Varicose veins, more commonly known as varicose veins, occur when the veins stretch and enlarge, turning blue-purple or red in color due to the accumulation of a large amount of blood.This is a widespread disorder that in most cases occurs in the legs (most often in the calf muscles), but it can also occur in other parts of the body.
In general, the blood supply to the cells, known from the biology course, takes place as follows: from the left heart chamber, oxygenated blood flows through the aorta into the arteries, and from there into the smaller blood vessels to the capillaries, through which the organs and tissues of the body receive the oxygen and substances they need.After that, with the help of small blood vessels called "venules", the blood is collected from the capillaries and enters the larger veins, whose task is to send the blood back to the lungs and heart to be enriched with oxygen and repeat its journey.The mechanism that directs blood to the heart is called the venous pump.
Veins are blood vessels that return blood from body tissues to the heart.
Some veins have one-way valves inside them that open to allow blood to flow toward the heart and close to prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction.
In fact, this is how varicose veins develop: if the valves are damaged and do not block the flow of blood, it accumulates in the veins, causing them to swell and stretch, which leads to varicose veins.Angiosurgeons claim that varicose veins are a pathological process that results in a change in the venous wall with subsequent valvular insufficiency.
In varicose veins, the reverse flow (reflux) of blood is created due to dysfunction of the valves.They do not close the vein cavity, which allows blood to flow in the opposite direction.As a result, increased venous blood pressure is created, which disrupts the integrity of the vein walls - they expand and protrude under the skin.
Since varicose veins are a modification of veins, the pathology is considered not only a vascular disease, but also a cosmetic problem.Normal veins and varicose veins - when, due to valve failure, there is reverse blood flow and dilation of the veins.
Why are the legs most often affected by varicose veins?
There are 3 types of veins on our legs – superficial veins, which are closest to the skin;deep veins, which are located inside the muscles and connect to the largest vein in our body - the vena cava, which leads to the heart;and perforating veins, connecting the superficial and deep veins to each other.The dilated veins that we see are observed precisely in the superficial veins, which are located closest to the skin.
When we are in an upright position, the blood in the legs should be directed upwards towards the heart, resisting the force of gravity.To do this, the leg muscles contract and press on the deep veins, pushing blood towards the heart.When the leg muscles contract, the valves inside the veins open, but when the muscles relax, the valves close, blocking blood flow to the feet.
As you may have guessed, varicose veins are more common in the legs due to the fact that the pressure of gravity, which increases while sitting and standing, affects the venous circulation in the lower extremities the most.
How dangerous are varicose veins?
For most people, varicose veins are primarily an aesthetic problem and initially do not pose a threat to health.Swollen, unsightly veins can spoil the appearance of certain parts of the body, but in most cases they do not impair blood circulation.It is noted that if you do not pay due attention to the fight against varicose veins, its appearance worsens over time and complications may develop.
Causes of varicose veins
A number of factors can increase the risk of varicose veins:
- Factor no.1 – inheritance.If someone in your family has or has had varicose veins, your chances of inheriting them increase.
- Cat.Varicose veins are more common in women than in men.
- Old age.As we age, our veins and valves become weaker.
- Disturbance of blood flow between arteries and veins.
- Hormonal changes.Hormonal changes during pregnancy, premenstrual period and menopause increase the risk of varicose veins.During pregnancy, the growing fetus puts pressure on the veins in the legs.Varicose veins that appear during this period become less noticeable 3-12 months after the birth of a child.Moreover, each subsequent pregnancy increases the risk of varicose veins.
- Overweight or obesity.Being overweight puts a lot of pressure on the veins, which can lead to varicose veins.
- Sitting and standing work and sedentary lifestyle.If you stand or sit for long periods of time, you increase the risk of developing varicose veins.This happens because during long periods of inactivity, it is harder for the veins to deliver blood to the heart.
Symptoms of the development of varicose veins
In addition to the appearance of bulging dark blue or purple veins, here are the main signs of developing varicose veins:
- Slight swelling of the ankles and feet, especially after standing for a long time.
- Pain, burning and feeling of heaviness in the legs.
- Leg cramps and a throbbing sensation.
- Itchy ankles and lower legs, often misdiagnosed as dry skin.
- A change in the color of the skin in the area where the varicose veins develop (appearance of bruising).
How to prevent varicose veins
According to experts from the University of California Department of Surgery, the first thing a person can do to prevent varicose veins is to change their lifestyle and instill new habits.Although these same changes will not help get rid of varicose veins that have already formed, they will reduce the likelihood of their appearance worsening, as well as reduce pain and protect other areas of veins from developing varicose veins.
What needs to be done to reduce the likelihood of varicose veins or protect already affected veins from worsening:
- Do not sit or stand in one place for a long time.Try to move at least every 30 minutes.
- When sitting, do not cross one leg over the other.
- If possible, elevate your legs when resting while sitting or lying down.Try to raise your legs so that they are above the level of your heart.
- Practice.This will allow your leg muscles to move and move blood through the veins more efficiently.
- If you are overweight, try to get it back to normal.This will help improve blood circulation and reduce stress on the veins.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing, especially around the waist, hips and legs.
- Do not wear high heels too often or for a long time.Low-heeled shoes help keep the calf muscles toned, allowing blood to move more easily through the veins.
- Exercise regularly.This will help you improve blood circulation, get rid of excess weight and maintain a healthy weight.
Complications with varicose veins
According to the Circulation Foundation, although varicose veins get worse over time, this process takes a very long time.It is also noted that in some people with varicose veins, high pressure in the veins can lead to damage to the skin in the area of the ankle joint and a change in its color, as well as to the appearance of white scars.
If left untreated, progressive varicose veins can lead to more serious negative consequences:
- Appearance of ulcers
- Phlebitis
- Bleeding
- deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
If a person develops eczema (a red rash on the skin), it can later progress to ulcers that will need to be removed surgically.
Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein that is often accompanied by thrombosis within the affected vein, which becomes hard but brittle.In most cases, this disorder does not pose a serious health risk, although it is often mistaken for a more serious pathology - deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Many people worry that accidentally hitting a varicose vein will cause it to bleed, but this rarely happens.If this happens, the bleeding is stopped by applying a tight gauze bandage and applying ice.The person should lie down with his legs higher than his heart and seek medical help without delay so that specialists can perform procedures that will reduce the risk of rebleeding.
Some patients suffering from varicose veins later face another pathology - deep vein thrombosis.Science is not entirely sure whether varicose veins directly increase the risk of DVT.Symptoms of DVT include swelling, pain, and skin that feels hot to the touch.According to experts from the US National Library of Medicine, deep vein thrombosis mainly affects the large veins in the muscles of the thighs and calves, and it is noted that DVT almost always develops in only one leg.
Treatment of varicose veins
Compression therapy
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is recommended to wear compression garments.Socks, tights or leggings apply gentle pressure from the bottom of the leg upwards, reducing blood pooling and swelling.However, the effect is achieved only if you wear them regularly.Although wearing compression stockings will not cure varicose veins that have already formed, they will prevent or reduce varicose veins and further complications.
In addition, the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), in its clinical guidelines for the management of patients with varicose veins of the lower extremities and pelvis, notes: "Stockings are the first therapeutic procedure for patients whose ulcers have been removed as the varicose veins progress."
Endovenous ablation (radiofrequency or laser)
Endovenous ablation involves the use of laser or radiofrequency therapy to close or remove varicose veins.The doctor makes a small incision in the skin near the vein and inserts a catheter into it.After that, a special device is connected to the tip of the catheter, which heats the catheter and closes or removes the varicose vein (depending on the chosen ablation method).The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the patient usually returns home the same day.
Endovenous ablation is one of the most effective and safest methods of treating varicose veins.The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) recommends this procedure over surgery for the treatment of superficial varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
This is another gentle method of treating varicose veins.During the procedure, a special substance is injected into the vein affected by varicose veins, which destroys the inner lining of the vein and causes blood to clot in it.Over time, the vein collapses and disappears.
Surgical method
In advanced cases of varicose veins, gentler treatment methods will not help correct the situation.In that case, the person is referred to surgery, during which the superficial vein is surgically removed.Indications for surgery are:
- Ulcers or the risk of them appearing,
- Bleeding
- Phlebitis.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and the patient is usually sent home the same day.A person may feel pain and discomfort for 2 weeks after surgery.
The Circulation Foundation notes that deep vein thrombosis can sometimes develop after surgery, but the risk of this pathology can be reduced by wearing compression stockings and maintaining a high level of physical activity.
Varicose veins and training
Full movement and moderate exercise are the main helpers in the fight against varicose veins.
However, while some training methods are beneficial and recommended for the prevention of varicose veins, others can be harmful.
Moderate, rhythmic physical activity (such as walking) positively contributes to the prevention of the development of varicose veins and helps reduce the likelihood of complications, since dynamic muscle movements help direct blood from the periphery to the heart.
Walking
Walking is one of the best movements to prevent varicose veins and promotes healthy circulation by stretching and contracting the venous pump in the calf muscles.Walk for at least 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.
Low intensity running
Running at a slow pace works well on the calf muscles, but it has one drawback - running puts stress on our joints.If you are not ready to replace running with another activity, run on grass or rubber tracks, not hard asphalt.
Elliptical and exercise bike
Exercises on the elliptical trainer and exercise bike actively engage the calf muscles, promoting healthy circulation.In addition, unlike running, these workouts put less stress on your joints.
Strength training
People with varicose veins should avoid excessive amounts of very intense weight training.During prolonged muscle tension of an irregular nature, leg muscles and ventilatory pumps do not contribute to the return of blood to the heart through the veins.For this reason, blood accumulates in the veins of the legs during training, which can only contribute to the further development of varicose veins.In addition, the increase in intra-abdominal pressure during exertion also impairs blood circulation.
Among the exercises that have a negative effect on venous circulation, the specialists of the vein clinic in Georgia especially emphasize squats, lunges and sit-ups.
People with varicose veins must train with light weights and perform relatively high repetitions per set without reaching failure.In addition, in order to restore normal blood circulation after the end of strength training, pedaling on an exercise bike or exercising on an elliptical trainer is recommended.It is also recommended to wear compression socks during and after strength training.
Why do veins bulge more in summer?
As noted by the specialists of the Vienna Center by name.John's and Hospital.Joseph Wayne, veins bulge more in summer due to the fact that under the influence of high temperature they expand and fill with blood, increasing in size.
To reduce the swelling of veins in summer, you need to follow simple recommendations:
- Lubricate the skin with a thick layer of moisturizing SPF cream.
- If you are outside for a long time, try to hide in the shade.
- Do not sunbathe for too long.
- Swim regularly.In this way, you will carry out the cooling procedures of your body, without giving the veins a chance to enlarge.
- Try to wear flat/low shoes and sandals rather than high heels.
- Drink more fluids.
You should not allow the situation to worsen;you must take immediate action.