Varicose veins treatment

Varicose veins are a disease that is accompanied by thinning of the venous walls, an increase in the diameter of the veins, and the formation of dilated nodules resembling aneurysms. Any vein can be involved, but is usually diagnosed in the lower extremities. Treatment of varicose veins includes drug therapy and surgical methods. Lack of therapy increases the risk of dangerous complications.

Causes of varicose veins

The underlying cause of the disease is not fully understood. We can only name the provoking factors that increase the risk of developing pathology:

• genetic predisposition. If either parent has the disease, it can develop in children.
• long static load. Working in a standing position causes stagnation of blood in the veins, which leads to their dilation and provokes the development of varicose veins.
• Lack of movement.
• Overload, including professional sports.
• Excessive weight, which leads to increased pressure in the vessels of the lower extremities.
• Pregnancy, in which the pressure in the vessels of the small pelvis and lower extremities increases, and the elasticity of the vessel walls also changes.
• Wearing shoes with high heels, interrupts the contraction of the calf muscles involved in moving blood through the veins (the so-called "muscle pumps").
• Improper nutrition (especially lack of fiber) leads to constipation, which increases pressure in the vessels of the small pelvis and lower extremities.
• Bad habits.
• Hormonal imbalance.

These are common causes of varicose veins. If in women the first signs of venous insufficiency appear during pregnancy or immediately after childbirth, in men, as a rule, the disease manifests itself after 40 years. The circuits in the legs are usually more involved. Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities in both sexes is practically the same.

Symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities

Officially, the disease is divided into three stages:

1. Compensation.
2. Secondary compensation.
3. Compensation.

In addition, there is an international classification that distinguishes the classes:

• C0. There were no signs of vascular damage, but the patient complained of varicose veins.
• C1. Enlargement of small superficial veins is noted.
• C2. Dilated veins are revealed on visual inspection.
• C3. Patients complain of tissue swelling, pain, and excessive fatigue after a day's work.
• C4. The first symptoms of nutritional disorders are identified visually.
• C5. Nutritional changes appear, but the ulcer takes a long time to heal. There may be scarring.
• C 6. Significant nutritional changes, active ulcers are present.

The degree of pathology was determined based on imaging findings, instrumental diagnostic methods, and existing signs of chronic disease.

The first symptoms can be called:

• Increased leg fatigue.
• Tissue swelling, especially pronounced in the evening, resolves after a short period of rest.
• Feel pain.
• Characteristic heaviness in the legs.
• Nocturnal cramps in the calf.
• Burning sensation along the vein path.

Pain is particularly significant. It never radiates to the thigh or heel, but is always noted at the site of the affected vein and is characterized by tenderness. Often feeling tired, interferes with sleep. After sleeping, the pain subsides.

In the early stages, there are no signs of hemispheric vein damage, but there are changes. This process can take several years, so treatment for varicose veins usually begins when 3-4 types of pathology are present. Over time, the clinic increases and the severity of venous insufficiency symptoms increases:

• Increased tissue swelling. It is localized mainly in the calf muscles. Like pain, swelling occurs in the afternoon and disappears after a night's rest. It is important to distinguish edema in the calf muscles from edema of the tissues of the foot. Then indicate a violation of the outflow of lymph.
• Itchy skin. It is noted along the ships.
• Visual changes in the skin in the form of tortuous veins, the presence of extensions.
• Skin changes due to circulatory disorders. There is cyanosis, thickened tissues, may darken.

In the absence of therapy, the clinic is replenished with signs of tissue malnutrition, the appearance of trophic ulcers, eczema, etc. v. Violation of the venous valves can cause the following complications:

• Venous thromboembolism. It is characterized by the formation of blood clots. Without help, this condition can be life-threatening.
• Venous thrombosis. Occurs with the congestion of the train. It is manifested by severe pain, which is aggravated by physical activity.
• Pulmonary embolism. Occurs due to cleavage of the blood clot. Given its small size, it can cause pneumonia, or chronic heart failure.
• Nutritional ulcer. The first sign is thickening of the tissues on the affected vein. Moreover, the tissues become thinner, ulcers appear. Focal point does not heal for a long time and does not respond to therapy.

Diagnostic

Despite the characteristic symptoms, it is not possible to diagnose and initiate medication based on imaging findings alone.

Dopplerography is required. This is one of the easiest ways to evaluate circuit walls. It is based on determining the degree of frequency variation of the reflected acoustic signal from the blood cells.

When performing ultrasound, angiography is performed, which allows to evaluate the condition of the vessel walls, as well as the direction of blood flow. The result will be a two-dimensional image of the veins with reflections of the valves, possibly with a blood clot.

In cases where the methods listed do not give an adequate answer, CT is prescribed. If thrombosis, vascular dysplasia, and involvement of the veins of the small pelvis are suspected, radiometric computed tomography is indicated.

Treatment of varicose veins in the legs

A phlebologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies. It is with this specialist that you should contact at the first sign of the disease. In advanced cases, when conservative therapy does not give the desired effect, radical methods are used. In this case, the vascular surgeon is engaged in the removal of varicose veins.

Treatment is determined based on the results of the examination. In the early stages, synthetic and local drugs can be used. When medication doesn't work, surgery is prescribed.

Conservative treatment

The main drugs are venotonics (phlebotonics). Available in the form of tablets and capsules, it has a systemic effect. Thanks to them, it is possible to normalize blood circulation and improve the condition of the entire body. In addition to oral tablets, you can use topical remedies that also have the same effect. These are creams and gels. They have a noticeable effect, but the effect lasts for a short time.

The action of phlebotonics is based on improving the elasticity of blood vessels, reducing the permeability of the vessel walls and eliminating blockages. The patient reduces edema and normalizes hematopoiesis.

The use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants is allowed. They are indicated with a high risk of blood clots, as well as their presence. Thanks to them, they can dissolve blood clots and reduce viscosity. These funds are used for a marked violation of the viscosity of the blood, but there is a risk of bleeding, they are not allowed to be used.

In addition to the preparation, the therapist prescribes compression stockings. It can be elastic bands, socks, leg socks, tights. The positive effect of their use is explained as follows:

• Linen puts pressure on the affected veins and deep vessels.
• In the lower part of the leg, the vessels are subjected to the most pronounced pressure of the knitwear, which eliminates blockages.
• The vessels are often in a compressed state, so the valve operation becomes more efficient.
• With the use of underpants, the severity of the swelling and pain gradually decreased.

Varicose veins surgery

In the absence of an effect of drug therapy, surgery is prescribed. The indications for its implementation are the following conditions:

• Failure of conservative treatment
• The first signs of thrombophlebitis.
• Visible dilation of the vascular wall.
• Significant tissue swelling.

Varicose veins can be effectively treated by the following methods:

• Removes radio frequencies, allowing you to restore the structure of blood vessels.
• Laser coagulation, in which the affected areas are affected by the laser.
• Varadi technique with complete removal of the affected vessel.
• Venaseal technique, whereby the valves of the veins stick together.
• Sclerotherapy, which allows you to "glue" the vessels from the inside.

Modern treatments for varicose veins allow you to carry out all the necessary procedures without a hospital stay and send the patient home. The choice of technique is determined by the doctor based on the results of the examination.

Disease prevention

Varicose veins are difficult to treat, even after surgery, precautions must be taken so that the disease does not recur. Some patients use drug therapy for life and wear compression stockings. The disease can be prevented as follows:

• Reject enticing things.
• Wear shoes with medium heels.
• Complete nutrition.
• Weight control.
• Normalize the drinking regime.
• Recreational activities, swimming, cycling.
• Reject bad habits.

Adhering to preventive measures and taking care of your body will help prevent disease and notice deviations in time. Timely treatment of varicose veins eliminates the progression of the pathology and the formation of complications.