructions that the doctor will give after they are completed. So it is necessary to abandon any kind of tanning, do not go to the sauna or bath for several months after treatment of varicose veins of the legs. It is also forbidden to stand or sit for a long time. A special moment in achieving the effectiveness of the procedure, as well as in a faster period of rehabilitation, is the wearing of compression underwear. At the same time, it is enough to adhere to this rule around the clock in the first days. In the future, compression underwear can only be worn during the day. By the way, uncomfortable shoes (high heels, tight) at first will also have to be abandoned. Two or three weeks after the procedure, it is advisable to wear comfortable and spacious shoes.
Causes of varicose veins
One of the main reasons for the appearance and development of varicose veins of the legs, experts call a genetic predisposition. So if a person in one of the relatives is diagnosed with varicose veins, then the risk of this disease will be significantly higher than in people whose relatives did not suffer from varicose veins. However, there are many other factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins in the legs:
Sedentary lifestyle.
Wearing uncomfortable shoes or shoes with high heels.
Injuries delayed standing.
Added loads: overweight, weight lifting.
Wrong diet.
Pregnancy and childbirth.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Weakened tone of blood vessels.
Taking certain hormonal medications.
Smoking and alcohol abuse.
Diseases of the pelvic organs.
Constant stress and emotional tension.
High blood viscosity.
Varicose veins are more common in older people (because vascular tone decreases with age). However, it can occur in young people up to 30 years old. This disease affects both sexes.
Why you should treat varicose veins in the legs
If the elimination of varicose veins in the leg (treatment) is not done in a timely manner, then various complications are possible, including a non-healing trophic ulcer. Subsequently, such an ulcer can cause gangrene, and this may already be fraught with lower limb amputation and disability. In addition, the treatment of any disease is easier to carry out in the early stages of the disease.
Also, do not forget about the possible development of thrombophlebitis. One of the complications of this disease is pulmonary embolism, which can generally be fatal.
Prevention of varicose veins in the legs
A good preventative measure for varicose veins in the legs is to wear compression underwear that can provide uniform pressure across the entire surface of the legs. It is also recommended to follow other tips:
Do not neglect sports activities: cycling, swimming, walking, etc.
Avoid uncomfortable shoes (especially high heels).
Take a contrast shower.
In addition, if you have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins (or other factors), then consult a phlebologist at least twice a year.