Varicose veins are a disease of the venous channels, characterized by impaired 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 knot.It requires consultation with a doctor.
Symptoms of varicose veins
In the initial stages of the development of the disease, the size of 2-3 channels increases.No other symptoms.As varicose veins progress, the following signs appear:
- rapid fatigue of the lower extremities;
- swelling of the legs;
- feeling of heaviness;
- thickening of the venous channels that protrude on the surface of the skin;
- hair loss in the affected area;
- burning and itching sensation;
- pain in the lower extremities;
- formation of bleeding cracks with minor damage;
- dermatitis;
- redness along the venous channel.
- veins take on a dark blue hue, knots are formed;
- spasms 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 transfer of a non-standard gene, which is responsible for the structure of vascular channels.From the moment of birth, the child has weakness of muscles and connective tissue, which leads to increased pressure in the lower extremities;
- changes in hormone 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;
- overweight causes slow blood circulation, increased pressure in the abdominal area;
- 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, thickening of blood cells, formation of blood clots and disturbed blood circulation;
- prolonged physical activity on the lower extremities causes a decrease in muscle tissue tone, blood flow to the heart system slows down, and stagnation occurs in the legs;
- congenital abnormalities in blood cell coagulation;
- incorrectly formulated diet, low concentrations of vitamins E and C lead to weakening of blood vessels;
- constant use of tight underwear causes compression of venous channels;
- kidney disease;
- chronic constipation.The disease leads to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, which causes blood flow disorders;
- frequent use of high-heeled shoes, the muscle tissue of the lower leg does not move, which causes stagnation;
- hot season, frequent dehydration thickens the blood, increasing the risk of blood clots;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as heart failure;
- overdose with 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 phase lasts from several months to several years, regardless of the patient's age.It is characterized by the absence of clear signs.It is accompanied by mild pain in the venous channels, a burning sensation and rapid leg fatigue.Painful sensations intensify in the evening;
- the second phase is characterized by the development of symptoms.Accompanied by severe pain, constant spasms of muscle tissue, the formation of knots on the legs, an increase in the thickness of the veins and a feeling of itching;
- the third phase is characterized by an increase in edema, impaired blood circulation, ulcerative lesions that do not heal for a long time, and thrombophlebitis.
Varieties
Depending on the location, there are several types of varicose veins:
Varicose veins on legs and arms
It is diagnosed more often than others and is easily treated.
Dilated pelvic veins
It is characterized by similar symptoms as other diseases.The urination process is disturbed, pain is possible during sexual intercourse or when performing physical exercises.
Dilated uterine veins
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.It is characterized by the absence of symptoms.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis requires visual examination and history.Additional examinations show the condition of valves and venous channels and allow us to determine the type and stage of disease development.If necessary, the doctor prescribes functional tests to determine the patency of veins, ultrasound scanning with duplex, venography, dopplerography to assess blood flow.To diagnose varicose veins, use:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- Control examination (comprehensive body examination)
- Computer electroencephalography
- Computed 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 varicose veins, you should contact a phlebologist - a specialist who deals with blood vessels.You can also make an appointment with a surgeon, who will make a diagnosis and choose the appropriate treatment.
Treatment of varicose veins
The course of treatment depends on the individual characteristics of the disease.Medicines improve the work of valves, nourish the walls of vascular channels, stimulate blood flow, but they are not able to eliminate the disease.The patient's diet is adjusted, an individual daily regimen is created and the use of compression clothing is prescribed.Traditional methods help to get rid of pain.If it is not possible to cure the disease with conservative methods, surgical intervention is prescribed.The following methods are commonly 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 the rupture of a blood clot.
Prevention of varicose veins
To reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, you must adhere to the following rules:
- avoid intense physical activity on the lower limbs;
- use medications as directed;
- stop drinking alcoholic beverages;
- when you work sitting, perform small gymnastics once an hour;
- stop using compression underwear;
- maintain a balanced diet;
- At the first signs of varicose veins, consult a doctor.