Varicose veins are a disease of the venous channels, characterized by impaired blood circulation and changes in the valves.The disease is accompanied by dilatation of the walls and an increase in the length of the veins.The disease causes blood stagnation and lymph node formation.A doctor's consultation is required.
Symptoms of varicose veins
At the initial stage of the development of the disease, the size of 2-3 root canals increases.There are no other symptoms.As varicose veins progress, the following signs will appear:
- rapid fatigue of the lower limbs;
- leg swelling;
- feeling of heaviness;
- thickening of venous channels protruding above the skin surface;
- hair loss in the affected area;
- burning and itching sensation;
- pain in the lower limbs;
- the formation of bleeding cracks with minor damage;
- dermatitis;
- redness along the ductus venosus.
- the veins are dark green, forming nodes;
- cramps in the lower limbs.
Reason
The exact cause of the development of varicose veins cannot be determined.However, factors have been identified that increase the risk of disease progression:
- genetic tendency.Explained by the inheritance of a non-standard gene, responsible for the structure of blood vessels.Right from birth, children have weak muscles and connective tissue, leading to increased pressure in the lower limbs;
- changes in hormone levels, for example during pregnancy or menopause.Estrogen levels in the body decrease and progesterone levels increase.This leads to decreased tone of the vein walls and vascular congestion;
- Excess body weight causes slow blood circulation, increased pressure in the abdominal area;
- High sugar concentrations in blood vessels damage the canal walls, creating a favorable environment for blood clot formation;
- Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages causes dehydration, thickening of blood cells, formation of blood clots and disruption of blood circulation;
- Prolonged physical activity in the lower limbs causes a decrease in the tone of muscle tissue, slowing of blood flow to the cardiac system and the formation of stagnation in the legs;
- congenital abnormalities in the clotting process of blood cells;
- improperly formulated diet, low levels of vitamins E and C lead to weakening of blood vessels;
- Continuous use of tight underwear causes compression of venous channels;
- kidney disease;
- chronic constipation.The disease leads to increased intra-abdominal pressure, causing reduced blood flow;
- Regularly using high heels prevents muscle tissue in the lower legs from moving, causing stagnation;
- In hot seasons, frequent dehydration causes the blood to thicken, increasing the risk of blood clots;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as heart failure;
- overdose of drugs that increase blood clotting;
- Surgical intervention, 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 obvious signs.Accompanied by a slight pain in the veins, a burning sensation, and legs get tired quickly.Pain increases in the evening;
- The second stage is characterized by the development of symptoms.Accompanied by severe pain, constant muscle tissue spasms, the formation of lymph nodes in the legs, increased thickness of the veins and a feeling of itching;
- The third stage is characterized by increased edema, poor blood circulation, ulcerative lesions that do not heal for a long time, and thrombophlebitis.
Alike
Depending on the location, several types of varicose veins are distinguished:
Varicose veins in legs and arms
It is diagnosed more often than other diseases and is easy to treat.
Pelvic varicose veins
Characterized by symptoms similar to other diseases.The urination process is interrupted, which can be painful during sex or exercise.
Uterine varicose veins
Rarely diagnosed, it is characterized by pain during sex, radiating to the lumbar region.
Esophageal varices
More often - concomitant diseases of portal hypertension.Characterized by the absence of symptoms.
Diagnose
Diagnosis requires a visual examination and medical history.Additional examinations reveal the condition of the valves and venous channels and allow us to determine 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)
- Examination (comprehensive body examination)
- Computer EEG
- Computer topography of the spine
- Double-sided scanning
- Ultrasound (ultrasound examination)
- CT (computed tomography)
- Check out Onco - free online consultation
Which doctor should I contact?
If you suspect varicose veins, you should contact a phlebologist - a specialist specializing in blood vessels.You can also make an appointment with a surgeon, who will diagnose and choose the appropriate treatment.
Treatment of varicose veins
The course of treatment depends on the individual characteristics of the disease.The drug improves valve function, nourishes vascular walls, stimulates blood flow, but cannot eliminate the disease.The patient's diet is adjusted, an individualized daily diet is developed, and the use of compression garments is prescribed.Traditional methods help relieve pain.If the disease cannot be cured by conservative methods, surgical intervention is indicated.The following methods are commonly used:
- Manual therapy
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy
- Orthopedic sole
- acupressure
- Ozone therapy
- Plasma therapy
- SVF joint therapy
- Pharmacology
complications
- Venous bleeding;
- eczema, which 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 uterine veins;
- death due to ruptured blood clot.
Prevention of varicose veins
To reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, the following rules must be followed:
- Avoid intense physical activity of the lower extremities;
- Use medication according to instructions;
- stop drinking alcoholic beverages;
- When working sedentarily, do light exercise once every hour;
- stop using compression underwear;
- maintain a balanced diet;
- At the first sign of varicose veins, consult your doctor.