If you want to know more about varicose veins, check out this article. It will help you understand the main causes of the disease and 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 can be almost invisible. This article will help you understand 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 much discomfort and significantly impair your quality of life. Varicose veins occur when the walls of the veins lose their elasticity and are unable to effectively pump blood to the heart. Prolonged standing or sitting, hereditary predisposition, excess weight, pregnancy, heart and vascular diseases - all this can lead to the appearance of varicose veins. There are various methods that can relieve the symptoms and even eliminate the disease.
Varicose veins are a vascular disorder that occurs when venous valves are weakened and blood circulation is impaired. That's why this happens.
Our vessels pump blood from the legs to the heart thanks to the functioning 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 feel as if there are huge cords under the skin.
Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic 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 vein wall due to a genetic mutation. Remember if your family members had varicose veins. If you have it, then you are also at risk of developing this disease. However, do not rush to get angry. If you lead a healthy lifestyle and take care of your health, then there is every chance to avoid the appearance of varicose veins. But it is always important to monitor your diet and lifestyle and pay attention to your health.
- Work standing. If you work in a profession where you have to spend a lot of time on your feet, pay special attention to the condition of your legs. The risk of developing varicose veins is high. First, people who work standing are affected by the 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 stay in one place all day, your veins remain unsupported. Therefore, standing increases the likelihood of varicose veins. Particularly attentive to their health should be representatives of the following professions: teachers, cooks, surgeons, operating nurses, hairdressers, waiters, sellers, bartenders, turners, masseurs.
- 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 clerks, jewelers and telephone operators. A sedentary lifestyle also increases the risk of developing varicose veins and is dangerous. After all, the muscles of the lower leg do not work and the blood stagnates. The veins dilate and turn into varicose veins. It is especially harmful to have the habit of crossing your legs. You may put pressure on the veins, causing 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 work and heavy lifting can also cause varicose veins. This is due to the fact that when lifting a heavy weight there is an increase in intra-abdominal pressure which, naturally, is transmitted to the legs and causes stretching of blood vessels and rupture of valves. If you are a loader, weightlifter, builder, warehouse worker, miner or have to lift weights as part of your profession, 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 have a negative effect on blood vessels. On the plane it is not possible to stretch your legs and it is difficult to find a comfortable position. Due to the dry air on board a plane, the body suffers from dehydration. Blood viscosity increases, which leads to venous stagnation and slowing of blood flow.
- Pregnancy. It often happens that the first symptoms of varicose veins can appear precisely during pregnancy, because the woman's body is subjected to a huge load and swelling in the legs appears. Doctors can often prescribe compression garments, which can improve the course of the disease.
- Excess weight can also cause varicose veins. In addition, 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.
- Bad 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 cause other vascular diseases, for example, atherosclerosis of the lower extremities.
- Heels are enemies of 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 beautiful second. Heels, of course, are acceptable to wear, but only on certain occasions, do not abuse them.
Symptoms of varicose veins in various stages of the disease.
The initial stage of varicose veins. Compensation phase. The initial phase of varicose veins is also called the compensation phase. It received this name because when the functioning of veins in the body is disrupted, special mechanisms are activated that compensate for these disorders. That's why it's dangerous. A person can ignore the signs of varicose veins for several months, and maybe even for years, and lose precious time for fruitful treatment.
External signs may be completely absent or appear in the form of varicose veins. They should not be underestimated. These are real harbingers of varicose veins.
All a person can feel in the initial stage of varicose veins is heaviness in the legs, feeling of fullness and swelling. Most patients attribute these symptoms to tiredness, especially if work places stress on the legs.
But if you are sensitive to your health, noticed these symptoms and consulted a phlebologist in time, you can rest assured. In this case, when varicose veins are diagnosed in the early 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 this classification in order to recognize the symptoms in time and immediately consult a phlebologist.
The classification of varicose veins begins with the identification of the main forms of the disease: primary (idiopathic) varicose veins, secondary varicose veins (consequences of traumatic injury to the veins), age-related (senile) varicose veins, congenital varicose veins (formation intrauterine treatment 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 this type of varicose veins most often develops in women. Hereditary factor is one of the causes of this disease.
Secondary varicose veins are a form of disease that develops after traumatic injury 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 the lesion.
Senile varicose veins occur more often in older people. The increasing aging of the body causes the weakening of the walls of the venous vessels, which has a significant 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 dilation of the veins.
Second stage of varicose veins. Undercompensation.
This is the most common stage where patients already consult a doctor. Subcompensation is the phase in which the body is no longer able to 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 feels constant discomfort. It is already difficult for the patient to lead a normal lifestyle. In this case it is advisable to immediately schedule a visit to the phlebologist.
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 noticed not only in the evening, but also at night.
A simple treatment at this stage is no longer sufficient. In this case, EVLT and minimally invasive surgery are usually used.
Third phase. Severe varicose veins. Decompensation.
In this case, rupture of blood vessels has a negative impact on the functioning of other organs and systems of the body. The nutrition of the tissues suffers, fluid accumulates in them, and trophic ulcers may occur. The veins are severely deformed, and serious complications in the form of thrombophlebitis are possible.
Urgent surgical treatment is required at this stage. Otherwise, varicose veins begin to pose a threat to life.
It is important to understand that the disease can have one form of development or various combinations. And the classification of varicose veins is not unique, but rather implies the possibility of various combinations of factors. But regardless of the form, varicose veins require treatment. Proper treatment can lead to full recovery, prevent serious complications and improve patients' quality of life.
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 exam of the veins allows you to see any changes in the structure of the veins, determine if there is any obstruction to the 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 limbs while a contrast medium 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 exam. This method allows you to obtain a three-dimensional image of the vessels, which significantly improves the scaling of the veins.
- MRI exam. This method is mainly used 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 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 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 the results of the research.
Methods for the treatment of varicose veins
Varicose veins are a serious condition, but they can be treated. There are ways to avoid discomfort and reduce the risk of complications. It is important not to delay the visit to the doctor and follow his recommendations, since early treatment significantly increases the chances of recovery. There are various methods that can relieve the symptoms and even eliminate the disease.
The first important way to cure 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, doing gymnastics for the leg muscles - all this can be of great 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 of varicose veins: strong coffee, hot spices, alcohol, fatty and heavy foods. It is best to choose foods rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. For example, vegetables, fruits, herbs, non-fermented 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, could 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 for you.
Modern methods for 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). Once the procedure is completed, the emitter is removed. Over time, the vein turns into connective tissue and then resolves completely. The duration of the procedure is approximately 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 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 the walls and makes them stick together. After some time, the vein resolves.
- Miniphlebectomy. This is a minimally invasive surgery 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, 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 venous 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 ensures maximum results and minimal risk of complications. Furthermore, the professional clinic is one of the most advanced in the country in the field of venous surgery.
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 characteristics 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 vein problems.
Don't think that varicose veins will disappear on their own. In fact, in rare cases, symptoms may improve with lifestyle changes or certain medications. However, it is important to understand that this is only a temporary improvement and that treatment is still necessary. Postponing a visit to the doctor, you can only worsen the course of the disease.