Leg pain with varicose veins and other signs of varicose veins in the legs, treatment

The phlebologist examines a patient

From the article you will learn what signs can indicate varicose veins of the lower extremities, the causes of pathology, treatment and prevention at home.

WHAT IS VARICOSIS?

Varicose veins are a venous pathology, which is based on a malfunction of the vascular valve apparatus with the formation of venous insufficiency, expansion of the lumen, congestion, which are accompanied by a constant pastiness of the tissues.

MAIN CAUSES OF THE PATHOLOGY

Varicose veins in the legs have different causes and symptoms, which have minor gender characteristics.The main common trigger of the disease is called congenital weakness of the connective tissue.In second place are hormonal changes, so women are diagnosed with varicose veins more often. A prolonged static position, sitting or standing, plays a role, while the longer the legs, the more serious the situation. The extra pounds also cause increased pressure in the veins of the lower limbs, as well as a lack of physical activity. Smoking, pregnancy, concomitant pathologies, tight underwear, shoes, heels, anything that causes stagnation of blood circulation in the veins of the legs are risk factors for varicose veins.

SYMPTOMS AND CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS

Stages of varicose veins

The signs of varicose veins in women and men do not differ fundamentally. This is a staged disease, the symptoms of which are related to the stage in the development of the pathological process.

The first stage is characterized by minor clinical manifestations: the veins protrude just above the surface of the skin, the dermis is slightly hyperemic, the heaviness in the legs begins to disturb, the evening softness of the legs, ankles, convulsions are possible. Such symptoms of varicose veins of the legs are especially painful for women from an aesthetic point of view. Pain is often preceded by visual signs.

In the second stage, the clinical picture takes on a typical appearance: the veins on the legs protrude prominently above the surface of the skin, are well palpated, resemble knots. If the pathological process progresses, the veins of the lower extremities acquire sinuous shapes, a bluish-violet hue, sometimes they turn black.

Symptoms of varicose veins of the legs of the third stage are characterized by the development of complications: trophic disorders appear, the skin resembles parchment, edema and cramps become common, the legs become covered with a rash, begin to itch, joinsecondary flora, layers of pyoderma, dermatitis, eczema.

The fourth stage of varicose veins of the lower limbs is the most severe in terms of symptoms: the skin over the protruding veins becomes inflamed, nearby tissues are involved, trophic ulcers are open, leg pain with varicose veins is permanent, the addition of a secondary infection causes thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, urgent hospitalization, complex treatment.

WHICH DOCTOR TO CONSULT?

A phlebologist deals with leg pain with varicose veins, but a vascular surgeon can also conduct the initial appointment. It all depends on the severity of the pathology. The phlebologist prescribes conservative therapy or goes to a vascular surgeon for consultation to solve the problem of surgery.

Without a complete clinical and laboratory examination, an accurate diagnosis cannot be made. Instrumental diagnostic methods help to clarify the stage of pathology, the duration of tests lasts 10 minutes, maximum - half an hour. The result of the examination is announced by the doctor immediately, on the first appointment. The choice of adequate therapy depends on the stage of the disease.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TREATMENT

The therapy for varicose veins is based on the "three pillars": pharmacological treatment, minimally invasive techniques, operative classics.

CONSERVATIVE THERAPY

In addition to the mandatory general recommendations for varicose veins: dosage, regular physical activity, reduction of the static load on the legs, physical therapy, use of compression stockings, use of elastic bandages - conservative therapy involves the appointment of phlebotonics based onflavonoids, horse chestnut extract. These are systemic drugs in tablets: synthetic and based on natural ingredients.

Very often, oral administration is combined with the homonymous external therapy for varicose veins. According to doctors and patients, the combination of capsules and gels is more effective.

Of course, full cure should not be expected from conservative methods, drugs are not able to restore dilated veins, but as a preventive measure, in preparation for an operation, the impossibility of treatmentvaricose vein surgery - these drugs ensure the suspension of the progression of the disease and relieve symptoms

COMPRESSIVE SCLEROTHERAPY

The essence of minimally invasive therapy for varicose veins is the injection of a special sclerosing drug into the dilated vein. Through a syringe, the doctor injects a foamy solution into the vein, which fills the deformed vessel, spasming it.

The patient is placed on a compression stocking, designed to keep the vessel in this state. Within three days, the walls of the veins come together, the vessel is cut off from normal blood flow and is neglected. You have to wear compression stockings for at least a month, sometimes two. The criteria for the effectiveness of the treatment performed are the formed adhesions.

Compression sclerotherapy is performed if the varicose veins are not complicated by reverse blood flow from the deep vessels to the superficial vessels through the communicating veins.If such countercurrent is present, the effectiveness of the procedure tends to zero.

OPERATIONAL INTERVENTION

Operation - has been and remains the most reliable and effective way to treat varicose veins, regardless of the presence of reverse blood flow in the veins. But here too it is important to consult a doctor in time, as relapses often occur in the later stages. Varicose veins are operated on with different techniques: microsurgery, radiofrequency and laser coagulation of deformed veins.

In the early stages, photocoagulation or laser removal of spider veins is effective. In the later stages, phlebectomy is indicated - complete removal of the affected veins. The operation is traumatic, there is a risk of complications, so today doctors are trying to use the less invasive miniflebectomy technique. If varicose veins are complicated by venous thrombosis, a secondary infection,crossectomyis ​​performed.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH VARICOSIS OF THE LEGS AT HOME?

The essence of using folk remedies for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins comes down to the removal of toxins and toxins from the body with the restoration of normal blood flow. To do this, balance the diet, including cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, citrus fruits, apples, peaches, cherries, cherries, strawberries, gooseberries, currants in daily dishes. Be sure to calculate the correct drinking ration: 40 ml per kilogram of weight.

In addition, they use the properties of green tomatoes, which are tied in slices to the area of ​​varicose veins in the form of compresses. The effect is guaranteed by lycopene - an antioxidant in the fruit pulp, which improves the structure of the vascular wall, tones the veins. You can try the juice treatment - any vegetables that are eaten raw are suitable.

An extract of garlic and lemon is effective: phytoncides dissolve cholesterol plaques, clearing the lumen of blood vessels, a natural antibiotic, which is garlic, kills pathogenic flora and vitamin C strengthens the venous wall, prevents the deposition of salts. The tincture is simply prepared: chop 4 lemons with the peel, 4 large heads of garlic, put the mixture in a jar, fill it with hot boiled water, insist under the lid for three days, shake the container daily, filter, store incold, drink one third of the glass with meals three times / day. Course: drank 12 liters of the resulting solution.

Apple cider vinegar is commonly considered a source of minerals and vitamins; for varicose veins, it is taken orally in the morning and in the evening by dissolving two teaspoons of the product in a glass of water. Externally: Rub the varicose veins with a tampon soaked in vinegar to relieve itching and pain.

The compresses are made with honey, applying a sterile napkin with the product on the area of ​​varicose veins for a couple of hours under a film. Use the broken cabbage leaves with vegetable oil under a bandage at night. Course - month.

PREVENTION

The prevention of varicose veins has two objectives: to prevent the onset of the disease and to reduce the number of relapses. For this: you can not go to the sauna or take too hot baths, lift weights. It is recommended to move a lot, excluding strength sports, control weight and minimize the consumption of too spicy and fatty foods.

It is not necessary to wear tight clothes, socks, knee-highs, stockings with a tight elastic, cross your legs while sitting. Women are encouraged to give up high heels.

At night, take cool foot baths, in the morning you can wet your feet with cold water. It is necessary to give up bad habits, master the point of self-massage: caress the skin of the lower limbs from the bottom up and in the opposite direction for 10 minutes, minimize stress, avoid overheating, colds, undergo a medical examination.

In case of varicose veins, it is reasonable to visit the pool, walk on foot, take a contrast shower at home and constantly wear compression stockings.