Varicose veins of the lower extremities, also called varicose veins, are manifested as an expansion of the superficial veins of the legs, which accompanies a disturbance in blood circulation and incompetence of the valves.Currently, varicose veins are very common: they are observed in approximately 17-25% of people.At a young age, before the onset of puberty, this disease develops in both sexes with equal frequency.However, in adult women, varicose veins are seen twice as often as in men.This appearance can be explained by significant hormonal changes during the onset of menstruation, during pregnancy.As a result, the tone of the veins weakens, they expand and the venous circulation is disrupted.
Predisposing factors for varicose veins
Today, experts tend to support many theories as to why varicose veins develop in the legs.But, nevertheless, speaking about the main cause of this disease, a violation of the valvular apparatus of the veins should be emphasized.When the valves of the veins are insufficient in a person who is standing up, the blood flows downwards under the influence of gravity.When you walk, the lower leg muscles surrounding the deep veins contract.Therefore, the veins empty and an increase in venous pressure occurs.As a result, blood enters the superficial veins, they stretch and varicose veins appear.
There are a number of factors that directly affect the progression of varicose veins.In women, varicose veins often develop as a result of pregnancy.During this period, the volume of blood in the female body increases significantly.The enlarged uterus puts a lot of pressure on the veins coming from the legs.In addition, during pregnancy, the condition of the vein wall is affected by hormonal changes in the body.In many cases, varicose veins during pregnancy are reversible, that is, after birth they gradually disappear.
Very often, varicose veins of the lower extremities appear in people who are forced to stand for a long time during work.Another risk factor for varicose veins is obesity: obese people have increased intra-abdominal pressure and, as a result, varicose veins.Often the veins are enlarged even in people who are prone to regular straining.This happens with chronic constipation, cough, prostate adenoma and other conditions.Varicose veins can sometimes be a consequence of leg surgery.
Another factor that predisposes to varicose veins is a person's age.Typically, the valves and walls of the veins age over time.As a result, elasticity is lost and the veins stretch.Varicose veins often appear in patients suffering from deep vein thrombosis and congenital anomalies of blood vessels.
Symptoms of the development of varicose veins of the legs
First of all, the visible symptoms of varicose veins in the legs are the appearance of a network of thin veins on the surface of the skin of the legs.Such manifestations occur mainly in the thigh area.Such varicose veins are easier to see in people who suffer from cellulite.Sometimes it is cellulite that becomes a kind of warning sign of varicose veins.Often, fat deposits due to cellulite press the venous vessels and as a result, blood flow is complicated and varicose veins appear.
In some cases, swelling in the legs indicates the beginning of varicose veins.However, such a sign can be a symptom of other diseases (heart failure, kidney urolithiasis).Therefore, in this case, it is impossible to talk clearly about the development of varicose veins before making a diagnosis.A symptom of varicose veins is often leg pain.The pain can be acute and also have annoying symptoms.The most common symptom of varicose veins is pain in the calves.It mainly appears in the afternoon, after a certain load on foot.There may be a feeling of heavy heaviness in the legs, cramps may appear at night, and trophic changes in the legs gradually appear.
Thus, a person who observes the appearance of a capillary network, periodic manifestations of pain and swelling, should consult a doctor and undergo the necessary research.There are a number of different tests that allow you to assess the condition of the veins and the degree of development of the disease.If a patient has uncomplicated varicose veins, then in most cases instrumental diagnostic methods are not used.
Principles of treatment of varicose veins
Conservative treatment of varicose veins is mainly prescribed to those people who have clear contraindications for surgical intervention.Also, such treatment is indicated if the patient has mild varicose veins, which is simply a cosmetic defect.
The goal of conservative therapy is also to prevent further progression of this disease.For this purpose, patients are recommended to bandage the legs affected by varicose veins with an elastic bandage.In addition, knitted compression garments are indicated for varicose veins.
People who have a tendency to varicose veins or already suffer from this disease should regularly place their feet on an elevated surface throughout the day, resting in this way for a few minutes.There are also special exercises for the lower leg and foot, aimed at activating the muscular-venous pump.This is periodic extension and flexion of the ankle and knee.
Treatment of varicose veins also includes wearing comfortable shoes, which should have low heels and strong soles.You should not stand for a long time, allow physical stress or stay in rooms with high temperature and humidity for a long time.It is recommended to keep your legs in an elevated position while sleeping.
Patients should limit fluid and salt intake and try to lose excess weight.For the treatment of varicose veins, it is necessary to periodically take diuretics, drugs that improve the tone of the veins.In addition, if indicated, the patient may be prescribed medications that stimulate tissue microcirculation.Treatment for varicose veins may also include taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.If the patient has an uncomplicated form of the disease, physical therapy exercises are indicated.Swimming, other water treatments, foot baths with warm water to which a 5-10% solution of sodium chloride is added are very helpful.
However, the radical method of treating varicose veins is surgery.This operation is not performed if the patient has concomitant diseases of the lungs, cardiovascular system, kidneys or liver.This operation should not be performed on pregnant women, as well as on people suffering from purulent diseases.Modern technologies make it possible to use endoscopic techniques for such an operation.If a person only has small enlarged branches, sclerotherapy can be used.This operation involves injecting a sclerosing solution into the vein to close the vein walls.After that, repeated injections are made in other sections of the vein, achieving the complete disappearance of the vein.
Combined surgical therapy is also used for varicose veins, in which the large trunks of the changed veins are removed and sclerotherapy of small branches is performed.After surgery, patients are recommended to continue wearing an elastic bandage for 8-12 weeks.
Prevention of varicose veins of the legs
Prevention of varicose veins includes a number of measures aimed at preventing signs of the disease.It is beneficial for every person to periodically keep their legs elevated, take breaks during sedentary work and not wear underwear that stresses the body.A good method of preventing varicose veins would be a contrast shower, including foods that are good for the blood in your diet and doing some physical exercise.At the first signs of varicose veins, you should consult a doctor to prevent the progression of the disease.