Varicose veins are a disease of the venous channels, characterized by blood circulation disorder 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 provokes blood stagnation and the formation of a joint.Requires consultation with a physician.
Symptoms of varicose veins
In the initial stages of the development of the disease, the size of 2-3 channels increases.There are no other symptoms.As varicose veins progress, the following signs appear:
- rapid fatigue of the lower extremities;
- swelling of the legs;
- sense of importance;
- thickening of the venous channels that emerge on the surface of the skin;
- hair loss in the affected area;
- burning and itching sensation;
- pain in the lower extremities;
- the formation of bleeding cracks with minor damage;
- dermatitis;
- redness along the venous channel.
- veins take on a dark blue hue, knots are formed;
- cramps in the lower extremities.
reason
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 transmission 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 tissues, which leads to increased pressure in the lower extremities;
- changes in hormonal 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;
- excess body weight provokes slow blood circulation, increased pressure in the abdominal area;
- a high concentration of sugar in the blood vessels damages the walls of the channels, creating a favorable environment for the formation of blood clots;
- excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages provokes dehydration, blood cells thicken, blood clots form and blood circulation is disrupted;
- Prolonged physical activity in the lower extremities provokes a decrease in the tone of the muscle tissues, the blood flow in the cardiac system slows down and stagnation is formed in the legs;
- congenital abnormalities in the coagulation of blood cells;
- an incorrectly formulated diet, low concentrations of vitamins E and C lead to weakening of blood vessels;
- constant use of tight underwear provokes compression of venous channels;
- kidney diseases;
- chronic constipation.The disease leads to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, which provokes impaired blood circulation;
- frequent use of high-heeled shoes, the muscle tissue of the lower leg does not move, causing stagnation;
- hot season, frequent dehydration thickens the blood, increasing the risk of blood clots;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as heart failure;
- overdose of drugs that increase blood coagulation;
- 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, burning sensation and rapid fatigue of the legs.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 joints in the legs, an increase in the thickness of the veins and a feeling of itching;
- the third stage is characterized by an increase in edema, impaired blood circulation, ulcerative lesions that do not heal for a long period of time, and thrombophlebitis.
Variety
Depending on the location, there are several types of varicose veins:
Varicose veins in legs and arms
It is diagnosed more often than others and is easy to treat.
Varicose veins of the pelvis
It is characterized by symptoms similar to other diseases.The process of urination is interrupted, pain is possible during sexual intercourse or during physical exercises.
Uterine varicose veins
Rarely diagnosed, it is characterized by painful sensations during sexual intercourse, which radiate to the midsection.
Varicose veins of the esophagus
More often - concomitant diseases of portal hypertension.It is characterized by the absence of symptoms.
Diagnosing
Diagnosis requires a visual examination and a medical history.Additional examinations show the condition of the valves and venous channels and allow us to determine the type and stage of the development of the disease.If necessary, the doctor prescribes functional tests to determine the patency of the veins, duplex ultrasound scan, venography, Dopplerography to assess blood flow.To diagnose varicose veins use:
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Control (comprehensive examination of the body)
- Computer electroencephalography
- Computed topography of the spine
- Duplex scan
- 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 specialized specialist who deals with blood vessels.You can also make an appointment with a surgeon, he will make a diagnosis and choose the right treatment.
Treatment of varicose veins
The course of treatment depends on the individual characteristics of the disease.Medicines improve the functioning 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 drawn up, and the use of compression garments 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 usually used:
- Manual therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Therapeutic massage
- Orthopedic stools
- Reflexology
- Ozone therapy
- Plasma therapy
- SVF joint therapy
- Pharmacopuncture
Complications
- Venous bleeding;
- eczema, develops with prolonged lack of oxygen;
- superficial thrombophlebitis;
- the formation of blood clots in the deep venous channels;
- formation of trophic ulcers;
- infertility due to damage to the uterine veins;
- death due to blood clot rupture.
Prevention of varicose veins
To reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, the following rules should be followed:
- avoid intense physical activity in the lower limbs;
- use medication as directed;
- stop drinking alcoholic beverages;
- when working sitting, perform small gymnastics once an hour;
- stop using compression underwear;
- keep a balanced diet;
- At the first sign of varicose veins, consult a doctor.