Varicose veins are a disease of the venous channels, characterized by reduced blood circulation and alterations of the valves.The disease is accompanied by expansion of the walls and increase in the length of the vein.The disease causes blood stagnation and the formation of a knot.Requires consultation with a doctor.
Symptoms of varicose veins
In the initial stages of the development of the disease, the size of 2-3 channels increases.There are no other symptoms.As varicose veins progress, the following signs develop:
- rapid fatigue of the lower limbs;
- swelling of the legs;
- feeling of heaviness;
- thickening of the venous channels that protrude onto the surface of the skin;
- hair loss in the affected area;
- burning and itching sensation;
- pain in the lower limbs;
- the formation of cracks that bleed with minor damage;
- dermatitis;
- redness along the venous canal.
- the veins take on a dark blue hue, knots form;
- cramps in the lower limbs.
Reasons
The exact cause of the development of varicose veins cannot be determined.However, factors that increase the risk of disease progression have been identified:
- genetic predisposition.Explained by the transmission of a non-standard gene, responsible for the structure of vascular channels.From the moment of birth, the child has weakness of the muscles and connective tissues, which leads to increased pressure in the lower limbs;
- changes in hormone levels, for example during pregnancy or menopause.The concentration of estrogen in the body decreases and the level of progesterone increases.This leads to a decrease in the tone of the venous wall and blockage of the blood vessels;
- excess body weight causes slow blood circulation, increased pressure in the abdominal area;
- a high concentration of sugar in the blood vessels damages the walls of the channels, creating an environment favorable for the formation of blood clots;
- excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages causes dehydration, thickening of blood cells, formation of blood clots and disruption of blood circulation;
- prolonged physical activity on the lower limbs causes a decrease in the tone of muscle tissue, blood flow to the cardiac system slows down and stagnation forms in the legs;
- congenital anomalies in the coagulation of blood cells;
- incorrectly formulated diet, low concentrations of vitamins E and C lead to weakening of blood vessels;
- constant use of tight underwear causes compression of the venous channels;
- kidney disease;
- chronic constipation.The disease leads to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, which causes a violation of blood flow;
- frequent use of high-heeled shoes, the muscle tissue of the lower leg does not move, causing stagnation;
- hot season, frequent dehydration thickens the blood, increasing the risk of blood clots;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as heart failure;
- overdose of drugs that increase blood clotting;
- surgeries, blood loss during surgical treatment increases the risk of blood clots.
Stages of development of varicose veins
There are different stages of progression of varicose veins of the lower extremities:
- the initial phase lasts from several months to several years, regardless of the patient's age.Characterized by the absence of obvious signs.Accompanied by mild pain in the venous channels, burning sensation and rapid fatigue in the legs.Painful sensations intensify in the evening;
- the second phase is characterized by the development of symptoms.Accompanied by severe pain, constant spasms of muscle tissue, the formation of knots on the legs, increased thickness of the veins and a feeling of itching;
- the third stage is characterized by increased edema, alterations in blood circulation, ulcerative lesions that do not heal for a long period of time and thrombophlebitis.
Variety
Depending on the location, different types of varicose veins are distinguished:
Varicose veins on the legs and arms
It is diagnosed more often than others and is easy to treat.
Varicose veins of the pelvis
Characterized by symptoms similar to other diseases.The urination process is interrupted, pain is possible during sexual intercourse or during exercise.
Varicose veins of the uterus
Rarely diagnosed, it is characterized by painful sensations during sexual intercourse, which radiate to the lumbar region.
Varicose veins of the esophagus
Most often - concomitant diseases of portal hypertension.Characterized by the absence of symptoms.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis requires a visual examination and medical history.Further tests show the state of the valves and venous channels and make it possible to establish the type and stage of development of the disease.If necessary, the doctor prescribes functional tests to determine the patency of the veins, ultrasound with duplex, venography, dopplerography to evaluate blood flow.To diagnose varicose veins use:
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Check-up (full body examination)
- Computerized electroencephalography
- Computerized topography of the spine
- Double-sided scanning
- Ultrasound (ultrasound examination)
- CT (computed tomography)
- Onco Check-up: free online consultation
Which doctor should I contact?
If you suspect the presence of varicose veins, you should contact a phlebologist - a specialized specialist who deals with blood vessels.You can also make an appointment with a surgeon, he will make a diagnosis and select the appropriate treatment.
Treatment of varicose veins
The course of treatment depends on the individual characteristics of the disease.Medicines improve the functioning of the valves, nourish the walls of the vascular channels, stimulate blood flow, but are not able to eliminate the disease.The patient's diet is changed, an individual daily regimen is established, and the use of compression garments is prescribed.Traditional methods help to get rid of pain.If it is not possible to cure the disease with conservative methods, surgical intervention is prescribed.The following methods are usually used:
- Manual therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Therapeutic massage
- Orthopedic insoles
- Reflexology
- Ozone therapy
- Plasma therapy
- SVF joint therapy
- Pharmacopuncture
Complications
- Venous bleeding;
- eczema, develops with prolonged lack of oxygen;
- superficial thrombophlebitis;
- formation of blood clots in the deep venous channels;
- formation of trophic ulcers;
- infertility due to damage to the uterine veins;
- death due to rupture of a blood clot.
Prevention of varicose veins
To reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, you should follow the following rules:
- avoid intense physical activity on the lower limbs;
- use medications as directed;
- stop drinking alcoholic beverages;
- when working in a sedentary way, do a little gymnastics once an hour;
- stop using compression underwear;
- maintain a balanced diet;
- At the first sign of varicose veins, consult a doctor.