If you want to know more about varicose veins, check out this article. It will help you to understand the main causes of the disease, as well as to recognize the first symptoms of varicose veins yourself.
Few people know that varicose veins are a fairly common disease, affecting almost 30% of women and 20% of men. This is due to the fact that the first symptoms can be almost invisible. This article will help you understand how to recognize varicose veins on your own when they are still amenable to conservative and safe treatment.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a common disease that can cause a lot of discomfort and significantly impair the quality of life. Varicose veins occur when the vein walls lose their elasticity and cannot effectively pump blood back to the heart. Standing or sitting for a long time, hereditary predisposition, excess weight, pregnancy, diseases of the heart and blood vessels - all this can lead to varicose veins. There are various methods that can alleviate the symptoms and even get rid of the disease.
Varicose veins are a vascular disorder that occurs when the venous valves are weakened and blood circulation is disturbed. That's why this is happening.
Our veins pump blood from the legs to the heart due to the operation of special valves that do not allow the blood to flow to the feet under the influence of gravity. But it happens that the valves weaken. And then part of the blood starts to stay in the veins and, as a result, the pressure on them increases. The vein walls expand and become damaged. Over time, the veins become larger and larger. The legs of people with varicose veins can look like there are huge ropes under the skin.
Varicose veins are not only an aesthetic problem. This disease can lead to serious complications such as thrombosis, ulcers and even tissue necrosis. Therefore, it is extremely important to independently recognize varicose veins and consult a doctor at the first signs. The milder the course of the disease, the easier the treatment will be. The main reasons for the development of varicose veins.
The reasons for the development of varicose veins can be different. Let's take a closer look at each of them.
- One of the main factors is heredity. Varicose veins occur in people with a weakened vein wall due to a genetic mutation. Remember if your family members have had varicose veins. If so, then you are also at risk of developing this disease. However, don't be too quick to get upset. If you lead a healthy lifestyle and take care of your health, then there is every chance you can avoid the appearance of varicose veins. But it is always important to watch your diet and lifestyle and take care of your health.
- Work on your legs. If you work in a profession where you have to spend a lot of time standing, pay special attention to the condition of your legs. There is a high risk of developing varicose veins. First of all, people who work in a standing position are affected by leg muscle immobility. If a person walks a lot, the muscles contract and compress the blood vessels, which helps push blood to the heart. But if you stand in one place during the day, your veins are left without support. Therefore, when you stand, the likelihood of varicose veins increases. Representatives of the following professions should especially take care of their health: teachers, cooks, surgeons, operating nurses, hairdressers, waiters, salespeople, bartenders, turners, masseurs.
- Sitting work can also negatively affect the health of blood vessels and the appearance of varicose veins. These are office workers, drivers, programmers, accountants, librarians, cashiers, seamstresses, bank employees, jewelers and telephone operators. A sedentary lifestyle also increases the risk of developing varicose veins and is dangerous. After all, the calf muscles do not work, and the blood stagnates. The veins expand and transform into varicose veins. It is especially bad to have the habit of crossing your legs. You can put pressure on the veins, which leads to thrombosis. Don't forget to take breaks during work and to warm up at least sometimes or at least take a walk around the office.
- Heavy physical work and heavy lifting can also cause varicose veins. This is due to the fact that when lifting heavy weight, there is a jump in intra-abdominal pressure, which, of course, is transmitted to the legs and causes blood vessels to stretch and valve disorders. If you are a loader, weightlifter, builder, warehouseman, miner or have to lift weights as part of your occupation, be aware that it is dangerous and can cause varicose veins.
- Long and frequent flights are also dangerous for the blood vessels. During the flight, there are changes in atmospheric pressure, which also has a negative effect on the blood vessels. You can't stretch your legs on an airplane and it's hard to find a comfortable position. Due to the dry air in the plane, the body suffers from dehydration. Blood viscosity increases, which leads to venous stagnation and slowed blood flow.
- Pregnancy. It often happens that the first symptoms of varicose veins can appear during pregnancy, because the female body is under a lot of strain and swelling appears on the legs. Doctors can often prescribe compression garments that can improve the course of the disease.
- Being overweight can also cause varicose veins. Moreover, it is important to know that due to excess weight, a person may not notice a single varicose vein for years. Varicose veins can be hidden under a significant layer of subcutaneous fat. Their visualization is not only difficult, but also impossible without instrumental techniques. Therefore, if you are overweight and feel tired or swollen in the evening, you should consult a phlebologist as soon as possible.
- Bad lifestyle, alcohol abuse, smoking and other bad habits and addictions. In general, varicose veins and bad habits are incompatible. And in combination with smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, it will have serious consequences. Without treatment and control, varicose veins can cause other vascular diseases, for example, atherosclerosis of the lower extremities.
- Heels are the enemy of your blood vessels. Don't rush to find beauty. Remember that high heels put a lot of stress on your feet. Shoes should first be comfortable, and then beautiful. Heels are of course acceptable to wear, but only occasionally, don't overuse them.
Symptoms of varicose veins in different stages of the disease.
Initial stage of varicose veins. Compensation phase. The initial stage of varicose veins is also called the compensation stage. It got this name due to the fact that when the functioning of the veins in the body is disturbed, special mechanisms are activated that compensate for these disturbances. That's why she's dangerous. A person can ignore the signs of varicose veins for several months, and perhaps even years, and miss valuable time for fruitful treatment.
External signs may be completely absent or may appear in the form of spider veins. They should not be underestimated. These are true harbingers of varicose veins.
All a person can feel in the initial stage of varicose veins is heaviness in the legs, a feeling of fullness and swelling. Most patients attribute these symptoms to fatigue, especially if the job involves stress on the legs.
But if you are sensitive to your health, notice these symptoms and consult a phlebologist in time, then you can be sure. In this case, when varicose veins are diagnosed in the initial stage, conservative non-surgical treatment is prescribed. For example, different types of sclerotherapy.
Classification of varicose veins. What is important to know?
The classification of varicose veins depends on the level at which the affected vein is located. It is important to know about this classification so that you can recognize the symptoms in time and contact a phlebologist immediately.
The classification of varicose veins begins with the identification of the main forms of the disease: primary (idiopathic) varicose veins, secondary varicose veins (results of traumatic vein injuries), age-related varicose veins (senile), congenital varicose veins (intrauterine formation of varicose veins), etc.
Primary varicose veins are one of the most common forms of the disease. It can be found in people of any age, although most often this type of varicose veins develops in women. Hereditary factor is one of the causes of this disease.
Secondary varicose veins are a form of the disease that occurs after traumatic injuries to the veins. Venous thrombosis, surgery, trauma and other factors can lead to secondary varicose veins. Usually, this type of disease occurs at the site of injury.
Senile varicose veins most often occur in the elderly. The increased aging of the organism causes the weakening of the walls of the venous vessels, which has a significant impact on their etymology.
Congenital varicose veins are characterized by the fact that the disease occurs during fetal development. Anomaly in the development of blood vessels causes a violation of their vital function, i. e. reversible dilatation of veins.
The second stage of varicose veins. Subcompensation.
This is the most common stage in which patients already turn to the doctor. Subcompensation is the stage when the body can no longer cope with the disease on its own. In this case, the person not only complains of pain and swelling at the end of the day, but also feels constant discomfort. It is already difficult for the patient to lead a normal lifestyle. In that case, you should immediately schedule a visit to a phlebologist.
Main symptoms: veins are clearly visible, the skin may take on a blue tint. Swelling, pain, burning and slight cramps in the legs are noticed not only in the evening, but also at night.
Easy treatment is no longer enough at this stage. In this case, EVLT and minimally invasive surgery are usually used.
The third phase. Severe varicose veins. Decompensation.
In this case, the disorder of blood vessels negatively affects the functioning of other organs and systems in the body. Tissue nutrition suffers, fluid accumulates in them and trophic ulcers may appear. Veins are seriously deformed, and serious complications in the form of thrombophlebitis are possible.
At this stage, urgent surgical treatment is necessary. Otherwise, varicose veins begin to pose a threat to life.
It is important to understand that the disease can have either one form of development or different combinations. And the classification of varicose veins is not unequivocal, but implies the possibility of different combinations of factors. But regardless of the form, varicose veins require treatment. Proper treatment can lead to full recovery, prevent serious complications and improve the quality of life of patients.
Diagnosis of varicose veins.
The modern clinic has the most accurate and effective methods for diagnosing varicose veins. The main methods for diagnosing varicose veins are:
- Examination by a specialist. The first thing you should do is make an appointment with a phlebologist.
- Ultrasound examination. This is the main diagnostic method used to detect varicose veins. An ultrasound examination of the veins allows you to see any changes in the structure of the veins, determine if there is an obstruction in blood flow, and identify other problems with the veins.
- Phlebography. This is a diagnostic method that allows you to get a more detailed picture of the vessels of the lower extremities while a contrast medium is injected into them. This method allows you to diagnose disorders in the structure of the veins and other problems with the lymphatic system.
- CT scan. This method allows you to get a three-dimensional image of blood vessels, which significantly improves vein scaling.
- MRI examination. This method is used mainly when it is not possible to conduct an ultrasound examination, because its effectiveness in the diagnosis of varicose veins is reduced.
- Thermography. This method is based on taking into account the thermal radiation of the extremities and allows you to determine the presence of disease in the structure of the veins.
As a rule, establishing a diagnosis based on research data does not take much time. Most procedures last from 10 to 40 minutes. Treatment at different stages will vary greatly, so you should never self-medicate. Any health manipulations can be prescribed only after obtaining the results of the research.
Methods for treating varicose veins
Varicose veins are a serious but treatable condition. There are ways to avoid discomfort and reduce the risk of complications. It is important not to delay the visit to the doctor and follow his recommendations, because early treatment significantly increases the chances of recovery. There are various methods that can alleviate the symptoms and even get rid of the disease.
The first important way to treat varicose veins is to change your lifestyle. People suffering from varicose veins should pay special attention to physical activity. Regular exercise aims to strengthen the muscles of the lower body and stimulate blood circulation. Walking, swimming, gymnastics for the leg muscles - all these can be a good help in the treatment of varicose veins.
Another way is to change your diet. There are many products that can further worsen the situation with varicose veins: strong coffee, hot spices, alcohol, fatty and heavy food. It is better to choose foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. For example, vegetables, fruits, herbs, non-fermented dairy products, nuts, fish.
The first two methods are mandatory conditions at any stage of the disease.
The next step, if prescribed by the doctor, may be drug treatment. Using ointments, creams and gels that contain substances that improve blood circulation helps reduce swelling and pain. You can also use drug therapy;
Modern methods of treating varicose veins include:
- Obliteration and coagulation. The emitter is inserted into the vein by micropuncture. The laser precisely heats the blood, which burns the walls of the blood vessels and closes the vein (this is called sclerosis). After the procedure is completed, the emitter is removed. Over time, the vein turns into connective tissue and then completely recedes. The duration of the procedure is about half an hour. Immediately after the end of the treatment, the patient can return to normal life. To consolidate the obtained results, it is necessary to wear a compression suit for several days.
- Sclerotherapy. A special substance is injected into the affected vessel that joins its walls. The glued vessel is disconnected from the bloodstream and dissolves over time.
- Radiofrequency ablation. The mechanism of action is similar to laser therapy. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the vein, which heats its walls and causes them to stick together. After a while, the vein recedes.
- Miniphlebectomy. This is a minimally invasive surgical operation performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Through a puncture, the affected vein is carefully removed without cuts or stitches.
- In severe stages of the disease, surgical treatment is indicated, which deprives the twisted veins of the possibility of blood drainage.
Treatment of varicose veins in modern kinetics
In a modern clinic, they know how to effectively help patients. Doctors have already performed thousands of operations and helped millions of patients get rid of varicose veins. If you suffer from varicose veins, know that it is never too late to go to the clinic and get treatment.
The modern clinic employs only highly qualified doctors who specialize in the treatment of varicose veins and other venous diseases. Patients are offered a range of treatment options, including laser therapy, sclerotherapy, radiofrequency therapy and surgery. Only the most modern equipment and technologies are used. This guarantees maximum results and minimal risk of complications. In addition, the professional clinic is one of the most advanced in the field of venous surgery in the country.
Another advantage of a professional clinic is that only individual access is provided to patients. Each patient is unique, and during treatment, all his characteristics are taken into account when choosing a method. The main goal of the clinic is to enable the patient to return to a normal life and forget about vein problems.
Don't think that varicose veins will disappear on their own. Indeed, in rare cases, symptoms may improve due to lifestyle changes or certain medications. However, it is important to understand that this is only a temporary improvement and treatment is still necessary. By delaying a visit to the doctor, you can only worsen the course of the disease.