Tiredness, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, mild tissue edema, swelling of the veins and the first visible "vascular networks" may indicate the development of varicose veins in the lower limbs.
The statistics for this disease are very sad. For example, in a single country there are approximately 37 million people suffering from this disease. Every 6 patients of them is a girl under the age of 12. Such an early onset of the disease significantly increases the risk of complications which, if neglected, threaten disability and even death.
What is so terrible about varicose veins in the lower limbs? Why is it so important to stop its development in the early stages? As for the methods of its treatment, preventive measures from the point of view of specialists, as well as a lot of other useful information about varicose veins of the lower extremities, read this article.
What are varicose veins of the lower limbs?
All the veins in the human body are divided into deep, superficial and perforated. Deep vessels do almost all of the work (90%) of transporting blood to the heart, and perforated vessels are a kind of bridge between the deep and the superficial. The structure of the veins provides for the presence of valves that direct and favor the outflow of blood only in the right direction. When the circulatory system fails, some of the blood builds up at some point. This leads to local expansion (elongation) of the vessel. The first to suffer from it are the deep veins (the so-called internal varicose veins), subsequently superficial in the form of "spider veins and knots".
For a complete perception of the severity of the disease, it is worth noting that its progression threatens the development of thrombophlebitis, pulmonary artery blockade with a thrombus (or thromboembolism), as well as trophic ulcers of the leg, lymphostasis (edema of the limbslower) and many other patient problems that can lead to patient death.
The main causes of varicose veins of the lower limbs
Many factors can cause a malfunction in the functioning of blood vessels, blood flow in general and thus stimulate the appearance of varicose veins of the superficial veins of the lower limbs. Let's consider the main ones:
- Congenital malformation of the valves located within the venous vessels: the disease can be inherited. According to statistics, two thirds of patients have close relatives with a similar disease.
- Insufficient mobility reduces stress on soft tissues. As a result, a decrease in the load on blood vessels, their tone.
- During the "standing" position, the pressure inside the vessels of the legs increases tenfold. With a long vertical arrangement, the valves cannot cope with the increased load, which causes a violation of their operation.
- Decreased vascular tone - can be caused by age-related changes, loss of wall elasticity after some diseases.
- Pregnancy - this period is characterized by an increase in blood in the woman's body, as well as the hormones of progesterone, estrogen. Together, these changes stimulate the development of varicose veins in the lower limbs. True, the normalization of processes is possible about 1 year after childbirth, if no varicose complications have occurred.
Overweight, the presence of injuries, previous operations, hormonal disorders and the use of contraceptives complete the list of reasons for the development of the disease.
Determination of varicose veins of the lower limbs - symptoms and diagnosis
The effectiveness of treatment, the speed of a positive outcome largely depends on the accuracy and timeliness of the diagnosis of diseases.
The signs of varicose veins of the lower limbs will help determine the disease in the early stages:
- the appearance of a slight swelling of the legs;
- swelling of superficial venous vessels, increase in their diameter;
- itching of the lower limbs with varicose veins;
- feeling of overwork, heaviness;
- burning, pain caused by excessive stretching of the vein walls;
- cramps in the limbs;
- noticeable blue skin along the vein, compaction (hardening) of problem areas of tissues, formation of varicose eczema of the lower extremities.
Even a slight violation of the integrity of the skin at the site of eczema can lead to the appearance of a trophic ulcer.
In the variant of deep venous varicose veins of the lower extremities, the symptoms may manifest themselves at a later stage, which is undesirable. Therefore, if you have the slightest suspicion of a disorder, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Diagnosis of varicose veins of the lower extremities is carried out using special equipment. Such a study is safe, painless and allows you to comprehensively study the severity of the disease.
Several diagnostic options are available:
- visual inspection;
- color duplex examination method - the blood flow map compiled during the study allows you to judge the direction and speed of blood movement through the veins. The procedure informs about the state of blood vessels, which is important for predicting the development of varicose veins;
- venography: it is used very rarely, because it involves X-ray examination.
During the diagnosis it is possible to observe the state of blood vessels, valves, analyze their functionality and determine the direction of blood flow.
As a rule, the first reason to visit a doctor is unsightly changes. They are harmless of the first type, they can further develop into serious ailments and complications. Therefore, you shouldn't overlook their importance.
Classification of varicose veins of the lower limbs
Doctors usually distinguish 5 stages of varicose veins of the lower limbs, each of which has its own symptoms:
- Stage 1- reticular varicose veins of the lower limbs, which is the easiest to treat. It is distinguished by the presence of a "vascular network". Enlarged veins are visible through the thin skin (especially in the fossa below the knee), the pain does not manifest yet.
- Stage 2- segmental varicose veins of the lower limbs, accompanied by mild fatigue, feeling of heaviness in the legs, also convulsive spasms in the calf muscle, slight swelling of the veins;
- Stage 3- the venous vessels are significantly distinguished from the skin, especially on the inside of the lower leg, thin skin with dark brown spots, itching, rashes, signs of dermatitis. The increased swelling causes discomfort during movement.
- Stage 4varicose veins of the lower extremities: the symptoms are pronounced, complications of the disease appear, such as thrombophlebitis, manifestations of trophic ulcers. Swollen and varicose nodules appear strongly through the thinned skin of the lower leg, feet and thigh.
- Stage 5- has all the symptoms of the 4th stage. Also, the disease progresses in the groin area. The number of trophic ulcers is rapidly increasing, as is the frequency of thrombophlebitis crises. The doctor establishes disability with varicose veins of the lower limbs at this stage.
The main task of both the patient and his doctor is to prevent the development of the disease beyond the initial stages and the sooner you contact a phlebologist, the easier it will be for him to stop the disease.
Treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs
Medicine does not stand still, but develops the latest technologies to fight venous disease. Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities can be carried out by conservative methods (drugs, minimally invasive procedures), surgery, home remedies in combination with massage.
The deterioration of the attractiveness of the appearance is not the whole list of possible problems. Complications and disabilities can add to it. Modern medicine offers a wide range of non-surgical effects on problem areas and it is often physiotherapy for varicose veins in the lower limbs that is most effective in the early stages of the disease:
- The use of creamy preparations, gels, ointments for varicose veins of the lower extremities, these drugs bring considerable relief. They are easy to apply on the surface, do not cause pain and discomfort.
- The use of venotonics - drugs that, in case of varicose veins of the lower extremities, normalize the functioning of the veins.
- Laser Exposure: The intravenous laser vein elimination (ELOV) method is widely used in the fight against varicose veins. The principle of the procedure is to stop the functioning of the problematic vein, due to the effect on it of a heat beam. Laser manipulations are performed under local anesthesia, restrictions on actions and additional hospital stay are not required. The patient has the right to go home immediately after the procedure.
- Magnetic therapy for varicose veins of the lower limbs is a modern auxiliary method that promotes blood thinning, stimulation of blood circulation and, consequently, helps to remove toxins from the tissues and saturates them with oxygen.
- RF Exposure: RF works like a laser. They exclude the problem vessel from the circulatory system, thus eliminating the risk of possible complications;
- Sclerotherapy - involves the introduction of a special drug into the diseased vein, which promotes the bonding of the vessel walls and its self-elimination from the bloodstream after a while.
It should be noted that a preliminary consultation with a doctor and a special examination is required.
Operations for varicose veins of the lower limbs
Late visits to a doctor, neglect of the disease lead to CVI (chronic venous insufficiency) and the opportunity for minimally invasive therapy. In these cases, surgery comes to the rescue.
The following factors are considered indications for surgery for varicose veins of the lower limbs:
- the disease is in severe stages, when trophic ulcers develop progressively;
- development of thrombophlebitis;
- discomfort associated with excessive fatigue, swelling of the legs.
The principle of surgery is based, like conservative techniques, on the elimination of the problematic vein from the circulatory system. Only in minimally invasive methods are the vessels glued together and during the operation they are tied on both sides and removed.
There are several main methods of surgical treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs:
- Phlebectomyis a classic variant of surgery. Small incisions (up to five millimeters) are made on the skin through which a probe is inserted and the diseased vein is removed. The procedure takes no more than two hours and does not involve long hospitalizations.
- Miniflebectomy- differs from classical phlebectomy in the size of the hole in the skin. In this case it is about minimal punctures that minimize the rehabilitation period, leave no visible marks on the body.
- Short stripping: requires a precise location of the problem area. Only the affected segment is removed. There are no traces left after the procedure.
- Dissection of the veinsunder the control of a high-optics endocop. It is injected directly into the diseased vein, the operation is performed through a monitor. Experience, the qualification of a surgeon increases the chances of a successful operation.
Surgery will solve the problem of sore veins, reduce the risk of developing the disease and help relieve symptoms in the later stages. Compression underwear, venotonic drugs are the main condition for the rehabilitation period. They contribute to early recovery, normalization of blood circulation.
Treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs with folk remedies
Home remedies occupy a separate niche in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities. There is no need to affirm their great importance, but there is also nothing that detracts from their dignity. Cooked decoctions, infusions, compresses can reduce pain, relieve the feeling of heaviness and fatigue after a hard day.
As a treatment option for reticular varicose veins, traditional medicine recommends a calamus root tincture in red wine for internal use. There are also recipes for external rubbing.
Unopened birch buds are infused for 10 days on 0, 5 liters of vodka. When ready, the product is rubbed into the skin.
Useful compresses for varicose veins of the lower limbs from yogurt with garlic or wrapping with fresh cabbage leaves.
You shouldn't be hoping for super fast results. Funds are suitable for prophylactic purposes and for the treatment of primary varicose veins of the lower extremities along with medications prescribed by the doctor individually. Do not use any treatment methods without talking to your doctor.
Massage and gymnastics for varicose veins of the lower limbs
The healing qualities of massage have been known to mankind for a long time. Massage of the lower limbs with varicose veins also has a beneficial effect. It improves blood and lymphatic flow, normalizes venous pressure and starts metabolic processes within the tissues.
The massage technique is peculiar. It is forbidden to touch the affected vein area in any way possible, only around it. Light pinching, wide grip and stroking are the main techniques of the procedure. It is recommended to combine the massage with a series of exercises.
Gymnastics for varicose veins of the lower limbs involves the implementation of a whole range of actions:
- Warm-up: For two to three minutes you have to lie down with your legs raised. Should they rest on a wall or other height, this position guarantees their complete relaxation.
- Exercise "Bicycle": the movements are identical to those on a bicycle. Only the position of the body "lying on the back".
- Exercise "Scissors": the raised limbs cross for at least one minute.
- Exercise for the calf muscles: in the "supine" position, bend one leg so that the knee reaches the chest. Perform movements in the opposite direction, massaging the problem muscle. Repeat the procedure four times with each leg.
- Get up. For three to five minutes, stand on tiptoe and lower yourself to the starting position.
- The gymnastic complex of exercises or physical therapy for varicose veins of the lower limbs guarantees a preventive therapeutic effect aimed at accelerating the outflow of venous blood to the heart, increasing the vascular tone.
It is important that the doctor not only approves of the series of exercises for the daily exercises, but also makes sure that the patient performs them correctly, without creating additional stress on the vessels.
Prevention of varicose veins of the lower limbs
It is better to prevent the problem than to cure it later! Experts unanimously recommend the following measures to prevent the disease:
- Move more: reduces the risk of blood and lymphatic congestion.
- Exercise regularly against varicose veins.
- Shoes must be comfortable, the heel must not exceed four centimeters.
- Prolonged sun exposure does not work well on blood vessel walls, it limits the time for hot baths.
- Do you prefer a contrast shower, it improves blood circulation.
- Focus on fresh vegetables, fruit and plant products. A special diet for varicose veins of the lower limbs is the "best friend" of health.
- Rehydrate your body with 2 liters of fluids per day.
- The elimination of fatigue, improper sitting or awkward position while resting is the best prevention of varicose veins in 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 trophic ulcers. Beauty, the absence of pain and heaviness in the legs can be preserved by following the simple recommendations of specialists. If you have the slightest suspicion of disease, run to the phlebologist. Remember, varicose veins cannot be completely cured, but it is possible to prevent it, to minimize the risk of its further development. Be healthy!