Varicose veins are a disease of the subcutaneous veins, which is expressed in their excessive expansion and stretching, the elasticity of the veins is lost, the blood circulation process is disturbed. Swollen varicose veins usually appear on the legs.
Varicose veins are considered a cosmetic problem, but if left untreated they can lead to complications. The main ones are trophic ulcers and thrombophlebitis, which develop in 70% of patients with varicose veins.
Symptoms of varicose veins
Signs that declare themselves already in the initial stages:
- legs get tired quickly;
- burning and heaviness in the legs;
- small bumps appear;
- there is pain in the veins;
- there are cramps in the calves.
Another characteristic sign of varicose veins is the localization of pain in the calves, which appears in the evening and disappears in the morning. The pain is not sharp, the sensations are moderate, pulling.
In the early stages, dilated veins are not seen, but varicose veins are already developing. Sometimes it takes decades. Gradually, the symptoms are more and more annoying, signs of venous insufficiency appear:
- leg swelling - in patients (most often it is women suffering from varicose veins), chronic venous disease is usually accompanied by an increase in the volume of the lower leg. At the same time, edema, as well as pain and heaviness are observed in the afternoon and subside after sleep. Foot edema is not typical of the pathology mentioned, it is a symptom of lymphatic edema;
- itchy skin;
- knots, tortuosity, visible to the naked eye;
- darkening, thickening of the skin, the appearance of a bluish tint.
As the venous disease progresses, the symptoms intensify. There is a deterioration in the appearance of the skin on the legs, eczema and trophic ulcers appear.
Causes of varicose veins
The cause of varicose disease is the insufficiency of the venous valves of the legs, as a result of which the blood outflow worsens. The venous network of the legs consists of superficial and deep veins connected by vessels. Superficial veins carry blood away from the skin and subcutaneous structures, while deep veins carry blood away from internal organs. The veins connecting them act as compensators that equalize the pressure in the superficial and deep vessels.
Proper blood flow goes in the direction from superficial to deep veins. This direction can be provided by the movement of the surrounding muscles and the work of the vasomotor center, since the movement from the bottom up contradicts the forces of attraction.
If for some reason the outflow becomes difficult, the vessel wall becomes inflamed, they become thinner, dilated veins and cyanotic nodes appear characteristic of varicose veins.
The disease develops as a response to a complex of unfavorable conditions mentioned below:
- heredity - weakness in the walls of blood vessels can be transmitted from generation to generation and lead to loss of vascular tone;
- grueling work, standing - a high-risk group includes people who, by the nature of their activities, have to sit or stand for a long time;
- frequent pregnancies and childbirth - during this period the total volume of blood increases and the squeezing of the veins, which causes varicose veins;
- obesity: increased venous pressure in overweight people increases the possibility of varicose veins;
- failure in the hormonal system - self-administration of contraceptives and other hormone-based drugs causes changes in the venous wall. In women, such a reaction can be observed during pregnancy;
- nutrition - the lack of fresh vegetables and fruits in the menu leads to a lack of fiber, as a result - a weakening of the venous wall.
What do varicose veins look like?
Since varicose veins are a modification of the veins, the disease is also referred to as cosmetic problems:
- first, patients note the appearance of meshes and a venous pattern on the legs;
- later the veins become tortuous, lifting the skin;
- in the more advanced stages, varicose nodes are clearly visible, representing the expansion and entanglement of blood vessels.
What is the danger of the disease
What happens if the disease is not treated? It will inevitably lead to complications. The most dangerous are thrombophlebitis and the "separation" of a blood clot. 5% of all patients have similar complications. With age, a trophic ulcer is often formed, which is difficult to treat. The risk of complications from varicose veins increases over time.
- Thrombophlebitis. With it, blood clots form in the veins of the legs, which can break off and clog the arteries, leading to myocardial infarction.
- Venous thrombosis.Blockage of a vessel by a blood clot. It is expressed by pain in the legs, which is exacerbated by physical exertion.
- Pulmonary embolism. Obstruction of its lumen by a detached thrombus. Death can occur in the first half hour. If the clot is small, a pulmonary infarction can occur.
- Trophic ulcers.Darkening and thinning of the skin with the further appearance of ulcers. It occurs due to malnutrition of tissues. Poor response to treatment.
Risk factors
- Inheritance. If both parents have varicose veins, then for a child the probability of contracting the disease is 90%, if one has 60%.
- Pregnancy.During this period, venous disease is provoked by 3 factors:
- hormonal change - the production of progesterone in large quantities relaxes the muscles, makes the veins more vulnerable;
- pressure of the uterus, which has increased in size - in connection with this, the outflow of blood from the legs worsens;
- an increase in blood volume by 20-30% - the venous valves of the legs cannot withstand the load, especially if they were initially weak;
- Wrong nutrition.The uncontrolled consumption of processed foods, sugar and salt, fast food, fried and fatty foods, trans fats, preservatives and artificial additives from industrial products also leaves its mark.
- Hormonal background.Hormone activity can weaken veins, causing vasodilation and preventing valves from closing normally.
- Tight clothes. Tight belts, tight jeans and underwear interfere with the smooth flow of blood, hindering blood circulation.
- High heels. When walking, the veins work to the limit. This is due to the fact that the load is distributed unevenly - the main share falls on the forefoot. Pain in the veins, swelling of the legs are the first signs of incipient varicose veins.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
In the early diagnosis of varicose veins, ultrasound technologies are used: angioscanning and dopplerography.
Ultrasound angioscanning (USAS) is an informative method of non-invasive examination of peripheral vessels. It allows you to obtain a two-dimensional image of the artery, visualize intravascular structures and evaluate the direction and nature of fluid flow.
In severe cases, when no response can be obtained with USAS, computed tomography (CT) is used.
Doppler ultrasound (Doppler ultrasound) is the simplest method of evaluating the peripheral vessel. Evaluate the state of the artery by indirect indicators: the reaction of blood flow to functional tests, etc.
X-ray contrast venography is used in the diagnosis of arteriovenous angiodysplasia, acute thrombosis and their consequences, as well as varicose veins of the small pelvis.
Treatment of varicose veins
Surgical techniques
A complete cure for varicose veins is possible only after surgical treatment. It is done in three ways:
- phlebectomy - removal of an enlarged varicose vessel;
- Sclerosing is the introduction of a special substance into the varicose vein, which "glues" the walls of blood vessels, normalizing blood flow. The swelling of the veins disappears, a cosmetic defect also disappears;
- laser coagulation - the walls of the vein are exposed to heat, as a result of which the venous lumen "closes". Manipulation is performed only if the vein is expanded by no more than 10 mm.
Medical treatment of varicose veins
The main role in the treatment is played by venotonics in the form of tablets. They improve the process of blood circulation, healing the arteries.
Also prescribe venotonic drugs - phlebotonics. They are taken with thinning of the blood vessel walls, increased permeability, reduced elasticity and fluid stagnation. The preparations strengthen the vein walls, increase their elasticity, reduce swelling and other negative signs. An additional quality of phlebotonics is the establishment of microcirculation in the affected area.
Antiplatelet agents are used to thin the blood in the veins. Medicines needed when it is necessary to reduce the formation of blood clots. Indicated for patients with increased blood viscosity. You can take antiplatelet agents only if there is no predisposition to bleeding.
Anticoagulants are sometimes used to stop blood clots forming on an individual basis. They eliminate blood clots, reduce viscosity. But the decision is made by the treating physician after evaluating the potential health benefits and laughter potential.
Compression therapy
A reliable assistant in the treatment of varicose veins is compression clothing. The working principle of the products is as follows:
- while wearing a compression stocking, the pressure on the superficial and deep veins increases;
- the greatest pressure is at the bottom, where the veins narrow more and the outflow of blood is faster;
- due to the narrowing of the veins, the functioning of the valves improves;
- pain, swelling, fatigue in the legs go away.
A complex approach
There are many treatment options, but the emphasis on improving the whole organism as a whole will be the most correct. Varicose veins in the broadest sense are not only a vein problem, but also a symptom that indicates malfunctions in the body. Therefore, we advise you to take care of the body and do it consistently and wisely.
- drink plenty of water - dehydration is one of the causes of blood clotting, especially in hot weather;
- help the liver in detoxification - add artichokes, flax, grapefruit, oranges, apples, cruciferous vegetables, rosemary, dandelions, olives to the diet (make sure that there are no allergic reactions and individual intolerances to the product);
- remove from the diet all pro-inflammatory foods that thicken the blood and have a negative effect on the walls of blood vessels (alcohol, coffee, sugar, pastries, dairy products, smoked, canned food, fast food, refined foods);
- eliminate constipation: they squeeze the venous blood flow of the pelvis. Start drinking symbionts or microbiotics. The bacteria in their composition create a balance of microflora and thus normalize the stool. The condition of the small and large intestines, as well as the gastric mucosa improves;
- get tested for homocysteine - shouldn't go above 10. If higher, you need to make sure there is no deficiency in vitamin B12, folic acid and iron. At the same time restore the microflora, otherwise their absorption may be impaired;
- restore protein levels. For verification, a biochemical blood test is provided: the optimal protein concentration in an adult should be 72-86 g / l, in children - from 45 to 80 g / l. ;
- working with insulin resistance - often the problem goes hand in hand with this ailment. They can be recognized by the symptoms: a constant feeling of hunger and a frequent desire to eat, multiple papillomas, red dots that look like moles, swelling, thirst and hypertension;
- introduce exercises - Pilates, yoga, light cardio;
- improve lymphatic outflow - drink water with herbs, cranberries, spices, lemon, ginger;
- take a contrast shower: under the influence of cold, small vessels begin to narrow, and, conversely, under the influence of heat, they expand. This leads to the strengthening of the vascular walls and an increase in their tone.
- restore hormone levels - excessive activity of hormone production dilates blood vessels and prevents valves from closing normally. To support the process of restoring hormonal balance, symbionts with broccoli are suitable. The active substance - sulforaphane - which it contains, removes excess estrogen from the body. This is due to the content of anti-carcinogens in broccoli, such as potassium, zinc, selenium, beta-carotene, amino acids, vitamins A, C and E.