If the veins on your legs are very large and clearly visible to the naked eye, then that’s no reason to be proud at all (well, actually, it’s not muscles). However, they do not look as attractive as, say, quadriceps. Therefore, most people usually hide them. Even from a doctor. Which, by the way, is completely incorrect. Because if you have any problems with the condition of veins and blood vessels, then you should show them to a doctor who specializes in them - a phlebologist. But first, read this article: in it you will learn how to treat varicose veins on the legs, what symptoms it has and what procedures are performed to remove them.
Varicose veins of the legs: symptoms
The symptoms of this disease depend on its stage:
So, in the first phase, the patient is disturbed by the feeling of heaviness in the lower extremities, muscle cramps (more often during sleep), itching or tingling, swelling of the legs. Occasionally there is pain in the legs, especially in the veins. There are often telangiectasias.
In the second phase, there are vascular networks and all the symptoms characteristic of the first phase, but already more pronounced. Also, the visibility of the veins is significantly increased: they can be seen even with the naked eye.
The third stage is characterized by all the above symptoms. At the same time, the swelling becomes almost permanent. Sometimes I can pass in the morning, but at the same time reappear in the evening.
In the fourth stage, the skin color changes. It can become brownish or even black. Inflammation occurs, skin atrophy is possible. In this case, spots of blue or purple hue appear on it.
In the fifth and sixth stages, a trophic ulcer is formed: healed and unhealed.
Varicose veins on the legs: treatment
Today, the treatment of varicose veins on the legs can be done in several ways:
Laser vein obliteration. It is a high-tech procedure that is carried out with the help of modern equipment - a medical laser device. The device is equipped with a flexible light guide, which is inserted into the lumen of the problematic vessel through a puncture or incision to a certain depth. After that, the phlebologist turns on the apparatus, and the tip of the light guide begins to emit a continuous stream of light. The light has such a wavelength that the rays are absorbed by the walls of the veins, which is why the solders are also heated. The control of the procedure with the help of an ultrasonic laser enables even more precise and efficient treatment of varicose veins on the legs. After a while, the glued veins dissolve. The fiber has a special design, which is why the entire inner circumference of the vessel is immediately processed. The required length of treatment is achieved by the fact that the doctor gradually pulls out the light guide. Laser ablation has an average session duration of 2-4. 5 hours, but this inconvenience is compensated by the fact that varicose veins can be treated with only one session of laser ablation. And since the procedure requires a small incision (not more than 0, 3 cm), after the session there is no need to sew.
Miniphlebectomy. This procedure will also require a puncture or incision (and also no more than 3 mm). It is needed to remove the affected area of the vein. After that, the phlebologist cuts out the extracted vein, and its ends are compressed. Treatment of varicose veins of the legs with this procedure does not include suturing, because the sting is small - it is usually covered with plaster and bandaged. This is enough for healing.
Sclerotherapy. You do not have to make an incision for this procedure - the session is completely injectable. Using a syringe, a special liquid (or foam-like) preparation is injected into the skin, which connects the walls of the veins. As in the case of laser obliteration of veins, the glued vein dissolves in the tissues after some time.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins in the legs. This operation is performed using local anesthetics. During the operation, the doctor cut the skin in the area of the removed veins, after which they remove them. In addition, the cause of the return flow of blood is eliminated at the same time. After surgical treatment, a fairly long recovery period is required, which is accompanied by mandatory bandages.
It is worth remembering that after all the procedures you must follow certain instructions that your doctor will give you after they are completed. So, it is necessary to leave any kind of sunbathing, not to go to the sauna or bath for a few months after the treatment of varicose veins of the legs. It is also forbidden to stay in a standing or sitting position for a long time. A special moment in achieving the efficiency of the procedure, as well as in the faster rehabilitation period, is wearing compression underwear. At the same time, it is enough to adhere to this rule day and night for the first few days. In the future, compression underwear can be worn only during the day. By the way, uncomfortable shoes (high heels, tight) will also initially have to be abandoned. It is recommended to wear comfortable and spacious shoes two or three weeks after the procedure.
Causes of varicose veins
One of the main reasons for the appearance and development of varicose veins of the legs, experts call the genetic predisposition. So, if a person is diagnosed with varicose veins in one of the relatives, then the risk of this disease will be significantly higher than in people whose relatives did not suffer from varicose veins. However, there are many other factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins in the legs:
Sedentary lifestyle.
Wearing uncomfortable shoes or shoes with high heels.
Delayed leg injuries.
Increased loads: excess weight, lifting weights.
Wrong diet.
Pregnancy and childbirth.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Weakened vascular tone.
Taking certain hormonal medications.
Smoking and alcohol abuse.
Diseases of the pelvic organs.
Constant stress and emotional tension.
High blood viscosity.
Varicose veins are more common in the elderly (because vascular tone decreases with age). However, it can occur in young people up to the age of 30. This disease affects both sexes.
Why you need to treat varicose veins on your legs
If the removal of varicose veins on the legs (treatment) is not done in time, various complications are possible, including a trophic ulcer that does not heal. After that, such an ulcer can cause gangrene, which can already be filled with amputation of the lower extremity and disability. In addition, the treatment of any disease is easier to carry out in the initial stages of the disease.
Also, do not forget about the possible development of thrombophlebitis. One of the complications of this disease is pulmonary embolism, which can be mostly fatal.
Prevention of varicose veins in the legs
A good preventative measure for varicose veins on the legs is to wear compression underwear that can provide even pressure on the entire surface of the legs. It is also recommended to follow other tips:
Do not neglect sports activities: cycling, swimming, walking, etc.
Avoid uncomfortable shoes (especially high heels).
Take a contrast shower.
In addition, if you have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins (or other factors), consult a phlebologist at least twice a year.