Varicose veins of the lower extremities, according to information from medical institutions, one in five men and 28% of working-age women suffer from varicose veins of the lower extremities.
If we consider the entire population, then half of adults will have characteristic symptoms.
This disease is characterized by growth under comfortable living conditions. Studies in Asian countries show that the prevalence of poor people engaged in manual labor and long-distance walking is low.
Why are the veins of the legs being loaded?
The anatomical structure of the vein wall is characterized by the strengthening of the musculoskeletal and valvular devices. The expedient measure is not only to keep the blood flowing in the vertical position of the person, but also to organize the blood to resist the rise of gravity in the direction of the heart.
The valve prevents backflow to prevent overflow at the farthest point of the valve body. This "uncomfortable" place is the legs and feet.
The formation mechanism of varicose veins in the legs
At the age of 40, the human body begins to synthesize limited plastic materials, mainly collagen. It is essential for good venous valve tension. Absence can result in decreased tension, sagging, and inability to delay the reflux of blood and overlying masses.
The leg vein network consists of superficial blood vessels located directly under the skin and deep veins located in the thickness of the muscle layer.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are characterized by the initial lesions of the superficial vein valves. Congestion is manifested in the area of dilated fine veins, and a fine mesh can be seen with the naked eye.
The further development of the pathology leads to blood retention in the periphery and causes tissue edema (fluid escapes through the vein wall), malnutrition (the outflow of toxins is reduced, oxygen and nutrients are retained by the squeezed arteries).
How to add complications
The stagnation of venous blood in the legs causes the blood flow in the blood vessels to slow down, which creates favorable conditions for platelet aggregation (adhesion). Blood clots complicate the already impaired blood supply.
The risk of emboli rupture and its passage through large blood vessels to the heart increases. If a person has defects related to the communication between the left and right cavities, the emboli may enter the arterial blood and cause necrotic changes in the organs.
The most common accompanying complication is increased local infection in the affected area of the vein wall, followed by phlebitis or thrombophlebitis.
Cause
For varicose veins of the lower extremities, there is only one reason independent of humans-genetic defects in the structure of collagen. It is not only manifested in varicose veins, but also in the early signs of skin aging (dryness, deep wrinkles).
Other reasons are related to people's activities and behaviors.
- Reduced physical activity, or vice versa, physical work can lead to impaired leg vein tension.
- Being forced to stand for a long time and sitting for a long time during working hours can cause stagnation of blood in the legs and obstruction of outflow.
- Pregnancy increases the pressure on the pelvic organs and large veins, preventing the drainage of the inferior veins.
- Doctors from Asian countries have linked the increase in patients with varicose veins to the European habit of sitting in a chair or chair instead of bending the knees.
- A comfortable high toilet needs to increase the tension of the abdominal muscles during defecation, and the force will cause the legs to stagnate. When squatting, the defecation behavior is more physiological.
- Fast food habits and the reduction in the proportion of raw vegetables and fruits in the diet lead to constipation and long-term stress.
- Smokers expose their entire body to the effects of nicotine, which paralyzes the veins.
- Fashionable high-heeled shoes can cause undue pressure on the leg muscles and disrupt the tension of the veins.
- Ordinary pills, hormonal contraceptives, hormonal medications for menopause, and osteoporosis can cause damage to collagen synthesis.
- The slim underwear and skinny jeans in the advertisement can cause blood to stagnate in the lower parts of the body.
Who should be included in the risk group
Taking into account the listed causes of venous disease, people who are more likely to have varicose veins in the legs should include:
- Professionals related to standing or sitting for a long time (sales staff, teachers, hairdressers, drivers, office workers);
- Women who like tight jeans, shaping underwear and high heels;
- People involved in weightlifting and bodybuilding;
- People who are used to sitting "side by side";
- Women who frequently get pregnant and give birth and take hormonal contraceptives;
- Smokers, espresso and alcohol lovers;
- constipate.
These people need to take preventive measures.
symptom
The first symptoms of varicose veins in the legs are obvious at a young age. In the initial stage, the pressure they appear on the legs increases:
- At the end of the shift, pain in the feet and legs, and muscle fatigue;
- When changing shoes, it was found that the feet were swollen due to the tightness of the shoes;
- Feet are "hot" at night and want to soak in cold water;
- "Spiders" are formed on the skin of the thighs and legs.
In the next stage, pictures of chronic venous insufficiency appear and symptoms of internal varicose veins appear:
- Troubled by night cramps in the calves, cramps may occur when walking;
- The skin of feet and legs appears dark, dry, and peeling;
- The appearance of trophic ulcers is very painful, with loose edges and difficult to treat.
If you have local pain, swelling, skin redness, and elevated body temperature, you need to consider thrombophlebitis.
diagnosis
In diagnosis, it is customary to distinguish true (primary) varicose veins, which depends on the disease of the valve device, and secondary varicose veins caused by trauma and tumors.
Surgeons, vascular surgeons, and phlebologists in general clinics all participated in the examination. The doctor saw subcutaneous vein knots, blood vessel network, skin pigmentation, ulcers and dermatitis.
During palpation, evaluate the tension of the superficial veins, the density of the walls, the size of local changes, the presence of thrombi, and the skin temperature at the nodes (signs of thrombophlebitis).
A general blood test will show the onset of inflammation (leukocytosis, accelerated ESR), and the tendency of thrombus formation according to the coagulation chart.
Vascular ultrasound allows you to track blood flow, the function of venous valves, and detect blood clots.
Doppler examination allows you to examine the structure of the veins in order to make a diagnosis in the initial stages of the disease.
Spiral computed tomography method is performed when the diagnosis is difficult. It makes it possible to obtain three-dimensional images of the anatomical area, and facilitates the selection of surgical treatment.
Treatment of varicose veins in the legs
It is best to start treatment for varicose veins in the early stages. For this, you must consider making the necessary changes in habits, nutrition, and exercise.
model
In order to avoid swelling of the legs at the end of the working day, it is recommended that "sedentary" and "standing occupations" take a sports break or warm up with an elevated foot massage. Drivers and office workers should walk around during breaks.
The simplest exercises you can do at work:
- Stand barefoot on the floor with toes and heels alternately;
- Sit on a chair, raise your legs, and rotate your feet in one direction and then in the other direction.
Morning exercises should include lying exercises: alternate leg lifts, "bicycles", and shaking legs. Not suitable for squat and knee bending exercises.
Strength training enthusiasts should reject them. Most of the shows are swimming, biking and hiking.
Choose a balanced diet
Limit all foods that increase weight, promote fluid retention, and increase blood viscosity.
Fatty meat and dairy products, spicy and savoury foods, canned foods, sweets, baked goods, and carbonated drinks are not recommended.
In your daily diet, you should use more fruits and vegetables, berries, onions, garlic, fermented dairy products, cereals, and vegetable oils instead of butter and walnuts.
Vein support method
It is recommended to wear elastic stockings or play golf to support blood flow. They are sized to fit when lying down.
Silicon-filled pedals are touted as a remedy to generate electrical charges on the surface of the foot.
Experts only pay attention to the possible effects of these auxiliary methods at the initial stage of the disease. In the presence of superficial lymph nodes and edema on the legs, their use is completely useless.
Drug use
Medications include oral medications from the "venotonics" group in a therapeutic dose chosen by the doctor. They help relieve fatigue and foot discomfort, but they cannot eliminate disease.
Surgeons attribute varicose vein medication to background conservative treatment, but the main one is one of the less traumatic methods that affect the affected veins. 95% of patients confirmed the efficacy. Only 5% of patients used more serious interventions.
What is related to low trauma surgery
The low-traumatic method of treating varicose veins allows you to avoid surgery, and of course ranks first in terms of effectiveness. They do not require skin incisions, can be performed in a polyclinic, and are almost painless. The patient is not restricted in work and sports. There is no need for a long recovery period after the operation.
Laser ablation
It is performed under local anesthesia. Insert the light guide into the varicose vein and turn on the circular laser beam during the reverse movement.
Method operation: The light beam caused obvious burns of the vein lining, further hardening. The duration of the intervention is approximately two hours. This method is suitable for treating veins of any size.
Sclerotherapy technique
Injecting a substance into the affected vein may cause the wall of the blood vessel to collapse and leave a scar. Foam formulations are especially recommended, which can fill the lumens of diseased veins quickly and safely. This method is suitable when the diameter of the blood vessel is up to 1 cm, and it is necessary to walk for 1 hour after introduction. The phlebologist recommends wearing compression stockings for another month.
Methods of venuleectomy
Under local anesthesia, make an incision of several millimeters in the skin. Through this incision, use a hook to grab the diseased vein, bring it to the surface of the skin and remove it. This method is applicable to venous lymph nodes of any size and diameter. A small scar will be left at the incision site. You must wear compression socks or stockings for 10 days.
Radiofrequency ablation
Its execution method is similar to laser, but the difference lies in the influence of microwave radio frequency. This method does not cause tissue burns, so it is less traumatic than laser. After 30 minutes of microwave exposure, the inner cavity of the container was sealed. After 7 days, the rehabilitation is considered complete. You can participate in sports.
Under what circumstances do you instruct the operation?
Due to the unsuccessful treatment of conservative methods and the inability to use minimally invasive techniques, phlebectomy was prescribed. It allows you to remove large areas of varicose veins and bundles.
The patient was hospitalized. Surgical treatment is performed under general anesthesia. Two incisions are usually made: in the groin area and below the knee. The veins are tied together on both sides, pulled outward and removed. The suture is applied to the incision. The patient was treated in the hospital for a week. Use drugs that reduce blood clotting. The stitches should be removed after at least 7 days.
No phlebectomy:
- When the patient is old;
- Cause serious damage to deep and superficial veins;
- pregnancy period;
- Atherosclerosis of leg blood vessels, diabetes;
- If there is skin disease at the site to be operated on.
Prevention method
Prevention of varicose veins in the legs is mainly necessary for people with risk factors in this industry.
It is recommended to walk more. There are massages and strengthening of vein walls.
During the break, sellers and hairdressers will see foot and shin massage. It is done by moving slowly and smoothly from the fingers to the knees and along the thighs. The knuckles of the fist are massaged into the fovea of the foot in a circular motion.
The driver needs to get out of the car, walk around, stretch his legs. Shows leg exercises.
Fashionistas should consider the consequences before wearing high heels and tight clothing.
At home, you can take a contrast bath or a foot bath. Use chamomile, chestnut, wormwood, and burdock soup on your tired legs.
A timely visit to the surgeon will allow you to get rid of painful problems and resume activities and exercise.