Varicose veins on the legs are a serious pathology that occurs as a result of venous valve disorders.There is a disruption of the physiological balance between muscle cells, elastin and collagen fibers of the walls of blood vessels, which causes the veins to expand and form knots.Most often, the pathology manifests itself on the legs.Without timely treatment, veins are deformed, trophic ulcers develop, blood clots form, which can cause serious complications and even death.
What causes lower extremity vein disease
Varicose veins are diseases with gradual development and stable progression, the causes of which are most often:
- inheritance associated with a genetic defect;
- obesity and overweight, which increase the load on the vascular system;
- lifestyle and area of activity: prolonged physical activity, standing or, conversely, sitting work, often wearing too tight and tight clothes, high-heeled shoes, bad habits, unbalanced diet;
- changes and imbalances in hormonal levels, for example, during pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins
There are 6 stages of varicose veins, each of which is characterized by certain symptoms:
- stage 0 – heaviness and pain in the legs, slight swelling, night cramps, but without any external manifestations;
- stage 1 – subtle appearance of spider veins or spider veins;
- phase 2 – expansion of veins and the appearance of nodes, which become especially noticeable after prolonged sitting or walking;
- stage 3 - noticeable swelling of the legs is added;
- 4th stage – trophic changes occur on the limbs: abnormal skin pigmentation, development of skin inflammation;
- stage 5 – formation of trophic ulcers;
- 6th stage – the appearance of non-healing trophic ulcers.
The earliest stages of varicose veins are difficult to diagnose because of symptoms similar to other diseases.But, thanks to the advanced diagnostic methods used in clinics, it is possible to identify the pathology and make an accurate diagnosis.
Methods of diagnosing and treating varicose veins
Accurate diagnosis is the key to effective treatment!To identify varicose veins and determine the stage of the disease, Doppler ultrasound is used - a highly informative method that allows you to assess blood flow in the arterial and venous bed, making an accurate diagnosis.
Varicose veins are treated with conservative, injection or surgical methods.The first is carried out in the initial stages of the disease and is aimed at reducing the intensity of symptoms and improving well-being.Unfortunately, this method cannot eliminate the cause and consequences of the disease.The main methods of such therapy include:
- physical therapy;
- compression therapy - wearing elastic bandages and a special compression garment;
- pharmacotherapy - taking venotonics and anti-inflammatory drugs that can increase the tone of venous walls, improve blood flow and remove inflammatory processes.
An effective method of treating varicose veins in advanced cases is surgery - removal of part of the affected veins - venectomy and phlebectomy.As a result of using such treatment methods, it is possible to eliminate the defect, as well as eliminate blood reflux and normalize blood flow.
For the treatment of varicose veins, minimally invasive methods are actively used, which have many advantages compared to other methods:
- safety and efficiency;
- performing manipulations on an outpatient basis without the need for hospitalization and the use of general anesthesia;
- the procedure takes place without incisions and scars;
- quick recovery;
- After surgery, the patient can immediately return to their normal lifestyle.
The following types of minimally invasive treatments are available for varicose veins:
- sclerotherapy - a special substance is injected by injection to glue the walls of the pathological vein.Manipulations are performed under the control of ultrasound equipment and are effective in the fight against varicose veins;
- Laser coagulation is a progressive alternative to surgical treatment.The technique is based on the thermal effect of the laser beam on the inner walls of the veins, which results in the closure of the venous vessels with an excellent aesthetic effect;
- miniphlebectomy – removal of enlarged nodes and veins through small punctures on the skin using a special scalpel, needle and hook;
- Vein closure with biological glue - gluing the lumen of a vein affected by varicose veins with a special glue.
Note: each method has certain indications and contraindications, which can be found out during the consultation.A vascular surgeon will help you choose the most appropriate treatment method after a careful study of your medical history and detailed diagnosis.
Prevention of varicose veins
Timely prevention can prevent the appearance of varicose veins, which is especially important for people at risk.
The main preventive measures are regular visits to a phlebologist, as well as the exclusion of negative factors that are the causes of pathology - by following simple recommendations, you can prevent the disease.Keeping your feet beautiful and healthy is easy if you follow a few tips:
- choose wisely when choosing shoes and give preference to comfortable models without high heels;
- get rid of excess weight and monitor your weight;
- wear comfortable clothes that do not restrict movement;
- move more: walk, swim;
- avoid prolonged physical activity on your feet and do not lift heavy objects;
- limit visits to saunas and baths, take warm baths;
- wear a compression leotard (for people at high risk);
- perform special gymnastics and massage;
- eat properly and in a balanced way;
- get rid of bad habits.
Learn more about varicose veins, methods of treatment and prevention at a consultation with a phlebologist.