Varicose veins are dilation of superficial veins in the lower extremities due to valve insufficiency and impaired blood outflow.In this case, gravity plays a key role here.It has a positive effect on blood circulation in the organs above the heart.If we are talking about the blood vessels of the lower limbs, then gravity has the opposite effect.Under its influence, the normal blood flow is disrupted, leading to stagnation of blood in the veins, which leads to deformation of the veins.Dilated blood vessels usually appear in the lower legs and behind the knees.
Currently, approximately every 10 people in the world suffer from varicose veins.Moreover, women between the ages of 30 and 60 are most susceptible to this disease.Generally speaking, men are 4-6 times more likely to develop varicose veins than women.
Factors affecting the occurrence of varicose veins:
- genetic predisposition;
- Injuries that cause damage to the valves in the veins (resulting in obstruction of the flow of blood);
- extensive physical activity;
- Maintaining an upright posture for long periods of time (especially for professionals who need to stand for long periods of time: teachers, salespeople, surgeons, etc.);
- Sedentary lifestyle (causing blood stagnation);
- Being overweight (overloading the blood vessels);
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure (may be caused by chronic constipation, chronic cough, prostate adenoma, etc.).
In addition, wearing tight clothes that put pressure on blood vessels, sitting cross-legged frequently, and smoking may also cause varicose veins in the lower limbs.
Also, it’s worth mentioning pregnancy.During this period, women often develop varicose veins, but these tend to be reversible and gradually disappear after delivery.During pregnancy, varicose veins may appear due to the pressure exerted by the fetus on the blood vessels leading to the legs; a result of an increase in the total amount of blood in the body, and the influence of sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) on the condition of the vein walls.
Therefore, the groups most commonly affected by varicose veins include pregnant women, the elderly, athletes, people in "standing" occupations, people with flat feet, people who are overweight, and people who have close relatives who have (or are suffering from) the condition.
Symptoms of varicose veins:
- Curved dark blue or purple veins and spider veins on the legs;
- brown spots on ankles and calves;
- Thickening and bulging of veins;
- Periodic cramping of leg muscles;
- Nutritional ulcers form on the skin of the lower limbs;
- leg pain, swelling, and fatigue;
- Heaviness and burning sensation in lower limbs.
There are four stages of varicose veins in the lower limbs:
- Tortuous veins, spider veins, and spider veins appear on the skin.Sometimes there is slight swelling in the legs at night.There is no pain or discomfort at this stage.
- Periodically, severe swelling of the ankles and a feeling of heaviness in the legs may occur (most commonly in the late afternoon and after exercise).At night, patients experience calf muscle spasms accompanied by goosebumps, numbness, and tingling.
- Leg swelling becomes noticeable and permanent.A seal forms on the skin and subcutaneous tissue.Pigmentation and dermatitis also appear at this stage of the disease.Additionally, the patient began to suffer from itching and bloating.
- Nutritional ulcers appear on the skin of the legs.
Varicose veins are not a dangerous condition in themselves, but without timely and effective treatment, they can have serious consequences, including death in some cases.
The most common complications caused by varicose veins:
- Chronic venous insufficiency - poor function of blood vessel valves due to increased diameter of blood vessels, resulting in obstruction of blood outflow;
- Thrombophlebitis of varicose veins - the formation of blood clots in the veins due to inflammation of the vein walls;
- Pulmonary embolism - cessation of blood flow in the pulmonary arteries due to obstruction by a dislodged blood clot;
- Nutritional ulcers are skin defects (wounds) that form when blood flow from superficial and deep veins is severely interrupted.
Varicose veins always require qualified treatment.It does not go away on its own and gradually develops into various complications.You can only relieve pain and discomfort on your own.To prevent this disease and reduce its symptoms, you must:
- Avoiding a sedentary (sitting or standing) lifestyle (moving more frequently, changing body positions, doing gymnastics, etc.);
- Wear specialized medical knitwear;
- Shower only at night;
- When sleeping, the position of the feet should be higher than the heart (disabled for patients with heart disease);
- Limit intake of salty foods;
- Wear shoes with a heel height no higher than 4 cm;
- Try not to sit cross-legged.
The diagnosis of varicose veins, in addition to a visual inspection and palpation of the leg by a vascular surgeon, may include other tests such as:
- Ultrasound is one of the most informative methods for diagnosing varicose veins in the lower extremities.It allows you to determine how dilated and open your veins are, as well as determine the presence of blood clots and the direction of blood flow.
- Contrast venography is a method that allows you to see the outline of the affected veins on X-rays.To do this, a substance is injected into the vein before the test to give the blood a contrasting color.
Modern basic methods for treating varicose veins of lower limbs
venous resection
A phlebectomy is a gentle procedure in which the affected vein is removed through a small incision and puncture with a special hook.The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, and patients can return to their normal lifestyle within 2-3 hours after surgery.Furthermore, due to minimal surgical intervention after phlebectomy, virtually no trace is left on the skin of the leg, and all bruising and pigmentation eventually disappear after a few months.
After surgery, special therapeutic knitwear must be worn regularly for several weeks and all the doctor's recommendations must be strictly followed to prevent a recurrence of the disease.
radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation can completely treat varicose veins in an outpatient setting.The procedure is performed as follows: Under local anesthesia, a radiofrequency catheter is inserted through a puncture into the affected vein and the vein is "sealed" by irradiation with microwaves.
Radiofrequency ablation allows you to achieve effective results due to its precise and controlled effect.After surgery, patients can return to their normal lifestyle within 30 minutes and be active within a week.
Laser Therapy (EVLT)
This method is also known for its minimal trauma and excellent cosmetic results.The surgery is performed under local or spinal anesthesia.Through a small puncture, a light guide connected to a laser device is inserted into the lumen of the diseased vein.Under the influence of laser radiation, the affected venous area is reliably closed (adjacent tissue is not damaged).The process of light guide advancement is controlled by the doctor using ultrasound, which ensures high precision in the surgery.
EVLT lasts approximately 30-40 minutes, after which the patient goes home independently and resumes their normal lifestyle the next day.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is one of the safest and most aesthetically pleasing treatments for varicose veins (including "star," "reticular," "snake") and is a treatment for varicose veins entirely.
Eliminates the appearance of scars and marks on the skin.The technique of the surgery is as follows: using a very fine needle, glue (sclerosing agent) is injected into the affected vein, which is then compressed from the outside with special latex pads and elastic bandages.As a result of sclerotherapy, the walls of the blood vessels stick together, thereby excluding the varicose veins from the blood, blood circulation becomes healthy, and the symptoms of the disease disappear.
The procedure is carried out several times (approximately 3-5 times), each lasting 5 to 10 minutes.After each surgery, the patient must wear special stockings for 1 to 3 days.
It is worth noting that in some cases, different methods are combined to treat varicose veins.
Treatment of trophic ulcers
Trophic ulcers often occur in the final stages of varicose veins due to venous stasis.They are affected areas of skin and subcutaneous tissue that fail to heal over a long period of time.
Treatment of this complication involves a comprehensive, multistage approach.It may include surgical intervention and medication as well as wearing a compression garment.In the initial stages, trophic ulcers can be successfully treated with laser methods.In advanced cases, biopsy and radiopaque venography are used.
It is worth mentioning that when the first symptoms of varicose veins in the lower limbs appear, it is very important to contact a qualified specialist immediately.This way you will eliminate the risk of complications and recover quickly.