Varicose veins are a disease of the subcutaneous veins, which is expressed in their excessive expansion and stretching, the elasticity of the veins is lost, the process of blood circulation is disturbed. Swollen varicose veins usually appear on the legs.
Varicose veins are considered a cosmetic problem, but if left untreated they can lead to complications. The main ones are trophic ulcers and thrombophlebitis, which develop in 70% of patients with varicose veins.
symptoms of varicose veins
Signs that declare themselves in the early stages:
- legs get tired quickly;
- burning and heaviness in the legs;
- small bumps appear;
- there is pain in the veins;
- there are cramps in the calves.
Another characteristic sign of varicose veins is the localization of pain in the calves, which appears at night and disappears in the morning. The pain is not acute, the sensations are moderate, pulling.
In the first stages, dilated veins cannot be seen, but varicose veins are already developing. Sometimes it takes decades. Gradually, the symptoms are more and more disturbing, signs of venous insufficiency appear:
- swelling of the legs - in patients (most often it is women who suffer from varicose veins), chronic venous disease is often accompanied by an increase in the volume of the leg. At the same time, edema, as well as pain and heaviness, are observed in the afternoon and disappear after sleep. Foot edema is not typical of said pathology, it is a symptom of lymphatic edema;
- itchy skin;
- knots, tortuosities, visible to the naked eye;
- darkening, thickening of the skin, the appearance of a bluish tint.
With the progression of the venous disease, the symptoms intensify. There is a deterioration in the appearance of the skin on the legs, eczema and trophic ulcers appear.
causes of varicose veins
The cause of varicose vein disease is the insufficiency of the venous valves of the legs, due to which the blood flow worsens. The venous network in the legs consists of superficial and deep veins connected by vessels. Superficial veins carry blood away from the skin and subcutaneous structures, while deep veins carry blood away from internal organs. The veins that connect them act as compensators that equalize the pressure in the superficial and deep vessels.
Adequate blood flow goes from superficial to deep veins. This direction can be provided by the movement of the surrounding muscles and the work of the vasomotor center, since movement from below to above contradicts the forces of attraction.
If for some reason the exit becomes difficult, the vessel walls become inflamed, thinner, dilated veins and cyanotic nodules characteristic of varicose veins appear.
The disease develops as a response to a complex of unfavorable conditions mentioned below:
- heredity - weakness of the walls of blood vessels can be transmitted from generation to generation and lead to loss of vascular tone;
- exhausting work, standing - a high-risk group includes people who, by the nature of their activities, have to sit or stand for a long time;
- frequent pregnancy and childbirth - during this period, the total volume of blood and the squeezing of the veins increase, which provokes varicose veins;
- obesity - increased venous pressure in overweight people increases the chance of varicose veins;
- failure of the hormonal system - self-administration of contraceptives and other hormone-based drugs causes changes in the venous wall. In women, such a reaction can be observed during pregnancy;
- nutrition - the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in the menu leads to a lack of fiber, as a result - a weakening of the venous wall.
How are varicose veins?
Since varicose veins are a modification of the veins, the disease is also referred to as cosmetic problems:
- first, patients note the appearance of networks and a venous pattern on the legs;
- then the veins become tortuous, lifting the skin;
- in the more advanced stages, varicose nodules are clearly visible, representing the expansion and tangling of blood vessels.
What is the danger of the disease
What happens if the disease is not treated? This will inevitably lead to complications. The most dangerous are thrombophlebitis and the "separation" of a blood clot. 5% of all patients experience similar complications. With age, a trophic ulcer is often formed, which is difficult to treat. The risk of complications from varicose veins increases over time.
- thrombophlebitis🇧🇷With it, blood clots form in the veins of the legs, which can rupture and clog the arteries, leading to myocardial infarction.
- venous thrombosis.Blockage of a vessel by a blood clot. It is expressed by pain in the legs, which are exacerbated by physical exertion.
- pulmonary embolism🇧🇷Obstruction of its lumen by a detached thrombus. Death can occur within the first half hour. If the clot is small, a pulmonary infarction can occur.
- Trophic ulcers.Darkening and thinning of the skin with subsequent appearance of ulcers. Occurs as a result of tissue malnutrition. Poor response to treatment.
Risk factors
- Heredity🇧🇷If both parents have varicose veins, then for a child the probability of getting the disease is 90%, if one has 60%.
- Pregnancy.During this period, venous disease is caused by 3 factors:
- hormonal change - the production of progesterone in large quantities relaxes the muscles, makes the veins more vulnerable;
- pressure from the uterus, which has increased in size - in connection with this, the outflow of blood from the legs worsens;
- an increase in blood volume by 20-30% - the venous valves of the legs cannot withstand the load, especially if they are initially weak;
- Wrong nutrition.The uncontrolled consumption of industrialized foods, sugar and salt, fast food, fried and fatty foods, trans fats, preservatives and artificial additives in industrialized products also leave their mark.
- Hormonal background.The activity of hormones can weaken the veins, which causes vasodilation and prevents the valves from closing normally.
- Tight clothes🇧🇷Tight belts, tight jeans and underwear interfere with the harmonious flow of blood, impeding blood circulation.
- High heels🇧🇷When walking, the veins work to the limit. This is due to the fact that the load is unevenly distributed - the main part falls on the forefoot. Pain in the veins, swelling of the legs are the first signs of incipient varicose veins.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
In the early diagnosis of varicose veins, ultrasound technologies are used - angioscanning and dopplerography.
Ultrasonic angioscanning (USAS) is an informative method of non-invasive examination of peripheral vessels. It allows obtaining a two-dimensional image of the artery, visualizing intravascular structures and assessing the direction and nature of fluid flow.
In severe cases, when no response can be obtained with USAS, computed tomography (CT) is used.
Doppler ultrasonography (Doppler ultrasound) is the easiest method to evaluate the peripheral vessel. It assesses the state of the artery by indirect indicators: the reaction of blood flow to functional tests, etc.
Phlebography with X-ray contrast is used in the diagnosis of arteriovenous angiodysplasia, acute thrombosis and its consequences, as well as varicose veins of the small pelvis.
treatment of varicose veins
surgical techniques
Complete healing of varicose veins is possible only after surgical treatment. It is done in three ways:
- phlebectomy - removal of an enlarged varicose vessel;
- sclerosing is the introduction of a special substance into the varicose vein, which "sticks together" the walls of blood vessels, normalizing blood flow. Swelling of veins disappears, even a cosmetic defect disappears;
- laser coagulation - the walls of the vein are exposed to heat, as a result of which the venous lumen "closes". Manipulation is performed only if the vein is expanded by no more than 10 mm.
Medical treatment of varicose veins
The main role in the treatment is played by venotonics in the form of tablets. They improve the blood circulation process by healing the arteries.
Also prescribe venotonic drugs - phlebotonics. They are taken with thinning of the walls of blood vessels, increased permeability, reduced elasticity and fluid stagnation. Preparations strengthen the venous walls, increase their elasticity, reduce swelling and other negative signs. An additional quality of phlebotonics is the establishment of microcirculation in the affected area.
Antiplatelet agents are used to thin the blood in the veins. Necessary drugs when you need to reduce the formation of blood clots. Indicated for patients with increased blood viscosity. You can take antiplatelet agents only if there is no predisposition to bleeding.
Sometimes anticoagulants are used to stop individual thrombi from forming. They eliminate blood clots, reduce viscosity. But the decision is made by the attending physician after evaluating the potential health benefits and potential rice.
compression therapy
A reliable assistant in the treatment of varicose veins is compression clothing. The working principle of the products is as follows:
- when wearing compression stockings, the pressure in the superficial and deep veins increases;
- the greatest pressure is in the lower part, where the veins are narrower and the blood outflow is faster;
- due to the narrowing of the veins, it improves the functioning of the valves;
- pain, swelling, fatigue in the legs disappear.
a complex approach
There are many treatment options, but the most correct will be an emphasis on improving the entire organism as a whole. Varicose veins in the broadest sense are not just a problem with veins, but also a symptom that indicates a malfunction in the body. Therefore, we advise you to heal the body and do it consistently and wisely.
- drink plenty of water - dehydration is one of the causes of blood clotting, especially in hot periods;
- help the liver with detoxification - add artichokes, flax, grapefruits, oranges, apples, cruciferous vegetables, rosemary, dandelions, olives to the diet (make sure that there are no allergic reactions and individual intolerance to the product);
- remove from the diet all pro-inflammatory foods that thicken the blood and have an adverse effect on the walls of blood vessels (alcohol, coffee, sugar, sweets, dairy products, smoked, canned food, fast food, refined foods);
- eliminate constipation - they compress the venous blood flow of the pelvis. Start drinking symbionts or microbiotics. The bacteria in its composition create a balance of microflora and thereby normalize the stool. They improve the condition of the small and large intestines, as well as the gastric mucosa;
- take an analysis for homocysteine - it should not exceed 10. If it is higher, then you need to make sure that there is no deficiency of vitamin B12, folic acid and iron. At the same time, restore the microflora, otherwise its absorption may be impaired;
- restore protein levels. For verification, a biochemical blood test is taken: the optimal concentration of protein in an adult should be 72-86 g / l, in children - 45-80 g / l;
- work with insulin resistance - often the problem goes hand in hand with this disorder. You can recognize it by the symptoms: constant feeling of hunger and frequent desire to eat, multiple papillomas, red dots that look like signs, swelling, thirst and high blood pressure;
- introduce exercise - Pilates, yoga, light cardio;
- improve lymphatic flow - drink water with herbs, cranberries, spices, lemon, ginger;
- take a contrast shower - under the influence of cold, small vessels begin to narrow, and, on the contrary, under the influence of heat, they expand. This leads to the strengthening of the vascular walls and an increase in their tone.
- restore hormone levels - excessive activity of hormone production dilates blood vessels and prevents valves from closing normally. To support the process of restoring hormonal balance, symbionts with broccoli are suitable. The active substance - sulforaphane - it contains, removes excess estrogen from the body. This is due to the anti-carcinogenic content in broccoli, such as potassium, zinc, selenium, beta-carotene, amino acids, vitamins A, C and E.