Varicose veins are dilation of the superficial veins of the lower extremities, accompanied by valve incompetence and impaired blood flow.The term “varicose veins” comes from the Latin.varix - “swelling”.This diagnosis is very widespread: up to 89% of women and up to 66% of men living in developed countries have signs of varicose veins to one degree or another.
Most often, the valves that are subject to maximum mechanical stress are the first to be affected.In this case, pathological discharge of blood occurs through the mouth of the great and small saphenous veins, sometimes through large perforating veins.Excessive blood volume arising in the superficial veins gradually leads to overstretching of the venous wall.The total volume of blood contained in the superficial venous bed of the lower extremities increases, resulting in dilatation and valvular insufficiency in the perforating veins.Varicose veins most often affect the veins of the lower extremities, but can occur in any organ or part of the body.
Symptoms of varicose veins
The clinic of varicose veins is determined by the stages of the disease:
- Stage 1.The first symptoms are heaviness and fatigue in the legs after a working day, swelling of the ankles, feet and lower legs in the late afternoon.In this case, all symptoms disappear after a night's rest or after active walking.
- Stage 2.Spider veins appear on the legs, pain along the veins and rare night cramps in the calves.
- Stage 3.At this stage, veins and nodules can already be felt on the skin, which appear after a long sitting or standing position.
- Stage 4.In addition to all the above symptoms, there is constant swelling in the late afternoon, which may not go away completely in the morning.
- Stage 5.The skin on your legs may become dark in color.Skin atrophy appears.
- Stage 6.Trophic ulcers appear that are capable of healing.
- Stage 7.Trophic ulcers do not heal.
One of the first signs of an incipient disease is often swelling and pain along the veins.With varicose veins of the legs, there is slight swelling of the soft tissues, usually in the feet, ankles and lower legs.The presence of such “heavy leg syndrome” does not necessarily predispose to subsequent varicose vein transformation.However, most patients at the onset of the disease noted any of the listed symptoms, especially in the evening, with prolonged standing, or long walking in hot weather.
The disease develops over a long period of time, and the listed symptoms are accompanied by “evening” swelling.Swelling is first observed in the ankles and feet, and then spreads to the lower leg.When such edema appears, one should speak of developed chronic venous insufficiency.The skin color takes on a bluish tint.If patients at this stage do not receive the necessary treatment, a certain part of them develop hyperpigmentation of the skin of the legs and lipodermatosclerosis.In more advanced cases, trophic ulcers occur.
In addition to varicose veins of the lower extremities, there is also:
- varicose veins of the pelvis in women;
- varicocele in men;
- damage to the veins of the lower extremities;
- dilation of the veins of the esophagus due to liver pathology;
- postthrombophlebitic manifestations in various organs.
Causes of the disease.
Factors contributing to the development of the disease:
- Sedentary work or work “on your feet”;
- Overweight;
- Heredity, predisposition to the disease;
- Age and gender.The greatest likelihood of developing varicose veins in women is 30-40 years old;
- Pregnancy.
The cause-and-effect relationships of the occurrence of varicose veins are still a subject of debate and scientific research.Disturbances in the outflow of venous blood are most often caused by the absence or weakness of the vascular valve apparatus located deep in the tissues.Also, varicose veins of the lower extremities and other organs can be caused by a decrease in the tone of the vascular wall.
Less commonly, varicose veins in the legs are associated with conditions such as:
- previous inflammation of the veins (phlebitis);
- formation of blood clots in the venous bed;
- congenital anomalies of vascular development.
Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities
The essence of conservative treatment of varicose veins is to restore normal venous outflow.
Physical activity
Walking is recommended for patients with varicose veins as a method of both prevention and treatment.Contracting the leg muscles helps pump blood to the heart and improves circulation.
Wearing compression garments
The use of compression stockings is one of the conservative methods of treating varicose veins and other vein lesions.The products provide a compressive effect to maintain vascular tone and restore blood flow to the affected area of the lower extremities.It is important to change your underwear regularly, as they tend to stretch.
Medicines
Medicines for the treatment of varicose veins should increase the tone of the veins, reduce capillary permeability and improve lymphatic drainage, microcirculation and eliminate rheological disorders and stop inflammation.Drugs for the treatment of varicose veins are divided into several groups.Phlebotonics: diosmin, tribenoside, rutoside, and others;anticoagulants: enoxaparin sodium, nadroparin calcium;anti-edema agents: diosmin and others;disaggregants: ticlopidine, acetylsalicylic acid, calcium dobesilate;for trophic changes: tribenoside, diosmin;antioxidants: vitamin E;acetylsalicylic acid and its derivatives;non-steroidal analgesics;fibrinolytics.
Doctors also recommend the use of topical medications - ointments and gels.This helps reduce pain in the limbs and reduce swelling, improve the functioning of the valve system, increase the tone of the vascular walls, and restore normal blood flow.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins
In some cases, surgery is indicated - this is the most effective treatment method.Modern operations, which are performed using laser, radiofrequency or sclerotherapy, are performed under local anesthesia.
Prevention.
A truly effective prevention of varicose veins is the use of compression stockings, maintaining a normal weight and regular exercise, especially walking or swimming.Self-massage also helps with the manifestations of varicose veins (you can also use creams or ointments with it).