The circulatory system consists of two types of vessels: arteries, which carry blood from the heart to organs and veins. The venous system in the human body performs the function of returning blood from the tissues and organs to the heart.
Each vein, regardless of size, consists of a wall and a lumen filled with blood, and is equipped with venous valves that impede descending blood flow (flow through the veins of the lower extremities normally moves from the bottom up). Venous diseases are usually caused by abnormalities in the structure of the walls and venous valves. One of the most common venous diseases is varicose veins.
What is varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a disease that is associated with weakening of the venous wall and venous valves, as a result of which blood circulation slows down, blood stagnates in the veins, leading to their expansion, the formation of networks and venous nodes. Women are more prone to developing varicose veins than men (due to the effect of estrogen on the venous wall and the increased stress on the venous system during pregnancy). The risk of varicose veins increases with age (due to the fact that the veins lose their elasticity), so varicose veins are extremely rare in children and adolescents.
Due to the fact that the load on the veins of the lower half of the body is greater than in the venous vessels of the upper half, varicose veins develop in the legs and in the area of the pelvic organs. Varicose veins of the lower extremities, as a rule, affect the superficial (external) veins in the legs. There are several types of varicose veins in the superficial veins of the legs:
- spider veins (expansion of small intradermal veins);
- veins with reticular varicose veins (damage to the saphenous veins of the system of small and large saphenous veins with the formation of venous nodes);
- non-saphenous varicose veins (varicose veins that do not belong to the vessels of the small and large saphenous vein system).
Small pelvic varicose veins are a type of internal varicose veins and are represented by inguinal varicose veins, uterine varicose veins, varicose veins in the penis. One of the most common types of varicose veins in men is varicocele (varicose veins of the testicles), which is manifested by painful pain in the scrotum, sexual dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
Signs of varicose veins
In the initial stages, varicose veins are asymptomatic. Signs of varicose veins appear when the affected vessels can no longer cope with the function of blood flow.
Varicose veins contribute to the stagnation of blood in the area of expansion. Symptoms of varicose veins include:
- the appearance of a visually visible vascular network and swollen veins (unlike atherosclerosis, a chronic arterial disease in which blood flow to the lower extremities is impaired);
- a feeling of heaviness in the legs and dilation in the veins;
- swelling of the feet;
- itching and darkening of the skin on the feet over varicose veins.
Varicose veins are a chronic, constantly progressive disease, and lead to the formation of venous insufficiency (venous system dysfunction). The progression of varicose veins takes place in stages:
- varicose veins of the first degree (an increase in veins is asymptomatic);
- varicose veins of the second degree (edema, heaviness in the legs, itching);
- varicose veins of the third degree (edema and severity are constantly disturbed, skin ulcers appear, pain in the area of the affected veins).
The symptoms of varicose veins often increase in the evening and intensify after a severe physical exertion. In summer, the signs of varicose veins are more pronounced than in winter (as in hot weather there is a tendency for blood to expand and blood viscosity increases).
Why do varicose veins appear?
There is no single reason for the appearance of varicose veins. The development of varicose veins is facilitated by overweight, strenuous physical exertion and work associated with a long stay in a sitting position, a genetic predisposition to venous valve weakness, and inflammation of the veins. Varicose veins in women often develop during pregnancy and after childbirth due to the fact that uterine enlargement and tension during childbirth increase the load on a woman’s venous system.
Complications of varicose veins
As a result of prolonged progression of varicose veins, unpleasant consequences of varicose veins may develop. One of the complications of varicose veins is the appearance of blood clots (blood clots) in the lumen of varicose veins, which can rupture, reach smaller vessels with blood flow and block them, thusled to thrombosis. Due to chronic venous insufficiency, trophic disorders of the skin are formed: ulcers appear on the enlarged veins, which heal poorly and are susceptible to infection.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
A phlebologist is involved in diagnosing and treating varicose veins. During the consultation, the phlebologist examines the veins and palpations (feels them), measures the perimeter of the left and right foot to detect hidden edema.
For the diagnosis of varicose veins is also prescribed ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of Doppler ultrasound vessels (determination of blood flow). Ultrasound allows not only to visualize the venous wall, but also to determine the presence of blood clots in the lumen of varicose veins.
Methods of treating varicose veins
In the phlebology department, conservative and surgical methods are used to treat varicose veins. Conservative (non-surgical) treatment of varicose veins consists of the use of medications and the wearing of compressive medical underwear. Properly chosen therapy can reduce the symptoms of varicose veins and prevent the appearance of new varicose veins, however, existing venous disorders can only be eliminated with surgery.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins is the removal of varicose veins (phlebectomy). An alternative to phlebectomy are minimally invasive methods of treating varicose veins. Minimally invasive surgical methods for treating varicose veins include sclerotherapy and laser treatment of varicose veins.
Laser treatment of varicose veins
Laser treatment of varicose veins is performed by endovenous laser coagulation: under ultrasound control an electrode is inserted into the lumen of the vein, with the help of which the inner surface of the venous wall is cauterized with laser. As a result of laser cauterization, coagulation of the venous wall occurs, after which the vein atrophies itself. Minimally invasive laser treatment of varicose veins is performed under local anesthesia. The advantages of laser treatment of varicose veins are the absence of signs and the relative pain (compared to the removal of veins) of the procedure.
Minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins is performed on an outpatient basis (without hospitalization). Recovery after laser treatment of varicose veins, as a rule, lasts no more than a month. During this period, it is necessary to wear a compression bandage and limit sports.
To prevent varicose veins, you should reduce the weight, exclude lifting weights and prolonged lowering, give preference to loose clothing. To prevent varicose veins in the early stages of the disease, regular wearing of special underwear with medical compression and moderate physical activity (walking, swimming, exercise) helps.
Popular questions
What can not be done with varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a disease, the progression of which is closely related to lifestyle. In the presence of varicose veins, you can not lift weights, engage in those sports that increase the load on the vessels of the lower half of the body (heavy weight sports). It is necessary to exclude a long stay in a sitting position (if you work in the office and need to sit for a long time - take a five-minute break for walking or exercise every hour), and also try not to wear tight. clothes.
How to treat varicose veins in women?
With the problem of varicose veins in the legs, a woman should consult a phlebologist. In the presence of varicose veins in the legs or thighs, the doctor will help you choose the underwear needed for compression. In the presence of indications (signs of venous insufficiency, protruding venous nodes, aesthetic concerns), surgical removal of varicose veins may be recommended. The decision on what type of intervention will be recommended to a woman is made by the doctor based on the results of the examination and examination.
How to treat varicose veins at home?
Varicose veins are a disease of the veins that should be treated by a phlebologist. Most phlebologist appointments can be done at home: performing a special exercise that improves blood flow from the lower extremities and pelvis, wearing compression underwear, and taking medications prescribed by your doctor. Self-treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies is ineffective and exposure to veins with herbal compresses can lead to skin ulcer.