Varicose veins are a disease of the venous channels, characterized by impaired blood circulation and changes in the valves.The disease is accompanied by expansion of the walls and an increase in the length of the vein.The disease causes blood stagnation and nodule formation.Requires consultation with a doctor.
Symptoms of varicose veins
In the initial stages of the development of the disease, the size of 2–3 canals increases.There are no other symptoms.As varicose veins progress, the following signs develop:
- rapid fatigue of the lower extremities;
- swelling of the legs;
- feeling of heaviness;
- thickening of the venous channels that protrude onto the surface of the skin;
- hair loss in the affected area;
- burning and itching sensation;
- pain in the lower extremities;
- the formation of cracks that bleed with minor damage;
- dermatitis;
- redness along the venous canal.
- the veins acquire a dark blue hue, knots are formed;
- cramps in the lower extremities.
Reasons
The exact cause of the development of varicose veins cannot be determined.However, factors that increase the risk of disease progression have been identified:
- genetic predisposition.Explained by the transmission of a non-standard gene, responsible for the structure of vascular channels.From birth, the child has muscle and connective tissue weakness, which leads to increased pressure in the lower extremities;
- 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 venous wall and blockage of the blood vessels;
- excess weight causes slow blood circulation, increased pressure in the abdominal region;
- a high concentration of sugar in blood vessels damages the walls of the channels, creating a favorable environment for the formation of blood clots;
- excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages causes dehydration, thickening of blood cells, formation of blood clots and interruption of blood circulation;
- prolonged physical activity in the lower extremities causes a decrease in muscle tissue tone, blood flow to the cardiac system decreases and stagnation forms in the legs;
- congenital anomalies in the coagulation of blood cells;
- incorrectly formulated diet, low concentrations of vitamins E and C lead to weakening of blood vessels;
- constant use of tight underwear causes compression of the venous channels;
- kidney diseases;
- chronic constipation.The disease leads to increased intra-abdominal pressure, which causes impairment of blood flow;
- frequent use of high-heeled shoes, the muscle tissue of the leg does not move, causing stagnation;
- hot season, frequent dehydration thickens the blood, increasing the risk of blood clots;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as heart failure;
- overdose of medications that increase blood clotting;
- surgical interventions, blood loss during surgical treatment increases the risk of blood clots.
Stages of development of varicose veins
There are several stages of progression of varicose veins of the lower extremities:
- the initial phase 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 venous channels, a burning sensation and rapid fatigue in the legs.Painful sensations intensify at night;
- the second phase is characterized by the development of symptoms.Accompanied by severe pain, constant spasms of muscle tissue, the formation of nodules 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 on legs and arms
It is diagnosed more often than others and is easy to treat.
Varicose veins of the pelvis
Characterized by symptoms similar to other diseases.The urination process is interrupted, it is possible to feel pain during sexual intercourse or while performing physical exercises.
Varicose veins of the uterus
Rarely diagnosed, it is characterized by painful sensations during sexual intercourse, which radiate to the lower back.
Esophageal varices
More often - concomitant diseases of portal hypertension.Characterized by the absence of symptoms.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis requires a visual examination and medical history.Complementary exams show the condition of the valves and venous channels and allow us to establish the type and stage of evolution of the disease.If necessary, the doctor prescribes functional tests to determine the patency of the veins, duplex ultrasound, venography, Dopplerography to assess blood flow.To diagnose varicose veins use:
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Check-up (comprehensive body examination)
- Computerized electroencephalography
- Computational topography of the spine
- Duplex scanning
- Ultrasound (ultrasound examination)
- CT (computed tomography)
- Onco Check-up – free online consultation
Which doctor should I contact?
If you suspect varicose veins, contact a phlebologist – a specialized specialist who deals with blood vessels.You can also make an appointment with a surgeon, he will diagnose and select the appropriate treatment.
Varicose veins treatment
The course of treatment depends on the individual characteristics of the disease.Medicines improve the functioning of valves, nourish the walls of vascular channels, stimulate blood flow, but cannot eliminate the disease.The patient's diet is adjusted, an individual daily routine is drawn up and the use of compression clothing is prescribed.Traditional methods help eliminate pain.If it is not possible to cure the disease using conservative methods, surgical intervention is prescribed.The following methods are generally used:
- Manual therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Therapeutic massage
- Orthopedic insoles
- Reflexology
- Ozone therapy
- Plasma therapy
- SVF joint therapy
- Pharmacopuncture
Complications
- Venous bleeding;
- eczema, develops with prolonged lack of oxygen;
- superficial thrombophlebitis;
- formation of blood clots in deep venous channels;
- formation of trophic ulcers;
- infertility due to damage to the uterine veins;
- death due to rupture of the blood clot.
Varicose vein prevention
To reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, the following rules must be followed:
- avoid intense physical activity on the lower limbs;
- use medicines according to instructions;
- stop consuming alcoholic beverages;
- when working sedentary, do small exercises once an hour;
- stop wearing compressive underwear;
- maintain a balanced diet;
- At the first sign of varicose veins, consult a doctor.