Varicose veins are a disease of the subcutaneous veins, which is manifested by their excessive expansion and stretching, the elasticity of the veins is lost, the process of blood circulation is disturbed. Swollen varicose veins usually appear on the legs.
Varicose veins are considered a cosmetic problem, but if left untreated, they can lead to complications. The main ones are trophic ulcers and thrombophlebitis, which develop in 70% of patients with varicose veins.
Symptoms of varicose veins
Signs that show up already in the initial stages:
- legs get tired quickly;
- burning and heaviness in the legs;
- small swellings appear;
- there are pains in the veins;
- there are cramps in the calves.
Another characteristic sign of varicose veins is the localization of pain in the calves, which appears in the evening and disappears in the morning. The pain is not sharp, the sensations are moderate, pulling.
In the early stages, dilated veins are not visible, but varicose veins are already developing. Sometimes it takes decades. Gradually, the symptoms are more and more bothersome, signs of venous insufficiency appear:
- swelling of the legs - in patients (most often it is women who suffer from varicose veins), chronic venous disease is usually accompanied by an increase in the volume of the lower leg. At the same time, edema, as well as pain and heaviness, are observed in the afternoon and disappear after sleep. Foot edema is not typical of the mentioned pathology, it is a symptom of lymphatic edema;
- itchy skin;
- knots, tortuosity, visible to the naked eye;
- darkening, thickening of the skin, the appearance of a bluish tint.
With the progression of venous disease, the symptoms intensify. There is a deterioration in the appearance of the skin of the legs, eczema and trophic ulcers appear.
Causes of varicose veins
The cause of varicose disease is the insufficiency of the venous valves of the legs, due to which the outflow of blood worsens. The venous network of the legs consists of superficial and deep veins connected by vessels. Superficial veins drain blood from the skin and subcutaneous structures, while deep veins drain it from internal organs. The veins that connect them act as compensators that equalize the pressure in the superficial and deep vessels.
Good blood circulation goes in the direction of the superficial veins towards the deep veins. This direction can be provided by the movement of the surrounding muscles and the work of the vasomotor center, since the upward movement contradicts the forces of attraction.
If for some reason the outflow becomes difficult, the vessel wall becomes inflamed, thinner and dilated veins and cyanotic knots characteristic of varicose veins appear.
The disease develops in response to a complex of adverse conditions mentioned below:
- heredity - weakness of the walls of blood vessels can be transmitted from generation to generation and lead to loss of vascular tone;
- strenuous work, standing - a high-risk group includes people who, by the nature of their activities, have to sit or stand for a long time;
- frequent pregnancies and childbirth - during this period, the total volume of blood and compression of the veins increase, which causes varicose veins;
- obesity - increased venous pressure in overweight people increases the risk of varicose veins;
- failure of the hormonal system - self-administration of contraceptives and other hormone-based drugs causes changes in the vein wall. In women, such a reaction can be observed during pregnancy;
- nutrition - the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in the menu leads to a lack of fiber, which leads to a weakening of the vein wall.
What do varicose veins look like?
Since varicose veins are a modification of the veins, the disease is also called aesthetic problems:
- first, patients notice the appearance of streaks and a vein pattern on their legs;
- later the veins become tortuous, lifting the skin;
- in the later stages, the varicose nodes are clearly visible, representing the expansion and entanglement of blood vessels.
What is the danger of the disease
What happens if the disease is not treated? This will inevitably lead to complications. The most dangerous are thrombophlebitis and the "separation" of a blood clot. 5% of all patients experience similar complications. With age, a trophic ulcer often forms, which is difficult to treat. The risk of complications from varicose veins increases over time.
- Thrombophlebitis. With it, blood clots form in the veins of the legs, which can rupture and clog the arteries, leading to myocardial infarction.
- Venous thrombosis.Obstruction of a vessel by a blood clot. It results in pain in the legs, exacerbated by physical effort.
- Pulmonary embolism. Obstruction of its lumen by a detached thrombus. Death can occur within the first half hour. If the clot is small, a pulmonary infarction may occur.
- Trophic ulcers.Darkening and thinning of the skin with the subsequent appearance of ulcers. Occurs as a result of tissue malnutrition. Poor response to treatment.
Risk factors
- Heredity. If both parents have varicose veins, then for a child the probability of contracting the disease is 90%, if one has 60%.
- Pregnancy.During this period, venous disease is caused by 3 factors:
- hormonal change - the production of progesterone in large quantities relaxes the muscles, makes the veins more vulnerable;
- pressure from the uterus, which has increased in size - in this regard, the outflow of blood from the legs worsens;
- an increase in blood volume by 20-30% - the venous valves of the legs cannot withstand the load, especially if they were initially weak;
- Bad nutrition.The uncontrolled consumption of processed foods, sugar and salt, fast food, fried and fatty foods, trans fats, preservatives and artificial additives from industrial products also leaves its mark.
- Hormonal background.The activity of hormones can weaken the veins, which causes vasodilation and prevents the valves from closing normally.
- Tight clothes. Tight belts, tight jeans and underwear interfere with the harmonious circulation of blood, impeding blood flow.
- High heels. When walking, the veins work to the limit. This is due to the fact that the load is distributed unevenly - the main share falls on the forefoot. Pain in the veins, swelling of the legs are the first signs of incipient varicose veins.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
In the early diagnosis of varicose veins, ultrasound technologies are used - angioscanning and dopplerography.
Ultrasonic CT angiography (USAS) is an informative method of non-invasive examination of peripheral vessels. It allows to obtain a two-dimensional image of the artery, to visualize the intravascular structures and to evaluate the direction and the nature of the flow of fluid.
In severe cases, when no response can be obtained with USAS, computed tomography (CT) is used.
Doppler ultrasound (Doppler ultrasound) is the easiest method to assess the peripheral vessel. It assesses the state of the artery by indirect indicators: the reaction of blood flow to functional tests, etc.
X-ray contrast venography is used in the diagnosis of arteriovenous angiodysplasia, acute thromboses and their consequences, as well as varicose veins of the small pelvis.
Treatment of varicose veins
Surgical techniques
Complete healing of varicose veins is possible only after surgical treatment. It is done in three ways:
- phlebectomy - removal of an enlarged varicose vessel;
- sclerosis is the introduction of a special substance into the varicose vein, which "glues" the walls of blood vessels, normalizing blood flow. The swelling of the veins disappears, even an aesthetic defect disappears;
- laser coagulation - the walls of the vein are exposed to heat, as a result of which the venous lumen "closes". Manipulation is carried out only if the vein is not enlarged by more than 10 mm.
Medical treatment of varicose veins
The main role in the treatment is played by venotonics in the form of tablets. They improve the process of blood circulation, healing the arteries.
Also prescribe venotonic - phlebotonic drugs. They are taken with thinning of the walls of blood vessels, increased permeability, reduced elasticity and stagnation of fluids. Preparations strengthen the walls of the veins, increase their elasticity, reduce swelling and other negative signs. An additional quality of phlebotonics is the establishment of microcirculation in the affected area.
Antiplatelet agents are used to thin the blood in the veins. Medicines needed when you need to reduce blood clots. Indicated for patients with increased blood viscosity. You can take antiplatelet agents only if there is no predisposition to bleeding.
Blood thinners are sometimes used to stop thrombus formation on an individual basis. They remove blood clots, reduce viscosity. But the decision is made by the attending physician after evaluating the potential health benefits and potency of the rice.
Compression therapy
Compression garments are a reliable assistant in the treatment of varicose veins. The principle of operation of the products is as follows:
- by wearing a compression stocking, the pressure on the superficial and deep veins increases;
- the greatest pressure is at the bottom, where the veins are more narrowed and the outflow of blood is the fastest;
- due to the narrowing of the veins, the functioning of the valves improves;
- pain, swelling, fatigue in the legs disappear.
A complex approach
There are many treatment options, but the most correct will be the emphasis on improving the whole organism. Varicose veins in the broadest sense are not only a problem with veins, but also a symptom that indicates malfunctions in the body. Therefore, we advise you to heal the body and do it consistently and wisely.
- drink plenty of water - dehydration is one of the causes of blood clotting, especially during hot weather;
- help the liver to detox - add artichoke, flax, grapefruit, oranges, apples, cruciferous vegetables, rosemary, dandelion, olives to the diet (make sure there is nono allergic reactions and individual intolerance to the product);
- remove from the diet all pro-inflammatory foods that thicken the blood and have a detrimental effect on the walls of blood vessels (alcohol, coffee, sugar, pastries, dairy products, smoked, canned foods, fast food, refined foods);
- eliminate constipation - they squeeze the venous blood flow from the pelvis. Start drinking Symbiotes or Microbiotics. Bacteria in their composition create a balance of microflora and thereby normalize the stool. They improve the condition of the small and large intestines, as well as the gastric mucosa;
- do an analysis of homocysteine - it should not exceed 10. If it is higher, you need to make sure that there is no deficiency of vitamin B12, folic acid and iron. At the same time restore the microflora, otherwise their absorption may be impaired;
- restore protein levels. For verification, a biochemical blood test is performed: the optimal concentration of protein in an adult should be 72-86 g / l, in children - 45-80 g / l. ;
- work with insulin resistance - often the problem goes hand in hand with this disorder. You can recognize by the symptoms: a feeling of constant hunger and a frequent desire to eat, multiple papillomas, red dots that look like moles, swelling, thirst and high blood pressure;
- introduce exercises - Pilates, yoga, light cardio;
- improve lymph circulation - drink water with herbs, cranberries, spices, lemon, ginger;
- take a contrast shower - under the influence of cold, small vessels begin to narrow, and under the influence of heat, on the contrary, expand. This leads to the strengthening of the vascular walls and an increase in their tone.
- restore hormone levels - excessive activity of hormone production dilates blood vessels and prevents valves from closing normally. To support the process of restoring hormonal balance, symbionts with broccoli are suitable. The active substance - sulforaphane - contained in it, removes excess estrogen from the body. This is due to the content of anti-carcinogens in broccoli, such as potassium, zinc, selenium, beta-carotene, amino acids, vitamins A, C and E.