Varicose veins

Fatigue, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, swelling of small tissues, swelling of the veins, and the first visible "vascular networks" may indicate the development of varicose veins in the lower extremities.

The statistics of this disease are severe. For example, in one country about 37 million people are infected with this disease. Every sixth patient is a 12-year-old girl. Such an early onset of the disease significantly increases the risk of complications, which, if neglected, poses a risk of disability and even death.

What is terrible about varicose veins of the lower extremities? Why is it so important to stop at an early stage of its development? Read its article on its treatment methods, prophylactic measures in terms of specialists, as well as many other useful information about varicose veins of the lower extremities.

What are varicose veins of the lower extremities?

All the veins of the human body are divided into deep, superficial and perforated. Deep vessels are almost all work (90%) to transport blood to the heart, while perforated vessels are a kind of bridge between the deep and the superficial. The structure of the veins ensures the presence of valves that direct and facilitate blood transfusion only in the right direction. When the circulatory system fails, a portion of the blood accumulates at one point. This causes the vessel to expand (extend) locally. The first suffers from deep veins (so-called internal varicose veins), later superficially in the form of "spider veins and nodules".

For a full understanding of the severity of the disease, it should be noted that its progression threatens the development of thrombophlebitis, blockage of the pulmonary artery by thrombosis (or thromboembolism), as well as trophic ulcers of the leg, lymphostasis of the lower extremities (swelling of the lower extremities) and many other problems.

Main causes of varicose veins of the lower extremities

Many factors can cause vascular dysfunction, blood circulation in general, and then stimulate varicose veins in the superficial veins of the lower extremities. Let us consider the basic ones:

1. Congenital malformation of the valves inside the venous vessels - the disease can be inherited. According to statistics, two-thirds of patients have a close relative with a similar disease.
2. Insufficient mobility reduces stress on soft tissues. As a result, it reduces the load on the blood vessels and their tone.
3. During the "standing" position, the pressure increases tenfold inside the shin vessel. With a long vertical arrangement, the valves are unable to cope with the increased load, causing their functioning to malfunction.
Decreased vascular tone - may be caused by age-related changes, loss of wall elasticity after certain diseases.
4. Pregnancy - This period is characterized by an increase in blood flow to the female body, as well as the hormones progesterone, estrogen. Together, these changes contribute to the development of varicose veins in the lower extremities. It is true that normalization of processes is possible about 1 year after delivery, if varicose complications have not arisen.

Excess weight, the presence of injuries, previous surgeries, hormonal disorders and the use of contraceptives complete the list of reasons for the development of the disease.

Definition of Varicose Veins in the Lower Limbs - Symptoms and Diagnosis

The effectiveness of treatment, the speed of a positive result largely depends on the accuracy and timeliness of the diagnosis of the disease.

Signs of varicose veins in the lower extremities will help diagnose the disease at an early stage:

• Slight swelling of the legs;
Swelling of superficial venous vessels, increase in their diameter;
• itching of the lower extremities with varicose veins;
• overload, feeling of heaviness;
• burning, pain caused by stretching of the walls of the veins;
• leg cramps;
• noticeable blue skin along the vein, compaction (induration) of problem areas of tissues, formation of varicose eczema of the lower extremities.

Even a small violation of the integrity of the skin at the site of eczema can lead to the appearance of a trophic ulcer.

Symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities may appear at a later stage, which is undesirable. Therefore, if you have the slightest suspicion of the disease, you are advised to consult a doctor.

Diagnosis of varicose veins of the lower extremities is carried out using special equipment. Such research is safe, painless and allows you to thoroughly study the severity of the disease.

There are several diagnostic options:

• visual inspection;
• Color duplex examination method - a blood flow map drawn during the study allows to understand the direction and speed of blood flow in the veins. The procedure informs the condition of the blood vessels, which is important for predicting the development of varicose veins;
• Phlebography - It is very rarely used because it involves X-ray examination.

At diagnosis you can monitor the condition of blood vessels, valves, analyze their function and determine the direction of blood flow.

Usually the first reason for a visit to the doctor is non-aesthetic changes. They are harmless from the first type, they can later turn into serious diseases and complications. Therefore, you should not neglect their importance.

Classification of varicose veins of the lower extremities

Doctors usually distinguish 5 stages of varicose veins of the lower extremities, each of which has its own symptoms:

• Stage 1- Reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities that are the easiest to treat. It is distinguished by the existence of a "vascular network". Varicose veins are seen through the thin skin (especially in the fossa below the knee), the pain does not arise yet.
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• Stage 3- Venous shells are significantly more prominent on the skin, especially on the inside of the lower leg, thin skin with dark brown spots, itching, rash, signs of dermatitis. Increased swelling causes discomfort while moving.
• Stage 4Varicose veins of the lower extremities - Symptoms are pronounced, complications of the disease appear, such as thrombophlebitis, manifestations of trophic ulcers. Varicose swollen nodules appear strongly through the weakened skin of the lower leg, legs, and thighs.
• Stage 5- has all the symptoms of stage 4. In addition, the disease spreads to the uterine area. The number of trophic ulcers is increasing rapidly, as is the incidence of thrombophlebitis crises. The doctor at this stage determines the disability of the varicose veins of the lower extremities.

The main task of both the patient and his doctor is to prevent the development of the disease at an early stage, and the sooner you contact a phlebologist, the easier it will be for him to stop the disease.

Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities

Medicine does not stand still, but develops the latest technologies against venous diseases. Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities can be carried out by conservative methods (medications, minimally invasive procedures), surgical intervention, home remedies with massage.

Deteriorating appearance attractiveness is not a complete list of possible problems. Complications and disability can add to this. Modern medicine offers a wide range of non-surgical effects on problem areas and often it is the physiotherapy of varicose veins of the lower extremities that is most effective in the early stages of the disease:

1. The use of creams, gels, ointments for varicose veins of the lower extremities, these drugs bring noticeable relief. They are easily applied to the surface, causing no pain or discomfort.
Use of venotonics - drugs that normalize the work of veins in the case of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
2. Laser Impact - The method of endogenous laser vein destruction (ELOV) is widely used in the fight against varicose veins. The principle of the procedure is to stop the functioning of the problematic vein due to the impact of the heat beam on it. Laser manipulations are performed under local anesthesia, restriction of action and no additional hospital stay is required. The patient has the right to go home as soon as the procedure is completed.
3. Magnetotherapy of varicose veins of the lower extremities is a modern adjuvant method that helps to thin the blood, stimulate blood circulation and, as a result, helps to remove toxins from the tissues and saturates them with oxygen.
4. RF exposure - RF works like a laser. They exclude problem vessels from the vascular system, thus eliminating the risk of possible complications;
5. Sclerotherapy - involves the insertion of a special drug into a diseased vein, which supports the adhesion of the walls of the vessel and its self-release from the blood for some time.

It should be noted that prior consultation with a physician and special examination is required.

Varicose vein operations on the lower extremities

A delayed visit to the doctor, neglect of the disease leads to CVI (chronic venous insufficiency) and the appropriateness of minimally invasive therapy. In such cases surgery is performed.

The following factors are considered indicative of lower extremity varicose vein surgery:

• The disease progresses to severe stages when trophic ulcers are gradually manifested;
• development of thrombophlebitis;
• Discomfort associated with excessive fatigue, swelling of the legs.

The principle of surgical intervention is based on the elimination of the problematic vein from the circulatory system, like conservative techniques. Only minimally invasive methods cause the vessels to stick to each other and during surgery they are bound and opened on both sides.

There are several basic methods of surgical treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities:

1. Phlebectomyis ​​a classic variant of surgery. Small incisions (up to five millimeters) are made in the skin through which a probe is inserted and the diseased vein is removed. The procedure lasts no more than two hours and does not involve prolonged hospitalization.
2. Miniphlebectomy- differs from classic phlebectomy in the size of the skin hole. In this case, these are minimal punctures that reduce the rehabilitation period, leaving no visible marks on the body.
3. Short strip- Requires the exact location of the problem area. Only the affected segment is removed. No traces were left after the procedure.
4. Vein incisionunder high optical endoscope control. It is injected directly into the diseased vein, the operation is performed by means of a monitor. Experience, surgeon qualification increases the chances of successful surgery.

Surgery will solve the problem of venous pain, reduce the risk of developing the disease and help alleviate the symptoms in the later stages. Compression underwear, venotonic medications are the main condition of the rehabilitation period. They promote early recovery, normalize blood circulation.

Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities with folk remedies

Treatment for varicose veins of the lower extremities has a separate niche. Proving their enormous importance is not necessary, but also nothing demeaning of their dignity. Cooked decorations, infusions, compresses can reduce pain, relieve the feeling of heaviness and fatigue after a hard day.

As a treatment option for reticular varicose veins, traditional medicine recommends a tincture of red wine calamus root for internal use. There are also external washing recipes.

Unopened vodka buds are soaked in 0. 5 liters of vodka for 10 days. When ready, the product is rubbed into the skin.

Useful compresses for varicose veins of the lower extremities from yogurt with garlic or wrapping with fresh cabbage leaves.

You should not expect super fast results. The funds are suitable for prophylactic purposes and for the treatment of primary varicose veins of the lower extremities, as well as in combination with medications individually prescribed by a doctor. Do not use any method of treatment without talking to your doctor.

Massage and gymnastics for varicose veins of the lower extremities

The healing properties of massage have long been known to mankind. Massage of the lower extremities with varicose veins also works beneficially. It enhances blood and lymph flow, normalizes venous pressure, and initiates metabolic processes in tissues.

Massage technique is peculiar. It is forbidden to touch the affected vein area in any way, only around it. Light tingling, wide grip and hitting are the main techniques of the procedure. It is recommended to combine massage with a combination of exercises.

Varicose veins training in the lower extremities involves a number of actions:

1. Warm up - You need two to three minutes to lie on your feet. They should be leaning against a wall or other height, this position ensures their complete relaxation.
2. Practice "Bicycle" - The movements are identical while riding a bicycle. Only body position "lying on your back".
3. Practice "scissors" - the upper limbs cross each other for at least a minute.
Exercise for calf muscles - in a "lying down" position, bend one leg so that the knee reaches the chest. Perform movements in the opposite direction while massaging the problematic muscle. Repeat the procedure four times on four legs.
4. Get up. For three to five minutes, lift your fingers and lower yourself to the starting position.
5. A set of lower extremity varicose vein exercises or exercise therapy exercises provides a preventive, therapeutic effect aimed at accelerating venous blood flow to the heart, increasing vascular tone.

It is important for the physician not only to approve the set of exercises for daily exercise, but also to make sure that the patient performs them correctly, without creating additional stress on the vessels.

Prevention of varicose veins of the lower extremities

It is better to avoid the problem than to cure it later! Experts unanimously recommend the following measures to prevent the disease:

1. Exercise more - this reduces the risk of blood and lymphedema.
2. Exercise regularly against varicose veins.
3. Shoes should be comfortable, the heel should not exceed four centimeters.
4. Prolonged exposure to the sun does not work well on the walls of blood vessels, limit the time of hot baths.

5. Give preference to contrast shower, it enhances blood circulation.
6. Pay attention to fresh vegetables, fruits, plant products. A special diet for varicose veins of the lower extremities is the "best friend" of health.
7. Moisturize the body with 2 liters of fluid a day.
8. Elimination of fatigue, incorrect sitting or uncomfortable position at rest is the best prevention of varicose veins of the lower extremities.

We must remember that varicose veins of the lower extremities are a progressive disease. From painless "stars" it can turn into thrombophlebitis and trophic ulcers. The absence of beauty, pain and heaviness can be maintained by following the simple recommendations of specialists. If you have the slightest suspicion of the disease, hurry to a phlebologist. Remember, varicose veins can not be completely cured, but it can be prevented, reducing the risk of its further development. ოს Be healthy!