Varicose veins on the legs - symptoms and treatment

27 May 2022

Varicose veins (VV) is a fairly common disease that affects both men and women. It can affect a person's lower limbs as well as deep veins, leading to the development of thrombosis and post-thrombophlebitis.

Spider veins that appear on a person’s legs due to the development of the disease cause him to start feeling unattractive. In addition to external, there are also internal manifestations of explosives, which are expressed in the appearance of discomfort and pain in the muscles of the lower leg. The development of the disease increases the risk of other pathologies of the circulatory system.

The key to success in the fight against pathology lies in timely diagnosis and competent treatment. A big mistake on the part of a person is the independent use of various ointments and creams, which in most cases do not bring the desired effect. As a result, time was lost that could have been focused on proper and effective therapy.

To get rid of varicose veins, you need to solve the following tasks:

Elimination of symptoms.
Removal of varicose veins.
Prevention of development and recurrence of BB.

Only a highly qualified specialist with sufficient experience in the treatment and prevention of pathologies of this type can successfully cope with each of the above tasks.

Symptoms of varicose veins

The symptoms of the disease are signs that clearly indicate its development. They are divided into:

subjectively:
1. Non-intense and painful pain in the muscles of the lower leg.
2. Feeling of tingling and itching along the veins affected by varicose veins.
3. Weight in legs, worse before the end of the day.
4. Hyperpigmentation of the skin.
5. Increased lower extremity fatigue.
6. Trophic venous ulcer of the leg.
7. Pain in the muscles of the lower leg, intensified by walking.
8. Occurrence of edema of the legs and feet.
Goal:
1. Saphenous varicose veins, which are clearly visible even without the use of special equipment.
2. Dilated intradermal and saphenous veins are clearly visible.
3. The presence of arachnoid veins.
4. Changes in the structure and color of the skin, the appearance of lipodermatoscorosis and venous trophic ulcers.

What do veins look like?

The first alarm signal about the presence of venous problems is swelling of the lower extremities by the end of the day. Swelling is especially pronounced if a person spends most of the day standing. It can disappear in the morning after a night spent relaxing.

However, if you do not pay due attention to this problem, the condition can significantly worsen. Intradermal veins on the legs with varicose veins become dark blue, protruding above the skin surface of the legs and feet. From the outside they look like bunches of red grapes that are overripe. Such external manifestations of pathology are accompanied by pain in the leaves, a feeling of heat in the legs, swelling and cramps in the muscles of the lower leg. Over time, these symptoms are accompanied by a change in skin appearance.

Causes of varicose veins of the lower extremities

VV of the lower extremities can develop under the influence of a number of factors and circumstances, the main of which are:

Pregnancy. This is a key risk factor for developing the disease. This explains the fact that varicose veins are several times more common in women than in men. In this case, the disease develops under the influence of an increase in the volume of circulating blood and compression of the retroperitoneal veins of the pregnant uterus.
obesity. The connection between this condition and the development of VV has been proven by numerous studies. At the same time, a direct link was found between increased body weight and increased risk of developing pathology.
Lifestyle characterized by prolonged static loads with regular weight lifting or prolonged immobility in a standing or sitting position.
dyshormonal states. Their role in the development of the disease has increased significantly in recent years. This is due to the widespread use of hormonal contraceptives, the spread of hormone replacement therapy for osteoporosis and during the premenopausal period.
Heredity. The role of this factor in the formation of varicose veins on the legs today has no unequivocal confirmation.
Violation of the valvular apparatus of the veins, which leads to a rush of blood flow under the influence of gravity every time a person gets to his feet. The muscles around the deep veins contract as you walk. These veins are subject to emptying, which increases venous pressure. Blood enters the superficial veins through communication vessels with insufficient valves. As a result, they are filled with blood, which leads to their stretching and dilation (varicose veins).

Classification and phases

Like any disease, VV has several stages, which differ in the degree of spread of pathology and symptoms. These include the following phases:

Initial (or compensation).
Others (or subcompensation).
Third (or decompensation).

It is worth noting that complications can occur at any of the above stages, but their greatest likelihood is inherent in the latter two. BB can serve as an incentive for the development of diseases such as:

Thrombophlebitis.
Erysipelas.
Deep venous thrombosis.
Trophic eczema.

A visit to a specialist, performed at the first signs of the disease, will help reduce the risk of worsening the situation and eliminating varicose veins. Do not ignore any minor symptoms, as this can lead to undesirable and extremely negative consequences.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of varicose veins, whose symptoms are described above, sets itself the solution of the following tasks:

Determining the presence of pathology in each individual patient. It often happens that people who do not have varicose veins are sure to have it, and vice versa. However, only an experienced phlebologist, based on an external examination and a series of complex studies, can make an accurate diagnosis.
Determining the type characteristic of venous pathology. The doctor determines exactly which veins suffered a pathological lesion, and also determines the degree of that lesion and the possible or already occurred consequences.
Prescribing the proper course of treatment. Based on the diagnosis and characteristics of each specific organism, the attending physician makes a choice in favor of one or another treatment or set of therapeutic measures.
Assess the degree of effectiveness of therapy, which is carried out by the doctor during the elimination of the disease or after the patient fully recovers.

The main methods for diagnosing VV include:

Plethysmography.
thermography.
M. R. I.
Ultrasound angioscanning.
Computed tomography.
Clinical studies: conversation with the patient, his external examination and examination with his hands.
Radionuclide phlebography.
Intravascular ultrasound.
X-ray phlebography.

It is usually enough for a professional specialist to perform a clinical examination and ultrasound angiography in order to diagnose varicose veins in the legs.

Methods of treatment

Modern methods of varicose vein therapy aim to reduce the degree of disability and trauma, which contributes to faster recovery of the patient. The main therapeutic methods include:

Sclerotherapy. This method involves the introduction into the lumen of varicose veins of the legs of a special drug that causes chemical burns of the inner venous wall. This leads to their sticking and cessation of pathological blood flow through them. It can be used alone or in combination with other manipulations. It is performed without prior anesthesia with skin prick needles with a thin needle. The duration depends on the extent of the lesion.
Foam sclerotherapy, which involves the preparation of foam by a specialist from a special drug that can use the impressive surface of the inner walls of the affected venous vessels. It is used to treat large diameter veins.
Endovenous laser coagulation, which is performed using a laser device on the main stems of the leg veins and allows you to stop the pathological flow of blood through the affected veins due to burns of their inner walls and their subsequent sticking.
Miniphlebectomy, which aims to remove subcutaneous nodules and tributaries of varicose veins through skin punctures. It has an excellent cosmetic effect and is used alone or in combination with other therapeutic methods under local anesthesia.
Removal of incompetent perforating veins, for the prevention of venous insufficiency and treatment of trophic disorders, including ulcers.
Combined phlebectomy, which is a combination of some methods of IV therapy, based on the indications and nature of venous pathology.

Complications of varicose veins

It should be understood that improper treatment of the disease or complete rejection can lead to complications. The latter appear not only in cosmetic defects of the lower extremities, but also in more serious forms. Among them:

Trophic eczema, which later turns into an ulcer.
Thrombotic lesions of the venous system, including superficial venous thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities.

Venous blood is a kind of "sewer" for body tissues and is saturated with substances and products of cell metabolism that are relatively harmful to the human body. Skin and subcutaneous tissue cells, as well as muscles and bones, expel the products of tissue respiration and other waste material into the venous system, which transfers them to the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver. In case of violation of the functioning of the venous system, there is an increase in the content of these products in the tissues of the body.

An enlarged vein with varicose veins leads not only to an increase in the concentration of harmful products in the tissues, but also to an increase in their swelling. Such a violation of the outflow of harmful products, combined with prolonged swelling, leads to the death of skin cells and subcutaneous tissue and their subsequent replacement by venous eczema, represented by a dense and punctate structure of dark color. The death of the surface layer of the skin is the cause of trophic ulcers.

Prevention

Varicose veins on the legs, whose treatment today is carried out by various methods, can be avoided if preventive measures are followed. Due to the fact that the risk of developing VV is much higher in women, they are the ones who should not neglect the prevention of this disease. However, men should not neglect preventive measures aimed at preventing the development of varicose veins in the legs. Key activities include:

The use of local preparations (gels, ointments, creams) that help strengthen the walls of blood vessels, optimize the work of valves, reduce the risk of blood clots, eliminate edema and heal wounds.
Use of socks, leggings, socks and elastic bandages with a compression effect. This is a great tool in the fight against varicose veins. These products can be purchased in specialty stores after consulting a doctor, which is necessary due to the relative difficulties in self-determining the required type of compression underwear.
Special exercises performed daily. They are able to stop even the dilation of blood vessels that has already begun. It should be borne in mind that if there is a tendency to BB, it will make you give up heavy physical exertion, but in no case should you neglect an active lifestyle. Running, swimming, yoga and skiing, for example, help maintain healthy leg veins.
Preventive tablets for varicose veins have been recognized as a more effective method of preventing VV than the use of topical medications. However, the use of any oral drug should be carried out exclusively for its intended purpose and under the strict supervision of a competent professional.

To prevent the situation from getting worse, you should abandon self-medication at the first manifestations of the disease and consult a doctor. This will enable timely correct diagnosis and prescribing adequate treatment that will stop the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of developing other pathologies to zero.

Frequently Asked Questions

Very often people are interested not only in the question of how to treat varicose veins. Many patients suffering from this disease are interested in what they can and cannot do in order not to worsen their health condition and not to cause other health problems. The following are frequently asked questions of interest to people with VV.

Is it possible to be vaccinated against coronavirus with varicose veins?

The answer to the question of whether the vaccine against coronavirus is allowed for varicose veins is possible. This pathology is not a limitation for vaccination against COVID-19 in the absence of its exacerbation. If a person does not suffer from acute thrombophlebitis, then it refers to the decompensation of varicose veins of the legs and he is not forbidden to be vaccinated against coronavirus infection.

Can I drink coffee for varicose veins?

Caffeine has the ability to raise blood pressure and increase heart rate, which are unfavorable factors for fragile swollen veins damaged by varicose veins. Coffee has the following effects on blood vessels:

Increased load on the walls of the veins.
Increase in blood pressure.
Short-term venous expansion.

Therefore, with varicose veins, you can drink coffee, but not exceeding the daily amount. Complete rejection of your favorite tonic drink will not lead to the renewal of pathologically affected veins, so you should not bother and do not drink coffee. Just don't drink more than 1-2 cups a day. It is also recommended to dilute coffee with milk.

Is massage allowed?

Complex treatment of varicose veins at an early stage includes massage. However, it needs to be done correctly.

With varicose veins, you can do an extremely light massage of the lower extremities. It is also indicated for patients with uncomplicated varicose veins.

It is recommended to do a professional hand massage for patients with varicose veins, but all the characteristics of the course of the disease must be taken into account. It is recommended to consult a specialist before you start massaging the area whose veins are affected by varicose veins.

Can you warm your feet?

When the legs warm up, the veins dilate, the blood circulation increases and the load on the marigold walls only increases. This can worsen the already poor condition of dilated blood vessels. Therefore, it is recommended to limit hot baths in patients with varicose veins. It is better to reduce the temperature of the water from hot to warm, which will not cause vasodilation and will not lead to worsening of the human condition. It should always be borne in mind that consultation with a specialist is necessary, regardless of whether it is a hot bath or vaccination for varicose veins.

Is running and squatting allowed?

Experts recommend starting jogging at the first signs of BB development. It is important to ensure that these exercises are systematic. During running, the blood is saturated with oxygen. Therefore, it is better to give preference to running through the woods or park, where the air is always clean.

However, you should adequately assess your abilities and endurance, and avoid overloading, which is contraindicated in varicose veins. It is important to monitor the gradual increase in load that does not exceed indicators that are comfortable for the body.

While running, a person with BB should not feel tired. It is allowed to run only short distances with the use of compression socks. In case of thrombophlebitis, running should be abandoned. The permissibility of running and squatting in varicose veins of the pelvis should be discussed with your doctor.

What is the best treatment for varicose veins?

Today, there is no unambiguous answer to the question of which therapeutic method is the most effective for varicose veins. The fact is that the success of treatment depends on a number of factors that in each case must be assessed by a qualified specialist. Only then can they make a final decision on determining a particular treatment for BB.