Varicose veins are a lesion of the superficial leg veins, which is characterized by a decrease in the elasticity of the vascular wall, expansion and deformation of blood vessels, and impaired blood circulation. Varicose veins are considered one of the most common vascular diseases, with varicose veins being diagnosed many times more often in women than in men due to hormonal characteristics, pregnancy and childbirth. The disease is dangerous because it usually begins unnoticed, lasts for years and gradually causes numerous complications and, in some cases, life-threatening conditions.
Causes of varicose veins in women
The main cause is a disorder of the venous valves. Normally, blood circulates from top to bottom through the arteries and from bottom to top through the veins. The blood moves up in bursts and lingers in the places of the valves, which in turn prevent reverse blood flow. This means the blood moves freely from one valve to the other. However, if one of them does not work effectively enough, a certain amount of blood flows back downwards - as a result, the venous pressure increases, the vein expands and blood congestion occurs.
The cause of this process can be the following provoking factors:
- hereditary predisposition;
- congenital connective tissue weakness;
- obesity;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- Pregnancy;
- Menopause;
- hormonal imbalance (including those caused by taking oral contraceptives);
- the presence of concomitant chronic pathologies (diabetes mellitus, renal, heart failure);
- indigestion (constipation);
- Work that requires prolonged sitting or standing without opportunity to rest;
- frequent wearing of uncomfortable, tight, high-heeled shoes;
- regularly take baths that are too hot;
- Lower extremity injuries.
Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive tanning, unbalanced diet and frequent stress can indirectly affect the development of varicose veins on the legs in women.
Signs of varicose veins in women
With varicose veins, the veins enlarge, but visible changes in the legs do not appear immediately. The severity of clinical symptoms depends on the stage of the disease.
In the early stages
In the initial stages, varicose veins in women are asymptomatic, but they can be diagnosed using instrumental research methods. As the process progresses, the following symptoms may occur:
- Feeling of heaviness, "bloating" in the legs;
- excessive fatigue of the lower extremities during movement;
- pain in the calf muscles;
- swelling of the legs at the end of the working day;
- visible expansion of veins, appearance of spider veins;
- Mild leg cramps at night.
The first signs of varicose veins appear after prolonged standing before the start of the menstrual cycle. Already at this stage it is necessary to consult a doctor and start treatment, since in the future the disease will only progress.
In later stages
In the later stages, varicose veins on the woman's legs show visible changes:
- Flatulence, dilatation of veins, appearance of nodes and bumps along the affected vessel;
- severe swelling of the lower extremities that does not go away even after rest;
- pain at the site of the lesion;
- hyperpigmentation, excessive dryness of the skin on the legs;
- Development of dermatitis, venous eczema.
In later stages, varicose veins can provoke the development of such serious complications as thrombophlebitis, thrombosis and trophic ulcers. Therefore, when the first worrying symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a phlebologist.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
An examination by a phlebologist begins with a consultation. First, the doctor takes an anamnesis: He asks the woman about her symptoms, clarifies when the symptoms first appeared, what preceded the appearance of varicose vein signs and what factors influence the intensity of the symptoms. The doctor then determines the peculiarities of the lifestyle and professional activity, and also clarifies whether close relatives have had similar problems.
An ultrasound examination of the veins is carried out to make the diagnosis. The modern phlebological center has modern expert-class equipment, thanks to which it is possible to detect the disease in the early stages of development, when obvious symptoms may be absent. Ultrasound examination determines the presence of varicose veins, their location and the severity of pathological changes. Based on the results of ultrasound examination, a final diagnosis is made and individual treatment tactics are developed. In modern phlebology, the focus is on non-surgical, minimally invasive methods: sclerotherapy, laser technologies.
Prevention of varicose veins
Prevention of varicose veins aims to prevent the disease and its possible complications. Like all pathologies, varicose veins are much easier to prevent than to treat later. First of all, implementing preventative measures is important for women who are at risk of developing the disease.
One of the most effective ways to prevent varicose veins is to wear compression clothing - stockings, knee socks, tights. The therapeutic effect of medical knitwear is due to the fact that a certain pressure is applied to different parts of the legs: the highest at the ankle level with a gradual decrease towards the knee and mid-thigh. This stimulates the flow of venous blood from the legs to the heart, which prevents blood stagnation and the development of varicose veins.
To prevent varicose veins, all women should:
- eliminate or limit static loads on the legs;
- Exercise: light jogging, walking, Nordic walking, swimming, cardio exercises;
- take a contrast shower to increase vascular tone: sessions should begin with a temperature difference of 1 degree between cold and hot water;
- Massage the legs to stimulate blood circulation: the procedure can be carried out independently, stroking the lower extremity from top to bottom with light pressure.
- Normalize your diet: Effective prevention of varicose veins and its complications is to include foods rich in fiber (vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, legumes, whole grains) in the daily plan, as well as avoid fast food, fatty and salty foods;
- control body weight and hormone levels;
- give up bad habits;
- Choose comfortable shoes and appropriately sized clothing.
- If necessary, wear orthopedic shoes or insoles: the correct foot position contributes to the correct distribution of the load and improves blood circulation.
It is also extremely important to see a doctor immediately if you have any symptoms. A phlebologist will conduct an examination, make an accurate diagnosis, help you choose the right type of compression stockings and develop an individual plan for the treatment and prevention of the disease.