From the article you will learn what signs may indicate varicose veins of the lower extremities, causes of pathology, treatment and prevention at home.
What is varicose veins?
Varicose veins is a pathology of the veins, which is based on a malfunction of the vascular valve apparatus with the formation of venous insufficiency, dilation of the lumen, edema, accompanied by permanent tissue passage.
Main causes of pathology
Varicose veins in the legs have different causes and symptoms that have minor gender characteristics.The main common cause of pathology is called congenital weakness of connective tissue.Hormonal changes are in second place, so women are diagnosed with varicose veins more often. A long static position, sitting or standing, plays a role, while longer legs are a more serious situation. Excess weight also causes an increase in venous pressure in the lower extremities, as well as a lack of physical activity. Smoking, pregnancy, concomitant diseases, tight underwear, shoes, heels, everything that causes blood stagnation in the veins in the legs, are a risk factor for varicose veins.
Symptoms and Clinical Manifestations
Signs of varicose veins are not significantly different in women and men. It is a stage-by-stage disease whose symptoms correlate with the stage of development of the pathological process.
The first stage is characterized by minor clinical manifestations: the veins barely appear on the surface of the skin, the dermis is slightly hyperemic, the heaviness in the legs begins to break, it is possible to pass the legs, feet, evening passages. Such symptoms of varicose veins of the legs are especially painful for women from an aesthetic point of view. Pain is often preceded by visual cues.
In the second stage, the clinical picture acquires a typical look: the veins on the legs protrude sharply from the skin surface, are well palpated, look like nodules. If the pathological process progresses, the veins of the lower extremities acquire sinusoidal forms, bluish-purple hue, sometimes they turn black.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the third stage of the leg are characterized by the development of complications: trophic disorders appear, the skin resembles parchment, there is swelling and cramps, there is a rash on the foot, itching, flora attachment, layers of pyoderma, dermatitis, eczema. The fourth stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities is the most severe in terms of symptoms: the skin of the swollen veins becomes inflamed, nearby tissues are involved, trophic ulcers open, pain in the legs with varicose veins is constant, secondary infection causes thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, thrombophlebitis.Which doctor should I go to?
A phlebologist has pain in the legs with varicose veins, but a vascular surgeon can also make an initial appointment. It all depends on the severity of the pathology. A phlebologist will prescribe conservative therapy or consult a vascular surgeon to resolve the issue of surgery.It is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis without a complete clinical and laboratory examination. Instrumental diagnostic methods help to clarify the stage of pathology, the duration of the tests is 10 minutes, maximum - half an hour. The result of the examination is announced by the doctor immediately, immediately after the first appointment. The choice of adequate therapy depends on the stage of the pathology.
Treatment properties
Varicose vein therapy consists of "three pillars": drug treatment, minimally invasive techniques, surgical classics.
Conservative therapy
In addition to the mandatory general recommendations for varicose veins: dosing, regular physical activity, static load reduction, exercise therapy, compression ankle wear, use of elastic bandages - Conservative therapy involves the appointment of phlebotonics based on flavonoids, flavonoids. These are tablet system preparations: synthetic and based on natural ingredients.
Most often, oral administration is combined with external therapy called varicose veins. According to doctors and patients, the combination of capsules and gel is the most effective.
Of course, we should not expect a complete cure from conservative methods, drugs can not repair varicose veins, but as a preventive measure, preparation for surgery, impossibility of surgical treatment of varicose veins - these drugs stop the progression of the disease and reduce symptoms.
Compression sclerotherapy
The essence of minimally invasive therapy for varicose veins is the injection of a special sclerosing drug into an enlarged vein. Using a syringe, the doctor injects a foamy solution into a vein, which fills the deformed vessel and sprays it.
The patient is placed on a compression stopper designed to keep the vessel in this condition. For three days, the walls of the veins close together, the vessels are disconnected from normal blood flow and neglected. You should wear compression stockings for at least a month, sometimes two. The criteria for the effectiveness of the treatment are the adhesions generated.
Compression sclerotherapy is given if varicose veins are not complicated by the regression of superficial blood vessels from deep vessels through venous communication.If such an anti-flow exists, the effectiveness of the procedure goes to zero.
Active Intervention
Surgery - was and remains the most reliable and effective means of treating varicose veins, regardless of whether the blood is reversing in the veins. But here, too, it is important to consult a doctor in time, because relapses often occur in later stages. Varicose vein surgery is performed with different techniques: microsurgery, radiofrequency and laser coagulation of deformed veins.
Photocoagulation or laser removal of spider veins is effective in the initial stages. In later stages, phlebectomy - complete removal of the affected veins. The operation is traumatic, there is a risk of complications, so today doctors try to use less invasive miniphlebectomy techniques. If the varicose veins are complicated by venous thrombosis, a secondary infection is carried out, Crocectomy.
What can you do about leg varicose veins at home?
The essence of the use of folk remedies for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins lies in the removal of toxins and toxins from the body by restoring normal blood circulation. To do this, they balance the diet, including the daily dishes of cabbage, tomatoes, bell peppers, herbs, citrus fruits, apples, peaches, cherries, cherries, strawberries, frogs, currants. The correct diet of the drink should be calculated: 40 ml / kg body weight.
In addition, they use the properties of green tomatoes, which are packed into slices in the form of compresses on the area of varicose veins. The effect is guaranteed by lycopene - an antioxidant in the pulp of the fruit, which improves the structure of the vascular wall, tones the veins. You can try juice treatment: All vegetables that are eaten raw are suitable.
Effective garlic and lemon extract: Phytoncides dissolve cholesterol plaques, clean blood vessel lumen, natural antibiotic, which is garlic, kills pathogenic flora and vitamin C strengthens the vein wall, prevents the accumulation of salt. The tincture is prepared easily: press 4 peeled lemons, 4 large heads of garlic, put the mixture in a jar, fill it with warm boiled water, insist under the lid for three days, shake the container daily, filter, keep cold, drink three times a day for three cups. Course - Drink 12 liters of the resulting solution.
Apple cider vinegar is popularly considered a source of minerals and vitamins; For varicose veins it is taken orally in the morning and in the evening, diluting the product with two tablespoons of water. Externally: Apply varicose veins with a vinegar-soaked tampon to relieve itching and pain.
Compresses are made with honey, using a sterile tissue under the lungs for several hours in the area of varicose veins. Use the crushed cabbage leaves with the vegetable oil during the bandage. Course - months.
Prevention
Prevention of varicose veins has two goals: to prevent the onset of the disease and to reduce the number of relapses. To: go to the sauna or take a very hot bath, you can not lift weights. It is recommended to move a lot, exclude strenuous sports, control weight and consume very spicy and fatty foods.
No need to wear tight clothing, socks, knee socks, socks with a tight elastic band, cross legs. Women are urged to give up high heels.
At night - take cool baths, you can wash your feet with cold water in the morning. It is necessary to abandon bad habits, master the point of self-massage: lower the skin of the lower extremities for 10 minutes, in the opposite direction, reduce stress, avoid overheating, catch a cold, undergo a medical examination.
With varicose veins, it is wise to visit the pool, walk, take a contrast shower at home, and constantly wear compression stockings.