From the article you will learn what signs may indicate varicose veins of the lower extremities, the causes of the pathology, treatment and prevention at home.
WHAT IS VARICOSE?
Varicose veins are a venous pathology that is due to a malfunction of the vascular valve apparatus with the formation of venous insufficiency, dilation of the lumen and obstruction, which is accompanied by constant tissue pasty.
Main causes of pathology
Varicose veins in the legs have different causes and symptoms that have minor sexual characteristics.The most common trigger of the pathology is the congenital weakness of the connective tissue.In second place are hormonal changes, so women are more likely to be diagnosed with varicose veins. A longer static position while sitting or standing plays a role. The longer the legs, the more serious the situation. Extra pounds also cause an increase in pressure in the veins of the lower extremities, as well as a lack of physical activity. Smoking, pregnancy, comorbidities, tight underwear, shoes, heels, anything that leads to stagnation of blood flow to the leg veins are risk factors for varicose veins.
SYMPTOMS AND CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
The signs of varicose veins in women and men do not differ fundamentally. This is a staged disease, the symptoms of which are correlated with the stage of development of the pathological process.
The first stage is characterized by minor clinical manifestations: veins barely protrude above the surface of the skin, the dermis is slightly hyperemic, heaviness in the legs begins to bother, evening patties of the legs, ankles, cramps are possible. Such symptoms of varicose veins of the legs are especially painful for women from an aesthetic point of view. Visual signs often precede the pain.
In the second stage, the clinical picture takes on a typical appearance: veins on the legs protrude well above the surface of the skin, are well palpated and resemble nodes. As the pathological process progresses, the veins of the lower extremities take on convoluted forms, a bluish-purple hue, sometimes they turn black.
Symptoms of leg varicose veins in the third stage are characterized by the development of complications: trophic disorders appear, the skin resembles parchment, edema and spasms often appear, the legs become covered with a rash, begin to itch, connect secondary florayourself, pyoderma layers, dermatitis, eczema.
The fourth stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities is the most severe in terms of symptoms: the skin over the bulging veins becomes inflamed, nearby tissues are affected, trophic ulcers are open, pain in the legs with varicose veins is permanent, the addition of aSecondary infection leads to thrombosis, thrombophlebitis and urgency hospitalization, complex treatment.
WHICH DOCTOR TO CONSULT?
A phlebologist is involved in leg pain with varicose veins, but a vascular surgeon can also do the first appointment. It all depends on the severity of the pathology. The phlebologist will prescribe conservative therapy or refer a vascular surgeon for consultation to resolve the problem of the operation.
An accurate diagnosis is not possible without a full clinical examination and laboratory examination. Instrumental diagnostic methods will help clarify the stage of the pathology. The test duration is a maximum of 10 minutes - half an hour. The result of the examination will be announced by the doctor immediately at the first appointment. The choice of a suitable therapy depends on the stage of the pathology.
TREATMENT CHARACTERISTICS
The therapy of varicose veins is based on the "three pillars": drug treatment, minimally invasive techniques, operative classics.
CONSERVATIVE THERAPY
In addition to the mandatory general recommendations for varicose veins: dosed, regular physical activity, minimizing static load on the legs, exercise therapy, wearing compression stockings, using elastic bandages - conservative therapy includes the appointment of phlebotonics based on flavonoids, horse chestnut extract. These are tabular systemic drugs: synthetic and based on natural ingredients.
In most cases, oral administration is combined with the external therapy of the same name for varicose veins. According to doctors and patients, the most effective combination of capsules and gel.
Of course, one should not expect a complete cure from conservative methods, drugs are not able to restore dilated veins, but as a preventive measure in preparation for surgery, the impossibility of surgical treatment of varicose veins - these drugs guarantee the lifting of theAs the disease progresses and relieve symptoms.
COMPRESSION SCLEROTHERAPY
The essence of minimally invasive therapy for varicose veins is to inject a special sclerosant into the dilated vein. The doctor injects a foamy solution into the vein through a syringe, which fills the deformed vessel and makes it cramp.
The patient is placed on a compression stocking that holds the vessel in this state. Within three days, the walls of the veins stick together, the vessel is switched off from the usual blood flow and neglected. You must wear compression stockings for at least a month, sometimes two. The criteria for the effectiveness of the treatment are the adhesions formed.
Compression sclerotherapy is performed when varicose veins are not complicated by reverse blood flow from deep to superficial vessels through communicating veins.If there is such a countercurrent, the effectiveness of the process tends towards zero.
COMPANY INTERVENTION
Operation - was and is the most reliable and effective method of treating varicose veins, regardless of the presence of reverse blood flow in the veins. But here, too, it is important to consult a doctor in good time, as relapses often occur in later stages. Varicose veins are operated on using various techniques: microsurgery, radio frequency, and laser coagulation of deformed veins.
In the initial phase, photocoagulation or laser removal of spider veins is effective. In the later stages, phlebectomy is indicated - complete removal of the affected veins. The operation is traumatic, there is a risk of complications, so doctors today are trying to use the less invasive miniflebectomy technique. When varicose veins due to venous thrombosis, secondary infection, Crossectomybecome complicated.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH THE VARICOSIS OF THE FOOT AT HOME?
The essence of using folk remedies for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins is to remove toxins and toxins from the body and restore normal blood flow. To achieve this, balance the diet including cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, citrus, apples, peaches, cherries, cherries, strawberries, gooseberries, and currants in daily dishes. Make sure you calculate the correct drinking ration: 40 ml per kilogram of weight.
In addition, they use the properties of green tomatoes, which are sliced in the form of compresses in slices tied to the area of the varicose veins. The effect is guaranteed by lycopene - an antioxidant in the pulp that improves the structure of the vascular wall and tightens the veins. You can try the juice treatment: all vegetables that are eaten raw are suitable.
An extract of garlic and lemon is effective: phytoncides dissolve cholesterol plaques, clear the lumen of blood vessels, a natural antibiotic, which is garlic, kills pathogenic flora, and vitamin C strengthens the vein wall and prevents the deposition of salts. The tincture is prepared simply: chop 4 unpeeled lemons, 4 large cloves of garlic, put the mixture in a jar, pour warm boiling water, insist under the lid for three days, shake the container every day, filter, store in the cold, a third of oneDrink a glass three times a day during meals. Of course - drunk 12 liters of the resulting solution.
Apple cider vinegar is popularly considered a source of minerals and vitamins. For varicose veins, it is taken orally, morning and evening, by dissolving two teaspoons of the product in a glass of water. Externally: Rub the varicose veins with a tampon soaked in vinegar to relieve itching and pain.
Compresses are made from honey, applying a sterile napkin with the product under a film to the area of the varicose veins for a few hours. Use broken cabbage leaves with vegetable oil under a bandage overnight. Course - month.
PREVENTION
The prevention of varicose veins has two goals: to prevent the occurrence of the disease and to reduce the number of relapses. For this: you can not go to the sauna or take too hot baths, lift weights. It is recommended that you exercise a lot, avoid weight training, control weight, and minimize the consumption of foods that are too spicy and fatty.
You do not have to wear tight clothing, socks, knee socks or stockings with a tight elastic band and cross your legs while sitting. Women are encouraged to give up high heels.
At night - take a cool foot bath, you can pour cold water over your feet in the morning. It is necessary to abandon bad habits in order to master self-massage: caress the skin of the lower extremities from the bottom up and in the opposite direction for 10 minutes, minimize stress, avoid overheating, avoid colds, conduct a medical examination.
With varicose veins, it makes sense to visit the pool, walk, take a contrast shower at home and constantly wear compression stockings.