Varicose veins are a disease of the subcutaneous veins, which is expressed in their excessive expansion and stretching, the elasticity of the veins is lost, and the blood circulation process is disturbed. Inflamed varicose veins usually appear in the legs.
Varicose veins are considered a cosmetic problem, but if left untreated, they can lead to complications. The main ones are trophic ulcers and thrombophlebitis, which develop in 70% of patients with varicose veins.
symptoms of varicose veins
Signs that are declared already in the initial stages:
- legs get tired quickly;
- burning and heaviness in the legs;
- small swellings appear;
- there is pain in the veins;
- there are cramps in the calves.
Another characteristic sign of varicose veins is the localization of pain in the calves, which appears at night and disappears in the morning. The pain is not sharp, the sensations are moderate, pulling.
In the early stages, dilated veins cannot be seen, but varicose veins are already developing. Sometimes it takes decades. Gradually, the symptoms are becoming more disturbing, signs of venous insufficiency appear:
- swelling of the legs - in patients (most often these are women suffering from varicose veins), chronic venous disease is usually accompanied by an increase in the volume of the lower leg. At the same time, edema, as well as pain and heaviness, are observed in the afternoon and disappear after sleep. The edema of the feet is not typical of the mentioned pathology, it is a symptom of lymphatic edema;
- skin itch;
- knots, tortuosity, which are visible to the naked eye;
- darkening, thickening of the skin, the appearance of a bluish tint.
With the progression of the venous disease, the symptoms intensify. There is a deterioration in the appearance of the skin of the legs, eczema and trophic ulcers appear.
Causes of varicose veins
The cause of varicose disease is the insufficiency of the venous valves in the legs, due to which the outflow of blood worsens. The venous network of the legs consists of superficial and deep veins connected by vessels. Superficial veins carry blood away from the skin and subcutaneous structures, while deep veins carry blood away from internal organs. The veins connecting them act as compensators that equalize the pressure in the superficial and deep vessels.
Adequate blood flow goes in the direction of the superficial to the deep veins. This direction can be provided by the movement of the surrounding muscles and the work of the vasomotor center, since the movement from the bottom up contradicts the forces of attraction.
If for some reason the exit becomes difficult, the wall of the vessels becomes inflamed, thinner and dilated veins and cyanotic nodules characteristic of varicose veins appear.
The disease develops in response to a complex of unfavorable conditions that are mentioned below:
- heredity - the weakness of the walls of blood vessels can be transmitted from generation to generation and lead to loss of vascular tone;
- strenuous work, standing - a high-risk group includes people who, by the nature of their activities, have to sit or stand for a long time;
- frequent pregnancies and childbirth - during this period, the total volume of blood and compression of the veins increase, which causes varicose veins;
- obesity - increased venous pressure in overweight people increases the possibility of varicose veins;
- failure in the hormonal system: self-administration of contraceptives and other hormone-based drugs causes changes in the venous wall. In women, such a reaction can be observed during pregnancy;
- nutrition - the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables on the menu leads to a lack of fiber, as a result - a weakening of the venous wall.
How are varicose veins?
Since varicose veins are a modification of the veins, the disease is also known as aesthetic problems:
- first, patients notice the appearance of webs and a venous pattern in the legs;
- then the veins become tortuous, raising the skin;
- in the more advanced stages, varicose nodes are clearly visible and represent the expansion and entanglement of blood vessels.
What is the danger of the disease?
What happens if the disease is not treated? It will inevitably lead to complications. The most dangerous are thrombophlebitis and the "separation" of a blood clot. 5% of all patients experience similar complications. With age, a trophic ulcer often forms, which is difficult to treat. The risk of complications from varicose veins increases over time.
- Thrombophlebitis. With it, blood clots form in the veins of the legs, which can break off and clog the arteries, leading to a myocardial infarction.
- Venous thrombosis.Obstruction of a vessel by a blood clot. It is expressed by pain in the legs, which is exacerbated by physical exertion.
- pulmonary embolism. Obstruction of its lumen by a detached thrombus. Death can occur in the first half hour. If the clot is small, a lung infarction can occur.
- Trophic ulcers.Darkening and thinning of the skin with the further appearance of ulcers. It occurs as a result of malnutrition of tissues. Poor response to treatment.
Risk factor's
- Inheritance. If both parents have varicose veins, then for a child the probability of contracting the disease is 90%, if one has 60%.
- The pregnancy.During this period, vein disease is caused by 3 factors:
- hormonal change - the production of progesterone in large quantities relaxes the muscles and makes the veins more vulnerable;
- pressure from the uterus, which has increased in size; in connection with this, the outflow of blood from the legs worsens;
- an increase in blood volume by 20-30% - the venous valves of the legs cannot withstand the load, especially if they were initially weak;
- Wrong nutrition.The uncontrolled consumption of processed foods, sugar and salt, fast food, fried foods and fats, trans fats, preservatives and artificial additives from industrial products also leave their mark.
- Hormonal history.Hormonal activity can weaken the veins, causing vasodilation and preventing the valves from closing normally.
- Tight clothing. Tight belts, tight jeans and underwear interfere with the harmonious flow of blood, thereby impeding blood circulation.
- High heels. When walking, the veins work to the limit. This is due to the fact that the load is distributed unevenly - the main part falls on the forefoot. Pain in the veins, swelling of the legs are the first signs of incipient varicose veins.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
In the early diagnosis of varicose veins, ultrasound technologies are used: angioscanning and dopplerography.
Ultrasonic angioscanning (USAS) is an informative method of non-invasive examination of peripheral vessels. It allows obtaining a two-dimensional image of the artery, visualizing intravascular structures and evaluating the direction and nature of fluid flow.
In severe cases, when USAS cannot respond, computed tomography (CT) is used.
Doppler ultrasonography (Doppler ultrasound) is the simplest method for evaluating the peripheral vessel. Evaluates the state of the artery by indirect indicators: the reaction of blood flow to functional tests, etc.
X-ray contrast phlebography is used in the diagnosis of arteriovenous angiodysplasia, acute thrombosis and its consequences, as well as varicose veins of the small pelvis.
Varicose vein treatment
Surgical techniques
A complete cure for varicose veins is only possible after surgical treatment. It is done in three ways:
- phlebectomy - removal of an enlarged varicose vessel;
- sclerosing is the introduction of a special substance into the varicose vein, which "glues" the walls of the blood vessels, normalizing blood flow. The swelling of the veins disappears, even a cosmetic defect disappears;
- laser coagulation - the walls of the vein are exposed to heat, as a result of which the venous lumen is "closed". Manipulation is carried out only if the vein is expanded by no more than 10 mm.
Medical treatment of varicose veins
The main role in treatment is played by venotonics in the form of tablets. They improve the process of blood circulation, healing the arteries.
Also prescribe venotonic - phlebotonic drugs. They are taken with thinning of the walls of blood vessels, increased permeability, reduced elasticity and fluid stagnation. The preparations strengthen the venous walls, increase their elasticity, reduce swelling and other negative signs. An additional quality of phlebotonics is the establishment of microcirculation in the affected area.
Antiplatelet agents are used to thin the blood in the veins. Medicines needed when you need to reduce the formation of blood clots. Indicated for patients with increased blood viscosity. You can take antiplatelet agents only if there is no predisposition to bleeding.
Anticoagulants are sometimes used to stop thrombus formation on an individual basis. They eliminate blood clots, reduce viscosity. But the decision is made by the treating physician after evaluating the potential health benefits and potential of rice.
compression therapy
A reliable assistant in the treatment of varicose veins is compression clothing. The principle of operation of the products is as follows:
- while wearing a compression stocking, pressure on the superficial and deep veins increases;
- the greatest pressure is at the bottom, where the veins narrow more and the outflow of blood is faster;
- due to the narrowing of the veins, the functioning of the valves improves;
- pain, swelling, fatigue in the legs disappear.
A complex approach
There are many treatment options, but the most correct will be an emphasis on improving the entire organism as a whole. Varicose veins in the broadest sense are not only a problem with the veins, but also a symptom that indicates malfunctions in the body. Therefore, we recommend that you heal the body and do it consistently and wisely.
- drink a lot of water: dehydration is one of the causes of blood clotting, especially during hot periods;
- help the liver in detoxification - add artichokes, flax, grapefruit, oranges, apples, cruciferous vegetables, rosemary, dandelions, olives to the diet (make sure there are no allergic reactions and individual intolerance to the product);
- eliminate from the diet all pro-inflammatory foods that thicken the blood and have an adverse effect on the walls of blood vessels (alcohol, coffee, sugar, pastries, dairy products, smoked products, canned food, fast food, refined foods);
- they eliminate constipation - they tighten the venous blood flow of the pelvis. Start drinking symbionts or microbiotics. The bacteria in its composition create a balance of microflora and thereby normalize the stool. They improve the condition of the small and large intestine, as well as the gastric mucosa;
- take a test for homocysteine - it should not exceed 10. If it is higher, you need to make sure that there is no deficiency of vitamin B12, folic acid and iron. At the same time restore the microflora, otherwise its absorption may be impaired;
- restore protein levels. For verification, a biochemical blood test is carried out: the optimal protein concentration in an adult should be 72-86 g / l, in children - 45-80 g / l;
- work with insulin resistance; often the problem goes hand in hand with this disorder. It can be recognized by the symptoms: constant feeling of hunger and frequent desire to eat, multiple papillomas, red dots that look like moles, swelling, thirst and high blood pressure;
- introduce exercises - Pilates, yoga, light cardio;
- improve the outflow of lymph - drink water with herbs, cranberries, spices, lemon, ginger;
- take a contrast shower - under the influence of cold, small vessels begin to narrow, and, on the contrary, expand under the influence of heat. This leads to the strengthening of the vascular walls and the increase in their tone.
- restore hormone levels: the excessive activity of hormone production dilates the blood vessels and prevents the valves from closing normally. To support the process of restoring hormonal balance, symbionts with broccoli are suitable. The active substance, sulforaphane, which it contains, removes excess estrogen from the body. This is due to the anti-cancer content in broccoli, such as potassium, zinc, selenium, beta-carotene, amino acids, vitamins A, C and E.