Varicose veins of the lower extremities, also known as varicose veins, manifest as dilation of superficial veins in the legs, accompanied by impaired blood flow and valvular insufficiency.Today, varicose veins are very common: around 17-25% of people have them.The disease occurs with equal frequency in both sexes during young years before the onset of puberty.However, varicose veins are twice as common in adult women as in men.This picture can be explained by the significant hormonal changes during menstruation during pregnancy.As a result, venous tone weakens and dilates, and venous circulation is disrupted.
Predisposing factors for varicose veins
Today, experts tend to support many theories as to why varicose veins in the legs develop.But, nevertheless, talking about the main cause of this disease, one should pay attention to the violation of the venous valve apparatus.When the venous valves in a standing person are insufficient, blood flows downward under the influence of gravity.When walking, the calf muscles surrounding the deep veins contract.As a result, the veins become empty and the pressure in the veins increases.As a result, blood enters the superficial veins, they stretch, and varicose veins appear.
There are many factors that directly influence the progression of varicose veins.In women, varicose veins usually develop due to pregnancy.During this period, the blood volume in a woman's body increases significantly.The enlarging uterus puts a lot of pressure on the veins in the legs.Additionally, during pregnancy, the condition of the vein walls is affected by hormonal changes in the body.In many cases, varicose veins during pregnancy are reversible, meaning they will gradually disappear after delivery.
Many times, varicose veins in the lower limbs appear in people who are forced to stand for long periods of time at work.Another risk factor for varicose veins is obesity: obese people have increased intra-abdominal pressure, which causes the veins to dilate.Veins also often become enlarged in people who exert themselves frequently.This condition occurs in chronic constipation, cough, prostate adenoma, and other conditions.Varicose veins can sometimes be the result of leg surgery.
Another factor that predisposes you to varicose veins is a person’s age.Typically, valves and vein walls age over time.As a result, elasticity is lost and the veins stretch.Varicose veins commonly occur in patients with deep vein thrombosis and congenital vascular anomalies.
Symptoms of developing varicose veins in the legs
First of all, the obvious symptom of varicose veins in the legs is the appearance of a network of fine veins on the surface of the skin of the legs.This type of performance mainly occurs in the thigh area.This type of varicose veins is most likely to appear in people with cellulite.Sometimes, cellulite becomes a precursor to varicose veins.Often, fat deposits caused by cellulite can compress venous blood vessels, causing blood flow to become complicated and varicose veins to develop.
In some cases, leg swelling indicates the onset of varicose veins.However, such signs may be symptoms of other diseases (heart failure, renal urolithiasis).Therefore, in this case it is impossible to tell clearly about the development of varicose veins before making a diagnosis.Symptoms of varicose veins are usually pain in the legs.The pain can be severe and there are some annoying symptoms.The most common symptom of varicose veins is calf pain.It mainly occurs in the afternoon, after the legs bear a certain load.There may be a severe feeling of heaviness in the legs, nighttime cramps, and gradual nutritional changes in the legs.
Therefore, people who observe the appearance of the capillary network, periodic manifestations of pain and swelling should consult a doctor and conduct the necessary research.There are many different tests that allow you to assess the condition of your veins and the extent of the disease.If the patient has uncomplicated varicose veins, in most cases instrumental diagnostic methods are not used.
Treatment principles for varicose veins
Conservative treatment of varicose veins is primarily reserved for patients with clear contraindications to surgical intervention.Additionally, this type of treatment is required if the patient has minor varicose veins (a purely cosmetic defect).
The goal of conservative treatment is also to prevent further progression of the disease.For this reason, patients are advised to wrap the leg affected by varicose veins with an elastic bandage.Additionally, compression knitwear is suitable for varicose veins.
People who are prone to varicose veins or who already have the condition should place their legs on an elevated surface periodically throughout the day and rest this way for several minutes.There are also special exercises for the calves and feet designed to activate the muscle venous pumps.This is the cyclic extension and flexion of the ankle and knee joints.
Varicose vein treatment also includes wearing comfortable shoes, which should have low heels and stiff soles.It is not advisable to stand for a long time, bear physical pressure, or stay in a room with high temperature and humidity for a long time.It is recommended to keep your legs in a higher position while sleeping.
Patients should limit fluid and salt intake and try to lose excess weight.To treat varicose veins, diuretics, drugs that improve the tone of the veins, need to be taken regularly.In addition, if necessary, patients can be prescribed drugs that stimulate tissue microcirculation.Treatment for varicose veins may also include taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.If the patient's condition is uncomplicated, physical therapy exercises are required.Very useful for swimming, other water treatments, foot soaks in warm water (with a 5-10% sodium chloride solution).
However, the ultimate treatment for varicose veins is surgery.This surgery is not recommended if the patient has disease of the lungs, cardiovascular system, kidneys, or liver.Pregnant women and people with purulent diseases should not undergo this surgery.Modern technology makes it possible to perform such surgeries using endoscopic techniques.If a person only has small branch dilation, sclerotherapy may be used.The procedure involves injecting a sclerosing solution into the vein to seal the vein wall.Thereafter, repeated injections are made into other parts of the vein to achieve complete occlusion of the vein.
For varicose veins, combined surgical treatment is also used, in which the large main trunk of the altered vein is removed and sclerotherapy is performed on the small branches.After surgery, patients are advised to continue wearing the elastic bandage for 8-12 weeks.
Prevent varicose veins in legs
Prevention of varicose veins includes a series of measures aimed at preventing symptoms of the disease.It is useful for everyone to regularly elevate your legs, take breaks during long periods of sitting at work, and avoid wearing underwear that puts pressure on the body.A good way to prevent varicose veins is to take a shower, include blood-healthy foods in your diet, and get some physical activity.At the first signs of varicose veins, you should consult a doctor to prevent the condition from getting worse.