Varicose veins of the lower extremities are a problem that begins to truly bother people only at the stage of the appearance of pronounced changes in the state of blood vessels-crimson “bags” protruding over the skin, swollen veins or extensive clusters of “asterisks”.
However, all of the above - already late manifestations of blood vessels, and the very first symptoms usually few pay attention, writing off unpleasant sensations to ordinary fatigue.And in vain: the treatment of varicose veins at the initial stage passes most effectively and sparingly.
The mechanism of the occurrence of varicose veins
To understand the mechanism for the development of varicose veins, you need to know how the blood circulates through the vessels of the legs.It rises from the bottom up, overcoming the power of earthly attraction.This requires a certain pressure that remains normal if the blood does not meet obstacles in its path.The pump function here is performed by the foot muscles, and the venous valves block the release of blood from deep veins into the surface.
When this mechanism is disturbed (for example, with constant compression of the muscles of the legs with too tight linen or shoes, large static loads), the body needs to increase blood pressure to push it up.
So valve failure develops, in which reflux is observed - the reverse emission of blood from deep veins into superficial ones.
A forced increase in blood pressure in certain areas of the veins leads to excessive stretching and premature depletion of the walls of blood vessels, as a result of which bluish or crimson subcutaneous nodes become visible.
However, the problem is not exhausted only by a worsening of the appearance of the legs: varicose veins of the lower extremities inevitably entails many complications that can lead to disability and even death of a person.
Causes of varicose veins
Venous and venous failure is the main reason for the development of varicose veins, but there are many factors that start the pathology mechanism at some point.
Such factors can be attributed to both a genetic predisposition (by nature the weak walls and valves of the veins), and that from the outside affects the functional state of the venous apparatus of the legs:
- Constant and very significant static loads on the feet of representatives of "standing" professions - sellers, hairdressers, surgeons, dentists;
- Lifting weights from which the vessels of the legs from porters and movers suffer;
- Bad habits (smoking that causes chronic vascular spasm);
- Forced and long -term stay sitting (air travel, work at the computer), at which constant squeezing of the limbs above the knees occurs;
- Wearing uncomfortable underwear and shoes (stocking on elastic bands and narrow shoes).
Some physiological conditions and diseases contribute to the development of varicose veins of the lower extremities:
- Pregnancy;
- Excessive fullness;
- Chronic constipation caused by diseases of the intestines, thyroid gland, errors in the diet;
- Reception of contraceptives in order to protect from pregnancy or correction of hormonal background in some diseases.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the veins of the lower extremities
When the disease is just beginning, the symptoms are a little alarming people, since it is expressed weakly and quickly after a long rest and sleep.Briefly it can be called the syndrome of heavy legs, which manifests itself as follows:
- Soft edema on the feet and ankles appearing by the end of the day or in the heat and completely disappear by morning;
- Increased fatigue of the legs, a sense of heaviness in them even after minor loads;
- Convulsions in the calf muscles at night;
- Strong itching in the legs (especially at night).
The appearance of edema at the early stage of varicose veins is first marked only in the area of the ankles and the back of the feet, and with the progression of the disease, edema rise above - to the legs.
The skin in the affected places changes color, becoming bluish, and then acquiring a crimson shade, which is regarded by specialists as a sign of the development of chronic venous insufficiency.In the most advanced cases, trophic ulcers appear on the legs.
How varicose disease is diagnosed
As mentioned above, people pay little attention to the condition of their legs at the very beginning of the disease and go to the doctor only after many years, noticing the already obvious signs of pathology - swollen veins, crimson or blue nodes.
Of course, such a clear symptoms, coupled with complaints of pain and difficulties with movement, speaks for itself, but phlebologists are never limited only to inspection.
For a more accurate assessment of the state of the vessels of the legs, special samples and ultrasound methods are used: these diagnostic measures allow you to find out the condition of the venous valves and the degree of patency of deep veins.
The most complete idea of the state of the venous system with varicose veins of the lower extremities gives an ultrasound study - duplex scanning or pre -Popplerography.Within half an hour, the specialist receives absolutely objective and accurate information about the condition of the walls and valves of blood vessels, the passage of the veins, the presence of thrombed areas.The results of the study form the basis of the chosen treatment tactics - outpatient or surgical.
Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities
Depending on the degree of vascular lesions, the doctor chooses the tactics of treatment.
Conservative treatment
Conservative treatment is used in cases where the veins are not yet too expanded or there are contraindications for any operations.
Such therapy consists in the constant wearing of special compression linen and elastic bandages, as well as in the use of drugs - phlebotonics, diuretics to eliminate swelling and drugs to improve blood microcirculation in tissues.
The diet plays an important role: to prevent further deterioration of the state of veins, patients are recommended to limit salt and drinking.
Patients are recommended for classes in physiotherapy courses, where they are offered to perform special exercises to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve blood circulation in the legs.
With a mild degree of varicose veins, swimming and warm foot baths with a small amount of table salt are useful.
Surgical treatment
Surgical operations are prescribed to prevent refluxes (reverse blood throwing from deep veins into surface).They bring the most effective results, since they solve the problem radically - the excision of the trunks of large and small subcutaneous veins with the bandage of affected communicant veins.
However, such treatment has its own contraindications.
Surgical intervention is prohibited at:
- Diseases of the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys;
- Pregnancy;
- Existing purulent foci.
Sclerotherapy is recognized as the most sparing and effective methodology for the treatment of varicose veins (by the way, not only foot).Its purpose is to destroy the intimacy of the affected vein, for which a special sclerosing solution is introduced there.Next, the walls of the veins are sticking together without the formation of a blood clot.
Several such manipulations allow you to achieve complete narrowing of the varicose veins and “turn off it from the system of venous blood flow.
Sclerotherapy is low -traumatic, absolutely painless, and the rehabilitation period after the course of such injections is from a month to three - and serious restrictions on motor activity are not required.
Varicose veins are not only ugly, but also dangerous: an advanced pathology often immobilizes the patients, and the high probability of developing vein thrombosis does not exclude the occurrence of severe and formidable complication - pulmonary thromboembolism.
In order to prevent such a finale, take care of your legs from childhood: follow the weight, move enough, do not forget about breaks during the performance of many hours of sedentary work, properly tolerate severity.
Varicose prevention: risk groups
- The work associated with a permanent stay in the standing or sitting position is a direct indication for the adoption of preventive measures.Do not wait until the symptoms appear.From an evolutionary point of view, only two regimes are correct for the human body - the position of lying down and movement.In the first case, the outflow of blood is facilitated, since gravity does not work on the work of veins, in the second - intensively working muscles perform a function similar to the pump.The stationary load for veins is destructive.
- The second direct indication is pregnancy.This load is temporary, but significant, as it consists of two components: increasing weight and large volume of blood and lymph.
- The third indication is a hereditary predisposition.Weakening of the walls of blood vessels and, as a result, varicose veins manifests itself even in children.
Prevention with a sedentary lifestyle
Normal blood flow provides a horizontal, preferably elevated position of the legs with straightened knees.When working in an office or institution, it is difficult to take such a situation, but some techniques for improving blood circulation can be used.
- Periodic placement of elongated legs on the table, the perfect height is at the level of the heart.
- The leg stand under the table reduces the pressure on the veins.
- The stress and relaxation of the ankle, rotation of the feet, bending with the effort of the toes make the caviar muscles work, increasing blood flow.
- Every hour, you need to get up for 8-10 minutes to stretch: walk, make a few jumps.Smoking near the toilet does not apply to preventive measures.
Preventive measures with vertical inpatient load
Constant stay in an upright position is no less dangerous.The prevention of varicose veins, in fact, boils down to the same mechanism: activation of the work of the lower leg muscles.
- Slow walking, for example, movement around the store, does not give a payload.To achieve the effect of walking should be fast.Rise running up the stairs has a proper effect.
- The rotation of the feet, the movement of the feet up and down with tension makes the ankle muscles act.
- Lifting on socks, “roll” from the toe to the heel has the same effect.
- Once every two hours, you need to take a sitting position.At the same time, elongated legs need to be placed on the elevation - the “cowboy” pose.
An excellent additional remedy for both sitting work and on the legs are cold legs for legs and dousing.
Physical activity
This is the best way to prevent and treatment.This kind of prevention of varicose veins can be carried out at home.
Remove your legs regularly, this will be the best prevention during sitting work.
- Normal blood circulation to a large extent depends on the functioning of the muscles.In this case, a prerequisite is precisely the load.The muscles should work intensively, so a slow walk of 20 minutes will not bring any benefit.Hour more efficient sports walking for 5 minutes.
- Aerobics, dancing, running - during classes, the muscles of the lower leg and feet are actively reduced.
- Cycling - simultaneously reduces the mechanical load, as the weight of the body disappears, and increases the muscle load.
- Swimming - the third is added to the two mentioned factors: the horizontal position of the legs.Swimming is the best prevention of varicose veins.
- Classes on simulators - requires consulting a doctor and coach, since with good muscle load, the mechanical one increases.
A massage is a good aid, it improves blood and lymph outflow.However, it is impossible to replace physical activity with massage.
Compression knitwear
It is prescribed and used when the symptoms of varicose veins occur.The effect is based on mechanical squeezing of advanced surface veins.Knitwear does not affect deep vessels.
Compression linen is produced in the form of socks, golf, stocking and tights.The maximum pressure is on the ankle section - 100%, in the upper thigh it is 40%.Thus, the movement of blood up is facilitated.
The magnitude of the pressure is different.When labeling products, the maximum pressure and class of compression is indicated.
Compression underwear has contraindications:
- chronic diseases of the arteries - endoarthteritis, atherosclerosis, orthoarthterite;
- inflammatory skin diseases, dermatitis, eczema and so on;
- septic phlebitis, heart-axle failure;
- Diabetes mellitus - a doctor’s consultation is required, since diabetes often cause damage to the vessels of the legs.
Prevention of the disease during pregnancy
Prevention during pregnancy includes the same actions as with sitting work or prolonged stay on the legs.A significant difference is a gradual decrease in the load.
- Compression knitwear, if there are no contraindications, is prescribed after 12-13 weeks.Usually these are tights of grade 1-2 that do not exert pressure on the abdomen.
- At 10 weeks, a bandage that supports the uterus can be assigned.In this case, the pressure on the veins of the legs decreases, which improves blood outflow.
- Available physical activity is aerobics and swimming, especially the last, walking, but always at a fast pace.Slow movement does not activate the functioning of the muscles.
- During sleep, if possible, you should put your legs on the pillow.
- It is necessary to avoid thermal procedures - a bathhouse, a sauna, since heat contributes to the expansion of arteries.As a result, blood flow improves, and the outflow slows down, which leads to stagnation.
Varicose veins are much easier to warn or stop in the early stages, when only surface veins were subjected to changes.In this case, only vascular stars and the need to follow the recommendations described above remain the “reminder”.Damage to deep -dressed veins will require longer treatment, up to surgical intervention.