Varicose veins are a disease of the venous channels, characterized by impaired blood circulation and changes in the valves.The disease is accompanied by expansion of the walls and an increase in the length of the vein.The disease causes blood stagnation and the formation of a lymph node.Requires consultation with a doctor.
Symptoms of varicose veins
In the early stages of the development of the disease, the size of 2-3 ducts increases.There are no other symptoms.As varicose veins progress, the following signs appear:
- rapid fatigue of the lower extremities;
- swelling of the legs;
- feeling of heaviness;
- thickening of the venous channels that protrude above the surface of the skin;
- hair loss in the affected area;
- burning and itching sensation;
- pain in the lower extremities;
- the formation of bleeding cracks with minor damage;
- dermatitis;
- redness along the ductus venosus.
- the veins take on a dark blue tint, knots form;
- cramps in the lower limbs.
Reasons
The exact cause of the development of varicose veins cannot be determined.However, factors have been identified that increase the risk of disease progression:
- genetic predisposition.This is explained by the transmission of a non-standard gene, responsible for the structure of vascular channels.From birth, the child has weakness in muscles and connective tissues, which leads to increased pressure in the lower limbs;
- changes in hormonal levels, for example during pregnancy or menopause.The concentration of estrogen in the body decreases and the level of progesterone increases.This leads to a decrease in the tone of the vein wall and blockage of blood vessels;
- excess weight causes slow blood circulation and increased pressure in the abdominal area;
- a high concentration of sugar in blood vessels damages the walls of the channels, creating a favorable environment for the formation of blood clots;
- excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages causes dehydration, thickening of blood cells, formation of blood clots and disruption of blood circulation;
- prolonged physical activity on the lower extremities causes a decrease in the tone of muscle tissues, a slowdown in blood flow to the cardiac system and stagnation forms in the legs;
- congenital abnormalities of blood cell coagulation;
- a poorly formulated diet, low concentrations of vitamins E and C lead to weakening of blood vessels;
- constant use of tight underwear causes compression of the venous channels;
- kidney diseases;
- chronic constipation.The disease causes an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, which causes impaired blood flow;
- frequent use of high-heeled shoes, the muscle tissue of the lower leg does not move, causing stagnation;
- hot season, frequent dehydration thickens the blood, increasing the risk of blood clots;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as heart failure;
- overdose of drugs that increase blood clotting;
- surgical procedures, blood loss during surgical treatment increases the risk of blood clots.
Stages of development of varicose veins
There are several stages of progression of varicose veins of the lower limbs:
- the initial phase lasts from several months to several years, regardless of the age of the patient.Characterized by the absence of clear signs.Accompanied by slight pain in the venous channels, burning sensation and rapid fatigue of the legs.The painful sensations intensify in the evening;
- the second stage is characterized by the development of symptoms.Accompanied by severe pain, constant spasms of muscle tissue, the formation of knots on the legs, an increase in the thickness of the veins and a feeling of itching;
- the third stage is characterized by increased edema, impaired blood circulation, ulcerative lesions that do not heal for a long time, and thrombophlebitis.
Varieties
Depending on the location, there are several types of varicose veins:
Varicose veins on the legs and arms
It is diagnosed more often than others and is easy to treat.
Pelvic varicose veins
Characterized by symptoms similar to those of other diseases.The urination process is disrupted, pain is possible during sexual intercourse or during physical exercise.
Varicose veins of the uterus
Rarely diagnosed, it is characterized by painful sensations during sexual intercourse, which radiate towards the lumbar region.
Esophageal varices
Most often - concomitant diseases of portal hypertension.Characterized by the absence of symptoms.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis requires a visual examination and medical history.Additional examinations show the condition of the valves and venous channels and make it possible to establish the type and stage of progression of the disease.If necessary, the doctor prescribes functional tests to determine the patency of veins, duplex ultrasound, venography, Dopplerography to assess blood flow.To diagnose varicose veins, use:
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Check-up (full body examination)
- Computer electroencephalography
- Computer topography of the spine
- Double-sided scanning
- Ultrasound (ultrasound examination)
- CT (computed tomography)
- Onco Check-up - free online consultation
Which doctor should I contact?
If you suspect varicose veins, you should contact a phlebologist, a specialized specialist who deals with blood vessels.You can also make an appointment with a surgeon, he will make a diagnosis and select the appropriate treatment.
Treatment of varicose veins
The course of treatment depends on the individual characteristics of the disease.Medicines improve the functioning of the valves, nourish the walls of the vascular channels, stimulate blood circulation, but are not able to eliminate the disease.The patient's diet is adjusted, an individual daily regimen is established and the use of compression clothing is prescribed.Traditional methods help get rid of pain.If it is not possible to cure the disease with conservative methods, surgical intervention is prescribed.The following methods are generally used:
- Manual therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Therapeutic massage
- Orthopedic insoles
- Reflexology
- Ozone therapy
- Plasma therapy
- SVF joint therapy
- Pharmacopuncture
Complications
- Venous bleeding;
- eczema develops with prolonged lack of oxygen;
- superficial thrombophlebitis;
- formation of blood clots in deep venous channels;
- formation of trophic ulcers;
- infertility due to damage to the uterine veins;
- death due to rupture of a blood clot.
Varicose vein prevention
To reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, the following rules should be followed:
- avoid any intense physical activity on the lower limbs;
- use medications as directed;
- stop drinking alcoholic beverages;
- when working sedentary, perform small gymnastics once an hour;
- stop using pressure underwear;
- maintain a balanced diet;
- At the first signs of varicose veins, consult a doctor.