Varicose veins is a disease of the venous vessels, characterized by impaired blood circulation and changes in the valves.This disease is accompanied by expansion of the wall and an increase in the length of the vein.This disease causes blood stagnation and the formation of nodes.Requires consultation with a doctor.
Symptoms of varicose veins
In the early stages of disease development, the size of 2-3 channels increases.No other symptoms.When varicose veins develop, the following symptoms develop:
- rapid fatigue in the lower extremities;
- leg swelling;
- heaviness;
- thickening of venous vessels that protrude on the surface of the skin;
- hair loss in the affected area;
- burning sensation and itching;
- pain in the lower part of the leg;
- the formation of bleeding cracks with minor damage;
- dermatitis;
- redness along the vein.
- veins take on a dark blue color, nodes are formed;
- cramps in the lower legs.
Reason
The exact cause of the development of varicose veins cannot be determined.However, factors have been identified that increase the risk of developing the disease:
- genetic predisposition.Explained by the transmission of non-standard genes, which are responsible for the structure of vascular channels.From the moment of birth, the child has a weakness of muscles and connective tissue, which leads to increased pressure on the lower part of the leg;
- changes in hormone levels, for example during pregnancy or menopause.The concentration of estrogen in the body decreases and the level of progesterone increases.This leads to a decrease in the tone of the vein walls and blockage of blood vessels;
- excess body weight causes slow blood circulation, increased pressure in the abdominal area;
- the high concentration of sugar in the blood vessels damages the walls of the vessels, creating a favorable environment for the formation of blood clots;
- excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages causes dehydration, blood cells thicken, blood clots form, and blood circulation is disturbed;
- prolonged physical activity on the lower part of the legs causes a decrease in the tone of muscle tissue, blood flow to the heart system slows down, and stagnation forms in the legs;
- congenital abnormalities in blood cell coagulation;
- improperly formulated diet, low concentration of vitamins E and C lead to weakening of blood vessels;
- constant use of tight underwear causes compression of venous vessels;
- kidney disease;
- chronic constipation.This disease leads to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, which causes disruption of blood flow;
- frequent use of high-heeled shoes, muscle tissue of the lower leg does not move, causing stagnation;
- summer, frequent dehydration thickens the blood, increasing the risk of blood clots;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as heart failure;
- overdose of drugs that increase blood clotting;
- surgical intervention, blood loss during surgical treatment increases the risk of blood clots.
Stages of development of varicose veins
There are several stages of development of varicose veins on the lower leg:
- The initial stage lasts from several months to several years, regardless of the patient's age.Characterized by the absence of clear signs.Accompanied by mild pain in the veins, a burning sensation, and rapid fatigue in the legs.Painful sensations increase in the evening;
- The second stage is characterized by the development of symptoms.Accompanied by severe pain, constant spasms of muscle tissue, the formation of nodes on the legs, an increase in the thickness of the veins, and a feeling of itching;
- the third stage is characterized by increased edema, impaired blood circulation, ulcerative lesions that do not heal for a long time, and thrombophlebitis.
Varieties
Depending on the location, several types of varicose veins are distinguished:
Varicose veins in legs and arms
It is diagnosed more often than others and is easily treated.
Pelvic varicose veins
Characterized by symptoms similar to other diseases.The process of urination is disturbed, pain may occur during sexual intercourse or during physical exercise.
Uterine varicose veins
Rarely diagnosed, it is characterized by a painful sensation during sexual intercourse, which radiates to the lumbar region.
Esophageal varicose veins
More often - concomitant diseases of portal hypertension.Characterized by the absence of symptoms.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis requires visual examination and medical history.Additional examinations show the condition of valves and venous channels and allow us to determine the type and stage of disease development.If necessary, the doctor prescribes functional tests to determine vein patency, ultrasound scan with duplex, venography, Dopplerography to assess blood flow.To diagnose varicose veins use:
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Examination (full body examination)
- Computer electroencephalography
- Computer topography of the spine
- Duplex scanning
- Ultrasound (ultrasound examination)
- CT (computed tomography)
- Onco examination - free online consultation
Which doctor should I contact?
If you suspect varicose veins, you should contact a phlebologist—a specialist who deals with blood vessels.You can also make an appointment with a surgeon, he will make a diagnosis and choose the appropriate treatment.
Treatment of varicose veins
The course of treatment depends on the individual characteristics of the disease.Medicines improve valve function, nourish the walls of vascular channels, stimulate blood flow, but cannot eliminate the disease.The patient's diet is adjusted, an individualized daily regimen is prepared, and the use of compression garments is prescribed.Traditional methods help relieve pain.If it is not possible to cure the disease with conservative methods, surgical intervention is prescribed.The following methods are commonly used:
- Manual therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Therapeutic massage
- Orthopedic insoles
- Reflexology
- Ozone therapy
- Plasma therapy
- SVF joint therapy
- Pharmacopuncture
Complications
- Venous bleeding;
- eczema, develops with a prolonged lack of oxygen;
- superficial thrombophlebitis;
- the formation of blood clots in deep venous vessels;
- trophic ulcer formation;
- infertility due to damage to the uterine veins;
- death due to rupture of a blood clot.
Prevention of varicose veins
To reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, the following rules must be followed:
- avoid intense physical activity on the lower limbs;
- use the medicine according to the instructions;
- stop drinking alcoholic beverages;
- when working inactively, do small gymnastics once an hour;
- stop using compression underwear;
- maintain a balanced diet;
- At the first sign of varicose veins, consult a doctor.