Fatigue, feeling heavy in the legs, mild tissue edema, swollen veins, and the first visible "vascular network" may indicate the development of varicose veins in the lower extremities.
The statistics of the disease are shocking. For example, in one country, approximately 37 million people suffer from this disease. Among them, one out of six patients is a girl under the age of 12. The early appearance of this disease significantly increases the risk of complications, and this risk can threaten disability or even death when ignored.
What is so terrible about varicose veins in the lower limbs? Why is it so important to stop development at an early stage? For its treatment, preventive measures from an expert's point of view, and many other useful information about varicose veins of the lower extremities, please read this article.
What is varicose veins of the lower extremities?
All veins in the human body are divided into deep, superficial and perforated. The deep blood vessels have almost completed all the work (90%) of transporting blood to the heart, and the porous blood vessels are the bridge between the deep and superficial blood vessels. The structure of the veins provides a valve that guides and facilitates blood flow out only in the correct direction. When the circulatory system fails, some blood will accumulate at one point. This leads to local swelling (lengthening) of blood vessels. The deep veins (so-called internal varicose veins) are first affected and later appear on the surface as "spider veins and nodules".
In order to fully understand the severity of the disease, it is worth noting that its progression threatens the development of thrombophlebitis, thrombosis in the pulmonary artery (or thromboembolism), trophic ulcers in the legs, lymphadenopathy (edema of the lower extremities) and many othersProblems that may lead to death of patients.
The main causes of varicose veins in lower limbs
Many factors can cause vascular dysfunction, generally blood flow, and then the varicose veins that stimulate the superficial veins of the lower limbs appear. Let us consider the main ones:
- Congenital malformations of valves located in veins-the disease can be inherited. According to statistics, close relatives of two thirds of patients suffer from similar diseases.
- Insufficient fluidity will reduce the pressure on the soft tissues. As a result, it reduces the load on blood vessels and their tone.
- During the "standing" position, the pressure inside the blood vessels of the legs increases tenfold. For a long vertical arrangement, the valve cannot cope with the increased load, which will cause its function to be impaired.
- Decreased blood vessel tone-may be caused by age-related changes, loss of elasticity of the back wall in certain diseases.
- Pregnancy-This period is characterized by an increase in blood, progesterone and estrogen in the female body. These changes together stimulate the development of varicose veins in the lower extremities. Indeed, if the complications of varicose veins do not occur, the process can be normalized approximately 1 year after delivery.
Overweight, injury, previous surgery, hormonal imbalance, and use of contraceptives supplement the cause of the disease.
Determine varicose veins of the lower extremities-symptoms and diagnosis
The effectiveness of treatment and the speed of positive results largely depend on the accuracy and timeliness of disease diagnosis.
The signs of varicose veins in the lower extremities will help identify the disease early:
- The appearance of slight swelling in the legs;
- Superficial vein blood vessels swell and increase in diameter;
- Itching of varicose veins in lower limbs;
- Overwork, heavy feeling;
- Burns, pain caused by excessive extension of the vein wall;
- Limb cramps;
- The skin along the veins is visibly blue, the problematic area of the tissue is compressed (irritated), and varicose eczema develops on the lower limbs.
Even slight damage to the integrity of the skin in the area of eczema can cause trophic ulcers.
In the variants of deep varicose veins of the lower extremities, symptoms may appear in the later stages, which is undesirable. Therefore, if you have the slightest doubt about the disease, it is recommended that you consult a doctor.
Diagnosis of varicose veins of the lower extremities is performed using special equipment. Such research is safe, painless, and allows you to fully study the severity of the disease.
There are several diagnostic options:
- Visual inspection;
- Color duplex inspection method-The blood flow chart compiled during the study allows people to judge the direction and speed of blood moving in the vein. This program can inform the state of blood vessels, which is important for predicting the development of varicose veins;
- Phlebography-rarely used because it involves X-ray examination.
During the diagnosis process, you can observe the state of blood vessels and valves, analyze their functions and determine the direction of blood flow.
Usually, the first reason to see a doctor is an unsightly change. From the first category, they are harmless, and they can further develop into serious diseases and complications. Therefore, you should not ignore their importance.
Classification of varicose veins of the lower extremities
Doctors usually divide varicose veins of the lower extremities into 5 stages, each stage has its own symptoms:
- Stage 1-Reticulum varicose veins of the lower limbs are the easiest to treat. It is characterized by the existence of a "vascular network". You can see enlarged veins through the thin skin (especially the fossa below the knee) without pain.
- Second stage-Segmental varicose veins of the lower extremities, accompanied by mild fatigue, heaviness of the legs, cramps of the calf muscles, and slight swelling of the veins;
- Stage 3-Veins clearly stand out from the skin, especially the inner side of the calf, with dark brown spots, itching, rash, and signs of dermatitis. Increased swelling when moving can cause discomfort.
- Stage 4Varicose veins of the lower extremities-symptoms are obvious, disease complications appear, such as thrombophlebitis, nutritional ulcers. Varicose nodules appear strongly in the thinned skin of the calves, feet and thighs.
- The fifth stage-Has all the symptoms of the fourth stage. In addition, the disease progresses to the groin area. The number of trophic ulcers is increasing rapidly, and the frequency of thrombophlebitis crisis is also increasing rapidly. At this stage, the doctor determines the disability through the varicose veins of the lower extremities.
The main task of the patient and his doctor is to prevent the development of the disease beyond the initial stage, and the sooner you contact the phlebologist, the easier it is for him to stop the disease.
Treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs
Medicine has not stagnated, but has developed the latest technology against venous diseases. The treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities can be carried out by conservative methods (medicine, minimally invasive surgery), surgery, home therapy combined with massage.
The decline in appearance appeal is not a complete list of possible problems. Complications and disability can aggravate the condition. Modern medicine has a wide range of non-surgical effects on the problem area, usually physical therapy for varicose veins of the lower extremities is the most effective in the initial stage of the disease:
- The use of emulsions, gels, and ointments to treat varicose veins of the lower extremities, these drugs can bring significant relief. They are easy to apply on the surface and do not cause pain or discomfort.
- Use of veoniconics-drugs that can normalize venous function in the case of varicose veins in the lower extremities.
- Laser Exposure-Intravenous Laser Vein Occlusion (ELOV) is widely used to combat varicose veins. The principle of this process is to stop its function due to the effect of heat rays on the problem vein. The laser operation is performed under local anesthesia, without movement restrictions and extra hospital stay. After the operation, the patient has the right to go home immediately.
- Magnetic therapy for varicose veins of the lower extremities is a modern auxiliary method that promotes blood thinning, stimulates blood circulation, and therefore promotes the removal of toxins from the tissues and makes them full of oxygen.
- Radio Frequency Exposure-Radio frequency works like laser. They exclude the problematic blood vessels from the blood system, thereby eliminating the risk of possible complications;
- Sclerotherapy-involves the introduction of special drugs into diseased veins, which help to adhere to the vessel wall and clear itself from the blood after a period of time.
It should be noted that preliminary consultation and special examinations with a doctor are required.
Varicose Vein Surgery of Lower Extremity
Arriving late for treatment and neglecting the disease caused the inconvenience of CVI (chronic venous insufficiency) and minimally invasive treatment. In this case, surgery can be saved.
The following factors are considered indications for varicose vein surgery:
- The disease is in a severe stage, when trophic ulcers gradually appear;
- The development of thrombophlebitis;
- Discomfort related to fatigue and swelling of the legs.
The principles of surgery are the same as conservative techniques, based on eliminating problematic veins in the circulatory system. Use only minimally invasive methods to glue the blood vessels together, and tie both sides of the blood vessels tightly and remove them during the operation.
The surgical treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities mainly includes the following:
- Vein extractionis a classic variant of surgery. Make a small incision (up to five millimeters) in the skin, insert the probe through the incision and remove the diseased vein. The procedure does not exceed two hours and does not require long hospitalization.
- Mini Sural Resection-The difference from classic vein extraction is the size of the holes in the skin. In this case, these stab wounds are the least, which can minimize the recovery time and leave no visible marks on the body.
- Short stripping-Need to pinpoint the problem area. Only the affected segment is deleted. There is no trace after this process.
- Vein dissectionis performed under the control of a highly optical endoscope. It is injected directly into the diseased vein and operated by a monitor. The experience and qualifications of the surgeon increase the chances of successful surgery.
Surgery will solve the problem of vein soreness, reduce the risk of disease, and relieve symptoms at a later stage. Compression underwear, venotonic drugs are the main condition of the rehabilitation period. They help restore blood circulation early.
Folk remedies to treat varicose veins of lower limbs
Home remedies occupy a separate place in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities. There is no need to assert their importance, but there is nothing to degrade their dignity. After a hard day, cooked decoctions, infusions, and hot compresses can relieve pain, heaviness and fatigue.
As a treatment option for reticular varicose veins, traditional medicine recommends the internal use of calf root tincture in a wine. There are also formulas for external friction.
The unopened birch buds were poured into 0. 5 liters of vodka for 10 days. After preparation, rub the product into the skin.
Compresses suitable for varicose veins of the lower extremities, which are wrapped in yogurt and garlic or fresh cabbage leaves.
You shouldn’t expect super fast results. These funds are suitable for preventive purposes, as well as for the treatment of primary varicose veins of the lower extremities together with medications prescribed separately by doctors. Do not use any treatment methods without consulting a doctor.
Massage and gymnastics for varicose veins of lower limbs
Since ancient times, massage has been known to mankind. Massage the lower extremities with varicose veins also has a beneficial effect. It enhances blood and lymph flow, normalizes venous pressure, and starts metabolic processes within the tissues.
The massage technique is unique. It is forbidden to touch only the affected vein area around it in any possible way. Light pinching, wide grip and stroking are the main techniques of this process. It is recommended to combine massage with a series of exercises.
Gymnastics for varicose veins of the lower limbs involves the implementation of a series of movements:
- Warm up-You need to lie down and raise your legs for two to three minutes. They should be placed on a wall or other high ground. This position ensures that they are completely relaxed.
- Practice "biking"-the action is the same as when riding a bicycle. Only the position of the body is "supine".
- Practice "scissors"-the raised limbs cross each other for at least one minute.
- Exercise calf muscles-lying on your back, bend one leg so that your knee reaches your chest. Exercise in the opposite direction while massaging the problematic muscle. Repeat this process four times for each leg.
- Stand up. Within three to five minutes, lift your toes and lower yourself to the starting position.
- Gymnastics complex that exercises or exercise therapy for varicose veins of the lower limbs. It has preventive and therapeutic effects, and is designed to accelerate the flow of venous blood to the heart and enhance the tension of blood vessels.
It is important that the doctor not only approve the exercise for daily exercise, but also make sure that the patient performs the exercise correctly without putting additional pressure on the blood vessels.
Prevention of varicose veins in lower limbs
Preventing this problem is better than solving it in the future! Experts unanimously recommend the following measures to prevent this disease:
- Move more-this reduces the risk of blood and lymphatic congestion.
- Regularly exercise varicose veins.
- The shoes should be comfortable and the heel should not exceed four centimeters.
- Long-term exposure to the sun does not work well on the walls of blood vessels, limiting the time of hot baths.
- Give priority to showering with contrast agent to enhance blood circulation.
- Focus on fresh vegetables, fruits and plant products. A special diet for varicose veins of the lower extremities is a healthy "best friend".
- Use 2 liters of liquid to replenish water every day.
- Eliminate fatigue, incorrect sitting posture or uncomfortable posture while resting is the best way to prevent varicose veins of the lower limbs.
It should be remembered that varicose veins of the lower limbs are a progressive disease. From painless "stars", it can develop into thrombophlebitis and nutritional ulcers. Following the simple advice of experts, you can maintain your beauty without pain or heaviness in your legs. If you suspect that you are sick, go to a phlebologist as soon as possible. Remember, varicose veins cannot be cured completely, but they can be prevented to minimize the risk of their further development. health!