Varicose veins are a fairly common disease, especially among women in which the work of the veins of the lower extremities is interrupted. This is due to the fact that venous valves suffer: these are a type of shutter that regulates the reverse output of the blood from the legs. Normally, the valves must be closed and open depending on the blood flow.
With the varicose veins, they almost do not close, due to which the stagnation of the blood is developed in the veins of the lower extremities. Naturally, a large amount of blood accumulated in the veins leads to stretch its walls, a decrease in elasticity and sometimes even damage. En consecuencia, la progresión del proceso, las manifestaciones características surgen en la piel. At first, these are only vascular networks, stars, then blue and crimson tubers, the legs that swell, the skin begins to take off, the constant pains in the lower extremities are worried. Therefore, it is very important to recognize the disease in the initial stage and start treatment on time.
The causes of disease development
Varicosis can develop under the influence of many factors from abroad. Of course, everything depends on a person's lifestyle. However, there are a number of predisposing risk factors that increase the probability of varicose veins. Such factors are a hereditary predisposition, a deteriorated hormonal balance, nervous system disease, inactive lifestyle, physical overload, flat feet, with high leca shoes.
Hereditary predisposition: Unfortunately, he attended nearby relatives who suffered this disease, that is, the probability of being transmitted, so often this is due to the hereditary weakness of the connective tissue or a defect in the vein valves. In this case, it is necessary to remember the prevention of varicose veins.
Hormonal InsANDS: constant fluctuations in the level of hormones are more inherent to women and, therefore, according to statistics, are more susceptible to varicose. Similar fluctuations are observed throughout the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy and during menopause. The use of hormonal drugs (for example, contraceptives) also affects. Female hormones significantly affect the elasticity of the walls of the blood vessels.
Nervous system diseases, frequent tensions, depressive conditions: it is known that it is the nervous system that regulates venous tone. Therefore, any pathology associated with it can affect the state of the veins.
Inflammatory processes in the pelvis: they often bother the female sex. Due to them, the hormone level can be disturbed significantly.
A Due sedentary lifestyle to sit prolonged on the computer, for example, the veins of the legs are squeezed, the blood exit is disturbs. Due to the stagnation of the blood, the vascular walls stretch and lose weight. To date, the "varicose veins of the computer" are even distinguished, so it has often been found.
Physical overloads: excessive physical activity does not affect anything good in the vessels. Heavy work, constant walk increases load on the feet and, consequently, in the veins.
Flat feet: in one way or another, it is a foot deformation, and also has a certain effect on the vessels of the lower extremities.
The Constitution is fat people and especially with high growth is very prone to varicose veins in the future.
Using high heels, again, it is dangerous for women, since when walking on high heels and not particularly comfortable, loading in the lower extremities increases greatly.
Clinical manifestations of varicose veins
The symptoms of the disease appear gradually, but progress constantly, especially in the absence of adequate treatment. It all begins with the appearance of small vascular networks and stars in the legs, the tulangiectasia that is called that. They do not cause much discomfort, but with these manifestations it is necessary to find a doctor's office.
In the future, swelling on the legs that appear after a prolonged walk and most of the time at night begin to bother. In the morning they pass on their own. This is the first sign that the function of the deep veins that return blood to the heart is affected.
Over time, patients begin to complain about seizures in the legs, their numbness, particularly at night and in the morning. If the treatment did not start in these stages, then venous nodules will appear on the skin, the veins will be visible, bluish or even closer to the red color, they will be painful with palpation. The skin in the lower extremities will begin to change gradually. He will become dense to the touch, dry, will begin to take off and darken. When walking, severe muscles will be altered.
And in the places of the appearance of venous nodes, severe itching will be felt. Involuntary contractions of the calf muscles can also occur at night.
Diagnosis and complications of varicose veins
The diagnosis of the disease is necessary as soon as possible. But everything depends on the patient to go to the hospital.
In the diagnosis, they are based on complaints, external manifestations in the legs, the patient's lifestyle, their bad habits, physical, the presence of varicose veins in parents, brothers, sisters.
To confirm the diagnosis, additional instrumental exams are prescribed.
Such methods are:
- Venas ultrasound exam (ultrasound): It is also known as dopplerography of the lower extremities veins. It allows you to evaluate the structure of the veins, its background, speed and direction of the blood flow, the presence of thrombotic formations, the expansion of the blood vessels, the presence of tumors.
- Contrast venography, or phlebography: It is carried out by introducing a contrast matter in the vessels. Its distribution shows the permeability of the veins, the condition of the walls, the presence of volumetric formations in vascular spaces.
An ultrasound is considered more preferable, since this is a non -invasive research method.
In the absence of proper treatment, varicose veins are washed to change a series of complications.
These include:
- thrombophlebitis - inflammation of expanded and deformed veins;
- bleeding due to the rupture of thin vascular walls;
- A change in the rheological properties of blood, which leads to the formation of blood clots, this, in turn, can lead to thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery, myocardial infarction and stroke;
- Excessive skin pigmentation.
Trophylic ulcers: They may appear of the slightest injury or skin damage due to constantly deteriorated blood exit. As a result, ulcers do not heal for a long time, they hurt terribly and smell unpleasant.
Basic methods for the treatment of varicose veins
Unfortunately, varicose veins are a chronic disease, and there are no methods to cure it completely. However, medicine found funds to prevent at least the progression of the disease.
The treatment depends directly on the varicose veins stage. If these are only initial manifestations, then you can do without surgical interventions, that is, only conservative methods.
Medications: This includes medications that increase the tone of the veins (venotonic), anti -impobre medications to prevent the formation of blood clots, non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (analgesics), angioprotectors, as well as all types of creams, ointments and gels for the skin of the legs.
Compression methods: They provide the use of compression stockings, imposing elastic bandages dressings to maintain tone.
Pneumomassage is a special massage that is carried out using a pneumatic massage. This is very effective, since it improves blood circulation, tissue nutrition and improves the tone of blood vessels.
Sclerotherapy is already an extreme method. It is carried out without operational manipulations. For sclerosis, a special substance is injected into it, which stops blood flow in the glass, as a result of what is stunted over time, it does not work and disappears. However, several sclerotherapy sessions may be required to achieve the desired effect.
Intravascular laser coagulation is already an invasive treatment method. At the same time, with the help of a laser, surgeons coagulate damaged veins under local anesthesia.
Sanguijuelas are a slightly outdated method, but still effective. It belongs to popular medicine. When applying leeches, biting the skin and, when sucking, is released in the blood substance called Hirudin. Dilute the blood and do not allow trombi.
Diet: In the diet of patients suffering from varicose veins, there must be a lot of vegetables and fruits in any way, seafood, legumes, nuts, low varieties in fat fat and dairy products.
Among the non -traditional treatment methods, they are offered to compress apple vinegar, soap and potatoes, soft drinks and the use of ginseng tincture.
The basic concepts of varicose prevention
Many people wonder if it is possible to cure the varicose veins finally? The answer is not. However, certain preventive measures can be observed to prevent the appearance of the disease.
In particular, this is an active lifestyle, getting rid of kilos of more, constant gymnastics for the lower extremities, the use of compression linen.
If the disease has already appeared, then the use of hormonal contraceptives (contain female hormones that can aggravate the course of the disease) should be avoided.
In addition, it should be avoided:
- The use of any shoe on the heels, as this increases the load on the feet.
- Growth of body weight and, even more, obesity.
- The presence in the fat diet, sharp, fried, smoked and salty.
- Heavy lifting
- Long lying in a hot bath.
- Visiting a bathroom and sauna.
- Alcohol abuse, smoking.
- Auto -Medication without consulting a doctor.
In addition, those who have to be in a sitting or standing position for a long time should keep in mind that:
- During a long stay in the legs, it does not hurt to climb the socks and fall into the heels, move towards the foot and vigorously move the fingers to disperse the accumulated blood;
- With a prolonged job in the office in front of the computer, you can periodically put your legs on the table, so that the blood flows better on the legs;
- You can buy a special knife support in which it will be very convenient to do any gymnastics;
- It is very useful to periodically lower the fingers, this tones the calf muscles and activates the blood flow in the veins.
Be sure to get up every hour, walk for several minutes and make a small load.