VEIN VARICOSE

Varicose veinsFatigue, feeling of heaviness in the legs, slight tissue edema, swelling of the veins, and the first visible "vascular networks" may indicate the development of varicose veins of the lower extremities.

The statistics for this disease are very sad. For example, in one country alone, there are about 37 million people suffering from this disease. Every 6th patient of them is a girl under 12 years old. Such an early onset of the disease significantly increases the risk of complications, which, when neglected, threaten disability and even death.

What is so terrible about varicose veins of the lower extremities? Why is it so important to stop its development in the early stages? For methods of its treatment, preventive measures from the point of view of specialists, as well as many other useful information about varicose veins of the lower extremities, read this article.

What is varicose veins of the lower extremities?

All veins in the human body are divided into deep, superficial and perforated. Deep vessels do almost all the work (90%) of transporting blood to the heart, and perforated vessels are a kind of bridge between depth and surface. The structure of the veins predicts the presence of valves that direct and promote the outflow of blood only in the right direction. When the circulatory system fails, a portion of the blood collects at one point. This leads to local expansion (extension) of the container. The first to suffer are the deep veins (the so-called internal varicose veins), later superficial in the form of "spider veins and joints".

For a full perception of the severity of the disease, it is worth noting that its progression threatens the development of thrombophlebitis, blockage of the pulmonary artery with a thrombus (or thromboembolism), as well as trophic leg ulcers, lymphostasis (edema of the extremitiespatient) and many other problems that can lead to death disease

Main causes of varicose veins of the lower extremities

Many factors can provoke a dysfunction of blood vessels, blood flow in general and then stimulate the appearance of varicose veins of the superficial veins of the lower extremities. Let us consider the main ones:

causes of varicose veins in the legs
  1. Congenital malformation of the valves located inside the venous vessels - the disease can be inherited. According to statistics, two-thirds of patients have close relatives with a similar disease.
  2. Insufficient mobility reduces stress on soft tissues. As a result, it reduces the load on the blood vessels and their tone.
  3. During the "standing" position, the pressure inside the foot vessels increases tenfold. With a long vertical adjustment, the valves can not cope with the increased load, which provokes a violation of their functioning.
  4. Decreased vascular tone - can be caused by age-related changes, loss of wall elasticity after certain diseases.
  5. Pregnancy - this period is characterized by an increase in blood in a woman's body, as well as the hormones progesterone, estrogen. Together, these changes stimulate the development of varicose veins of the lower extremities. True, the normalization of processes is possible approximately 1 year after birth, if no complications with varicose veins have arisen.

Overweight, the presence of injuries, previous surgeries, hormonal disorders and the use of contraceptives completes the list of reasons for the development of the disease.

Determination of varicose veins of the lower extremities - symptoms and diagnosis

The effectiveness of treatment, the speed of a positive result mainly depends on the accuracy and timeliness of disease diagnosis.

Signs of varicose veins of the lower extremities will help determine the disease in the early stages:

  • appearance of slight swelling of the feet;
  • swelling of superficial venous vessels, their increase in diameter;
  • itching of the lower extremities with varicose veins;
  • feeling of overload, heaviness;
  • burning, pain caused by excessive elongation of the vein walls;
  • leg cramps;
  • visible blue skin along the vein, induration (induration) of problem areas of tissue, formation of eczema with varicose veins of the lower extremities.
how varicose veins in the legs are manifested

Even a slight violation of the integrity of the skin at the site of the eczema can lead to the appearance of a trophic ulcer.

In the varicose vein variant of the deep veins of the lower extremities, the symptoms may appear at a later stage, which is undesirable. Therefore, if you have the slightest suspicion of a disease, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Diagnosis of varicose veins of the lower extremities is performed using special equipment. Such a study is safe, painless and allows you to comprehensively study the severity of the disease.

There are several diagnostic options:

  • visual inspection;
  • method of double color examination - the blood flow map compiled during the study allows to judge the direction and speed of blood flow through the veins. The procedure informs about the condition of the blood vessels, which is important for predicting the development of varicose veins;
  • flezography
  • - is rarely used because it involves X-ray examination.

During diagnosis, you can monitor the condition of blood vessels, valves, analyze their functionality, and determine the direction of blood flow.

Generally, the first reason to visit a doctor is unaesthetic changes. From the first type, they are harmless, they can further develop into serious diseases and complications. Therefore, you should not neglect their importance.

Classification of varicose veins of the lower extremities

Doctors usually distinguish 5 stages of varicose veins of the lower extremities, each of which has its own symptoms:

  • Stage 1- veins with reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities, which is easier to treat. It is distinguished by the presence of a "vascular network". Varicose veins are visible through the thin skin (especially in the fossa below the knee), the pain does not arise yet.
  • Stage 2- varicose segmental veins of the lower extremities, accompanied by slight fatigue, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, even convulsive spasms in the calf muscle, slight swelling of the veins isPossible;
  • Stage 3- venous vessels protrude significantly from the skin, especially inside the lower leg, thin skin with dark brown spots, itching, redness, signs of dermatitis. Increased swelling causes discomfort during movement.
  • Stage 4Varicose veins of the lower extremities - the symptomatology is pronounced, complications of the disease appear, such as thrombophlebitis, manifestations of trophic ulcers. Swollen joints with varicose veins appear strongly through the thinned skin of the lower leg, feet and thighs.
  • Stage 5- has all the symptoms of stage 4. In addition, the disease progresses to the groin area. The number of trophic ulcers is increasing rapidly, as is the frequency of thrombophlebitic seizures. The doctor establishes disability with varicose veins of the lower extremities at this stage.

The main task of the patient and his doctor is to prevent the development of the disease beyond the initial stages, and the sooner you contact a phlebologist, the easier it will be for him to stop the disease.

Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities

methods of treating varicose veins

Medicine does not stand still, but develops the latest technologies to fight venous disease. Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities can be performed with conservative methods (drugs, minimally invasive procedures), surgery, home remedies in combination with massage.

Deteriorating image retraction is not a complete list of possible problems. Complications and disability can be added to it. Modern medicine offers a wide range of non-surgical effects on problem areas, and it is often physiotherapy for varicose veins of the lower extremities that is most effective in the early stages of the disease:

  1. The use of creams, gels, oils for varicose veins of the lower extremities, these drugs bring noticeable relief. They are easy to apply on the surface, do not cause pain and discomfort.
  2. Use of venotonics - medicines that, in the case of varicose veins of the lower extremities, normalize the functioning of the veins.
  3. Laser exposure - the method of intravenous laser vein extermination (ELOV) is widely used in the fight against varicose veins. The principle of the procedure is to stop the functioning of the problematic vein, due to the effect on it of a heat beam. Laser manipulations are performed under local anesthesia, no restrictions on actions and additional hospital stay are required. The patient has the right to go home immediately after the procedure.
  4. Magnetotherapy for varicose veins of the lower extremities is a modern adjuvant method that promotes blood thinning, stimulates blood circulation and, as a result, promotes the removal of toxins from tissues and saturates them with oxygen.
  5. Exposure to RF - RF works like a laser. They exclude the problematic vessel from the circulatory system, thus eliminating the risk of possible complications;
  6. Scleotherapy - involves the insertion of a special medicine into the diseased vein, which favors the adhesion of the vessel walls and its self-elimination from the bloodstream after a while.

It should be noted that a prior consultation with a physician and a special examination is required.

Surgery for varicose veins of the lower extremities

Delayed visits to a doctor, neglect of the disease leads to CVI (chronic venous insufficiency) and inability of minimally invasive therapy. In such cases, surgery comes to the rescue.

surgery for varicose veins

The following factors are considered indications for surgery for varicose veins of the lower extremities:

  • the disease is in severe stages, when trophic ulcers manifest progressively;
  • development of thrombophlebitis;
  • discomfort accompanied by excessive fatigue, swelling of the legs.

The principle of surgical intervention is based, like conservative techniques, on the elimination of the problematic vein from the circulatory system. Only in minimally invasive methods are the vessels glued together, and during operation they are tied on both sides and removed.

There are several main methods of surgical treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities:

  1. Phlebectomyis ​​a classic variant of surgical intervention. Small incisions (up to five millimeters) are made in the skin through which a probe is inserted and the diseased vein is removed. The procedure lasts no more than two hours and does not involve long hospitalization.
  2. Miniflebectomy- differs from classic phlebectomy in the size of the hole in the skin. In this case, these are minimal piercings that minimize the rehabilitation period and leave no visible marks on the body.
  3. Short Removal- requires the exact location of the problem area. Only the affected segment is removed. There are no traces left after the procedure.
  4. Venous distributionunder the control of a high optical endocopy. Injected directly into the diseased vein, the operation is performed through a monitor. Experience, the qualification of a surgeon increases the chances of a successful operation.

Surgery will solve the problem of injured veins, reduce the risk of developing the disease and help relieve symptoms in later stages. Underwear with compression, venotonic drugs are the main condition for the rehabilitation period. They contribute to early healing, normalization of blood circulation.

Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities with folk remedies

folk remedies for varicose veins in the legs

Home remedies occupy a special place in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities. There is no need to acknowledge their great importance, but also there is nothing to underestimate their dignity. Cooked decoctions, infusions, compresses can reduce pain, relieve the feeling of heaviness and fatigue after a hard day.

As a treatment option for veins with reticular varicose veins, traditional medicine recommends a tincture of calamus root in red wine for internal use. There are also recipes for external rubbing.

Unopened birch buds are soaked for 0. 5 days in 0. 5 liters of vodka. When ready, the product is rubbed into the skin.

Useful compresses for varicose veins of the lower extremities from yogurt with garlic or wraps with fresh cabbage leaves.

You should not expect too fast results. The funds are suitable for prophylactic purposes and for the treatment of veins with primary varicose veins of the lower extremities along with medications prescribed by the doctor individually. Do not use any method of treatment without talking to your doctor.

Massage and gymnastics for varicose veins of the lower extremities

The healing qualities of massage have been known to mankind for a long time. Massaging the lower extremities with varicose veins also has a beneficial effect. It increases blood and lymph flow, normalizes venous pressure, and initiates metabolic processes within tissues.

The massage technique is special. It is forbidden to touch the area of ​​the affected vein in any way possible, just around it. Light grip, wide grip and stroking are the main techniques of the procedure. It is recommended to combine massage with a variety of exercises.

Gymnastics for varicose veins of the lower extremities involves the implementation of a whole range of actions:

gymnastics for varicose veins
  1. Warm-up - two to three minutes you should lie on your feet up. They should be leaning against a wall or another hill, this position guarantees their complete relaxation.
  2. "Bicycle" Exercise - the movements are identical to when riding a bicycle. Only the position of the body "lying on its back".
  3. Exercise "Scissors" - lifted limbs cross each other for at least a minute.
  4. Exercise for calf muscles - in the "lying down" position, bend one leg so that the knee reaches the chest. Perform movements in the opposite direction while massaging the problematic muscle. Repeat the procedure four times with each leg.
  5. Stand up. For three to five minutes, stand up on your toes and sit in the starting position.
  6. Exercise complex or exercise therapy for varicose veins of the lower extremities guarantees a preventive, therapeutic effect aimed at accelerating the outflow of venous blood to the heart, increasing the tone of blood vessels.

It is important that the physician not only approves the set of exercises for daily practice, but also ensures that the patient performs them correctly, without creating additional stress on the vessels.

Prevention of varicose veins of the lower extremities

Better to prevent the problem than to cure it later! Experts unanimously recommend the following measures to prevent the disease:

  1. Move more - this reduces the risk of blood and lymph blockage.
  2. Exercise regularly against varicose veins.
  3. Shoes should be comfortable, the heel should not exceed four centimeters.
  4. Prolonged exposure to the sun does not work well on the walls of blood vessels, limit the time for hot baths. measures to prevent varicose veins in the legs
  5. Give preference to a contrast shower, it increases blood circulation.
  6. Focus on fresh vegetables, fruits, plant products. A special diet for varicose veins of the lower extremities is the "best friend" of health.
  7. Rehydrate your body with 2 liters of fluid per day.
  8. Eliminating fatigue, wrong sitting or uncomfortable position during rest is the best prevention of varicose veins of the lower extremities.

It should be remembered that varicose veins of the lower extremities are a progressive disease. From painless "stars", it can develop into thrombophlebitis and trophic ulcers. Beauty, lack of pain and heavy walking can be maintained by following the simple recommendations of specialists. If you have the slightest suspicion of disease, rush to the phlebologist. Remember, varicose veins can not be completely cured, but it is possible to prevent, to minimize the risk of its further development. Be healthy!