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 provokes blood stagnation and the formation of a node.Requires consultation with a doctor.
Symptoms of varicose veins
At the initial stages of the development of the disease, the size of 2–3 canals increases.There are no other symptoms.As varicose veins progress, the following signs develop:
- rapid fatigue of the lower extremities;
- swelling of the legs;
- feeling of heaviness;
- thickening of venous channels that protrude on the surface of the skin;
- hair loss in the affected area;
- burning and itching sensation;
- pain in the lower extremities;
- the formation of cracks that bleed with minor damage;
- dermatitis;
- redness along the venous canal.
- the veins take on a dark blue hue, nodes form;
- cramps in the lower extremities.
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.Explained by the transmission of a non-standard gene, which is responsible for the structure of vascular canals.From the moment of birth, the child has weakness of muscle and connective tissues, which leads to increased pressure in the lower extremities;
- 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 venous wall and blockage of blood vessels;
- excess body weight provokes slow blood circulation, increased pressure in the abdominal area;
- a high concentration of sugar in blood vessels damages the walls of the canals, creating a favorable environment for the formation of blood clots;
- excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages provokes dehydration, blood cells thicken, blood clots form, and blood circulation is disrupted;
- prolonged physical activity on the lower extremities provokes a decrease in the tone of muscle tissue, blood flow to the cardiac system slows down, and stagnation forms in the legs;
- congenital abnormalities in the coagulation of blood cells;
- an incorrectly formulated diet, low concentrations of vitamins E and C lead to weakening of blood vessels;
- constant use of tight underwear provokes compression of the venous channels;
- kidney diseases;
- chronic constipation.The disease leads to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, which provokes 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 interventions, 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 extremities:
- the initial stage lasts from several months to several years, regardless of the patient’s age.Characterized by the absence of clear signs.Accompanied by mild pain in the venous channels, a burning sensation, and rapid fatigue of the legs.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 nodes on the legs, an increase in the thickness of the veins, and a feeling of itching;
- the third stage is characterized by an increase in edema, impaired blood circulation, ulcerative lesions that do not heal for a long period of time, and thrombophlebitis.
Varieties
Depending on the location, several types of varicose veins are distinguished:
Varicose veins on the legs and arms
It is diagnosed more often than others and is easy to treat.
Varicose veins of the pelvis
Characterized by similar symptoms to other diseases.The process of urination is disrupted, pain is possible during sexual intercourse or when performing physical exercise.
Varicose veins of the uterus
Rarely diagnosed, it is characterized by painful sensations during sexual intercourse, which radiate to the lumbar region.
Varicose veins of the esophagus
More often - concomitant diseases of portal hypertension.Characterized by the absence of symptoms.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis requires a visual examination and medical history.Additional examinations show the condition of the valves and venous channels and allow us to establish the type and stage of development of the disease.If necessary, the doctor prescribes functional tests to determine the patency of the veins, ultrasound scanning with duplex, venography, Dopplerography to assess blood flow.To diagnose varicose veins use:
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Check-up (comprehensive examination of the body)
- Computer electroencephalography
- Computer topography of the spine
- Duplex 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 valves, nourish the walls of vascular canals, stimulate blood flow, but are not able to eliminate the disease.The patient’s diet is adjusted, an individual daily regimen is drawn up, and the use of compression clothing is prescribed.Traditional methods help to get rid of pain.If it is not possible to cure the disease with conservative methods, surgical intervention is prescribed.The following methods are usually 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 blood clot rupture.
Prevention of varicose veins
To reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, the following rules must be followed:
- avoid intense physical activity on the lower limbs;
- use medications according to instructions;
- stop drinking alcoholic beverages;
- when working sedentarily, perform small gymnastics once an hour;
- stop using compressive underwear;
- maintain a balanced diet;
- At the first sign of varicose veins, consult a doctor.