If you want to know more about varicose veins, check out this article. It will help you understand the main causes of the disease, as well as recognize the first symptoms of varicose veins yourself.
Few people know that varicose veins are a fairly common disease that affects almost 30% of women and 20% of men. This is because the first symptoms can be almost imperceptible. This article will help you discover how to independently recognize varicose veins when they are still amenable to conservative and safe treatment.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a common disease that can cause a lot of discomfort and significantly impair quality of life. Varicose veins occur when the walls of the veins lose their elasticity and cannot effectively pump blood back to the heart. Prolonged standing or sitting, hereditary predisposition, excess weight, pregnancy, heart and vascular diseases - all this can provoke varicose veins. There are several methods that can relieve symptoms and even eliminate the disease.
Varicose veins are a vascular disorder that occurs when the venous valves weaken and blood circulation is impaired. That's why this happens.
Our vessels pump blood from the legs to the heart due to the operation of special valves that do not allow blood to flow to the feet under the influence of gravity. But it happens that the valves become weak. And then some of the blood begins to remain in the veins and, as a result, the pressure on them increases. The venous walls are expanded and damaged. Over time, the veins become larger and larger. The legs of people with varicose veins may appear as if they have huge ropes under the skin.
Varicose veins are not just an aesthetic problem. This disease can cause serious complications such as thrombosis, ulcers and even tissue necrosis. Therefore, it is extremely important to recognize varicose veins yourself and consult a doctor at the first signs. The milder the course of the disease, the easier the treatment. The main reasons for the development of varicose veins
The reasons for the development of varicose veins can be different. Let's take a closer look at each of them.
- One of the main factors is heredity. Varicose veins occur in people with a weakened vein wall due to a genetic mutation. Remember if your family members had varicose veins. If so, you are also at risk of developing this disease. However, do not rush to get angry. If you lead a healthy lifestyle and take care of your health, there are many chances to avoid the appearance of varicose veins. But it is always important that you monitor your diet and lifestyle and be attentive to your health.
- Working standing. If you work in a profession in which you need to spend a lot of time on your feet, pay special attention to the condition of your legs. There is a high risk of developing varicose veins. First of all, people who work standing are affected by immobility of the leg muscles. If a person walks a lot, the muscles contract and compress the blood vessels, which helps push blood to the heart. But if you stand in one place all day, your veins remain unsupported. Therefore, standing increases the likelihood of suffering from varicose veins. Representatives of the following professions should be especially attentive to their health: teachers, cooks, surgeons, nurses, hairdressers, waiters, salespeople, bartenders, turners, masseuses.
- Sedentary work can also negatively affect vascular health and the appearance of varicose veins. These are office workers, drivers, programmers, accountants, librarians, cashiers, seamstresses, bank employees, jewelers and telephone operators. A sedentary lifestyle also increases the risk of developing varicose veins and is dangerous. After all, the muscles of the lower leg do not work and blood stagnates. The veins dilate and become varicose veins. It is especially bad to have the habit of crossing your legs. It can put pressure on the veins and cause thrombosis. Don't forget to take breaks while working and at least sometimes do a warm-up or at least walk around the office.
- Heavy physical work and heavy lifting can also cause varicose veins. This is because lifting a lot of weight causes an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, which is naturally transmitted to the legs and causes stretching of the blood vessels and rupture of the valves. If you are a porter, weightlifter, builder, shopkeeper, miner or have to lift weights as part of your occupation, remember that this is dangerous and can cause varicose veins.
- Long and frequent flights are also dangerous for the functioning of blood vessels. During the flight, changes in atmospheric pressure occur, which also have a negative effect on blood vessels. On a plane you can't stretch your legs and it's difficult to find a comfortable position. Due to the dry air on board an airplane, the body suffers from dehydration. Blood viscosity increases, causing venous stagnation and slow blood flow.
- The pregnancy. It often happens that the first symptoms of varicose veins can appear precisely during pregnancy, because the woman's body is under enormous load and swelling appears in the legs. Doctors can often prescribe compression garments, which can improve the course of the disease.
- Excess weight can also cause varicose veins. In addition, it is important to know that due to excess weight, a person may not notice a single varicose vein for years. Varicose veins can be hidden under a significant layer of subcutaneous fat. Its visualization is not only difficult, but impossible without instrumental techniques. Therefore, if you are overweight and feel tired or swollen in your legs at night, you should consult a phlebologist as soon as possible.
- Bad lifestyle, alcohol abuse, smoking and other bad habits and addictions. In general, varicose veins and bad habits are incompatible. And combined with smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, this will have serious consequences. Without treatment and control, varicose veins can lead to other vascular diseases, for example, atherosclerosis of the lower extremities.
- Heels are enemies of your blood vessels. Don't rush to chase beauty. Remember that high heels put a lot of pressure on your feet. Shoes should be comfortable first and then pretty. Of course, it is acceptable to wear heels, but only occasionally, don't over-wear them.
Symptoms of varicose veins at various stages of the disease.
The initial stage of varicose veinsCompensation stage. The initial stage of varicose veins is also called the compensation stage. It received this name due to the fact that when the functioning of the veins in the body is disturbed, special mechanisms are activated that compensate for these disturbances. That's why it's dangerous. A person may ignore the signs of varicose veins for several months, or even years, and lose precious time for fruitful treatment.
External signs may be completely absent or appear in the form of spider veins. They should not be underestimated. These are true harbingers of varicose veins.
All a person may feel in the initial stage of varicose veins is heaviness in the legs, a feeling of fullness and swelling. Most patients attribute these symptoms to fatigue, especially if the job involves strain on the legs.
But if you are sensitive to your health, noticed these symptoms and consulted a phlebologist in time, you can rest assured. In this case, when varicose veins are diagnosed at the initial stage, conservative non-surgical treatment is prescribed. For example, different types of sclerotherapy.
Classification of varicose veins. What is important to know?
The classification of varicose veins depends on the level at which the affected vein is located. It is important to know this classification in order to recognize the symptoms in time and immediately consult a phlebologist.
The classification of varicose veins begins with the identification of the main forms of the disease: primary varicose veins (idiopathic), secondary varicose veins (consequences of traumatic injuries to the veins), age-related varicose veins (senile), varicose veins congenital (intrauterine formation). of varicose veins), etc.
Primary varicose veins are one of the most common forms of the disease. It can be found in people of any age, although this type of varicose veins develops more frequently in women. The hereditary factor is one of the causes of this disease.
Secondary varicose veins are a form of disease that develops after traumatic injuries to the veins. Venous thrombosis, surgery, trauma, and other factors can cause secondary varicose veins. Typically, this type of disease occurs at the site of the injury.
Senile varicose veins occur more frequently in older people. The increasing aging of the body causes the weakening of the walls of the venous vessels, which has a notable impact on its etymology.
Congenital varicose veins are characterized by the fact that the disease occurs during fetal development. An abnormality in the development of blood vessels causes a violation of their vital function, that is, reversible dilation of the veins.
Second stage of varicose veins. Undercompensation.
This is the most common stage for which patients already consult a doctor. Undercompensation is the stage when the body can no longer cope with the disease on its own. In this case, the person not only complains of pain and swelling at the end of the day, but also experiences constant discomfort. The patient already finds it difficult to lead a normal lifestyle. In this case, a visit to a phlebologist should be scheduled immediately.
Main symptoms: veins are clearly visible, the skin may acquire a blue tint. Swelling, pain, burning sensation and slight cramps in the legs are noted not only in the evening, but also at night.
A simple treatment at this stage is no longer enough. In this case, EVLT and minimally invasive surgery are usually used.
Third stage. Severe varicose veins. Decompensation.
In this case, the alteration of blood vessels has a negative impact on the functioning of other organs and systems in the body. The nutrition of the tissues is affected, fluid accumulates in them and trophic ulcers may appear. The veins are severely deformed and serious complications in the form of thrombophlebitis are possible.
At this stage, urgent surgical treatment is necessary. Otherwise, varicose veins begin to pose a threat to life.
It is important to understand that the disease can have one form of development or several combinations. And the classification of varicose veins is not unequivocal, but implies the possibility of various combinations of factors. But regardless of the form, varicose veins require treatment. Proper treatment can lead to a complete recovery, prevent serious complications and improve patients' quality of life.
Diagnosis of varicose veins.
A modern clinic has the most accurate and effective methods for diagnosing varicose veins. The main methods to diagnose varicose veins are:
- Examination by a specialist. The first thing you should do is make an appointment with a phlebologist.
- Ultrasound examination. This is the main diagnostic method used to detect varicose veins. An ultrasound examination of the veins allows you to see any changes in the structure of the veins, determine if there are any blockages in blood flow, and identify other problems with the veins.
- Phlebography. This is a diagnostic method that allows a more detailed image of the vessels of the lower extremities to be obtained while a contrast agent is injected into them. This method makes it possible to diagnose both disorders in the structure of the veins and other problems of the lymphatic system.
- CT examination. This method allows obtaining a three-dimensional image of the vessels, which significantly improves vein scaling.
- MRI examination. This method is mainly used when it is not possible to perform an ultrasound examination, since its effectiveness in diagnosing varicose veins is reduced.
- Thermography. This method is based on taking into account the thermal radiation of the extremities and makes it possible to determine the presence of diseases in the structure of the veins.
As a rule, making a diagnosis based on research data does not take much time. Most procedures last between 10 and 40 minutes. Treatment at different stages will vary greatly, so you should never self-medicate. Any health manipulations can be prescribed only after receiving the research results.
Methods to treat varicose veins.
Varicose veins are a serious condition, but they can be treated. There are ways to help avoid discomfort and reduce the risk of complications. It is important not to delay visiting the doctor and follow his recommendations, since early treatment significantly increases the chances of recovery. There are several methods that can relieve symptoms and even eliminate the disease.
The first important way to treat varicose veins is to change your lifestyle. People who suffer from varicose veins should pay special attention to physical activity. Regular exercise aims to strengthen the muscles of the lower body and stimulate blood circulation. Walking, swimming, doing gymnastics for the muscles of the legs - all this can be of great help in the treatment of varicose veins.
The second way is to change your diet. There are many products that can make the situation of varicose veins even worse: strong coffee, hot spices, alcohol, fatty and heavy foods. It is best to choose foods rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. For example, vegetables, fruits, herbs, unfermented dairy products, nuts, fish.
The first two methods are mandatory conditions at any stage of the disease.
The next step, if indicated by a doctor, may be drug treatment. The use of ointments, creams and gels containing substances that improve blood circulation helps reduce swelling and pain. You can also use drug therapy; Your doctor will prescribe pills.
Modern methods of treating varicose veins include:
- Obliteration and coagulation. The emitter is inserted into the vein using a micropuncture. The laser precisely heats the blood, which burns the walls of the blood vessels and seals the vein (this is called sclerosis). Once the procedure is completed, the emitter is removed. Over time, the vein turns into connective tissue and then resolves completely. The duration of the procedure is approximately half an hour. Immediately after completing the treatment, the patient can return to his normal life. To consolidate the results obtained, it is necessary to use compression garments for several days.
- Sclerotherapy. A special substance is injected into the affected vessel, which glues its walls together. The stuck vessel is excluded from blood circulation and dissolves over time.
- Radiofrequency ablation. The mechanism of action is similar to that of laser therapy. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the vein, which heats its walls and also causes them to stick. After a while, the vein resolves.
- Miniphlebectomy. It is a minimally invasive surgical operation that is performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Through a puncture, the affected vein is carefully extracted without incisions or stitches.
- In severe stages of the disease, surgical treatment is indicated, which deprives the distorted veins of the ability to drain blood.
Treatment of varicose veins in modern kinetics.
In a modern clinic they know how to effectively help patients. Doctors have already performed thousands of operations and helped millions of patients get rid of varicose veins. If you suffer from varicose veins, you should know that it is never too late to go to the clinic and receive treatment.
Only highly qualified doctors who specialize in the treatment of varicose veins and other vein diseases work in the modern clinic. Patients are offered a variety of treatment options, including laser therapy, sclerotherapy, radiofrequency therapy, and surgery. Only the most modern equipment and technologies are used. This guarantees maximum results and minimal risk of complications. In addition, the professional clinic is one of the most advanced in the field of venous surgery in the country.
Another advantage of a professional clinic is that patients receive only individual treatment. Each patient is unique and during treatment all of their characteristics are taken into account when choosing the method. The main goal of the clinic is to allow the patient to return to normal life and forget about problems with veins.
Don't think that varicose veins will go away on their own. In fact, in rare cases, symptoms may improve due to lifestyle changes or certain medications. However, it is important to understand that this is only a temporary improvement and that treatment is still required. By postponing a visit to the doctor, you can only worsen the course of the disease.