Varicose veins are a disease of the subcutaneous veins, manifested by their excessive expansion and stretching, the elasticity of the veins is lost, blood circulation 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 explain themselves already at the initial stage:
- legs get tired quickly;
- burning and heaviness in the legs;
- small swellings 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 appear in the evening and disappear in the morning. The pain is not sharp, the sensations are moderate, pulling.
In the first stages, dilated veins cannot be seen, but varicose veins are already developing. Sometimes it takes decades. Gradually, the symptoms become more and more annoying, signs of venous insufficiency appear:
- Swelling of the legs - in patients (most often 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 for the mentioned pathology, it is a symptom of lymphatic edema;
- skin itching;
- knots, whorls visible to the naked eye;
- Darkening, thickening of the skin, appearance of a bluish tint.
As the venous disease progresses, the symptoms worsen. There is a deterioration in the appearance of the skin of the legs, eczema and trophic ulcers appear.
Causes of varicose veins
The cause of varicose vein disease is the insufficiency of the venous valves of the legs, as a result of which blood outflow worsens. The venous network in the legs consists of superficial and deep veins that are connected by vessels. The superficial veins carry blood away from the skin and subcutaneous structures, while the deep veins carry it away from internal organs. The veins connecting them act as compensators, equalizing the pressure in the superficial and deep vessels.
Proper blood flow is in the direction from the superficial veins to the deep ones. This direction can be dictated by the movement of the surrounding muscles and the work of the vasomotor center, since the bottom-up movement opposes the forces of attraction.
If for some reason the outflow becomes difficult, the vessel wall becomes inflamed, thinner, dilated veins and cyanotic nodes characteristic of varicose veins appear.
The disease develops in response to a complex of unfavorable conditions, which are listed below:
- Heredity - weakness of blood vessel walls can be transmitted from generation to generation and lead to loss of vascular tone;
- strenuous work, standing - a high-risk group includes people whose work requires them to sit or stand for long periods of time;
- frequent pregnancy and childbirth - during this period, the total blood volume and squeezing of the veins increases, provoking varicose veins;
- Obesity – increased venous pressure in overweight people increases the likelihood of varicose veins;
- Hormone system failure - Self-administration of contraceptives and other hormone-based drugs causes changes in the vein wall. In women, such a reaction can be observed during pregnancy;
- nutrition - the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in the menu leads to a lack of fiber, which leads to a weakening of the vein wall.
What do varicose veins look like?
Since varicose veins are a change in the veins, the disease is also referred to as a cosmetic problem:
- First, patients note the appearance of meshes and a venous pattern on their legs;
- later the veins become tortuous and lift the skin;
- In the most advanced stages, varicose veins are clearly visible, representing the dilation 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 "detachment" of a blood clot. Similar complications occur in 5% of all patients. With age, a trophic ulcer is often formed, which is difficult to treat. The risk of complications from varicose veins increases over time.
- thrombophlebitis. This causes blood clots to form in the veins in the legs, which can rupture and clog the arteries, leading to a heart attack.
- Venous thrombosis.Obstruction of a vessel by a blood clot. It is manifested by pain in the legs, which is aggravated 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, it can cause a lung infarction.
- Trophic Ulcers.Darkening and thinning of the skin with the further appearance of ulcers. Occurs as a result of malnutrition of tissues. Poor response to treatment.
risk factors
- inheritance. If both parents have varicose veins, the chance of a child developing varicose veins is 90% and if one parent has 60%.
- Pregnancy.During this period, venous disease is provoked by 3 factors:
- hormonal changes - the production of large amounts of progesterone 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 diet.Uncontrolled consumption of processed foods, sugar and salt, fast food, fried and fatty foods, trans fats, preservatives and artificial additives from industrial products also leave their mark.
- hormonal background.The activity of hormones can weaken the veins, causing vasodilation and preventing the valves from closing normally.
- Tight clothes. Tight belts, tight jeans and underwear disturb the harmonious flow of blood and impede blood circulation.
- high heels. When walking, the veins work to the limit. This is because the load is unevenly distributed - most of it falls on the forefoot. Pain in the veins, swelling of the legs are the first signs of the onset of varicose veins.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
In the early detection of varicose veins, ultrasound technologies are used - angioscanning and dopplerography.
Ultrasound angioscanning (USAS) is an informative method for non-invasive examination of peripheral vessels. It allows obtaining a two-dimensional image of the artery, visualizing intravascular structures and evaluating 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 to assess the peripheral vessel. He assesses the state of the artery by indirect indicators: the blood flow response to functional tests, etc.
X-ray contrast phlebography is used to diagnose arteriovenous angiodysplasia, acute thrombosis and its consequences, and pelvic varicose veins.
Treatment of varicose veins
Surgical Techniques
Complete healing of varicose veins is possible only after surgical treatment. This happens in three ways:
- phlebectomy - removal of an enlarged varicose vein;
- Sclerotherapy is the introduction of a special substance into the varicose vein, which "glues" the walls of the blood vessels together and normalizes blood flow. The swelling of the veins disappears, even a cosmetic defect disappears;
- Laser Coagulation - The walls of the vein are subjected to heat, causing the lumen of the vein to "close up". Manipulation is carried out only if the vein is expanded by no more than 10 mm.
Medical treatment of varicose veins
The main role in treatment is played by venotonics in the form of tablets. They improve blood circulation and heal the arteries.
Also prescribe venotonic drugs - phlebotonics. They are taken with thinning of the walls of blood vessels, increased permeability, reduced elasticity and stagnation of fluid. 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.
Antiplatelets are used to thin the blood in the veins. Medicines needed when you need to reduce blood clot formation. Indicated for patients with increased blood viscosity. Platelet aggregation inhibitors should only be taken if there is no tendency to bleed.
Anticoagulants are sometimes used to stop thrombus formation on an individual basis. They eliminate blood clots, reduce viscosity. But the decision is made by the attending physician after evaluating the potential health benefits and potential rice.
compression therapy
A reliable assistant in the treatment of varicose veins is compression clothing. The working principle of the products is as follows:
- when wearing a compression stocking, the pressure on the superficial and deep veins increases;
- the greatest pressure is at the bottom, where the veins are more constricted and blood outflow is fastest;
- due to the narrowing of the veins, the function of the valves improves;
- Pain, swelling, fatigue in the legs disappear.
A complex approach
There are many treatment options, but the most correct will be the emphasis on improving the whole organism. Varicose veins in the broadest sense are not only a problem of the veins, but also a symptom that indicates malfunctions in the body. That is why we advise you to heal the body, and do it consistently and wisely.
- drink plenty of water - dehydration is one of the causes of blood clotting, especially during hot periods;
- help the liver in detoxification - add artichokes, flax, grapefruit, oranges, apples, cruciferous vegetables, rosemary, dandelion, olives to the diet (make sure that there are no allergic reactions and individual intolerance to the product);
- Eliminate from your diet all inflammatory foods that thicken blood and impair blood vessel walls (alcohol, coffee, sugar, pastries, dairy, smoked, canned, fast food, refined foods).
- Eliminate constipation - they squeeze the venous blood flow of the pelvis. Start drinking symbiotes or microbiotics. The bacteria in their composition create a balance of microflora, thereby normalizing bowel movements. They improve the condition of the small and large intestine, as well as the gastric mucosa;
- Do an analysis for homocysteine - it should not exceed 10. If it is higher, then you need to make sure that there is no deficiency of vitamin B12, folic acid and iron. At the same time, restore the microflora, otherwise its absorption may be impaired;
- restore protein levels. A biochemical blood test is carried out to check: the optimal concentration of protein in an adult should be 72-86 g / l, in children - from 45 to 80 g / l . ;
- Working with insulin resistance - often the problem accompanies this disorder. You will recognize this by the symptoms: constant feeling of hunger and frequent need to eat, multiple papillomas, red dots that look like birthmarks, swelling, thirst and high blood pressure;
- introduce exercises - pilates, yoga, light cardio;
- improve lymphatic drainage - drink water with herbs, cranberries, spices, lemon, ginger;
- take a contrast shower - under the influence of cold, small vessels begin to narrow, and under the influence of heat, on the contrary, expand. This leads to a strengthening of the vascular walls and an increase in their tone.
- Restoring hormone levels - Excessive activity of hormone production dilates blood vessels and prevents the valves from closing normally. To support the process of restoring hormonal balance, symbionts with broccoli are suitable. The active ingredient sulforaphane it contains removes excess estrogen from the body. This is due to the anticarcinogen content in broccoli, such as potassium, zinc, selenium, beta-carotene, amino acids, vitamins A, C and E.