Varicose veins are a disease of the venous channels, characterized by alterations in blood circulation and changes in the valves.The disease is accompanied by expansion of the walls and an increase in the length of the vein.The disease causes blood stagnation and the formation of a lymph node.Requires consultation with a doctor.
Symptoms of varicose veins
In the initial stages of the development of the disease, the size of 2 to 3 canals increases.There are no other symptoms.As varicose veins progress, the following signs develop:
- rapid fatigue of the lower extremities;
- swelling of the legs;
- feeling of heaviness;
- thickening of venous channels that protrude from the surface of the skin;
- hair loss in the affected area;
- burning and itching sensation;
- pain in the lower extremities;
- the formation of cracks that bleed with minor damage;
- dermatitis;
- redness along the venous channel.
- the veins acquire a dark blue hue, knots form;
- cramps in the lower extremities.
Reasons
The exact cause of the development of varicose veins cannot be determined.However, factors that increase the risk of disease progression have been identified:
- genetic predisposition.It is explained by the transmission of a non-standard gene, which is responsible for the structure of vascular channels.From the moment of birth, the child presents weakness of the muscles and connective tissue, which causes increased pressure in the lower extremities;
- changes in hormonal levels, for example during pregnancy or menopause.The concentration of estrogen in the body decreases and the level of progesterone increases.This leads to a decrease in the tone of the venous wall and blockage of blood vessels;
- excess body weight causes slow blood circulation, increased pressure in the abdominal area;
- a high concentration of sugar in blood vessels damages the walls of the channels, creating a favorable environment for the formation of blood clots;
- excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages causes dehydration, blood cells thicken, clots form and blood circulation is impaired;
- prolonged physical activity in the lower extremities causes a decrease in muscle tissue tone, blood flow to the cardiac system slows down, and stagnation forms in the legs;
- congenital abnormalities in blood cell coagulation;
- an incorrectly formulated diet, low concentrations of vitamins E and C lead to weakening of blood vessels;
- constant wearing tight underwear causes compression of the venous channels;
- kidney diseases;
- chronic constipation.The disease leads to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, which causes impaired blood flow;
- frequent wearing of high-heeled shoes, the muscle tissue of the lower leg does not move, causing stagnation;
- hot season, frequent dehydration thickens the blood, increasing the risk of blood clots;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as heart failure;
- overdose of drugs that increase blood clotting;
- Surgical interventions, blood loss during surgical treatment increases the risk of blood clots.
Stages of development of varicose veins.
There are several stages of progression of varicose veins of the lower extremities:
- The initial stage lasts from several months to several years, regardless of the patient's age.Characterized by the absence of clear signs.Accompanied by mild pain in the venous channels, burning sensation and rapid fatigue of the legs.Painful sensations intensify at night;
- The second stage is characterized by the development of symptoms.Accompanied by severe pain, constant spasms of muscle tissue, formation of nodes in the legs, increased thickness of veins and itching sensation;
- The third stage is characterized by increased edema, impaired blood circulation, ulcerative lesions that do not heal for a long period of time, and thrombophlebitis.
Varieties
Depending on the location, several types of varicose veins are distinguished:
Varicose veins in legs and arms.
It is diagnosed more frequently than others and is easy to treat.
Varicose veins of the pelvis.
It is characterized by symptoms similar to other diseases.The urination process is disturbed, pain may occur during sexual intercourse or during physical exercise.
Varicose veins of the uterus.
Rarely diagnosed, it is characterized by painful sensations during sexual intercourse, which radiate to the lumbar region.
Varicose veins of the esophagus.
More often, concomitant diseases of portal hypertension.Characterized by the absence of symptoms.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis requires a visual examination and medical history.Additional examinations show the condition of the valves and venous channels and allow us to establish the type and stage of development of the disease.If necessary, the doctor prescribes functional tests to determine the patency of the veins, duplex ultrasound, venography and Dopplerography to evaluate blood flow.To diagnose varicose veins use:
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Checkup (full body examination)
- computer electroencephalography
- Computerized topography of the spine.
- Duplex scanning
- Ultrasound (ultrasound examination)
- CT (computed tomography)
- Onco Check-up - free online consultation
Which doctor should I contact?
If you suspect that you have varicose veins, you should contact a phlebologist, a specialized specialist who deals with blood vessels.You can also make an appointment with a surgeon, he will make a diagnosis and select the appropriate treatment.
Treatment of varicose veins
The course of treatment depends on the individual characteristics of the disease.Medicines improve the functioning of valves, nourish the walls of vascular channels, stimulate blood flow, but cannot eliminate the disease.The patient's diet is adjusted, an individual daily regimen is drawn up, and the use of compression clothing is prescribed.Traditional methods help relieve pain.If it is not possible to cure the disease with conservative methods, surgical intervention is prescribed.The following methods are generally used:
- manual therapy
- Physiotherapy
- therapeutic massage
- orthopedic insoles
- Reflexology
- Ozone therapy
- plasma therapy
- SVF joint therapy
- Pharmacopuncture
Complications
- Venous bleeding;
- eczema, develops with prolonged lack of oxygen;
- superficial thrombophlebitis;
- formation of blood clots in deep venous channels;
- formation of trophic ulcers;
- infertility due to damage to the uterine veins;
- death due to rupture of blood clot.
Prevention of varicose veins
To reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, the following rules should be followed:
- avoid intense physical activity in the lower extremities;
- use medications according to instructions;
- stop drinking alcoholic beverages;
- when working sedentarily, do small gymnastics exercises once an hour;
- stop wearing compressive underwear;
- maintain a balanced diet;
- At the first sign of varicose veins, see a doctor.