Varicose veins in the legs - symptoms and treatment

27 May 2022

Varicose veins (VV) is a fairly common disease that affects both men and women. It can affect a person's lower limbs as well as deep veins, leading to the development of thrombosis and post-thrombophlebitic disease.

Spider veins that appear on a person's feet due to the development of the disease make him start to feel unattractive. In addition to the external, there are also internal manifestations of the explosive, which are expressed in the appearance of discomfort and pain in the calf muscles. The development of the disease increases the risk of other pathologies of the circulatory system.

The key to success in the fight against pathology lies in 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, wasted time that could have been directed to correct and effective therapy.

To get rid of varicose veins, you need to choose the following tasks:

Elimination of symptoms.
Removal of varicose veins.
Prevent the development and recurrence of VV.

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

Symptoms of varicose veins

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

Subjective:
1. Non-intense and painful pain in calf muscles.
2. Burning and itching sensation along the veins affected by varicose veins.
3. Aggravation in the legs, worse at the end of the day.
4. Hyperpigmentation of the skin.
5. Increased fatigue of the lower extremities.
6. Venous trophic ulcer of the foot.
7. Pain in calf muscles, aggravated by walking.
8. The appearance of edema in the legs and feet.
Objective:
1. Safene veins with varicose veins, which are clearly visible even without the use of special equipment.
2. Intradermal veins and dilated saphenous veins well visible.
3. Presence of spider veins.
4. Changes in the structure and color of the skin, the appearance of lipodermatosclerosis and venous trophic ulcers.

What do the veins look like?

The first alarm signal for the presence of vein problems is swelling of the lower extremities by the end of the day. The bloating is especially pronounced if a person spends most of the day standing up. It may disappear already in the morning after a relaxing night.

However, if you do not pay proper attention to this problem, the condition can worsen significantly. Intradermal veins in the legs with varicose veins become dark blue, appearing on the surface of the skin of the feet and legs. Outwardly, they look like bunches of red grapes that are overripe. Such external manifestations of pathology are accompanied by pain in the calves, a feeling of heat 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 extremities

VV of the lower extremities can develop under the influence of a number of factors and circumstances, the most important:

Pregnancy. This is a major risk factor for developing 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 circulating blood volume and compression of the pregnant uterus of retroperitoneal veins.
Obesity. The connection of this condition with the development of VV has been confirmed by a number of studies. At the same time, a direct link was found between increased body weight and increased risk of developing pathology.
A lifestyle characterized by long-term static load with regular weight lifting or prolonged immobility in a standing or sitting position.
dishormonal conditions. Their role in the development of the disease has increased significantly in recent years. This is due to the widespread use of hormonal contraceptives, the prevalence of hormone replacement therapy for osteoporosis and during the premenopausal period.
Inheritance. The role of this factor in the development of varicose veins in the legs today does not have a clear confirmation.
Violation of the valvular apparatus of the veins, leading to acceleration of blood flow under the influence of gravity whenever a person stands up. The muscles around the deep veins contract as you walk. These veins undergo emptying, which increases the venous pressure. Blood enters the superficial veins through communication vessels with insufficient valves. As a result, they fill with blood, which leads to their extension and dilation (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 stages:

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

It is worth noting that complications can occur in any of the above stages, but their greatest likelihood is inherent in the latter two. VV can serve as a stimulus for the development of diseases such as:

Thrombophlebitis.
Erisipela.
Deep vein thrombosis.
Trophic eczema.

A visit to a specialist, made at the first signs of the onset of the disease, will help reduce the risks of worsening the situation and starting the removal of varicose veins. Do not ignore even the slightest symptoms, as this can lead to undesirable and extremely negative consequences.

Diagnosing

The diagnosis of varicose veins, the symptoms of which are described above, decides the solution of the following tasks:

Determining the presence of pathology in each individual 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 make an accurate diagnosis.
Determination of the characteristic type of venous pathology. The doctor determines exactly which veins have suffered a pathological lesion, as well as determines the degree of this damage and the possible or already occurred consequences.
Description of the appropriate course of treatment. Based on the diagnosis and characteristics of each specific organism, the attending physician makes a choice in favor of one or another treatment or a range of therapeutic measures.
Evaluation of the level of effectiveness of therapy, which is performed by the attending physician during the elimination of the disease or after the patient has fully recovered.

The main methods for diagnosing VV include:

Plethysmography.
thermography.
Magnetic resonance imaging.
Ultrasound angioscan.
Computed tomography.
Clinical studies: conversation with the patient, his external examination and hand examination.
Radionuclide phlebography.
Intravascular ultrasound.
X-ray phlebography.

Most often, it is sufficient for a professional specialist to perform a clinical examination and ultrasound angiography to diagnose varicose veins in the leg.

Treatment Methods

Modern methods of therapy for varicose veins aim to reduce the degree of disability and trauma, which contributes to a faster recovery of the patient. The main therapeutic methods include:

Sclerotherapy. This method involves inserting into the lumen of the varicose veins of the legs a special drug that provokes a chemical burn of the internal venous wall. This leads to their adhesion and interruption of pathological blood flow through them. Can be used alone or in combination with other manipulations. It is performed without prior anesthesia with skin piercing 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 medication that can use an impressive area of the inner walls of the affected venous vessels. Used to treat large diameter veins.
Endovenous laser coagulation, which is performed using a laser device on the main trunks of the leg veins and allows you to stop the pathological blood flow through the affected veins due to the burning of their inner walls and their subsequent adhesion.
Miniflebectomy, which aims to eliminate subcutaneous nodes and enlarged branches from varicose veins through skin punctures. It has an excellent cosmetic effect and is used alone or in combination with other therapeutic methods under local anesthesia.
Elimination of incompetent perforating veins, performed for the prevention of venous insufficiency and treatment of trophic disorders, including ulcers.
Combined phlebectomy, which is a combination of several methods of IV therapy, based on the indications and nature of venous pathologies.

Complications of varicose veins

It should be understood that improper treatment of the disease or its complete rejection can lead to complications. The latter appear not only in cosmetic defects of the lower extremities, but also in more severe forms. Among them:

Trophic eczema, which then turns into an ulcer.
Thrombotic lesions of the venous system, including superficial venous thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities.

Venous blood is a type of "channel" for the body's tissues and is saturated with substances and metabolic products of cells that are relatively harmful to the human body. Skin cells and subcutaneous tissue, as well as muscles and bones, release respiratory products of tissue and other waste materials into the venous system, which transfers them to the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. In case of violations of the functioning of the venous system, there is an increase in the content of these products in body tissues.

An enlarged vein from 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 exit of harmful products, combined with swelling observed for a long time, leads to the death of skin cells and subcutaneous tissue and their subsequent replacement by venous eczema, represented by a dense structureand with dots of a dark color. The death of the superficial layer of the skin is the cause of trophic ulcers.

prevention

Varicose veins in the legs, which today are treated with 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, are those 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 topical 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.
Use of socks, tights, socks and elastic bandages with compression effect. This is an excellent tool in the fight against varicose veins. These products can be purchased in specialty stores after consulting a physician, which is necessary due to the relative difficulty in independently determining the required type of compression underwear.
Special exercises performed daily. They are also able to stop the dilation of blood vessels that has already begun. It should be borne in mind that if there is a tendency for WB, it will make you give up strenuous physical exertion, but in no case should you ignore an active lifestyle. Jogging, swimming, yoga and skiing, for example, help keep leg veins healthy.
Preventive pills for varicose veins are known to be a more effective method of preventing VV than using topical medications. However, the use of any oral medication should be carried out exclusively for its intended purpose and under the strict supervision of a competent specialist.

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 establish an accurate diagnosis in a timely manner and determine the appropriate treatment that will stop the progression of the disease and reduce to zero the risk of developing other pathologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Too often people are interested not only in the question of how to treat varicose veins. Many patients suffering from this disease are interested in what they can and can not do to not worsen their health condition and not to provoke other health problems. Below are frequently asked questions that people with VV are interested in.

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

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

Is it possible to drink coffee with varicose veins?

Caffeine has the ability to raise 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 dilatation.

Therefore, with varicose veins you can drink coffee, but not exceeding the daily dose. 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 not drink coffee. Just do not drink more than 1-2 cups a day. It is also recommended to dilute coffee with milk.

Is massage allowed?

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

With varicose veins, you can do an extremely 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 features of the course of the disease should be considered. A mandatory consultation with a specialist is recommended before proceeding with the massage of the area whose veins are affected by varicose veins.

Can you warm your feet?

When the legs become hot, the veins dilate, blood circulation increases, and the load on the non-venous walls only increases. This can worsen the already bad condition of varicose veins vessels. This is why it is recommended to limit hot baths for patients with varicose veins. It will be better to lower the water temperature from hot to warm, which will not provoke vasodilation and will not lead to a deterioration of the human condition. It should always be remembered that consultation with a specialist is necessary, regardless of whether it is about hot baths or vaccinations for varicose veins.

Is running and squatting allowed?

Experts recommend starting running at the first signs of WB 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 running through the woods or park, where the air is always clean.

However, you need to adequately assess your skills and stamina and avoid excessive loads that are contraindicated in varicose veins. It is important to monitor the gradual increase of loads that do not exceed indicators that are comfortable for the body.

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

What is the best treatment for varicose veins?

Today there is no clear answer to the question of which therapeutic method is most effective for varicose veins. The fact is that success in treatment depends on a number of factors that must be evaluated by a qualified specialist in each case. Only then can they make a final decision on assigning a special treatment to WB.