This is a deformation and disruption of the normal functioning of the leg veins.In a normal state, the blood in the veins moves from bottom to top;this is achieved thanks to the contractions of the heart, the coordinated work of the elastic walls of the vessel, the muscles around the vessel and the valve in the vein.This valve allows blood to flow upward and prevents it from flowing in the opposite direction.In case of violation, the vessel walls expand, the valve space diverges, and the blood can partially move in the opposite direction, creating a countercurrent, further expanding the vessel walls and weakening the valve.Varicose veins appear.The disease is extremely common in people over the age of 30, with women most commonly affected.
Causes and prevention of varicose veins of the lower limbs
The causes of varicose veins in most cases lie in a sedentary lifestyle: we spend a lot of time in a static position (especially sitting) and do not exert the necessary stress on our muscles.The following risk factors may also affect:
- clothing that is too tight (trousers, socks),
- uncomfortable shoes (especially high heels),
- hormonal balance disorders,
- frequent hot baths, visits to the sauna,
- prolonged serious physical activity, heavy lifting,
- obesity.
The main prevention of varicose veins is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.Even if you have a sedentary job, try not to sit still for several hours in a row: get up, stretch your legs, walk more;and don't forget a balanced diet which, combined with moderate physical activity, will protect you from many diseases.
Pregnancy is also one of the serious risk factors for varicose veins.But the genetic predisposition is still being studied, and many studies even refute it.
Symptoms
The disease can develop very slowly: years or even decades.The symptoms of the initial stage are varied, but for convenience they are combined into a certain complex under the general feeling of heaviness in the legs:
- fatigue in the legs without serious exercise,
- painful veins,
- nighttime cramps in the calves,
- feeling of tightness in the legs.
If you do not monitor the symptoms of varicose veins at the initial stage, the vein will become more and more deformed.In the evening, swelling in the feet and ankles will begin to appear and disappear in the morning;Spider veins will become visible, then swollen veins and nodules will be felt.If you do not consult a specialist at this stage, in addition to the obvious decrease in quality of life and obvious pain, the person risks developing skin pigmentation and trophic ulcers.The further course of varicose veins leads to complications such as bleeding from venous nodes and the risk of developing such a serious disease as thrombosis, which can be fatal without consulting a specialist.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of varicose veins is quite simple: it involves a survey, examination of the patient and ultrasound, which will show the affected area of the vein and the extent of damage in order to select the optimal treatment.If, for some reason (for example, when the damaged veins are located deep), the ultrasound does not provide all the necessary information, then the specialist will carry out an additional examination - venography - injection of a contrast agent into the vein, which, under X-rays, will show the smallest changes in the vein along the blood flow.
Treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs
Non-surgical treatment of varicose veins (special physical exercises, massage, wearing compression clothing, taking medications to strengthen the walls of blood vessels) will help only at the initial stage.But unfortunately, very few patients currently turn to a specialist.Perhaps due to such a wide prevalence of the disease, many trust traditional methods of treatment, which have not proven their effectiveness and waste valuable time, or resign themselves to the expansion of the veins to the point of unbearable pain syndrome, signaling an advanced stage.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins, like any other surgical procedure, requires a team of highly qualified doctors treating the patient.After all, serious contraindications can be found for the operation, so entrust your health only to experienced specialists in well-equipped medical centers.
For our patients, we are ready to offer all known and clinically proven methods of treatment: from conservative (non-surgical) to surgical.Among the most effective are:
- laser coagulation (laser removal, i.e. thermal exposure of areas of dilated vessels) - this method is suitable for small vessels and the elimination of varicosities located near the surface of the skin;
- sclerosis (injection of a special substance into a vein that safely blocks it) - this method is suitable only for small peripheral vessels;
- phlebectomy is the surgical removal of the affected area of a vein, used in advanced stages of the disease in large veins;
- radiofrequency coagulation.
The choice of treatment method depends on many factors (extent of varicose veins, patient's condition, contraindications to manipulation).Specialists try to provide the patient with the most detailed information about his condition, listen to his wishes and decide on a treatment method suitable for the specific situation.