If you want to learn more about varicose veins, check out this article. It will help you understand the main causes of the disease, as well as recognize the first symptoms of varicose veins on your own.
Few people know that varicose veins are a fairly common disease, affecting almost 30% of women and 20% of men. This is due to the fact that the first symptoms may be almost invisible. This article will help you figure out how to independently recognize varicose veins when they are still amenable to conservative and safe treatment.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a common disease that can cause a lot of discomfort and significantly impair the quality of life. Varicose veins occur when the walls of the veins lose their elasticity and cannot effectively pump blood back to the heart. Standing or sitting for a long time, hereditary predisposition, excess weight, pregnancy, heart and vascular diseases - all this can lead to varicose veins. There are various methods that can relieve symptoms and even get rid of the disease.
Varicose veins are a vascular disorder that occurs when the venous valves are weakened and blood circulation is impaired. That's why this happens.
Our vessels pump blood from the legs to the heart due to the operation of special valves that do not allow blood to flow to the feet under the influence of gravity. But it happens that the valves weaken. And then some of the blood begins to linger in the veins and, as a result, the pressure on them increases. The venous walls expand and become damaged. Over time, the veins become larger and larger. The legs of people with varicose veins may look as if there are huge ropes under the skin.
Varicose veins are not only an aesthetic problem. This disease can lead to serious complications such as thrombosis, ulcers and even tissue necrosis. Therefore, it is extremely important to independently recognize varicose veins and consult a doctor at the first signs. The milder the course of the disease, the easier the treatment will be. The main reasons for the development of varicose veins.
The reasons for the development of varicose veins can be different. Let's take a closer look at each of them.
- One of the main factors is heredity. Varicose veins occur in people with a weakened venous wall due to a genetic mutation. Remember if your family members had varicose veins. If you have, then you also have a risk of developing this disease. However, do not rush to get upset. If you lead a healthy lifestyle and take care of your health, then there is every chance of avoiding the appearance of varicose veins. But it is always important for you to monitor your diet and lifestyle, and be attentive to your health.
- Working on your feet. If you are in a profession where you need to spend a lot of time standing, be especially attentive to the condition of your legs. There is a high risk of developing varicose veins. First of all, people with standing work are affected by immobility of the leg muscles. If a person walks a lot, the muscles contract and compress the blood vessels, which helps push blood to the heart. But if you stand in one place throughout the day, your veins remain without support. Therefore, when standing, the likelihood of varicose veins increases. Representatives of the following professions should be especially attentive to their health: teachers, cooks, surgeons, operating nurses, hairdressers, waiters, salesmen, bartenders, turners, massage therapists.
- Sedentary work can also negatively affect vascular health and the appearance of varicose veins. These are office workers, drivers, programmers, accountants, librarians, cashiers, seamstresses, bank employees, jewelers and telephone operators. A sedentary lifestyle also increases the risk of developing varicose veins and is dangerous. After all, the lower leg muscles do not work, and the blood stagnates. Veins dilate and transform into varicose veins. It is especially bad to have the habit of crossing your legs. You may put pressure on the veins, leading to thrombosis. Don’t forget to take breaks while working and at least sometimes do a warm-up or at least walk around the office.
- Heavy physical labor and heavy lifting can also cause varicose veins. This is due to the fact that when lifting a heavy weight, a jump in intra-abdominal pressure occurs, which, naturally, is transmitted to the legs and causes stretching of blood vessels and disruption of the valves. If you are a loader, weightlifter, builder, storekeeper, miner, or you have to lift weights as part of your occupation, remember that this is dangerous and can cause varicose veins.
- Long and frequent flights are also dangerous for the functioning of blood vessels. During flight, changes in atmospheric pressure occur, which also has a negative effect on blood vessels. On an airplane you cannot stretch your legs and it is difficult to find a comfortable position. Due to the dry air on board an airplane, the body suffers from dehydration. Blood viscosity increases, which leads to venous stagnation and slow blood flow.
- Pregnancy. It often happens that the first symptoms of varicose veins can appear precisely during pregnancy, because a woman’s body is placed under a huge burden and swelling appears in the legs. Doctors can often prescribe compression garments, which can improve the course of the disease.
- Excess weight can also cause varicose veins. Moreover, it is important to know that due to excess weight, a person may not notice a single varicose vein for years. Varicose veins can be hidden under a significant layer of subcutaneous fat. Their visualization is not only difficult, it is impossible without instrumental techniques. Therefore, if you are overweight, and in the evening you feel tired or swollen in your legs, you need to consult a phlebologist as soon as possible.
- Poor lifestyle, alcohol abuse, smoking and other bad habits and addictions. In general, varicose veins and bad habits are incompatible. And combined with smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, this will have serious consequences. Without treatment and control, varicose veins can provoke other vascular diseases, for example, atherosclerosis of the lower extremities.
- Heels are the enemy of your blood vessels. Don't rush to pursue beauty. Remember that high heels put a lot of stress on your feet. Shoes should be comfortable first, and then beautiful. Heels, of course, are acceptable to wear, but only on occasion, do not overuse them.
Symptoms of varicose veins at various stages of the disease.
The initial stage of varicose veins. Compensation stage. The initial stage of varicose veins is also called the compensation stage. It received this name due to the fact that when the functioning of the veins in the body is disrupted, special mechanisms are activated that compensate for these disturbances. This is why she is dangerous. A person can ignore the signs of varicose veins for several months, and maybe even years, and miss precious time for fruitful treatment.
External signs may be completely absent, or may appear in the form of spider veins. They should not be underestimated. These are real harbingers of varicose veins.
All that a person can feel at the initial stage of varicose veins is heaviness in the legs, a feeling of fullness and swelling. Most patients attribute these symptoms to fatigue, especially if work involves stress on the legs.
But if you are sensitive to your health, noticed these symptoms and consulted a phlebologist in time, then you can rest assured. In this case, when varicose veins are diagnosed at the initial stage, conservative non-surgical treatment is prescribed. For example, different types of sclerotherapy.
Classification of varicose veins. What is important to know?
The classification of varicose veins depends on the level at which the affected vein is located. It is important to know about this classification so that you can recognize the symptoms in time and immediately consult a phlebologist.
The classification of varicose veins begins with identifying the main forms of the disease: primary (idiopathic) varicose veins, secondary varicose veins (consequences of traumatic injuries to the veins), age-related varicose veins (senile), congenital varicose veins (intrauterine formation of varicose veins), etc.
Primary varicose veins are one of the most common forms of the disease. It can be found in people of any age, although most often this type of varicose veins develops in women. Hereditary factor is one of the causes of this disease.
Secondary varicose veins are a form of the disease that develops after traumatic injuries to the veins. Venous thrombosis, surgery, trauma and other factors can lead to secondary varicose veins. Typically this type of disease occurs at the site of injury.
Senile varicose veins most often occur in older people. Increasing aging of the body causes weakening of the walls of vein vessels, which has a noticeable impact on their etymology.
Congenital varicose veins are characterized by the fact that the disease occurs during fetal development. An anomaly in the development of blood vessels causes a violation of their vital function, namely, reversible dilatation of the veins.
Second stage of varicose veins. Subcompensation.
This is the most common stage with which patients already consult a doctor. Subcompensation is the stage when the body can no longer cope with the disease on its own. In this case, the person not only complains of pain and swelling at the end of the day, but also experiences constant discomfort. It is already difficult for the patient to lead a normal lifestyle. In this case, a visit to a phlebologist should be scheduled immediately.
Main symptoms: veins are clearly visible, the skin may take on a blue tint. Swelling, pain, burning sensation, and slight cramps in the legs are noted not only in the evening, but also at night.
Easy treatment at this stage is no longer sufficient. In this case, EVLT and minimally invasive surgery are usually used.
Third stage. Severe varicose veins. Decompensation.
In this case, disruption of the blood vessels has a negative impact on the functioning of other organs and systems of the body. Tissue nutrition suffers, fluid accumulates in them, and trophic ulcers may occur. The veins become severely deformed, and serious complications in the form of thrombophlebitis are possible.
At this stage, urgent surgical treatment is necessary. Otherwise, varicose veins begin to pose a threat to life.
It is important to understand that the disease can have either one form of development or various combinations. And the classification of varicose veins is not unambiguous, but rather implies the possibility of various combinations of factors. But regardless of the form, varicose veins require treatment. Proper treatment can lead to a full recovery, prevent serious complications and improve the quality of life of patients.
Diagnosis of varicose veins.
A modern clinic has the most accurate and effective methods for diagnosing varicose veins. The main methods for diagnosing varicose veins are:
- Examination by a specialist. The first thing you need to do is make an appointment with a phlebologist.
- Ultrasound examination. This is the main diagnostic method used to detect varicose veins. An ultrasound examination of the veins allows you to see any changes in the structure of the veins, determine if there is any obstruction in blood flow, and identify other problems with the veins.
- Phlebography. This is a diagnostic method that allows you to obtain a more detailed image of the vessels of the lower extremities while a contrast agent is injected into them. This method allows you to diagnose both disorders in the structure of the veins and other problems with the lymphatic system.
- CT examination. This method allows you to obtain a three-dimensional image of the vessels, which significantly improves the scaling of veins.
- MRI examination. This method is used mainly when it is not possible to conduct an ultrasound examination, since its effectiveness in diagnosing varicose veins is reduced.
- Thermography. This method is based on taking into account the thermal radiation of the extremities and allows you to determine the presence of diseases in the structure of the veins.
As a rule, making a diagnosis based on research data does not take much time. Most procedures take from 10 to 40 minutes. Treatment at different stages will vary greatly, so you should never self-medicate. Any health manipulations can be prescribed only after receiving research results.
Methods for treating varicose veins
Varicose veins are a serious condition, but they can be treated. There are ways to help avoid discomfort and reduce the risk of complications. It is important not to delay visiting a doctor and follow his recommendations, since early treatment significantly increases the chances of recovery. There are various methods that can relieve symptoms and even get rid of the disease.
The first important way to treat varicose veins is to change your lifestyle. People suffering from varicose veins need to pay special attention to physical activity. Regular exercise aims to strengthen the muscles of the lower body and stimulate blood circulation. Walking, swimming, gymnastics for the leg muscles - all this can be a good help in the treatment of varicose veins.
The second way is to change your diet. There are many products that can further worsen the situation with varicose veins: strong coffee, hot spices, alcohol, fatty and heavy foods. It is better to choose foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. For example, vegetables, fruits, herbs, unfermented dairy products, nuts, fish.
The first two methods are mandatory conditions at any stage of the disease.
The next step, if indicated by a doctor, may be drug treatment. The use of ointments, creams and gels that contain substances that improve blood circulation helps reduce swelling and pain. You can also use drug therapy; your doctor will prescribe pills.
Modern methods of treating varicose veins include:
- Obliteration and coagulation. The emitter is inserted into the vein through a micropuncture. The laser precisely heats the blood, which burns the walls of the blood vessels and seals the vein (this is called sclerosis). After the procedure is completed, the emitter is removed. Over time, the vein turns into connective tissue and then completely resolves. The duration of the procedure is about half an hour. Immediately after completion of treatment, the patient can return to normal life. To consolidate the results obtained, it is necessary to wear compression garments for several days.
- Sclerotherapy. A special substance is injected into the affected vessel, which glues its walls together. The glued vessel is excluded from the blood circulation and dissolves over time.
- Radiofrequency ablation. The mechanism of action is similar to laser therapy. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the vein, which heats its walls and also causes them to stick together. After some time, the vein resolves.
- Miniphlebectomy. This is a minimally invasive surgical operation that is performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Through a puncture, the affected vein is carefully removed without incisions or stitches.
- In severe stages of the disease, surgical treatment is indicated, which deprives the distorted veins of the ability to drain blood.
Treatment of varicose veins in modern kinetics
In a modern clinic they know how to effectively help patients. Doctors have already performed thousands of operations and helped millions of patients get rid of varicose veins. If you suffer from varicose veins, then know that it is never too late to go to the clinic and get treatment.
The modern clinic employs only highly qualified doctors who specialize in the treatment of varicose veins and other vein diseases. Patients are offered a variety of treatment options, including laser therapy, sclerotherapy, radiofrequency therapy and surgery. Only the most modern equipment and technologies are used. This guarantees maximum results and minimal risk of complications. In addition, the professional clinic is one of the most advanced in the field of venous surgery in the country.
Another advantage of a professional clinic is that patients are provided only with an individual approach. Each patient is unique, and during treatment, all his features are taken into account when choosing a method. The main goal of the clinic is to allow the patient to return to normal life and forget about problems with veins.
Don't think that varicose veins will go away on their own. Indeed, in rare cases, symptoms may improve due to lifestyle changes or certain medications. However, it is important to understand that this is only a temporary improvement and treatment is still required. By postponing a visit to the doctor, you can only worsen the course of the disease.