Varicose veins

Varicose veins (varicose veins of lower limbs)– This is damage to the vein walls in the lower extremities and weakening of the vein valves, resulting in impaired blood flow and stagnant blood. The function of the vein valves is compromised, causing blood to back up and become stagnant. The vein walls dilate, thin, and rupture. Over time, blood clots can form, blocking blood vessels and causing a stroke or heart attack. Women are most often at risk for varicose veins, but men can also experience varicose veins. The age of onset is over 20 years old, and sometimes varicose veins can appear in teenagers. Varicose veins are usually caused by a sedentary lifestyle and occupational characteristics, but the disease can also be caused by other factors.

causes of varicose veins

Veins in the body are essential for circulating blood and carrying nutrients from the tissues to the heart. In the lower extremity region, this network takes the form of deep or superficial veins, which are interconnected by an emergency blood drainage system. Basically, most of the load falls on the deep veins because they are larger and stronger. Superficial veins do about 15% of the work.The heart needs to pump blood and move it through the veins, and due to the work of surrounding muscles during walking and other movements, some blood flows through the veins against gravity. When muscles relax, people move less, or stand, blood flows back downwards under the action of gravity. But it is held in place thanks to a special valve.If the valves cannot perform their function, the veins begin to dilate and become inflamed; they cannot hold blood. As a result, circulation stagnates and veins dilate and rise above the skin.Blood circulation is impaired and varicose veins develop. The causes of varicose veins may be:

• Missing, defective or damaged venous valves - the reverse flow of blood back into the legs is disturbed and blood stagnates and stretches in the veins;
• Often maintain an upright posture - Varicose veins are most common among barbers, teachers, salesmen and other people who spend a lot of money;
• Overweight and Obesity – Excess weight puts pressure on the lower limbs, causing the veins to dilate and cause varicose veins;
• Intestinal diseases, constipation - produces intra-abdominal pressure, leading to varicose veins;
• flatfoot;
• Pregnancy - the uterus and fetus put extra pressure on the legs, causing varicose veins;
• Lifting weights - Excessive physical activity can cause veins to dilate and blood vessel walls to stretch;
• Professional sports - running, jumping, tennis - can lead to varicose veins due to constant pressure on the lower limbs.

Varicose veins in the legs may be caused by previous injuries and surgeries to the lower limbs. In old age, almost everyone suffers from varicose veins because the valves become weak and work poorly. They become inelastic and stretch greatly.

symptom

In the initial stages, the veins located under the skin dilate. If venous circulation is established immediately, no other discomfort will occur.

If the condition progresses, the following symptoms may occur

• rapid fatigue;
• Feeling of heaviness in lower limbs;
• Calf muscle cramps (most often in the evening and at night);
• There is a tingling, numb feeling in the legs.

As the disease progresses, nutritional disorders begin to appear, most often concentrated in the area of the inner surface of the lower legs.

Symptoms of nutritional disorders

• Thickening of vein walls;
• Skin pigmentation occurs in certain places;
• skin atrophy;
• Dermatitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the skin;
• In later stages of the disease, trophic ulcers may progress, which are virtually untreatable.

In chronic varicose veins, symptoms manifest as swelling of the lower limbs when standing for long periods of time. After a night's rest, the swelling usually disappears completely.

Varicose veins in male legs

Thirty-two percent of men develop varicose veins in their legs. Most commonly, the disease begins in people 45 years and older. Varicose veins develop in men for the same reason as in women - overloading the lower limbs. This condition is less common as it is due to the peculiarities of the male anatomy. However, men already develop varicose veins in middle age due to smoking and excessive stress.The occurrence of varicose veins in male legs is related to the loss of elasticity and tension of the blood vessel wall for the following reasons:

• Occupational characteristics - not actively working, maintaining one posture for a long time, working while standing, lifting weights;
• excess weight;
• Fats and unhealthy foods that negatively affect blood vessel walls;
• Liver diseases: hepatitis and cirrhosis;
• Metabolic diseases, diabetes;
• Active sports, bodybuilding, and strenuous physical activities;
• arterial hypertension;
• genetic factors;
• Smoking and drinking.

The disease can last for several years. Initially, men may experience leg pain and swelling at night or after remaining in an upright position for long periods of time. In later stages, varicose veins in men's legs can cause hair loss, burning in painful areas, and itching of venous nodules. Due to malnutrition of the skin, nutritional ulcers appear, which are itchy and painful. It becomes more difficult for the patient to walk, and then the ability to move the limbs disappears. Loss of sensation and numbness in the legs.

Leg ulcers caused by varicose veins

Leg ulcers are the most dangerous consequence of varicose veins. They are located on the inner surface of the lower third of the leg, in the supramalleolar area. Before they appear, dermatitis occurs, accompanied by eczema and severe itching. Ulcers can be single or multiple, mostly flat, with a smooth bottom, uneven and flat edges, sparse secretions, and are serous or purulent. Trophic ulcers are difficult to heal and can grow in size. When they capture fibers, they become more painful. Over time, the induration of the subcutaneous tissue increases.Nutritional ulcers have characteristic symptoms; they are difficult to ignore. At the site of future ulcers, the skin will become dense, red, and swollen, and there may be increased pigmentation. I have varicose ulcers on my legs that are itchy and cause soreness. Can be dangerous from blood poisoning and amputation. How to treat ulcers associated with varicose veins should be determined by a phlebologist after a thorough diagnosis of the veins.

Symptoms of varicose veins in legs

Symptoms of varicose veins in the legs appear depending on the stage of the disease:

• Stage 1 – Some cosmetic imperfections are apparent and the pain is actually not bothersome.
• Stage 2 - Feelings of heaviness, fullness, pain, and cramps during sleep.
• The third stage - edema formation, feeling of fullness, thickening of skin and subcutaneous tissue, formation of dark spots.
• Stage 4 - trophic ulcers, burning and itching, severe pain, protruding veins, changes in gait, difficulty walking.

The most common symptoms of varicose veins in the legs include:

• Heaviness and fatigue in the legs, cramping of the calf muscles during sleep and after waking;
• Dull pain in the calf, which worsens with prolonged standing and disappears when lying down;
• Burning and itching in the legs at night;
• Severe fatigue can occur with light loads and short distance walking.

Another prominent symptom of varicose veins is that the veins become less noticeable when a person lies down or raises the leg, and become larger when standing, especially for long periods of time.Varicose veins in the legs can cause swelling of the soft tissues of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. The most common is in the evening after the work day. People who stand for long periods of time and those who are overweight may experience swelling. Comfortable shoes start to squeeze and become tight at night. When you stay in one position for a long time, your legs will instantly swell or swell. You can check your legs yourself for swelling. To do this, you need to measure the circumference of the calf with a tape measure: the narrowest part of the calf - just above the ankle, the widest part - the calf muscle. You need to take measurements twice a day: before going to bed at night and immediately after waking up. If your calf circumference changes by more than 1cm within a few days, it's reason to check your blood vessels and veins. If varicose veins are left untreated, the condition may worsen and new symptoms may appear. Due to malnutrition of the lower limb tissues, nutritional ulcers occur on the skin of the legs and feet. First, the skin begins to thicken and spots appear in the form of dark freckles. The skin becomes dry, blue, and may become swollen. As varicose veins develop, trophic ulcers may appear, which may be extremely itchy and uncomfortable.

complication

Varicose veins are a serious condition because they can cause several consequences: eczema, skin ulcers, severe venous bleeding from injuries to the lower limbs, thrombophlebitis.Thrombophlebitis is particularly dangerous because a blood clot forms in the blood vessel and can break off at any time. Pulmonary artery obstruction is fatal.

Varicose veins in the lower limbs can cause the following conditions:

• Hemorrhoids - a disease characterized by rectal varicose veins;
• Varicocele – Varicocele;
• Portal hypertension is a syndrome of elevated pressure in the portal venous system.

Varicose veins in the legs can make walking difficult and can lead to disability in the later stages.

Treatment of varicose veins in legs

The nature of treatment for varicose veins in the legs depends on the stage and symptoms of the disease. There are many ways to bond, seal, and remove dilated veins. The most common methods are:

hardening

A procedure in which doctors glue small blood vessels together to remove the "stars. "A special substance is injected into the vein to glue the vein walls together. Over time, this vein forms a cord and recedes. Sclerotherapy is a painless method that does not require anesthesia and can be completed in 15 minutes.

phlebectomy

If varicose veins require radical treatment, surgical intervention is required. Varicose vein surgery involves removing the veins. To do this, a procedure called phlebectomy is performed - a surgical procedure to remove the saphenous vein. This helps prevent pressure on the deeper vein layers.

intravascular laser coagulation

The next method of vein removal is intravascular laser coagulation. A modern treatment method whose essence is the action of laser radiated thermal energy. The laser affects only the vein wall area and not nearby tissue and nerve endings. Under the influence of radiation, veins close and are excluded from the blood flow. The procedure is performed using local anesthesia and does not require hospitalization. An ultra-thin laser light guide is inserted into the vein through the skin puncture. The surgery works well and is popular because of its outpatient treatment and rapid recovery.

Conservative treatment

In some cases, conservative treatment involves medications prescribed by the treating physician. It is suitable for patients with contraindications to surgery, deep venous valve insufficiency, early stage varicose veins, only cosmetic defects, and who refuse surgery.Medications for treating varicose veins are divided into several categories:

• Venoconstriction
• anticoagulant
• Anti-edema therapy
• decomposer
• during nutritional changes
• Antioxidants
• nonsteroidal analgesics;
• fibrinolytics

Patients need to wrap their lower limbs with elastic bandages or wear elastic stockings, regularly elevate their legs above the level of their heart, and perform preventive exercises for their feet and calves to improve blood circulation in the legs and eliminate venous stagnation in the legs. Blood.Treatment of varicose veins in men includes wearing special compression garments, regular exercise, maintaining proper nutrition, and avoiding alcohol and smoking.Treatment for varicose veins in the legs includes dieting to lose weight and reduce swelling and tension in the legs. It is necessary to give up salt and sugar and reduce fluid intake. The diet must contain vitamins P, C, E, proteins and trace elements to strengthen the walls of blood vessels. Smoking and drinking are prohibited as they stretch the walls of blood vessels and impair their patency.During the initial stages of development of varicose veins and during treatment, it is necessary to perform complex therapeutic exercises on a regular basis. Exercises should be performed at a calm pace while wearing a compression garment until you feel tired. In this case, jumping, running, dancing, ballet, aerobics and stepping are excluded, since they increase the load on the veins of the legs. You cannot strength train or lift barbells or dumbbells. Lifts above 3-5kg are not included. Exercising in a pool, using an exercise bike with back support, and riding a bicycle will be very helpful. You can do a normal walk on a treadmill. It's best to walk outdoors at an alternating pace of fast and slow.Precautions should be taken after treatment and venous surgery. Wear suitable shoes, except high heels, the platform height should not exceed 4cm. To improve blood circulation, level 1 or level 2 compression garments must be worn regularly, depending on the stage of development of varicose veins in the legs. It is best to wear it in cold seasons as it is more comfortable and convenient. It is recommended to give priority to high socks and tights as knee socks can squeeze your legs at the knees.

Laser treatment of varicose veins

For varicose veins, endovenous laser coagulation treatments - laser surgery and echosclerotherapy - are available. Some patients have enlarged veins removed through precise punctures of the skin surface under local anesthesia - a phlebotomy. Microsclerotherapy can be used to remove spider veins and intradermal veins. The laser energy is absorbed by the hemoglobin of red blood cells and converted into heat (95-100 degrees) within one second, causing the plasma and blood elements to boil, causing thermal burns to the endothelium (vein wall). A dense blood clot forms where the laser hits the site, and then the vein dissolves and becomes invisible. If the blood vessels are large and located in multiple layers, the procedure must be repeated after one month.Laser treatment of varicose veins refers to a surgical method that is low-invasive and does not require general anesthesia. The laser only strictly localizes the varicose vein wall, which is equivalent to non-surgical treatment methods. .Laser surgery is performed using an ultrasound duplex scanner. The doctor inserts a thin light guide into the vein through a puncture in the skin. Radiation of a specific laser wavelength is partially absorbed by the dilated vein wall, sealing the diseased vein. The clinic uses a new generation of lasers that selectively affects the vein wall without damaging surrounding tissue.Laser treatment of varicose veins has the following advantages:

• Outpatient treatment – patients do not need to be hospitalized and can go home immediately after surgery;
• Use local anesthesia - no need for general or spinal anesthesia;
• Short procedure duration - laser treatment takes only 60-90 minutes to complete, after which the patient can go home;
• Long-lasting cosmetic results - after using laser to remove varicose veins, no traces are left on the skin; sometimes a strip of dark skin may appear, which disappears after 2-3 months.

After laser surgery for varicose veins, you need to ensure that the treated varicose veins are under compression.For this purpose, the patient wears compression stockings. They are thin, stretchy and can maintain the desired level of pressure for a long time. Special latex pads or cotton rolls are placed over the area where large varicose veins are located. Immediately after the treatment procedure, the patient must walk for at least 4-5 kilometers. Walking should be brisk and fast so that good circulation of blood begins and veins develop. For the first few days after laser surgery, you must walk for an hour every day.After laser treatment of varicose veins, regular vascular diagnosis is required. Therapeutic gymnastics, walking, swimming, and cycling were performed. It's worth giving up running, jumping, weight training in the gym, weightlifting, dancing and any type of martial arts. Gymnastics should be performed every day at a moderate pace with rest periods. Its goal is to reduce blood stagnation in the veins, but not to pump up the legs, so you shouldn't overexert yourself. After class, you need to lie down with your legs raised at 90 degrees for a few minutes.

radiofrequency coagulation

Another method of eliminating varicose veins is radiofrequency coagulation. The essence of this method is to expose the blood vessel walls of the veins to radiofrequency radiation. Since the main goal is to stop the flow of blood, when using this method the veins appear to be welded under radiation. The veins gradually fade and disappear completely within six months to a year. The advantage of this approach is that it requires no surgical intervention at all and can be performed for any accompanying pathology. The technology does not have systemic effects on the patient's body.Since the most serious consequence of chronic venous insufficiency is trophic ulceration, its treatment is comprehensive and includes methods of endovenous laser coagulation, sclerosis, and venectomy. Local treatments are usually performed, including surgical cleaning of the ulcer and skin grafting on the affected area of the body. For this complication, specialists prescribe the following drugs:

• Intravenous supplements are medications that have a positive effect on the vein walls and have a tonic effect. They come in different forms (ointments, gels, tablets);
• Antihistamines - block histamine receptors;
• Antibiotics – stop and control the inflammatory process in the body.

Compression therapy is used to eliminate heaviness, swelling, and pain in the lower limbs while walking. Wearing special undergarments made of compression knitted fabric and bandages made of special bandages will help to significantly ease the course of the disease and prevent further spread of complications.

How to treat varicose veins in legs at home

Varicose veins require physical activity, but be gentle, so exclude things like strength exercises, weight lifting in the gym, running, jumping, and dancing. The most effective way is to walk regularly, which can improve muscle function and blood circulation in blood vessels. When taking a break from work, you can do a simple exercise to treat varicose veins. Stand on your tiptoes 20 times, lifting your heels off the ground. This exercise will help eliminate varicose veins as it acts like a pump, improving blood vessel tone. At the end of the day, try to keep your feet elevated or on pillows. It would be useful to do "bicycle" exercises or exercise on an exercise bike with back support.Exercise needs to be done in a gentle manner, excluding running, jumping, lifting barbells and dumbbells, strength exercises, squats and deadlifts in the gym. The most effective and healthy exercises are swimming, swimming, walking and cycling. Unlike running and strength exercises, swimming trains the blood vessels in your legs while being gentle on your lower limbs. It helps eliminate leg swelling and heaviness, increases vascular tone and eliminates cosmetic imperfections.A set of leg therapy exercises needs to be performed every day to eliminate swelling, improve blood circulation, and strengthen blood vessel walls. Exercise should be performed until your legs feel tired. After gymnastics, you need to rest and lie down with your feet on pillows or the armrest of the sofa. It is useful to complete the exercise with a contrast shower or foot bath.It is important to adhere to proper nutrition. It is necessary to exclude salty, hot, spicy foods, smoked foods, greasy, fried, floury and sweet foods, as they damage the walls of blood vessels and retain fluid in the body. It is forbidden to drink alcohol and smoke to avoid the formation of blood clots in blood vessels. The diet should be rich in foods with vitamins C, B, E, proteins, trace elements: citrus fruits, sour berries and fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, vegetables. As for drinks, it is best to give priority to fruit drinks, jellies, green tea and herbal teas. Sugar should be replaced with honey.After consulting your doctor to determine if you are suffering from any stomach problems, it can be useful to have juice days twice a week.

Prevent varicose veins

Since varicose veins are often caused by stagnant blood in the extremities, rest your legs at home on the back of a sofa or on a low table or chair. This relieves fatigue and tension in the legs. Before going to bed, place a pillow or folded blanket under your feet and elevate your legs slightly.Preventing varicose veins includes losing weight, as excess weight can put extra pressure on your legs. Women should not carry more than 3kg in one hand. You need to give up tight clothes and shoes, tight stockings and socks. The heel should not exceed 4 cm, otherwise it will hinder normal blood circulation. Compression knits work well to train and immobilize the veins, improving their tone. Underwear should be purchased at a pharmacy or specialty store.Sedentary jobs require regular warm-ups and stretches, and standing up and walking can be helpful. If possible, place a low stool under your feet as this will improve blood flow. Walk more, exercise regularly, swim and climb stairs. This will prevent the development of varicose veins and improve muscle tone.To avoid varicose veins, preventive measures must be taken. You should minimize hot baths, saunas and steam rooms, as well as prolonged exposure to the sun. This will help reduce venous tone, which can cause stagnation of blood in the legs.To prevent varicose veins in the legs, avoid wearing tight-fitting items, such as socks or stockings with tight elastic bands, as they put too much pressure on the veins and can cause poor circulation and dilation. High heels are not included; the height of daily shoes should not exceed 4 cm. High heels can be worn at festival events.