The circulatory system is made up of two types of vessels: arteries, which carry blood from the heart to organs, and veins. The function of the venous system in the human body is to return blood from tissues and organs to the heart.
Each vein, regardless of its size, is made up of a wall and a lumen filled with blood, and is equipped with venous valves that prevent blood flow downwards (the flow through the veins of the lower extremities is usually from the bottom up). Diseases of the veins are usually caused by abnormalities in the structure of the vein walls and valves. One of the most common venous diseases is varicose veins.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a disease associated with weakness of the vein wall and valves of the veins, as a result of which blood flow slows down, the blood in the veins stagnates, which leads to their expansion, the formation of venous networks and knots. Women are more prone to developing varicose veins than men (due to the effects of estrogen on the vein wall and increased stress on the venous system during pregnancy). The risk of varicose veins increases with age (as the veins lose their elasticity), so varicose veins are extremely rare in children and adolescents.
Because the veins in the lower half of the body are more heavily loaded than the venous vessels in the upper half of the body, varicose veins develop on the legs and in the area of the pelvic organs. With varicose veins of the lower extremities, the superficial (external) veins in the legs are usually affected. There are several types of varicose veins of the superficial veins on the legs:
- spider veins (expansion of small intradermal veins);
- reticular varicose veins (damage to the saphenous veins of the system of small and large saphenous veins with the formation of venous nodes);
- non-saphenic varicose veins (varicose veins that do not belong to the vessels of the system of small and large saphenous veins).
Varicose veins of the small pelvis are a type of internal varicose veins and are represented by inguinal varicose veins, varicose veins of the uterus, varicose veins on the penis. One of the most common types of varicose veins in men is varicocele (varicose veins of the testicles), which is manifested by aching pain in the scrotum, sexual dysfunction, and premature ejaculation.
Signs of varicose veins
In the early stages, varicose veins are asymptomatic. Signs of varicose veins appear when the affected vessels can no longer cope with the functioning of the blood flow.
Varicose veins contribute to blood congestion in the area of expansion. Symptoms of varicose veins include:
- the appearance of a visually noticeable vascular network and bulging veins (as opposed to atherosclerosis, a chronic arterial disease in which blood flow to the lower extremities is impaired);
- a feeling of heaviness in the legs and gas in the veins;
- Swelling of the legs;
- Itching and darkening of the skin on the legs over the varicose vein.
Varicose veins are a chronic, continuously progressive disease and lead to the development of venous insufficiency (malfunction of the venous system). The course of varicose veins occurs in stages:
- First-degree varicose veins (an increase in veins is asymptomatic);
- Second-degree varicose veins (edema occurs, heaviness in the legs, itching);
- Third-degree varicose veins (edema and severity are constantly disturbing, ulcers appear on the skin, pain in the area of the affected veins).
The symptoms of varicose veins often increase in the evening and worsen after vigorous physical exertion. In summer, the signs of varicose veins are more pronounced than in winter (since in hot weather there is a tendency to vasodilation and blood viscosity increases).
Why do varicose veins occur?
There is no single reason for varicose veins to appear. The development of varicose veins is favored by obesity, heavy physical exertion and work combined with long periods of sitting, a genetic predisposition to venous valve weakness and phlebitis. Varicose veins in women often develop during pregnancy and after childbirth because the enlargement of the uterus and tension during childbirth increase the woman's venous system.
Complications from varicose veins
As a result of prolonged progression of varicose veins, unpleasant consequences of varicose veins can develop. One of the complications of varicose veins is the appearance of blood clots (blood clots) in the lumen of the dilated veins, which can break off, move with the blood flow into smaller vessels and clog them, causing thrombosis. Chronic venous insufficiency causes trophic diseases of the skin: ulcers appear over the enlarged veins, which heal poorly and are prone to infection.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
A phlebologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. During the consultation, the phlebologist examines the veins and palpates (feels them), measures the circumference of the left and right legs to reveal hidden edema.
To diagnose varicose veins, an ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the vessels with Doppler ultrasound (determination of blood flow) is prescribed. Ultrasound allows not only to visualize the vein wall, but also to detect blood clots in the lumen of varicose veins.
Treatment methods for varicose veins
In the Department of Phlebology, both conservative and operative methods of treating varicose veins are used. The conservative (without surgery) treatment of varicose veins consists of taking medication and wearing medical compression garments. Properly chosen therapy can relieve the symptoms of varicose veins and prevent the appearance of new varicose veins, however, existing venous diseases can only be eliminated through surgery.
Surgical treatment for varicose veins consists of removing the dilated veins (phlebectomy). An alternative to phlebectomy are minimally invasive procedures for treating varicose veins. Minimally invasive surgical methods for treating varicose veins include sclerotherapy and laser treatment of varicose veins.
Laser treatment of varicose veins
The treatment of varicose veins with a laser is carried out 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 vein wall is etched with a laser. The laser cautery leads to coagulation of the vein wall, after which the vein atrophies by itself. The minimally invasive laser treatment of varicose veins is carried out under local anesthesia. The advantages of laser treatment for varicose veins are the absence of scars and the relative (compared to vein removal) freedom from pain of the procedure.
The minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins takes place on an outpatient basis (without hospitalization). Recovery after laser treatment for varicose veins usually takes no more than a month. During this time it is necessary to wear a compression bandage and limit exercise.
To prevent varicose veins, reduce weight, exclude heavy lifting and prolonged sitting, and prefer loose clothing. Regular wearing of special medical compression underwear and moderate physical activity (walking, swimming, sports) helps prevent varicose veins in the early stages of the disease.
Popular questions
What can not be done with varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a disease the course of which is closely related to lifestyle. With varicose veins, you can not lift weights, do sports that increase the load on the vessels of the lower half of the body (heavyweight sports). It is necessary to exclude a long stay in a sitting position (if you work in an office and have to sit for a long time - take a five-minute break from walking or exercising every hour), and also try not to over-tighten clothes.
How to treat varicose veins on the legs in women
With the problem of varicose veins on the legs, a woman should see a phlebologist. If you have varicose veins on your legs or thighs, your doctor will help you choose the compression garments you need. If there are indications (signs of venous insufficiency, protruding venous nodules, aesthetic complaints), surgical removal of varicose veins can be recommended. The decision as to which type of intervention is recommended for a woman is made by the doctor on the basis of the examination and examination results.
How to treat varicose veins at home
Varicose veins are a disease of the veins that should be treated by a phlebologist. Most of the phlebologist's appointments can be done at home: special exercise that improves blood flow from the lower extremities and pelvis, wearing compression garments, and taking medication prescribed by the doctor. Self-treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies is ineffective, and exposure of the veins to herbal compresses can lead to ulcers on the skin.