The circulatory system consists of two types of blood vessels: the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the organs and the veins. In the human body, the venous system performs the function of returning blood from tissues and organs to the heart.
Each vein, regardless of size, consists of a wall and a lumen filled with blood and is equipped with venous valves that block the downward flow of blood (the flow in the veins of the lower extremities usually moves from the bottom up). Venous diseases are usually caused by disorders of the structure of the venous walls and valves. One of the most common venous diseases is varicose veins.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a disease accompanied by weakness of the venous wall and venous valves, resulting in slowing of blood circulation, stopping blood in the veins, causing them to dilate, forming venous networks and nodules. Women are more prone to the development of varicose veins than men (due to the impact of estrogen on the venous wall and increased stress on the venous system during pregnancy). The risk of varicose veins increases with age (because the veins lose elasticity), so varicose veins are very rare in children and adults.
Because the load on the veins of the lower half of the body is greater than on the venous blood vessels of the upper half, varicose veins develop in the legs and around the pelvic organs. Varicose veins of the lower extremities usually damage the superficial (outer) veins of the legs. There are several types of superficial varicose veins in the legs:
- Spider veins (expansion of small intradermal veins);
- Reticular varicose veins (damage to the stratum corneum of the small and large vein system by the formation of venous nodes);
- Non-saphenous varicose veins (varicose veins that do not belong to the vessels of the small and large scapular vein system).
Small pelvic varicose veins are a type of internal varicose veins and are represented by uterine varicose veins, varicose veins of the uterus, varicose veins of the penis. One of the most common types of varicose veins in men is varicocele (varicose veins of the testicles), which is manifested by excruciating pain, sexual dysfunction, and premature ejaculation.
Signs of varicose veins
Initially, varicose veins are asymptomatic. Signs of varicose veins occur when the affected vessels can no longer cope with the function of blood flow.
Varicose veins contribute to blood stagnation in the area of expansion. Symptoms of varicose veins include:
- The appearance of a visually noticeable vascular network and bulging veins (unlike atherosclerosis, a chronic arterial disease in which blood flow to the lower extremities is disrupted);
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs and stretching in the veins;
- Swelling of the legs;
- Itchy skin and darkening of the varicose veins in the legs.
Varicose veins are a chronic, constantly progressing disease and cause venous insufficiency (venous system dysfunction). Varicose veins progress in stages:
- First degree varicose veins (varicose veins are asymptomatic);
- Second degree varicose veins (swelling, heaviness in the legs, itching);
- Third degree varicose veins (permanent swelling and heaviness, ulcers on the skin, pain in the area of the damaged veins).
Symptoms of varicose veins often increase in the evening and intensify after strenuous physical activity. Signs of varicose veins are more pronounced in summer than in winter (because in hot weather there is a tendency for vasodilation and an increase in blood viscosity).
Why do varicose veins appear?
There is no single cause for varicose veins. The development of varicose veins is facilitated by excess weight, heavy physical exertion and work, which is associated with prolonged sitting, genetic predisposition to venous valve weakness, and inflammation of the veins. Varicose veins in women often develop during pregnancy and after childbirth, due to the enlargement of the uterus and tension during childbirth increases the load on a woman’s venous system.
Complications of varicose veins
Prolonged progression of varicose veins can lead to unpleasant consequences of varicose veins. One of the complications of varicose veins is the appearance of blood clots (blood clots) in the lumen of the varicose veins, which can rupture, reach small vessels through the bloodstream, and block them, leading to thrombosis. Chronic venous insufficiency results in trophic disorders of the skin: enlarged veins develop ulcers that are poorly healed and prone to infection.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
A phlebologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. During the consultation, a phlebologist examines the veins and palpations (feels them), measures the circumference of the left and right legs to detect latent swelling.
For the diagnosis of varicose veins is also prescribed ultrasound examination of blood vessels (ultrasound) with Doppler ultrasound (determination of blood flow). Ultrasound allows not only visualization of the venous wall, but also the presence of blood clots in the lumen of varicose veins.
Methods of treatment of varicose veins
The Department of Phlebology uses both conservative and surgical methods of treating varicose veins. Conservative (non-surgical) treatment of varicose veins involves the use of medication and the wearing of medical compression underwear. Properly selected therapy can reduce the symptoms of varicose veins and prevent the appearance of new varicose veins, although existing venous disorders can only be eliminated surgically.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins is varicose vein removal (phlebectomy). An alternative to phlebectomy is minimally invasive methods of treating varicose veins. Minimally invasive surgical methods of treating varicose veins include sclerotherapy and laser treatment of varicose veins.
Laser treatment of varicose veins
Laser treatment of varicose veins is performed by endovenous laser coagulation: an electrode is inserted into the venous lumen under ultrasound control, with the help of which laser cauterization of the inner surface of the venous wall is performed. Laser cauterization results in coagulation of the venous wall, after which the vein atrophies on its own. Minimally invasive laser treatment of varicose veins is performed under local anesthesia. The advantages of laser treatment of varicose veins are the absence of scars and the relative (compared to vein removal) painlessness of the procedure.
Minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins is carried out on an outpatient basis (without hospitalization). Recovery after laser treatment of varicose veins usually lasts no more than a month. During this period it is necessary to wear a compression bandage and restrict sports.
For the prevention of varicose veins you should lose weight, exclude heavy lifting and prolonged sitting, give preference to loose clothing. Regular wearing of special medical compression underwear and moderate physical activity (walking, swimming, exercise) help to prevent varicose veins in the early stages of the disease.
Popular questions
What can not be done with varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a disease whose progression is closely related to lifestyle. In the presence of varicose veins can not lift weights, do sports that increase the load on the vessels of the lower half of the body (heavy sport). It is important to avoid prolonged sitting (if you work in an office and have to sit for a long time - a five-minute break every hour for a walk or workout), as well as try not to wear tight. Clothing.
How to treat varicose veins on the legs in women?
For the problem of varicose veins in the legs, a woman should consult a phlebologist. If you have varicose veins in your legs or thighs, your doctor will help you select the compression underwear you need. In the presence of indications (signs of venous insufficiency, bulging venous nodes, aesthetic discomfort) surgical removal of varicose veins may be recommended. Deciding what kind of intervention will be recommended for a woman, the doctor makes the results of the examination and examination.
How to treat varicose veins at home?
Varicose veins are a disease of the veins that needs to be treated by a phlebologist. Most of the phlebologist appointments can be done at home: doing special exercises that improve blood flow from the lower extremities and pelvis, wearing compression underwear, and taking medications prescribed by your doctor. Self-treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies is ineffective and exposure to veins with herbal compresses can cause skin ulcers.