Varicose veins

Fatigue, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, slight swelling of the tissue, swelling of the veins and the first visible "vascular networks" can indicate the development of varicose veins in the lower extremities.

The statistics for this disease are very sad. For example, in a single country around 37 million people have this disease. Every sixth patient is a girl under the age of 12. Such an early onset of the disease greatly increases the risk of complications which, if neglected, can result in disability and even death.

What is so terrible about varicose veins of the lower extremities? Why is it so important to stop development early? Read this article about the treatment methods, preventive measures from the perspective of professionals, as well as a lot of other useful information about varicose veins of the lower extremities.

What are lower extremity varicose veins?

All veins in the human body are divided into deep, superficial and perforated. Deep vessels do almost all of the work (90%) of transporting blood to the heart, and perforated vessels are kind of a bridge between deep and superficial. The structure of the veins ensures the presence of valves that only direct and promote the outflow of blood in the right direction. When the circulatory system fails, some of the blood accumulates at one point. This leads to a local expansion (elongation) of the vessel. The first to suffer are deep veins (called internal varicose veins), which later appear superficially in the form of "spider veins and lumps".

For a full appreciation of the severity of the disease, it should be noted that its progression includes the development of thrombophlebitis, blockage of the pulmonary artery with a thrombus (or thromboembolism), as well as trophic ulcers of the leg, lymphostasis (edema of the lower extremities) and many othersThreatened problems that could lead to patient death.

The main causes of varicose veins of the lower extremities

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

1. Congenital malformation of the valves in 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 the stress on the soft tissues. As a result, the load on blood vessels decreases, their tone.
3. During the "standing" position, the pressure in the vessels of the legs increases tenfold. With a long vertical arrangement, the valves cannot cope with the increased load, which leads to a violation of their function.
4. Decrease in vascular tone - can be caused by age-related changes, loss of elasticity after certain diseases.
5. Pregnancy - This period is characterized by an increase in the blood in the woman's body, as well as the hormones progesterone, estrogen. Together, these changes stimulate the development of varicose veins of the lower extremities. True, normalization of processes is possible about 1 year after birth, if varicose veins have not appeared.

Obesity, the presence of injuries, previous operations, hormonal imbalances and the use of contraceptives add to 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 and the speed of a positive result largely depend on the accuracy and timeliness of the diagnosis of diseases.

Signs of varicose veins of the lower extremities help identify the disease in its early stages:

• slight swelling of the legs;
• swelling of superficial venous vessels, their diameter increase;
• Itching of the lower extremities with varicose veins;
• feeling of overwork, heaviness;
• Burning, pain from overstretching the vein walls;
• leg cramps;
• noticeable blue skin along the vein, compaction (hardening) of problem areas of the tissue, formation of varicose veins on the lower extremities.

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

With the variant of deep venous varicose veins of the lower extremities, symptoms can appear at a later point in time, which is undesirable. Therefore, if you have the slightest suspicion of any disease, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

The diagnosis of varicose veins of the lower extremities is carried out with special devices. Such a study is safe, painless, and allows you to fully examine the severity of the disease.

There are various diagnostic options:

• visual inspection;
• Method of color duplex examination - the blood flow map created during the study allows to assess the direction and speed of blood movement through the veins. The procedure provides information about the condition of blood vessels, which is important in predicting the development of varicose veins.
• Phlebography - very rarely used because it is an X-ray examination.

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

In general, unaesthetic changes are the first reason to see a doctor. From the first type, they are harmless and can develop into serious discomfort and complications. Hence, 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- reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities, which are the easiest to treat. It is characterized by the presence of a "vascular network". Enlarged veins are visible through the thin skin (especially in the fossa below the knee), pain does not yet occur.
• Stage 2- segmental varicose veins of the lower extremities, accompanied by slight fatigue, heaviness in the legs, even cramps in the calf muscle, slight swelling of the veins are possible;
• Stage 3- venous vessels stand out clearly from the skin, especially in the lower leg, thin skin with dark brown spots, itching, rashes, signs of dermatitis. Increased swelling causes discomfort when moving.
• Stage 4Varicose veins of the lower extremities - the symptoms are pronounced, complications of the disease appear, such as thrombophlebitis, manifestations of trophic ulcers. Varicose veins swollen nodules appear severely through the thinned skin of the lower leg, feet and thighs.
• Stage 5- shows all symptoms of the 4th stage. In addition, the disease progresses to the groin area. The number of trophic ulcers is increasing rapidly, as is the frequency of thrombophlebitis crises. The doctor at this stage determines a disability with varicose veins of the lower extremities.

The main task of the patient and his doctor is to prevent the development of the disease beyond the initial stages. 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

Medicine does not stand still, but develops the latest technologies to combat venous diseases. Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities can be carried out using conservative methods (drugs, minimally invasive procedures), operations and home remedies in combination with massages.

Appearance deterioration is not the entire list of potential problems. Complications and disabilities can contribute. Modern medicine offers a wide range of nonsurgical effects on problem areas, and physiotherapy for varicose veins of the lower extremities is often most effective in the early stages of the disease:

1. The use of creamy preparations, gels, ointments for varicose veins of the lower extremities, these drugs bring noticeable relief. They are easy to apply to the surface and do not cause pain or discomfort.
2. The use of venotonics - drugs that normalize the functioning of the veins in varicose veins of the lower extremities.
3. Laser exposure - The endovenous laser vein erasure (ELOV) method is often used in the fight against varicose veins. The principle of the procedure is to stop the problem vein from working due to the action of a beam of heat on it. Laser manipulations are carried out under local anesthesia; restrictions on the measures and additional hospitalization are not 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 auxiliary method that promotes blood thinning, stimulates blood circulation and thereby helps to remove toxins from the tissues and saturate them with oxygen.
5. RF exposure - RF works like a laser. They exclude the problem vessel from the bloodstream and thus eliminate the risk of possible complications.
6. Sclerotherapy - involves the introduction of a special drug into the diseased vein, which favors the sticking of the vessel walls and their self-excretion from the bloodstream after a while.

It should be noted that preliminary consultation with a doctor and a special examination are required.

Operations for varicose veins of the lower extremities

Late visits to the doctor, neglect of the disease lead to CVI (chronic venous insufficiency) and the inappropriateness of minimally invasive therapy. In such cases, surgery comes to the rescue.

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

• The disease is in severe stages, in which trophic ulcers are increasingly manifesting.
• development of thrombophlebitis;
• Discomfort associated with excessive tiredness and swelling of the legs.

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

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

1. Phlebectomyis ​​a classic variant of surgical intervention. Small incisions (up to five millimeters) are made on 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 require a long hospital stay.
2. Miniflebectomy- differs from classic phlebectomy in the size of the hole in the skin. In this case, it is about minimal punctures that minimize the rehabilitation time and leave no visible marks on the body.
3. Brief stripping- requires precise determination of the location of the problem area. Only the affected segment is removed. After the procedure there are no more traces.
4. Dissection of veinsunder the control of a highly optical endocope. It is injected directly into the diseased vein, and the operation is performed through a monitor. The experience and qualifications of a surgeon increase the chances of a successful operation.

Surgery solves the problem of venous pain, reduces the risk of developing the disease, and helps relieve symptoms in later stages. Compression underwear, venotonic drugs are the main condition for the rehabilitation period. They contribute to early recovery and normalization of blood circulation.

Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities with folk remedies

Home remedies occupy a separate niche in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities. There is no need to assert their enormous importance, but neither is there anything that can diminish their dignity. Cooked decoctions, infusions, and compresses can relieve pain, relieve the feeling of heaviness and fatigue after a busy day.

As a treatment option for 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 infused with 0. 5 liters of vodka for 10 days. When you are done, the product is rubbed into the skin.

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

You shouldn't hope for super-fast results. The funds are suitable for prophylactic purposes and for the treatment of primary varicose veins of the lower extremities, along with drugs individually prescribed by the doctor. Do not use any method of treatment without talking to your doctor.

Massage and gymnastics for varicose veins of the lower extremities

The healing properties of massage have long been known to mankind. Massage of the lower extremities with varicose veins is also beneficial. It improves blood and lymph flow, normalizes venous pressure and starts metabolic processes in tissues.

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

Exercising for varicose veins of the lower extremities involves performing a whole series of measures:

1. Warming up - you have to lie down with your legs raised for two to three minutes. You should rest on a wall or other hill, this position guarantees your complete relaxation.
2. Exercise "bicycle" - movements are identical to when cycling. Only the position of the body "lying on the back".
3. Exercise "scissors" - raised limbs cross each other for at least one minute.
4. Exercise for the calf muscles - while lying on your back, bend one leg so that the knee reaches your chest. Make movements in the opposite direction while massaging the problem muscle. Repeat the process four times with each leg.
5. Get up. Raise yourself on your toes for three to five minutes and lower yourself to the starting position.
6. The gymnastic complex of exercises or movement therapy for varicose veins of the lower extremities guarantees a preventive therapeutic effect, which is aimed at accelerating the outflow of venous blood to the heart and increasing the vascular tone.

It is important that the doctor not only approves the exercises for the daily exercises, but also makes sure that the patient does them correctly without putting additional strain on the vessels.

Prevention of varicose veins of the lower extremities

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

1. Move more - this reduces the risk of blood and lymph congestion.
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.

5. Do you prefer a contrast shower, it increases blood flow.
6. Focus on fresh vegetables, fruits, and plant products. A special diet for varicose veins of the lower extremities is health's "best friend".
7. Rehydrate your body with 2 liters of fluid per day.
8. The elimination of tiredness, incorrect sitting or uncomfortable position when resting is the best prevention against varicose veins of the lower extremities.

It should be noted that varicose veins of the lower extremities are a progressive disease. Thrombophlebitis and trophic ulcers can develop from painless "stars". Beauty, freedom from pain and a feeling of heaviness in the legs can be obtained by following the simple recommendations of specialists. If you have the slightest suspicion of any disease, rush to the phlebologist. Keep in mind that varicose veins cannot be completely cured, but it is possible to prevent them in order to minimize the risk of their further development. Health!