Varicose veins, more commonly known as varicose veins, occur when the veins become stretched and enlarged, turning blue-purple or red in color due to the pooling of large amounts of blood.This is a widespread disorder, which in most cases appears in the legs (most often in the calf muscles), but it can also form in other parts of the body.
In general, the blood supply to the cells, known from the biology course, takes place as follows: from the left ventricle of the heart, oxygenated blood flows through the aorta to the arteries and from there in smaller blood vessels to the capillaries, through which the organs and tissues of the body receive the oxygen and substances they need.After that, with the help of small blood vessels called "venules", the blood collects from the capillaries and enters the larger veins, whose task is to send the blood back to the lungs and heart so that it is enriched with oxygen and repeats its path.The mechanism that directs blood to the heart is called the venous pump.
Veins are blood vessels that return blood from body tissues to the heart.
Some veins have one-way valves inside them that open to allow blood to flow toward the heart and close to prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction.
In fact, this is how varicose veins happen: if the valves are damaged and do not block the flow of blood, it collects in the veins, causing them to swell and stretch, which leads to varicose veins.Angiosurgeons claim that varicose veins are a pathological process that results in a change in the venous wall with subsequent valvular insufficiency.
In varicose veins, a reverse flow (reflux) of blood is created due to valve malfunction.They do not close the cavity of the veins, which allows blood to flow in the opposite direction.As a result, increased venous blood pressure is created, which affects the integrity of the vein walls - they expand and protrude under the skin.
Since varicose veins are a modification of the veins, the pathology is considered not only a vascular disease, but also a cosmetic problem.Normal veins and varicose veins - when, due to the malfunction of the valves, the reverse flow of blood and the expansion of the veins occur.
Why are the legs more often affected by varicose veins?
There are 3 types of veins in our legs - the superficial veins, which are closest to the skin;deep veins, which are located inside the muscles and connect to the largest vein in our body - the vena cava, which leads to the heart;and perforating veins, connecting the superficial and deep veins to each other.The varicose veins that we see are observed precisely in the superficial veins, located closest to the skin.
When we are in an upright position, the blood in the legs must be directed upwards to the heart, resisting the force of gravity.To do this, the leg muscles contract and compress the deep veins, pushing blood towards the heart.When the leg muscles contract, the valves inside the veins open, but when the muscles relax, the valves close, blocking blood flow to the legs.
As you may have guessed, varicose veins are more common in the legs due to the fact that the pressure of gravity, which increases during sitting and standing, has the greatest effect on the venous circulation in the lower extremities.
How dangerous are varicose veins?
For most people, varicose veins are primarily an aesthetic problem and do not pose a health threat at first.Swollen and unsightly veins can spoil the appearance of certain parts of the body, but in most cases they do not harm blood circulation.It is noted that if you do not pay proper attention to the fight against varicose veins, its appearance worsens over time and complications may develop.
Causes of varicose veins
A number of factors can increase the risk of varicose veins:
- Factor no.1 – inheritance.If someone in your family has or has had varicose veins, your chances of inheriting them increase.
- Katia.Varicose veins are more common in women than in men.
- Age.As we age, our veins and valves become weaker.
- Interruption of blood circulation between arteries and veins.
- Hormonal changes.Hormonal changes during pregnancy, premenstrual period and menopause increase the risk of varicose veins.During pregnancy, the growing fetus puts pressure on the veins in the legs.Varicose veins that appear during this period become less visible 3-12 months after the birth of the child.Additionally, each subsequent pregnancy increases the risk of varicose veins.
- Overweight or obesity.Excess weight puts too much pressure on the veins, which can lead to varicose veins.
- Sitting and standing work and a sedentary lifestyle.If you stand or sit for long periods of time, you increase your risk of developing varicose veins.This is because during prolonged periods of inactivity, it is harder for the veins to send blood to the heart.
Symptoms of developing varicose veins
In addition to the appearance of dark blue or purple swollen veins, here are the main signs of developing varicose veins:
- Slight swelling of ankles and feet, especially after standing for a long time.
- Pain, burning and heaviness in the legs.
- Leg cramps and throbbing sensation.
- Itching on the ankles and bottom of the feet, which is often misdiagnosed as dry skin.
- Change in skin color in the area where varicose veins develop (appearance of bruises).
How to prevent varicose veins
According to experts from the Department of Surgery at the University of California, the first thing a person can do to prevent varicose veins is to change their lifestyle and introduce new habits.Although the same changes will not help to get rid of already formed varicose veins, they will reduce the likelihood of its appearance worsening, as well as reduce pain and protect other areas of the veins from the formation of varicose veins.
What should be done to reduce the likelihood of varicose veins or to protect already affected veins from worsening:
- Do not sit or stand in one place for a long time.Try to move at least every 30 minutes.
- When sitting, do not cross one leg over the other.
- If possible, elevate your legs when resting while sitting or lying down.Try to raise your legs so that they are above the level of your heart.
- Exercise.This will allow your leg muscles to move and move blood through your veins more efficiently.
- If you are overweight, try to bring it back to normal.This will help improve blood circulation and reduce stress on the veins.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing, especially around the waist, hips and legs.
- Do not wear high heels too often or for long periods of time.Low-heeled shoes help keep the calf muscles toned, allowing blood to move more easily through the veins.
- Exercise regularly.This will help improve blood circulation, remove excess pounds and maintain a healthy weight.
Complications with varicose veins
According to the Circulation Foundation, although varicose veins get worse over time, this process takes a very long time.It is also noted that in some people with varicose veins, the high pressure in the veins can lead to skin damage in the ankle area and a change in its color, as well as the appearance of white marks.
If left untreated, progressive varicose veins can lead to more serious negative consequences:
- Appearance of ulcers
- Phlebitis
- bloodshed
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
If a person develops eczema (red skin rashes), it can then progress to ulcers that will need to be surgically removed.
Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein that is often accompanied by thrombosis within the affected vein, which becomes firm but brittle.In most cases, this disorder does not pose a serious health risk, although it is often mistakenly confused with a more serious pathology - deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Many people worry that accidentally hitting a varicose vein will cause bleeding, but this rarely happens.If this happens, the bleeding is stopped by applying a tight gauze bandage and applying ice.A person should lie so that his legs are higher than the heart and without delay seek medical help so that specialists can perform procedures that will reduce the risk of repeated bleeding.
Some patients suffering from varicose veins later face another pathology - deep vein thrombosis.The science is not entirely certain whether varicose veins directly increase the risk of DVT.Symptoms of DVT include swelling, pain, and skin that is hot to the touch.According to experts at the US National Library of Medicine, deep vein thrombosis mainly affects the large veins in the thigh and calf muscles, and it is noted that DVT almost always develops in only one leg.
Treatment of varicose veins
Compression therapy
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is recommended to wear compression garments.Socks, tights or leggings apply gentle pressure from the bottom of the foot up, reducing blood pooling and swelling.However, the effect is achieved only if you wear them regularly.Although wearing compression stockings will not cure varicose veins that have already formed, they will help prevent or reduce the enlargement of the veins and further complications.
Furthermore, the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), in its clinical guideline for the treatment of patients with varicose veins of the lower extremities and pelvis, notes: "Stockings are the first therapeutic procedure for patients who have had their ulcer removed with the progression of varicose veins."
Endovenous ablation (radiofrequency or laser)
Endovenous ablation involves the use of laser or radiofrequency therapy to close or remove varicose veins.The doctor makes a small incision in the skin near the vein and inserts a catheter into it.After that, a special device is connected to the tip of the catheter, with which the catheter is heated and closes or removes the varicose vein (depending on the chosen ablation method).The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the patient usually returns home the same day.
Endovenous ablation is one of the most effective and safest methods for treating varicose veins.The Society of Vascular Surgery (SVS) recommends this procedure over surgery for the treatment of superficial varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
This is another gentle method for treating varicose veins.During the procedure, a special substance is injected into the vein affected by varicose veins, which destroys the inner layer of the vein and causes the blood to clot inside it.Over time, the vein collapses and disappears.
Surgical method
In advanced cases of varicose veins, milder treatment methods will not help correct the situation.In this case, the person is referred for surgery, during which the superficial vein is surgically removed.Indications for surgery are:
- Ulcers or the threat of their appearance,
- bloodshed
- Phlebitis.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and the patient is usually sent home the same day.A person may feel pain and discomfort for 2 weeks after surgery.
The Circulation Foundation notes that deep vein thrombosis can sometimes develop after surgery, but the risk of this pathology can be reduced by wearing compression stockings and maintaining a high physical activity of the person.
Varicose veins and exercise
Lots of movement and moderate exercise are the main helpers in the fight against varicose veins.
However, while some training methods are beneficial and recommended for the prevention of varicose veins, others can be harmful.
Moderate and rhythmic physical activity (such as walking) makes a positive contribution to preventing the development of varicose veins and helps minimize the likelihood of complications, as dynamic muscle movements help direct blood from the periphery to the heart.
Walking
Walking is one of the best movements to prevent varicose veins and promotes healthy circulation by stretching and contracting the venous pump in the calf muscles.Walk for at least 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.
Low intensity running
Jogging at a slow pace works the calf muscles well, but there's a catch - jogging puts stress on our joints.Unless you're ready to replace running with another activity, run on grass or paved paths rather than hard asphalt.
Elliptical bike and exercise
Exercises on the elliptical trainer and stationary bike actively engage the calf muscles, promoting healthy circulation.In addition, unlike running, these exercises put less stress on your joints.
Strength training
Individuals with varicose veins should avoid excessive amounts of very intense weight training.During prolonged muscle tension of an irregular nature, leg muscles and ventilator pumps do not contribute to the return of blood to the heart through the veins.For this reason, during exercise, blood accumulates in the veins of the legs, which can only contribute to the further development of varicose veins.In addition, increased intra-abdominal pressure during straining also impedes blood circulation.
Among the exercises that negatively affect venous circulation, specialists from the Venous Clinic in Georgia especially note squats, lunges and crunches.
People with varicose veins should train with light weights and perform relatively high repetitions per set without reaching failure.In addition, to restore normal blood circulation after strength training, it is recommended to pedal on an exercise bike or exercise on an elliptical trainer.It is also recommended to wear compression stockings during and after strength training.
Why do veins swell more in summer?
As noted by the specialists of the Venous Center namedSaint John and the Hospital.St.Joseph Wayne, veins swell more in the summer due to the fact that, under the influence of high temperature, they expand and fill with more blood, increasing in size.
To reduce the swelling of veins in the summer, you should follow simple recommendations:
- Lubricate your skin with a thick layer of SPF moisturizer.
- If you are outside for a long time, try to hide in the shade.
- Do not sunbathe for a long time.
- Swim regularly.In this way, you will perform cooling procedures for your body, without giving the opportunity for the veins to increase in size.
- Try to wear flat/low shoes and sandals instead of high heels.
- Drink more fluids.
You should not let the situation get worse;you must take action immediately.