varicose veins on the legs- This is not just a cosmetic problem that causes aesthetic problems in a person. The disease causes a number of complications, therefore it requires adequate therapy.
Varicose veins are a polyetiological pathology. It occurs as a result of prolonged sitting, hard work, hormonal disorders, pregnancy, congenital hereditary diseases in the vascular wall. The veins on the legs lose their elastic properties, when they overflow with blood, they expand, the valve apparatus begins to work poorly.
The valve is an important structural unit of the vein. Normally, after blood has passed through, it closes and does not allow it to flow back into the peripheral canal. Thus, blood flow is carried out through the veins towards the heart. When the valve stops functioning normally, blood flows back to the lower limbs and stagnates there.
When blood stagnates, the vein wall expands, which further aggravates the problem. Parts of the valve move away from each other, varicose veins on the legs enter the second stage.
Etiology of varicose veins
What causes varicose veins and how does it manifest itself? First of all, the pathology is associated with genetic disorders and the sex of the patient. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with varicose veins, because they are constantly subject to hormonal changes, give birth to children, walk in high heels.
Here is a brief description of the main causes of varicose veins:
- genetic predisposition. Varicose veins are not directly inherited, but some structural features of the vessels contribute to the development of the pathology. The connective tissue in the walls of the veins is weakened, congenital changes in the valves are noted, which leads to their poor closure. Since varicose veins in the legs are often diagnosed in young people of both sexes who spend time actively, there are cases of the development of the disease in children. Modern research argues that the etiology of the disease is most commonly associated with genetics.
- Hormonal causes. On different days of the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, congestion in the lower extremities is noted with some endocrine disorders in women. Particular attention is paid to phases of life such as puberty, the birth of children, the time after the birth of a baby, menopause and menopause. Women are recommended to examine the veins in their legs 2-3 times more often than men. Scientists believe congestion and varicose veins in the legs are related to the activity of progesterone. This hormone is produced at the end of the menstrual cycle and throughout pregnancy. Estrogens produced in the first half of the cycle prevent varicose veins.
- sedentary work, low physical activity, activities that require prolonged standing. All of these factors can also cause varicose veins in the legs.
- Age. Like all organs, the valves in the veins wear out over the years. Therefore, varicose veins on the legs are more often diagnosed in mature and elderly people.
- obesity. Extra pounds significantly increase the pressure on the legs, which leads to clogging and weakening of the veins.
The secondary form of varicose veins occurs in people who have suffered injuries, have liver and spleen pathologies, and have heart defects. When diagnosing such problems, they first treat the underlying pathology, and then proceed to varicose veins.
Stages of varicose veins
With varicose veins on the legs, three stages are successively replaced:
- compensation. Patients do not worry, a medical examination reveals disproportionately large veins on the legs.
- undercompensation. Patients complain of strange sensations in their legs ("pins and needles", leg cramps at night, tired legs). In the evening, swellings appear on the ankles, in the morning they disappear. On examination, the veins enlarged by varicose veins are clearly visible.
- decompensation. This stage is characterized by all the features of the previous ones. In addition, there are dermatitis, eczema, annoying itching of the skin. Upon examination, the doctor notes the dryness and shine of the skin on the legs, its cohesion with fibers. Areas of hyperpigmentation, often visible, appear after small bleeding due to the breakdown of hemosiderin.
Varicose veins on the legs progress for a long time, at first it is not considered a dangerous pathology. When decompensation develops, many complications can arise. They should warn the patient, as they can cause disability and even death.
First Symptoms
First manifestations of varicose veins in the legs:
- The limbs get tired all the time
- Edema occurs in the middle or at the end of the day
- Legs often feel heavy
Over time, with varicose veins, spider veins form on the skin, veins begin to appear, then they become dense. These symptoms indicate poor circulation.
The main signs of progressive varicose veins on the legs
Manifestations of varicose veins differ in different stages. At first there are only spider veins or protruding veins. Then there are more serious and severe symptoms.
The main manifestations of varicose veins:
- Pain in the lower extremities, heat in the legs, mainly along the veins.
- Constant heaviness.
- Swelling that gets worse towards the end of the day.
- convulsions, especially at night.
- A clear expansion of the veins, they become visible under the skin.
- Dark skin color, densified areas, trophic ulcers.
Treatment should be started immediately at the first sign of varicose veins. The problem does not go away on its own, but progresses.
In order to better imagine the signs of the initial stages, they are shown in the photo.
Diagnosis of varicose veins on the legs
In order to correctly diagnose varicose veins on the legs, the doctor must take into account not only the examination data and the patient's complaints. He appoints a number of additional examinations to confirm the presence of a problem and determine its stage. The most informative methods:
- Duplex vein scan (ultrasound). The method allows you to determine how wide the veins are, where the blood moves through them, whether there are blood clots (blood clots) in their lumen.
- Contrast venography. With this technique, the degree of increase in the lumen of the vein and the characteristics of blood flow through the vessels are determined.
Diagnosing varicose veins in the legs is the responsibility of a phlebologist. Only a specialist with experience and high qualifications is able to detect pathologies in deep vessels.
How the disease progresses and what the complications are
In most situations, varicose veins are complicated by thrombosis and thromboembolism, phlebitis and trophic disorders. Complications are diagnosed by a change in skin color, redness (especially along the veins), bluing, the appearance of areas of hyperpigmentation, pain, etc.
From the beginning, the ankles and lower legs swell, this symptom is more pronounced after a long stay in an upright position. Pain on movement occurs in the calves along the course of veins. Seals are palpated under the skin in different parts of the leg, in severe cases trophic ulcers are detected.
How to prevent varicose veins
With hereditary predisposition or initial manifestations of varicose veins on the legs, it is necessary to take some preventive measures:
- Shoes should always be comfortable, with little or no heels.
- If there are heavy loads, put a bandage on the limbs or put on compression underwear, but only after consulting a doctor.
- You cannot stand or sit for a long time, you have to change your posture and move more often.
- Hot baths are contraindicated, especially in the morning. It is best to swim under a contrast shower.
- Smoking has a great negative effect on the blood vessels, this bad habit needs to be quit.
The main preventive measures are adequate physical activity. It is recommended to spend a few minutes in the morning doing sports, cycling, swimming and more walking.
Prevention of varicose veins in the legs in pregnant women
During childbirth in women, the possibility of varicose veins on the legs increases. The phenomenon is associated with the following reasons:
- The hormonal restructuring of the body during childbirth leads to varicose veins and stagnation, blood flows poorly from the legs.
- In the second half of pregnancy, intra-abdominal pressure increases, making it difficult for blood to drain from the veins in the lower half of the body.
- Varicose veins in the legs after childbirth either go away completely on their own, or begin to develop. This is due to individual and hereditary factors.
Treatment of varicose veins in the legs
Treatment of varicose veins in the legs begins only when the progress of the main manifestations of the pathology is noted.
Some people go to the doctor for a blemish. Dilated veins on the legs do not look very aesthetic and I want to get rid of this nuisance.
Here are effective modern methods of treating varicose veins of the lower extremities:
- sclerotherapy. The technique is used as a separate method of treatment or in combination with a conservative method. Special substances that cause vascular sclerosis are injected into the vein lumen with a needle. The vein stops working and dissolves. To achieve the result, 3-6 sessions are performed every 7 days. The treatment is completed without scarring and scarring.
- treatment without surgery. With subcompensation of varicose veins on the legs, mild clinical symptoms and the absence of major discomfort, the use of compression underwear is recommended. Stockings, leggings or tights are worn every day. Underwear compresses dilated veins, narrows their lumen, improves valve function and blood outflow, relieves the main symptoms of varicose veins.
- Medicines to treat varicose veins. Drug therapy can combat the signs of varicose veins. Drugs relieve pain, reduce swelling, slow the progression of pathology, but do not completely cure it and do not restore vascular function.
- laser treatment. Laser therapy is recommended for varicose veins in the superficial veins of the legs. When a laser is applied to a vein, sclerotic processes begin to develop in it. Then it comes off in the same way as with the introduction of drugs or surgical removal.
You can prevent varicose veins and their further development with the help of sport. Fast or moderate walking, special gymnastics, swimming and water aerobics help well. Jumping, tennis, weightlifting are contraindicated in such a situation.
What are venotonics
Drugs such as venotonics increase the tone of the smooth muscle of the vein wall. As a result, the elasticity of the blood vessels is maintained and improved, blood drainage from the lower extremities is established. The most popular tools from this group:
- A drug containing flavonoids that act as venotonics. These substances are considered one of the most effective, since they increase the tone of the walls of blood vessels well.
- Medicine of the French company. The main active ingredient is a bioflavonoid (600 mg). The higher the dose of the drug, the more effectively it works. The tool reduces the stretching and permeability of the vascular wall (including the capillary), and also improves blood outflow.
- The drug, which includes escin, is derived from chestnuts. The release form of the drug is drops and tablets for oral administration. The remedy is not only used to treat varicose veins in the legs. It reduces swelling and pain after injuries, sprains, and is also used in a number of other diseases.
Most venotonics have a complex effect. They affect the entire vascular system, its condition improves significantly after treatment.