VARICOSE VEINS

Fatigue, feeling of heaviness in the legs, slight edema of the tissues, swelling of the veins and the first visible "vascular networks" may indicate the development of varicose veins in the lower extremities.

The statistics for this disease are terrible. For example, in a single country, there are about 37 million people suffering from this disease. Each 6 of them is a girl under 12 years old. The early appearance of the disease significantly increases the risk of complications that, when neglected, threaten disability and even death.

What's so terrible about the varicose veins in the lower extremities? Why is it so important to stop your development in the early stages? On the methods of its treatment, preventive measures from the point of view of specialists, among many other useful information on varicose veins of the lower limbs, read this article.

What are the varicose veins of the lower extremities?

All veins in the human body are divided into deep, superficial and perforated. The deep vessels do almost all the work (90%) of transporting blood to the heart, and the perforated vessels are a kind of bridge between the deep and the superficial. The structure of the veins provides for the presence of valves that direct and promote the flow of blood in just the right direction. When the circulatory system fails, some of the blood accumulates at one point. This leads to local expansion (stretching) of the vessel. The first to suffer are the deep veins (the so-called internal varicose veins), then superficial in the form of "spider veins and nodules".

For a complete perception of the severity of the disease, it is important to note that its progression threatens the development of thrombophlebitis, pulmonary artery blockage with thrombus (or thromboembolism), as well as trophic leg ulcers, lymphoma (edema of the lower extremities of the patient) and many other problems that can lead to the patient's death.

The main causes of varicose veins in the lower extremities

Many factors can cause blood vessels to malfunction, blood flow in general, and then stimulate the appearance of varicose veins in the superficial veins of the lower limbs. Let's consider the main ones:

1. Congenital malformation of valves located within venous vessels - the disease can be hereditary. According to statistics, two-thirds of patients have close relatives with a similar disease.
2. Insufficient mobility reduces soft tissue stress. As a result, it reduces the burden on blood vessels and their tone.
3. During the "standing" position, the pressure inside the leg vessels increases tenfold. With a long vertical arrangement, the valves do not support the increase in load, which causes a violation of their operation.
4. Decreased vascular tone - can be caused by age-related changes, loss of wall elasticity after certain diseases.
5. Pregnancy - this period is characterized by an increase in blood in the woman's body, as well as the hormones progesterone, estrogen. Together, these changes stimulate the development of varicose veins in the lower extremities. It is true that normalization of processes is possible about 1 year after delivery, if varicose complications do not arise.

Overweight, the presence of injuries, previous operations, hormonal disorders and the use of contraceptives complement the list of reasons for the development of the disease.

Determination of varicose veins of the lower extremities - symptoms and diagnosis

The effectiveness of the treatment, the speed of a positive result, depends a lot on the precision and timeliness of the disease diagnosis.

Signs of varicose veins in the lower extremities will help determine the disease in the early stages:

• the appearance of a slight swelling of the legs;
• swelling of the superficial venous vessels, their increase in diameter;
• itching in the lower extremities with varicose veins;
• feeling of overwork, weight;
• burning, pain caused by excessive stretching of the vein walls;
• leg cramps;
• noticeable blue skin along the vein, compacting (hardening) of problematic areas of the tissues, formation of varicose eczema in the lower extremities.

Even a slight violation of the integrity of the skin at the eczema site can lead to the appearance of a trophic ulcer.

In the varicose vein variant of the deep veins of the lower limbs, symptoms may appear at a later stage, which is undesirable. Therefore, if you have the slightest suspicion of an illness, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

The diagnosis of varicose veins in the lower extremities is performed with special equipment. This study is safe, painless and allows you to comprehensively study the severity of the disease.

There are several diagnostic options:

• visual inspection;
• method of duplex color examination - the blood flow map compiled during the study allows to assess the direction and speed of blood movement in the veins. The procedure informs about the state of the blood vessels, important to predict the development of varicose veins;
• phlebography - is used very rarely, because it involves X-ray examination.

During diagnosis, you can observe the condition of blood vessels, valves, analyze their functionality and determine the direction of blood flow.

Generally, the first reason to see a doctor is unsightly changes. Since the first type, they are harmless and can evolve into serious diseases and complications. Therefore, you must not neglect its importance.

Classification of varicose veins of the lower extremities

Doctors usually distinguish 5 stages of the varicose veins of the lower extremities, each with its own symptoms:

• Stage 1- reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities, which are the easiest to treat. It is distinguished by the presence of a "vascular network". The dilated veins are visible through the thin skin (especially in the fossa under the knee), the pain still does not appear.
• Stage 2- segmental varicose veins of the lower extremities, accompanied by slight fatigue, feeling of heaviness in the legs, even convulsive spasms in the calf muscle, slight swelling of the veins are possible;
• Stage 3- the venous vessels stand out significantly from the skin, especially in the lower leg, thin skin with dark brown spots, itching, rashes, signs of dermatitis. Increased swelling causes discomfort when moving.
• Stage 4Varicose veins of the lower limbs - the symptoms are pronounced, complications of the disease appear, such as thrombophlebitis, manifestations of trophic ulcers. Swollen and varicose nodules appear strongly on the thin skin of the leg, feet and thigh.
• Stage 5- shows all the symptoms of the 4th stage. In addition, the disease progresses to the groin area. The number of trophic ulcers is increasing rapidly, as is the frequency of thrombophlebitis. The doctor establishes the deficiency with varicose veins in the lower limbs at this stage.

The main task of the patient and his doctor is to prevent the disease from developing beyond the initial stages, and the sooner you get in touch with a phlebologist, the easier it will be for him to stop the disease.

Treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities

Medicine does not stop, but it develops the latest technologies to combat venous diseases. The treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities can be performed by conservative methods (medications, minimally invasive procedures), surgery, home remedies in combination with massage.

Deteriorating the attractiveness of appearance is not the whole list of possible problems. Complications and deficiencies can contribute to this. Modern medicine offers a wide range of non-surgical effects in problem areas, and it is often physiotherapy for varicose veins of the lower extremities that is most effective in the early stages of the disease:

1. The use of creamy preparations, gels, ointments for varicose veins of the lower limbs, these drugs bring remarkable relief. They are easy to apply on the surface, do not cause pain and discomfort.
2. The use of venotonics - drugs that, in the case of varicose veins of the lower limbs, normalize the functioning of the veins.
3. Laser exposure - the method of intravenous obliteration of laser veins (ELOV) is widely used in the fight against varicose veins. The principle of the procedure is to interrupt the functioning of the problematic vein, due to the effect of a heat ray on it. Laser manipulations are performed under local anesthesia, with no restrictions on actions and additional hospitalization necessary. The patient has the right to go home immediately after the procedure.
4. Magnetotherapy for varicose veins of the lower limbs is a modern auxiliary method that promotes blood thinning, stimulates blood circulation and, as a result, helps remove toxins from tissues and saturates them with oxygen.
5. RF exposure - RF works like a laser. They exclude the problematic vessel from the bloodstream system, thus eliminating the risk of possible complications;
6. Sclerotherapy - involves the introduction of a special medication into the diseased vein, which favors the bonding of the vessel walls and its self-elimination from the bloodstream after some time.

It should be noted that a preliminary consultation with a doctor and a special examination are necessary.

Operations for varicose veins of the lower extremities

Late consultations with the doctor, neglect of the disease lead to CVI (chronic venous insufficiency) and the lack of minimally invasive therapy. In such cases, surgery comes to the rescue.

The following factors are considered indications for lower limb varicose vein surgery:

• the disease is in severe stages, when trophic ulcers progressively manifest;
• development of thrombophlebitis;
• discomfort associated with excessive fatigue, swelling of the legs.

The principle of surgical intervention is based, like conservative techniques, on the elimination of the problematic vein from the circulatory system. Only in minimally invasive methods are the vessels glued and, during operation, are tied on both sides and removed.

There are several main methods of surgical treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities:

1. Phlebectomyis ​​a classic variant of surgery. Small incisions (up to five millimeters) are made in the skin through which a probe is inserted and the diseased vein is removed. The procedure takes no more than two hours and does not involve prolonged hospitalization.
2. Miniflebectomy- differs from classic phlebectomy in the size of the hole in the skin. In this case, they are minimal punctures that minimize the rehabilitation period, leaving no visible marks on the body.
3. Short removal- requires precise location of the problem area. Only the affected segment is removed. There are no traces left after the procedure.
4. Vein dissectionunder the control of an endocop. It is injected directly into the diseased vein, the operation is performed using a monitor. The experience and qualifications of a surgeon increase the chances of a successful operation.

Surgery will solve the problem of inflamed veins, reduce the risk of developing the disease and help relieve symptoms in the later stages. Compression underwear, venotonic medications are the main condition for the rehabilitation period. They contribute to early recovery, normalization of blood circulation.

Treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities with folk remedies

Home remedies occupy a separate niche in the treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities. There is no need to affirm its great importance, but there is also nothing to underestimate its dignity. Decoctions, infusions and cooked compresses can reduce pain, relieve the feeling of heaviness and fatigue after a difficult day.

As a treatment option for reticular varicose veins, traditional medicine recommends tincture of calamus root in red wine for internal use. There are also recipes for external friction.

Closed birch buds are infused for 10 days in 0. 5 liters of vodka. When ready, the product is rubbed onto the skin.

Useful compresses for varicose veins of the lower extremities of yogurt with garlic or wrapping with fresh cabbage leaves.

You shouldn't expect super fast results. The resources are suitable for prophylactic purposes and for the treatment of primary varicose veins of the lower limbs, in addition to drugs prescribed by the physician individually. Do not use any treatment without talking to your doctor.

Massage and gymnastics for varicose veins of the lower limbs

The healing qualities of massage have been known to mankind for a long time. Massage of the lower extremities with varicose veins also has a beneficial effect. It increases blood and lymph flow, normalizes venous pressure and initiates metabolic processes within tissues.

The massage technique is peculiar. It is forbidden to touch the affected vein area in all possible ways, just around it. Light clamping, wide footprint and caresses are the main techniques of the procedure. It is recommended to combine massage with a series of exercises.

Gymnastics for varicose veins of the lower extremities involves the implementation of a wide range of actions:

1. Warm up - two to three minutes you need to lie down with your legs up. They must rest on a wall or other high ground, this position guarantees total relaxation.
2. Exercise "Bicycle" - the movements are identical to those on a bicycle. Only the position of the body "lying on its back".
3. "Scissors" exercise - limbs lifted and crossed with each other for at least one minute.
4. Exercise for the calf muscles - in the "supine" position, bend one leg so that the knee reaches the chest. Perform movements in the opposite direction while massaging the problematic muscle. Repeat the procedure four times with each leg.
5. Get up. For three to five minutes, stand on tiptoe and lower yourself to the starting position.
6. The gymnastic complex of exercises or exercise therapy for varicose veins of the lower limbs guarantees a preventive therapeutic effect that aims to accelerate the outflow of venous blood to the heart, increasing vascular tone.

It is important that the doctor not only approves the set of exercises for daily exercises, but also makes sure that the patient performs them correctly, without creating additional stress on the vessels.

Prevention of varicose veins in the lower extremities

It is better to prevent the problem than to cure it later! The experts unanimously recommend that the following measures be taken to prevent the disease:

1. Move more - reduces the risk of blood and lymphatic congestion.
2. Exercise regularly against varicose veins.
3. The shoes must be comfortable, the heel must not exceed four centimeters.
4. Prolonged exposure to the sun does not work well on blood vessel walls, limit the time for hot baths.

5. Give preference to the contrast bath, as it increases blood circulation.
6. Focus on fresh vegetables, fruits, vegetable products. A special diet for varicose veins in the lower extremities is health's "best friend".
7. Rehydrate your body with 2 liters of fluid a day.
8. The elimination of fatigue, inadequate position when sitting or uncomfortable position during rest is the best prevention of varicose veins of the lower limbs.

It should be remembered that varicose veins in the lower limbs are a progressive disease. From painless "stars", it can progress to thrombophlebitis and trophic ulcers. The beauty, the absence of pain and weight in the legs can be preserved by following simple recommendations from experts. If you have the slightest suspicion of illness, run to the phlebologist. Remember that varicose veins are not fully cured, but it is possible to prevent, minimize the risk of their further development. Be healthy!