If you want to know more about varicose veins, check out this article. It will help you understand the main causes of this disease, as well as recognize the first symptoms of varicose veins yourself.
Few people know that varicose veins are a relatively common disease, affecting almost 30% of women and 20% of men. This is due to the fact that the first symptoms may be almost invisible. This article will help you figure out how to independently recognize varicose veins when they can still receive conservative and safe treatment.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a common disease that can cause a lot of discomfort and significantly affect the quality of life. Varicose veins occur when the vein walls lose their elasticity and cannot pump blood back to the heart effectively. Standing or sitting for a long time, hereditary tendencies, overweight, pregnancy, heart and vascular diseases - all these can cause varicose veins. There are various methods that can relieve the symptoms and even eliminate the disease.
Varicose veins are vascular disorders that occur when venous valves become weak and blood circulation is impaired. That is why this happened.
Our blood vessels pump blood from the legs to the heart due to the operation of a special valve that does not allow blood to flow to the legs under the influence of gravity. But it happens that the valve is weak. And then some blood begins to linger in the veins and, as a result, the pressure on them increases. The vein wall expands and becomes damaged. Over time, the veins become larger and larger. The legs of people with varicose veins may look like there are large cords under the skin.
Varicose veins are not only an aesthetic problem. This disease can lead to serious complications such as thrombosis, ulcers and tissue necrosis. Therefore, it is very important to recognize varicose veins independently and consult a doctor at the first signs. The milder the course of the disease, the easier the treatment. The main reason 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 who have weak vein walls due to genetic mutations. Remember if your family members have varicose veins. If you have, then you also have a risk of getting this disease. However, do not be in a hurry to get angry. If you lead a healthy lifestyle and take care of your health, then there is every chance to avoid the appearance of varicose veins. But it is always important for you to monitor your diet and lifestyle, and take care of your health.
- Work on your feet. If you are in a profession where you have to spend a lot of time standing, be especially careful about the condition of your feet. There is a high risk of developing varicose veins. First of all, people who work standing are affected by the 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 without support. Therefore, when standing, the possibility of varicose veins increases. Representatives of the following professions should pay special attention to their health: teachers, cooks, surgeons, operating nurses, hairdressers, waiters, salespeople, bartenders, spinners, massage therapists.
- Sedentary work can also affect vascular health and the appearance of varicose veins. These are office workers, drivers, programmers, accountants, librarians, cashiers, tailors, bank workers, jewelers and telephone operators. A sedentary lifestyle also increases the risk of getting varicose veins and is dangerous. After all, the lower leg muscles do not work, and the blood stagnates. The veins expand and turn into varicose veins. It is very bad to have the habit of crossing your legs. You can put pressure on the vein, which leads to 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 labor and heavy lifting can also cause varicose veins. This is due to the fact that when lifting heavy loads, a jump in intra-abdominal pressure occurs, which, naturally, is sent to the legs and causes the stretching of blood vessels and valve disorders. If you are a loader, heavy lifter, builder, storekeeper, miner, or you have to lift weights as part of your job, remember that this is dangerous and can cause varicose veins.
- Long and frequent flights are also dangerous for blood vessel function. During 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 hard to find a comfortable position. Due to the dry air in the airplane, the body experiences dehydration. Blood viscosity increases, which leads to venous stagnation and slow blood flow.
- Pregnancy. It often happens that the first symptoms of varicose veins can appear precisely during pregnancy, because the woman's body is placed under a large load and swelling appears in the legs. Doctors can often prescribe compression garments, which can improve the course of the disease.
- Being overweight can also cause varicose veins. Moreover, it is important to know that due to excess body weight, a person may not see a single varicose vein for years. Varicose veins can be hidden under a significant layer of subcutaneous fat. Their visualization is not only difficult, it is impossible without instrumental techniques. Therefore, if you are overweight, and in the evening you feel tired or swollen in your legs, 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 not compatible. And combined with smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, this will have serious consequences. Without treatment and control, varicose veins can trigger other vascular diseases, for example, atherosclerosis of the lower legs.
- Heels are the enemy of your blood vessels. Do not rush to chase beauty. Remember that high heels put a lot of pressure on your feet. Shoes should be comfortable first, and then beautiful. Heels, of course, are acceptable to wear, but only occasionally, don't overuse them.
Symptoms of varicose veins at various stages of the disease.
Early stages of varicose veins. Compensation level. The initial stage of varicose veins is also called the compensation stage. It received this name due to the fact that when the function of the veins in the body is disturbed, a special mechanism is activated that compensates for this disturbance. This is why he is dangerous. A person can ignore the signs of varicose veins for months, and maybe years, and miss valuable time for beneficial treatment.
External signs may be completely absent, or may appear in the form of spider veins. They should not be underestimated. This is a true sign of varicose veins.
What a person can feel in the early stages of varicose veins is heaviness in the legs, a feeling of fullness and swelling. Most patients associate these symptoms as fatigue, especially if work involves pressure on the legs.
But if you are sensitive to your health, pay attention to these symptoms and consult a phlebologist in time, then you can be sure. In this case, when varicose veins are diagnosed at an early 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 about this classification so that you can recognize the symptoms in time and immediately consult a phlebologist.
The classification of varicose veins begins by identifying the main forms of the disease: primary varicose veins (idiopathic), secondary varicose veins (due to traumatic injury to the veins), age-related varicose veins (senile), congenital varicose veins (intrauterine formation). 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 most often this type of varicose veins develops in women. Hereditary factors are one of the causes of this disease.
Secondary varicose veins are a form of disease that develops after a traumatic injury to the vein. Venous thrombosis, surgery, trauma and other factors can cause secondary varicose veins. Usually this type of disease occurs at the site of injury.
Senile varicose veins most often occur in older people. Increased aging of the body causes the weakening of the walls of blood vessels, which has a significant effect on their etymology.
Congenital varicose veins are characterized by the fact that the disease occurs during fetal development. Anomalies in the development of blood vessels cause a violation of their important function, namely, reversible venous dilatation.
Second stage varicose veins. Small compensation.
This is the most common stage where the patient already consults with the doctor. Subcompensation is the stage when the body can no longer cope with the disease itself. In this case, the person not only complains of pain and swelling at the end of the day, but also experiences constant discomfort. It is difficult for patients 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 take on a blue color. Swelling, pain, burning sensation, and slight cramps in the legs are observed not only in the evening, but also at night.
Simple treatment at this stage is no longer sufficient. In these cases, EVLT and minimally invasive surgery are usually used.
Third stage. Severe varicose veins. Decompensation.
In this case, blood vessel disorders have a negative effect on the functioning of other organs and body systems. Tissue nutrition suffers, fluid accumulates in it, and trophic ulcers may occur. Veins become severely deformed, and serious complications in the form of thrombophlebitis are possible.
At this stage, immediate surgical treatment is required. Otherwise, varicose veins begin to pose a threat to life.
It is important to understand that this disease can have either one form of development or various combinations. And the classification of varicose veins is not clear, but instead implies the possibility of various combinations of factors. But regardless of its form, varicose veins require treatment. Proper treatment can lead to full recovery, prevent serious complications and improve the patient's quality of life.
Diagnosis of varicose veins.
A modern clinic has the most accurate and effective methods for diagnosing varicose veins. The main methods for diagnosing varicose veins are:
- Examination by experts. The first thing you need to 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 obstructions in blood flow, and identify other problems with the veins.
- Phlebography. This is a diagnostic method that allows you to get a more detailed image of the lower leg channels while a contrast agent is injected into them. This method allows you to diagnose both disorders in the structure of the veins and other problems with the lymphatic system.
- CT scan. This method allows you to get a three-dimensional image of the vessel, which significantly increases the scale of the vein.
- MRI examination. This method is used mainly when it is not possible to conduct an ultrasound examination, because its effectiveness in diagnosing varicose veins is reduced.
- Thermography. This method is based on taking into account the heat radiation of the leg and allows you to determine the presence of disease in the vein structure.
As a rule, making a diagnosis based on research data does not take much time. Most procedures take from 10 to 40 minutes. Treatment at different stages will vary, so you should not self-medicate. Any health manipulation can be prescribed only after receiving the results of the research.
Methods for treating 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 a visit to the doctor and follow his recommendations, because early treatment significantly increases the chances of recovery. There are various methods that can relieve the symptoms and even eliminate the disease.
The first important way to treat varicose veins is to change your lifestyle. People suffering 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, gymnastics for leg muscles - all this can be a good help in the treatment of varicose veins.
The second way is to change your diet. There are many products that can worsen the situation with varicose veins: strong coffee, hot spices, alcohol, fatty and heavy food. It is better to choose foods rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. For example, vegetables, fruits, herbs, non-fermented dairy products, nuts, fish.
The first two methods are mandatory conditions at any stage of the disease.
The next step, if indicated by the doctor, may be drug treatment. The use of ointments, creams and gels that contain ingredients that improve blood circulation help reduce swelling and pain. You can also use drug therapy; Your doctor will prescribe a pill.
Modern methods of treating varicose veins include:
- Destruction and freezing. The transmitter is inserted into a vein through a micropuncture. The laser heats the blood precisely, which burns the walls of the blood vessels and closes the veins (this is called sclerosis). After the procedure is completed, the transmitter is removed. Over time, the veins turn into connective tissue and then disappear completely. The duration of the procedure is about half an hour. Immediately after completion of treatment, the patient can return to normal life. To consolidate the results obtained, it is necessary to wear a compression garment for several days.
- Sclerotherapy. A special substance is injected into the affected vessel, which glues its walls together. The stuck vessels are excluded from the blood circulation and dissolve over time.
- Radiofrequency ablation. The mechanism of action is similar to laser therapy. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the vein, which heats its walls and also causes them to stick together. After some time, the veins will disappear.
- Miniphlebectomy. This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Through puncture, the affected vein is carefully removed without incisions or stitches.
- In the severe stages of the disease, surgical treatment is indicated, which prevents the distorted veins from being able to drain blood.
Treatment of varicose veins in modern kinetics
In modern clinics they know how to help patients effectively. Doctors have already performed thousands of surgeries and helped millions of patients get rid of varicose veins. If you have varicose veins, then know that it is not too late to go to the clinic and get treatment.
Modern clinics employ only highly qualified doctors who specialize in the treatment of varicose veins and other vein diseases. Patients are offered a variety of treatment options, including laser therapy, sclerotherapy, radiofrequency therapy and surgery. Only the most modern equipment and technology is 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 vein surgery in the country.
Another advantage of professional clinics is that patients are only given an individual approach. Each patient is unique, and during treatment, all their characteristics are taken into account when choosing a method. The main goal of the clinic is to allow the patient to return to a normal life and forget about problems with veins.
Do not think that varicose veins will disappear 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 treatment is still necessary. By delaying a visit to the doctor, you can only worsen the course of the disease.