Varicose veins of the lower limbs: symptoms and treatment

What do we think of when we hear the wordvaricose veins"? First of all, ugly legs are blue-violet in color, covered with numerous tubercles and a visible vascular network through the skin. Many of us consider varicose veins to be an exclusively cosmetic pathology that does not requirespecial treatment. There is an opinion that you can live with varicose veins for many years, this disease does not progress and does not lead to serious consequences, remaining only an external defect. Unfortunately, this opinion is notonly wrong, but also dangerous.

To understand why varicose veins are dangerous, are there ways to avoid them, why the disease should be treated if it has already appeared and, above all, how to do it, we turned to a phlebologist for advice. We talk about the mechanisms of the onset of the disease, ways to prevent it, features of lifestyle in the presence of this diagnosis and modern methods of correction.

What are varicose veins

Varicose veins are a disease known to mankind since ancient Egypt. Archaeological excavations confirm the presence of pathologies among the contemporaries of the pharaohs and the builders of the famous pyramids. Hippocrates and Avicenna, people recognized as the best doctors of antiquity, were looking for ways to successfully treat varicose veins. What happens with varicose veins? Why does the disease occur?

Normally, in the human body, blood flows through the veins from bottom to top - from the tissues to the heart and lungs, and the contractions of our muscles help it do this. But due to the force of gravity, which affects all aspects of human existence, the liquid logically tends to descend. The special valves that are in our veins do not allow him to do this. They open in the direction of blood flow and close to keep it out. Thus, under the "sensitive direction" of the valves that exist in the veins, the blood is directed to where it is needed.

But quite often, for some reason, the functioning of the valves is disturbed, they do not close completely, and blood still flows through the veins. The vessels cannot hold all the blood, they stretch and protrude from the skin with tubercles. Most often, the thin external veins of the legs are affected in this way and the disease "varicose veins" occurs.

Causes of disease

There are many causes of varicose veins, and all of them are well known to medicine.

1. hereditary predisposition.Heredity is one of the most common causes of the disease. Scientists have identified the so-called "varicose vein gene", which is responsible for its appearance. Therefore, if your relatives had problems with the veins, it is necessary to be examined by a phlebologist as soon as possible. After all, the disease can manifest itself at any age, even at a very young age. Varicose veins are insidious in that the visible symptoms appear much later than the disease itself.
2. Weakness of the vascular walls and the valvular apparatus.Many chronic diseases (pyelonephritis, rheumatism, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, etc. ), hormonal changes and metabolic disorders, unhealthy lifestyles, physical inactivity, lower limb injuries, women taking hormonal contraceptiveslead to this condition.
3. Professions associated with a long stay in a static position(standing or sitting). Programmers, drivers, hairdressers, salespeople, carpenters, carpenters and many others are at risk for varicose veins.
4. Pregnancy. Even if there are no hereditary causes of the disease in the anamnesis of the future mother, during pregnancy the risk of "gaining" varicose veins increases significantly. Why does it happen? Synthesized "pregnancy hormones" affect smooth muscles, relaxing the tone of the vein walls. The volume of circulating blood increases, thereby increasing the pressure on the vascular walls and the valvular apparatus. The rapid weight gain of a woman during pregnancy puts unusually strong pressure on the legs and, consequently, on the veins.
5. Overweight.With excess weight, deformation of the vascular wall occurs due to a large load, vascular pressure and pressure in the surrounding tissues increase. With excess weight, blood pressure rises, the movement of blood to the heart becomes difficult, and venous congestion occurs.
6. Sex and age.According to statistics, more than 70% of cases of varicose veins occur in women of childbearing age. But cases of the disease are not uncommon in men, children and adolescents. Therefore, if disturbing symptoms appear, a consultation with a phlebologist is necessary, regardless of the sex and age of the patient.

Disease symptoms

As we said above, the disease in the early stages is asymptomatic or disguised as ordinary fatigue: after a day's work, the legs buzz and swell, but in the morning or after a long rest everything goes away. There may also be convulsions at night, itching and burning in the lower extremities, a feeling of heaviness in them. Such symptoms, as a rule, do not cause concern and are considered banal overwork. The early stage of varicose veins does not reduce a person's physical activity, does not force him to change his lifestyle.

In the future, with the development of the disease, the symptoms become more pronounced: a vascular network and tubercles appear on the lower extremities, swelling does not disappear even after a long rest, severe pain occurs after a short walk, forcing a person to change the usual rhythm of life, reduce physical activity to a minimum, which leads to even more severe stagnation of blood and, as a result, aggravation of the disease.

Why are varicose veins dangerous?

In addition to the obvious negative consequences in the form of a cosmetic defect and the inability to continue the usual way of life, varicose veins are dangerous for their complications.

• Venous bleeding.This is due to the fact that the normal connective tissue of the vascular walls gradually changes its properties, becomes fragile and inelastic. Even the slightest physical exertion (for example, coughing or sneezing) can lead to rupture of the vessel and serious consequences in the form of bleeding.
• Eczema and dermatitis.Occur due to insufficient blood supply, prolonged oxygen starvation. On the skin of the limb with varicose veins, small bubbles, scales, crusts appear, which are accompanied by severe itching.
• Thrombophlebitis.This is a serious chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the veins of the lower extremities, accompanied by the appearance of blood clots in their lumen. In most cases, thrombophlebitis appears as a result of varicose veins. The disease is accompanied by an increase in body temperature to 38-39°C, sharp arching pain in the affected area, persistent edema and complete limitation of motor activity.
• Necrosis and trophic ulcers.One of the most serious complications of varicose veins. Such a pathological process occurs against the background of thrombophlebitis, when due to an inflamed varicose vessel the metabolism is disturbed and the tissues experience prolonged oxygen starvation. As a result, areas of dead cells appear on the surface of the skin, which eventually turn into a large ulcer. Trophic ulcers are difficult to treat, the average duration of treatment of these ulcers and necrosis is 3-4 months.
• Thrombosis.The most dangerous complication of varicose veins. This pathological condition is characterized by the formation of a blood clot in the deep veins, which disrupts blood circulation. Deep vein thrombosis is dangerous, first of all, because during the most mundane household activities, a blood clot can break off, which can lead to the blockage of the pulmonary artery or another vital vessel and lead to thedead. The presence of deep vein thrombosis means a lifelong restriction of the patient's motor activity.

It should be noted that all serious consequences of varicose veins arise against the background of a lack of treatment or as a result of incorrect treatment of the disease.

How to treat varicose veins?

The disease is difficult to treat and in 80% of cases returns even with careful and adequate therapy, since the deformed vessels will not be able to return to their former shape in any way. But you need to treat varicose veins! Since advanced stages of the disease can lead to serious consequences and even death. The combination of modern methods of treatment and prevention of varicose veins can prevent the development of the disease and the appearance of serious complications. Modern medicine offers several ways to deal with the disease.

1. Compression therapy.It is carried out using special compression underwear. The basis of the therapy is the creation of pressure in the lower extremities. As a result of such treatment, venous circulation improves, valvular functions are restored, excess fluid is eliminated, venous pressure in the legs decreases several times, joints become more mobile, and blood flow increases. Compression therapy can be used as an independent method of treatment and as an addition to other methods of treating varicose veins. Compression underwear is only prescribed by a doctor!
2. Medical therapy.It is prescribed by a doctor in order to alleviate the symptoms of the disease, reduce blood viscosity, improve the elasticity and regeneration of blood vessels, increase metabolism and prevent the formation of blood clots.
3. Sclerotherapy.This is an innovative and minimally invasive technique, the undoubted advantage of which is not only a very good cosmetic effect, but also a noticeable reduction in the symptoms of the disease. To date, sclerotherapy is one of the most effective ways to combat varicose veins and associated functional disorders. The procedure involves the introduction of special solutions with a syringe with a fine needle into the damaged vein. The injected drug glues the vessel, thereby stopping the blood flow in it. This is the main goal of manipulation - to eliminate the problem area from general circulation.
4. Surgical intervention.It is indicated at stages when the disease significantly impairs the quality of life and threatens the development of dangerous complications. Surgical intervention in most cases includes several different methods at once, the main goal of which is to reduce the symptoms of the disease, improve the patient's quality of life and prevent the development of complications.

There are many effective ways to treat varicose veins in modern medicine. The main thing that doctors call for is: do not self-medicate! As soon as the first unpleasant symptoms appear, such as heaviness and pain in the legs, night cramps, the formation of a vascular network, and others, consult a phlebologist (vascular surgeon). The doctor will conduct an examination, if necessary, prescribe additional examination and treatment.