The circulatory system consists of two types of vessels: arteries, which carry blood from the heart to organs, and veins. The human body's venous system performs the function of returning blood from tissues and organs to the heart.
Each vein, regardless of size, consists of a wall and a blood-filled lumen and is equipped with venous valves that prevent downward blood flow (flow through the veins of the lower extremities normally moves from the bottom to the top). Vein diseases are usually caused by abnormalities in the structure of the venous walls and valves. One of the most common vein diseases is varicose veins.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a disease that is accompanied by weakening of the venous wall and venous valves, as a consequence of the decrease in blood flow, the blood is stagnant in the veins, leading to their expansion, formation of venous networks and nodules. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men (due to the effect of estrogen on the venous wall and increased stress on the venous system during pregnancy). The risk of varicose veins increases with age (due to the fact that the veins lose their elasticity), so varicose veins are extremely rare in children and adolescents.
As the load on the veins of the lower half of the body is greater than on the venous vessels of the upper half, varicose veins develop in the legs and in the region of Organs pelvic organs. In varicose veins of the lower extremities, as a rule, the superficial (external) veins of the legs are affected. There are several types of varicose veins in the superficial leg veins:
- spider veins (expansion of small intradermal veins);
- reticular varicose veins (injury to the saphenous veins of the small and large saphenous vein system with formation of venous nodules);
- non-aphenic varicose veins (varicose veins that do not belong to the vessels of the large and small saphenous vein system).
Small pelvic varices are a type of internal varicose veins and are represented by inguinal varicose veins, varicose veins of the uterus, varicose veins of the penis. One of the common types of varicose veins in men is varicocele (varicose veins in the testicles), which manifests as sharp pain in the scrotum, sexual dysfunction, and premature ejaculation.
Signs of varicose veins
In the early stages, varicose veins are asymptomatic. The signs of varicose veins appear when the affected vessels no longer support the function of blood flow.
Varicose veins contribute to blood stagnation in the expanding area. Symptoms of varicose veins include:
- the appearance of a visually noticeable vascular network and protruding veins (in contrast to atherosclerosis, a chronic arterial disease in which blood flow to the lower extremities is impaired);
- feeling of heaviness in the legs and distension in the veins;
- swelling of the legs;
- itching and darkening of the skin on the legs over the varicose vein.
Varicose veins are a chronic, continually progressive disease that leads to the formation of venous insufficiency (dysfunction of the venous system). The progression of varicose veins occurs in stages:
- first-degree varicose veins (enlargement of veins is asymptomatic);
- second-degree varicose veins (swelling, heaviness in the legs, itching appears);
- third-degree varicose veins (swelling and severity continually disturbing, ulcers appearing on the skin, pain in the area of affected veins).
Symptoms of varicose veins usually increase at night and intensify after intense physical exertion. In summer, signs of varicose veins are more pronounced than in winter (since in hot weather there is a tendency for vasodilation and increased blood viscosity).
Why do varicose veins appear?
There is no single reason why varicose veins appear. The development of varicose veins is facilitated by excess weight, heavy physical exertion and work associated with a long stay in a sitting position, a genetic predisposition to weakness of the venous valves and inflammation of the veins. Varicose veins in women often develop during pregnancy and after childbirth, due to the fact that the enlargement of the uterus and the tension during childbirth place an increased load on the woman's venous system.
Complications of varicose veins
As a result of the prolonged progression of varicose veins, unpleasant consequences of varicose veins can occur. One of the complications of varicose veins is the appearance of blood clots (blood clots) in the lumen of the dilated veins, which can rupture, reach smaller vessels with blood flow and clog them, leading to thrombosis. Due to chronic venous insufficiency, trophic skin disorders form: ulcers appear in the dilated veins, which heal poorly and are susceptible to infections.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
A phlebologist is involved in diagnosing and treating varicose veins. During the consultation, the phlebologist examines the veins and palpates (palpates them), measures the circumference of the left and right legs to reveal occult swelling.
For the diagnosis of varicose veins, ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the vessels with Doppler ultrasound (blood flow determination) is also prescribed. Ultrasound allows not only to visualize the venous wall, but also to determine the presence of blood clots in the lumen of varicose veins.
Varicose Treatment Methods
In the phlebology department, conservative and surgical methods of treating varicose veins are used. Conservative treatment (without surgery) for varicose veins consists of the use of medication and the use of medical compression underwear. Properly selected therapy can reduce varicose vein symptoms and prevent the appearance of new varicose veins; however, existing venous disturbances can only be eliminated by surgery.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins consists of removing the dilated veins (phlebectomy). An alternative to phlebectomy are minimally invasive methods of treating varicose veins. Minimally invasive surgical methods for treating varicose veins include sclerotherapy and laser treatment of varicose veins.
Laser treatment of varicose veins
Laser treatment of varicose veins is performed by endovenous laser coagulation: under ultrasound control, an electrode is inserted into the vein lumen, with the aid of which the internal surface of the venous wall is cauterized with a laser. As a result of laser cauterization, coagulation of the venous wall occurs, after which the vein atrophies by itself. Minimally invasive laser treatment of varicose veins is performed under local anesthesia. The advantages of laser treatment of varicose veins are the absence of scarring and the relative (compared to removing the veins) painless procedure.
Minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins is performed on an outpatient basis (no hospitalization). Recovery after laser treatment of varicose veins, as a rule, takes no more than a month. During this period, it is necessary to wear a compressive bandage and limit sports.
To prevent varicose veins, you should reduce weight, exclude weight lifting and stay seated for a long time, giving preference to loose clothing. To prevent varicose veins in the early stages of the disease, regular wearing of special medical compression underwear and moderate physical activity (walking, swimming, exercising) will help.
popular questions
What can't be done with varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a disease whose progression is closely related to lifestyle. In the presence of varicose veins, you cannot lift weights, practice those sports that increase the load on the vessels in the lower half of the body (heavy sports). It is necessary to rule out a long stay in a sitting position (if you work in an office and have to sit for a long time - take a five-minute break to walk or exercise every hour), and also try not to wear too tight clothes. .
How to treat varicose veins in women's legs?
With the problem of varicose veins in the legs, the woman must consult a phlebologist. If you have varicose veins on your legs or thighs, your doctor will help you choose the compression underwear you need. In the presence of indications (signs of venous insufficiency, bulging venous nodes, aesthetic discomfort), surgical removal of varicose veins may be recommended. The decision about which type of intervention will be recommended for a woman is made by the doctor based on the results of the test and the test.
How to treat varicose veins at home?
Varicose veins are a disease of the veins that must be treated by a phlebologist. Most phlebologist appointments can be done at home: do a special exercise that improves blood flow to the lower limbs and pelvis, wear compression briefs, and take medication prescribed by your doctor. Self-treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies is ineffective, and exposure to the veins with herbal compresses can cause skin ulceration.