Varicose veins are a disease of the venous canals, which is characterized by circulatory disorders and changes in the valves.The disease is accompanied by expansion of the vein walls and lengthening of the vein.The disease leads to stagnation of blood and the formation of a lump.Requires consultation with a doctor.
Symptoms of varicose veins
In the initial stages of disease development, the size of 2–3 channels increases.There are no other symptoms.As varicose vein formation progresses, the following signs develop:
- rapid fatigue of the lower extremities;
- swelling of the legs;
- feeling of heaviness;
- Thickening of the venous channels that protrude on the surface of the skin;
- hair loss in the affected area;
- burning and itching;
- pain in the lower extremities;
- 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 extremities.
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.This is explained by the transfer of a non-standard gene that is responsible for the structure of vascular channels.From the moment of birth, the child suffers from muscle and connective tissue weakness, which leads to increased pressure in the lower extremities;
- Changes in hormone levels, for example during pregnancy or menopause.Estrogen concentration in the body decreases and progesterone levels increase.This leads to a decrease in the tone of the venous wall and blockage of blood vessels;
- Excess weight leads to slow blood circulation and increased pressure in the abdominal area.
- A high concentration of sugar in the blood vessels damages the walls of the ducts and creates a favorable environment for the formation of blood clots.
- excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages leads to dehydration, blood cells thicken, blood clots form and blood circulation is disrupted;
- Prolonged physical activity in the lower extremities leads to a decrease in muscle tone, blood circulation in the cardiac system slows down, and stagnation occurs in the legs.
- congenital abnormalities in blood clotting;
- an incorrectly formulated diet, low concentrations of vitamins E and C lead to weakening of blood vessels;
- Constantly wearing tight underwear leads to compression of the venous canals.
- kidney disease;
- chronic constipation.The disease leads to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, which leads to impaired blood circulation;
- With frequent wearing of high-heeled shoes, the muscle tissue of the lower leg does not move, which leads to stagnation.
- During the hot season, frequent dehydration causes blood to thicken and increases the risk of blood clots.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as heart failure;
- Overdose of medications that increase blood clotting;
- During surgical procedures, blood loss during surgical treatment increases the risk of blood clots.
Stages of development of varicose veins
There are several stages of progression of varicose veins of the lower extremities:
- The initial stage lasts from several months to several years, regardless of the patient's age.Characterized by the absence of clear signs.Accompanied by slight pain in the venous canals, burning and rapid fatigue of the legs.In the evening the pain sensations increase;
- The second stage is characterized by the development of symptoms.Accompanied by severe pain, constant spasms of muscle tissue, the formation of knots on the legs, an increase in vein thickness and itching;
- The third stage is characterized by an increase in edema, circulatory disorders, ulcerative lesions that do not heal over a long period of time, and thrombophlebitis.
Varieties
Depending on the localization, several types of varicose veins are distinguished:
Varicose veins on legs and arms
It is diagnosed more frequently than others and is easy to treat.
Varicose veins of the pelvis
Characterized by symptoms similar to other diseases.The urge to urinate is disturbed and pain is possible during sexual intercourse or physical activity.
Varicose veins of the uterus
It is rarely diagnosed and is characterized by painful sensations during sexual intercourse that radiate to the lumbar region.
Varicose veins of the esophagus
More often - concomitant diseases of portal hypertension.Characterized by the absence of symptoms.
diagnosis
Diagnosis requires a visual examination and a history.Additional examinations show the condition of the valves and venous canals and allow us to determine the type and stage of development of the disease.If necessary, the doctor prescribes functional tests to determine the patency of the veins, ultrasound examinations with duplex, venography, dopplerography to assess blood flow.To diagnose varicose veins use:
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Check-up (comprehensive examination of the body)
- Computer electroencephalography
- Computed topography of the spine
- Duplex scanning
- Ultrasound (ultrasound examination)
- CT (computed tomography)
- Onco Check-up – free online consultation
Which doctor should I contact?
If you suspect varicose veins, you should contact a phlebologist - a specialized specialist who deals with blood vessels.You can also make an appointment with a surgeon who 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.Drugs improve the functioning of the valves, nourish the walls of the vascular channels, stimulate blood circulation, but cannot eliminate the disease.The patient's diet is adjusted, an individual daily plan is drawn up and the use of compression clothing is prescribed.Traditional methods help get rid of pain.If it is not possible to cure the disease using 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 deep venous canals;
- Formation of trophic ulcers;
- Infertility due to damage to the uterine veins;
- Death from bursting of a blood clot.
Prevention of varicose veins
To reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, the following rules must be observed:
- Avoid intense physical activity on the lower limbs.
- use medications according to instructions;
- Stop drinking alcoholic beverages;
- When sitting, do small gymnastic exercises once an hour.
- Stop using compression underwear.
- pay attention to a balanced diet;
- At the first sign of varicose veins, consult a doctor.