The circulatory system is made up of two types of vessels: arteries, which carry blood from the heart to organs, and veins. The venous system of the human body performs the function of returning blood from tissues and organs to the heart.
Each vein, regardless of size, consists of a wall and a lumen filled with blood, and is equipped with venous valves that prevent the outflow of blood downwards (the flow through the veins of the lower limbs normally moves from the bottom to the the top). Diseases of the veins are usually caused by abnormalities in the structure of the venous walls and valves. One of the most common venous diseases are varicose veins.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a disease that is accompanied by weakness of the venous wall and venous valves, as a result of which blood flow slows down, blood stagnates in the veins, leading to their expansion, the formation of venous networks and nodes. Women are more prone to developing varicose veins than men (due to the effect of estrogen on the venous wall and increased stress on the venous system during pregnancy). The risk of varicose veins increases with age (due to the fact that the veins lose their elasticity), so varicose veins are extremely rare in children and adolescents.
Due to the fact that the load on the veins of the lower half of the body is greater than on the venous vessels of the upper half, varicose veins develop on the legs and in the area of the pelvic organs. With varicose veins of the lower extremities, as a rule, the superficial (external) veins of the legs are affected. There are several types of varicose veins of the superficial veins on the legs:
- varicose veins (expansion of small intradermal veins);
- reticular varicose veins (damage to the saphenous veins of the small and large saphenous system with the formation of venous nodes);
- non saphenous varicose veins (varicose veins that do not belong to the vessels of the system of the small and large saphenous veins).
Varicose veins of the small pelvis are a type of internal varicose veins and is represented by varicose veins in the groin, varicose veins of the uterus, varicose veins on the penis. One of the most common types of varicose veins in men is varicocele (varicose veins of the testicles), which occurs with aching pain in the scrotum, sexual dysfunction, and premature ejaculation.
Signs of varicose veins
In the early stages, varicose veins are asymptomatic. Signs of varicose veins appear when the affected vessels are no longer able to cope with the function of outflow of blood.
Varicose veins contribute to the stagnation of blood in the expansion area. Symptoms of varicose veins include:
- the appearance of a visually noticeable vascular network and protruding veins (unlike atherosclerosis, a chronic arterial disease in which blood flow to the lower limbs is impaired);
- a feeling of heaviness in the legs and distention in the veins;
- swelling of the legs;
- itching and darkening of the skin on the legs above the varicose vein.
Varicose veins are a chronic, continuously progressive disease and lead to the formation of venous insufficiency (dysfunction of the venous system). The progression of varicose veins occurs in stages:
- varicose veins of the first degree (an increase in the veins is asymptomatic);
- second degree varicose veins (edema appears, heaviness in the legs, itching);
- varicose veins of the third degree (edema and severity continually disturb, ulcers appear on the skin, pain in the area of the affected veins).
Symptoms of varicose veins often increase in the evening and intensify after intense physical exertion. In summer, the signs of varicose veins are more pronounced than in winter (since in the warm season there is a tendency to vasodilation and increased blood viscosity).
Why do varicose veins appear?
There is no single reason for varicose veins to appear. The development of varicose veins is facilitated by overweight, heavy exercise and work associated with a long stay in a sitting position, a genetic predisposition to weakness of the venous valves and inflammation of the veins. Varicose veins in women often develop during pregnancy and after childbirth due to the fact that the enlargement of the uterus and tension during childbirth increase the load on the woman's venous system.
Complications of varicose veins
As a result of the prolonged progression of varicose veins, unpleasant consequences of varicose veins can develop. One of the complications of varicose veins is the appearance of blood clots (blood clots) in the lumen of dilated veins, which can rupture, reach smaller vessels with blood flow and clog them, leading to thrombosis. Due to chronic venous insufficiency, trophic skin disorders are formed: ulcers appear on the enlarged veins, which heal poorly and are susceptible to infections.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
A phlebologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. During the consultation, the phlebologist examines the veins and palpates (feels them), measures the circumference of the left and right legs to reveal hidden edema.
For the diagnosis of varicose veins, ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the vessels with Doppler ultrasound (blood flow determination) is also prescribed. Ultrasound allows not only to visualize the venous wall, but also to determine the presence of blood clots in the lumen of varicose veins.
Methods of treatment of varicose veins
In the phlebology department, both conservative and surgical methods are used for the treatment of varicose veins. Conservative treatment (without surgery) of varicose veins consists in the use of drugs and the use of medical compression underwear. Correctly selected therapy can reduce the symptoms of varicose veins and prevent the appearance of new varicose veins, however, existing venous disorders can only be eliminated with surgery.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins consists of removing the dilated veins (phlebectomy). An alternative to phlebectomy are minimally invasive methods for treating varicose veins. Minimally invasive surgical methods for varicose vein treatment include sclerotherapy and laser treatment of varicose veins.
Laser treatment of varicose veins
Treatment of varicose veins with a laser is carried out by intravenous laser coagulation: under the control of ultrasound, an electrode is inserted into the lumen of the vein, with the help of which the inner surface of the venous wall is cauterized with a laser. As a result of laser cauterization, coagulation of the venous wall occurs, after which the vein atrophies on its own. Minimally invasive laser treatment of varicose veins is performed under local anesthesia. The advantages of laser treatment of varicose veins are the absence of scars and the relative (compared to vein removal) painless procedure.
Minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins is carried out on an outpatient basis (without hospitalization). Recovery after laser treatment of varicose veins, as a rule, takes no more than a month. During this period, it is necessary to wear a compression bandage and limit sports.
For the prevention of varicose veins, it is necessary to reduce weight, exclude heavy lifting and prolonged sitting, give preference to loose clothing. To prevent varicose veins in the initial stages of the disease, regular use of special medical compression underwear and moderate physical activity (walking, swimming, exercise) helps.
Popular questions
What can not be done with varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a disease, the progression of which is closely related to lifestyle. In the presence of varicose veins, it is not possible to lift weights, to practice those sports that increase the load on the vessels of the lower half of the body (heavy sports). It is necessary to exclude a long stay in a sitting position (if you work in an office and have to sit for a long time - take a five minute break to walk or exercise every hour) and also try not to wear too tight clothes.
How to treat varicose veins on the legs in women?
With the problem of varicose veins on the legs, a woman should consult a phlebologist. If you have varicose veins on your legs or thighs, your doctor will help you choose the necessary compression underwear. In the presence of indications (signs of venous insufficiency, protruding venous lymph nodes, aesthetic discomfort), surgical removal of varicose veins may be recommended. The decision on what type of surgery will be recommended for a woman is made by the doctor based on the results of the examination and examination.
How to treat varicose veins at home?
Varicose veins are a disease of the veins that should be treated by a phlebologist. Most of the appointments of the phlebologist can be done at home: to do a special exercise that improves the outflow of blood from the lower limbs and pelvis, to wear compression underwear, and to take medications prescribed by the doctor. Self-treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies is ineffective, and exposure to the veins with herbal compresses can lead to ulcerations on the skin.