A less aesthetic disease is varicose veins, which are expressed in the expansion of superficial venous vessels, the network of which can be seen through the skin.In this disease, the blood circulation through these vessels is disturbed, which can lead to an insufficient supply of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide.The symptoms are expressed, so it is necessary to treat them in a timely manner.It is better to completely avoid this disease through prevention.Varicose vein treatment often involves surgery.
Why do varicose veins appear?There are reasons that are common in many people's lives:
- Metabolic disorder.
- Occupations in which a person is constantly in an upright position (salesmen, waiters, etc.).
- Bad habits (smoking and alcohol) that negatively affect the condition of blood vessels.
- Endocrine diseases.
- Abuse of red pepper in food.
Causes of varicose veins
Doctors are less and less inclined to believe that varicose veins are a hereditary disease.This is not always the case.Scientists note more other factors that often provoke the disease: lifestyle, hormone levels and nutrition.
Impaired metabolism is one of the causes of varicose veins.It leads to obesity, which is the result of an inactive lifestyle and poor diet, which are very common today.People are increasingly consuming highly processed foods, abandoning plant foods.
Also, occupations that force a person to stand for a long time or sit for a long time, or carry heavy loads, or make sudden movements, put a lot of strain on the veins.All this leads over time to the development of varicose veins.
- Long flights or transfers affect the condition of the veins, which is often noted in the male half.
- Women often suffer from varicose veins in the inguinal veins due to wearing tight underwear.They also suffer from varicose veins of the lower limbs if they often walk a lot in high heels or uncomfortable soles.
Pregnancy also becomes a factor in the development of varicose veins, especially if there is a history of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoporosis.
Other causes of varicose veins are:
- Deep vein thrombosis.
- Adenoma of the prostate.
- cough
- Constant constipation.
- Surgery using anesthesia.
How to recognize varicose veins?
The first sign of varicose veins is the appearance of a blue vein pattern (network) on the surface of the skin.It usually appears on the thighs, in the places where cellulite is located - impaired fat exchange, which puts pressure on the veins.
The second sign of varicose veins is swelling of the soft tissues of the legs.When diagnosing the disease, it is differentiated from urolithiasis of the kidneys and insufficiency of the cardiovascular system.
The more varicose veins develop, the more severe the pain in the calf muscles becomes.The pain is painful or sharp, usually intensifies around noon after experiencing a certain load during the day.
A person complains of:
- Heaviness in the legs.
- Trophic changes in the leg area.
- Night cramps.
On external examination, a grid or stars are visible, especially if the person is standing upright.If the patient takes a supine position, then the external manifestations of varicose veins may become invisible.Swelling usually goes down after a night's rest.
Stages of varicose veins
Varicose veins are progressive and go through the following stages:
- The first is swelling of the veins, heterogeneity of the structure, hardening of the veins, formation of nodules and thrombophlebitis.
- The second is fatigue, irritability, tiredness, heaviness in the legs.Deterioration of health, insomnia and memory loss.Complaints of night cramps appear.For a long time, the skin cannot regain its former shape after removing the outer clothing due to swelling.
- The third is trophic changes in the area of the lower part of the leg.The skin becomes brown, dry, cracked, lifeless.Development of dermatitis with characteristic rash and itching.Edema can now be localized in any part of the leg.The feeling of heaviness is reminiscent of muscle swelling.Any stress leads to rapid fatigue, which provokes depression, insomnia and weakness.
- The fourth is the stage of development of complications in the form of inflammation of the vein walls, bleeding or the appearance of trophic ulcers.
Varicose veins during pregnancy
If a woman has a tendency to develop varicose veins or the first signs have already appeared before pregnancy, then during pregnancy this disease will manifest itself in full force.Typically, 35% of women experience varicose veins during their first pregnancy, 50% during their second and 75% during their third.
Varicose veins are explained by the fact that blood enters the lower limbs, but its outflow becomes difficult.This leads to stagnation of blood, as a result of which the venous vessels expand and become visible.If the woman is not treated, there may be a risk of a blood clot rupturing, which will lead to the death of the mother and the baby.
Other causes of varicose veins during pregnancy are:
- Hormonal changes.
- Enlargement of the uterus and pressure on the vessels.
- Increased amount of blood.
- Individual characteristics.
Pathology can also appear in the area of the anus or external labia.
Varicose veins of the small pelvis
Varicose veins can develop not only in the legs,
but also in the pelvic area.Often this disease develops in women.It is diagnosed through a three-dimensional ultrasound, which shows varicose veins of the small pelvis, as well as inflammatory processes in the uterus, ovaries and bladder.
The symptoms of varicose veins in the pelvis are similar to those of varicose veins in the legs.Heaviness and pain are felt in the lower abdomen.The reason is often pregnancy, pathologies in the pelvis, difficult childbirth.Other factors are:
- Constantly carrying a child in your arms.
- A sedentary lifestyle.
- Taking oral contraceptives.
- Congenital underdevelopment of the venous wall.
How are varicose veins treated?
Conservative treatment is permissible only if there are contraindications for surgery or in the initial stage of varicose veins, when pathological changes have not yet occurred.Here are used:
- Binding.
- Compression socks.
- Constant change of posture.
- Elevate your legs so they can rest.
- Avoid poorly ventilated rooms with high temperatures.
- Removing large amounts of fluid and salt from the diet.
- Taking diuretics.
- Venoprotectors.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Exercise therapy for uncomplicated varicose veins: bathing, swimming, water aerobics.
- Ointments.
- Hirudotherapy.
Surgery for varicose veins
Tumescent anesthesia (the use of local anesthetic) is part of the surgical procedure.This measure is necessary if pathological changes have already begun.
Miniphlebectomy is an operation with local anesthesia - small incisions are made on the surface of the skin directly next to the veins.
Another type of surgery is the removal of the affected veins by a short curettage.
Endoscopic vein dissection is another type of surgery that uses an endoscopic machine to identify the area of the affected vein.
Prevention and prognosis of varicose veins
Varicose veins can be prevented or stopped in their development.To do this, it is necessary to follow preventive measures that give favorable forecasts:
- Giving up bad habits.
- Wearing compression clothing.
- Leg, thigh and back massage.
- Exercise therapy.
- Stress relief.
- Maintain personal foot hygiene.
- Eliminate constipation.
The most effective method would be to change your daily routine.You should eliminate high physical activity and rest a lot.You can also resort to recipes from traditional medicine.