If you want to learn more about varicose veins, check out this article. It will help you understand the main causes of the disease and recognize the first symptoms of varicose veins for yourself.
Few people know that varicose veins are a fairly common disease, affecting almost 30% of women and 20% of men. This is because the first symptoms can be almost invisible. This article will help you understand how to independently recognize varicose veins 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 walls of veins lose their elasticity and can no longer pump blood effectively to the heart. Standing or sitting for a long time, hereditary predisposition, excess weight, pregnancy, heart and vascular diseases - all this can lead to varicose veins. There are different methods that can relieve symptoms and even eliminate the disease.
Varicose veins are a vascular disorder that occurs when venous valves are weakened and blood flow is impaired. That's why this happens.
Our vessels pump blood from the legs to the heart through the operation of special valves that do not allow blood to flow to the feet under the influence of gravity. But sometimes the valves weaken. And then part of the blood begins to linger 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 feel like there are huge strings under the skin.
Varicose veins are not just an aesthetic problem. This disease can lead to serious complications such as thrombosis, ulcers and even tissue necrosis. Therefore, it is extremely important to recognize varicose veins independently 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 whose vein wall is weakened due to a genetic mutation. Remember if your family members had varicose veins. If so, you are also at risk of developing this condition. However, don't rush to get upset. If you lead a healthy lifestyle and take care of your health, you have every chance of avoiding the appearance of varicose veins. But it is still important that you monitor your diet and lifestyle, and be attentive to your health.
- Work standing. If you have a job where you have to spend a lot of time standing, pay particular attention to the condition of your legs. There is a high risk of developing varicose veins. First of all, people working while standing are affected by immobility of the leg muscles. If a person walks a lot, the muscles contract and compress the blood vessels, which helps push blood toward the heart. But if you stay in the same place throughout the day, your veins remain unsupported. Therefore, when standing, the risk of varicose veins increases. Representatives of the following professions should be especially attentive to their health: teachers, cooks, surgeons, operating nurses, hairdressers, waiters, sellers, bartenders, turners, massage therapists.
- Sedentary work can also harm vascular health and the appearance of varicose veins. These include 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 muscles in the lower leg do not work and the blood stagnates. The veins dilate and turn into varicose veins. It is especially bad to have the habit of crossing your legs. You can put pressure on the veins, leading to thrombosis. Remember to take breaks while working and at least occasionally do a warm-up or at least take a walk around the office.
- Strenuous physical work and heavy lifting can also cause varicose veins. This is due to the fact that when lifting heavy weight, an increase in intra-abdominal pressure occurs, which, naturally, is transmitted to the legs and causes stretching of blood vessels and disruption of the valves. If you are a loader, weightlifter, builder, warehouse worker, miner or if you have to lift weights as part of your activity, remember that this is dangerous and can cause varicose veins.
- Long and frequent flights are also dangerous for the functioning of blood vessels. During the flight, changes in atmospheric pressure occur, which also have a negative effect on blood vessels. On a plane you can't stretch your legs and it's difficult to find a comfortable position. Due to dry air on an airplane, the body suffers from dehydration. Blood viscosity increases, leading to venous stagnation and slowed blood flow.
- Pregnancy. It often happens that the first symptoms of varicose veins appear precisely during pregnancy, because the woman's body is under a huge load and swelling appears in the legs. Doctors can often prescribe compression garments, which can improve the course of the disease.
- Excess weight can also cause varicose veins. In addition, 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 impossible without instrumental techniques. Therefore, if you are overweight and in the evening you feel tired or swollen in your legs, you need to consult a phlebologist as soon as possible.
- Bad life, alcohol abuse, smoking and other bad habits and addictions. In general, varicose veins and bad habits are incompatible. And combined with smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, this will have serious consequences. Without treatment or control, varicose veins can cause other vascular diseases, for example atherosclerosis of the lower limbs.
- Heels are the enemy of your blood vessels. Don't rush to pursue beauty. Remember that high heels put a lot of pressure on your feet. Shoes should first be comfortable, then beautiful. Heels, of course, are okay to wear, but only occasionally, don't overdo them.
Symptoms of varicose veins at different stages of the disease.
The initial stage of varicose veins. Compensation stage. The initial stage of varicose veins is also called the compensation stage. It got its name due to the fact that when the functioning of the body's veins is disturbed, special mechanisms are activated that compensate for these disturbances. This is why it is dangerous. A person can ignore the signs of varicose veins for several months or even years, losing valuable time for successful treatment.
External signs may be completely absent or appear in the form of spider veins. They should not be underestimated. These are real warning signs of varicose veins.
All that a person may feel at 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 work involves strain on the legs.
But if you are sensitive to your health, noticed these symptoms and consulted a phlebologist in time, then you can rest assured. In this case, when varicose veins are diagnosed at 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 this classification in order to be able to recognize the symptoms in time and immediately consult a phlebologist.
The classification of varicose veins begins with the identification of the main forms of the disease: primary (idiopathic) varicose veins, secondary varicose veins (consequences of traumatic damage to the veins), age-related (senile) varicose veins, congenital varicose veins (intrauterine formationvaricose veins), etc.
Primary varicose veins are one of the most common forms of the disease. It can be found in people of all ages, although this type of varicose veins develops most often in women. The hereditary factor is one of the causes of this disease.
Secondary varicose veins are a form of disease that develops after traumatic injuries to the veins. Venous thrombosis, surgery, trauma and other factors can lead to secondary varicose veins. This type of disease usually occurs at the site of injury.
Senile varicose veins most often occur in older people. The increasing aging of the body leads to a weakening of the walls of the venous vessels, which has a notable impact on their etymology.
Congenital varicose veins are characterized by the fact that the disease occurs during fetal development. An abnormality in the development of blood vessels causes a violation of their vital function, namely reversible dilation of the veins.
Second stage of varicose veins. Undercompensation.
This is the most common step for which patients already see a doctor. Undercompensation is the stage where the body can no longer cope with the disease alone. In this case, the person not only complains of pain and swelling at the end of the day, but also experiences constant discomfort. It is already difficult for the patient to lead a normal life. In this case, a visit to a phlebologist should be scheduled immediately.
Main symptoms: veins are clearly visible, the skin may take on a blue tint. Swelling, pain, burning sensation and slight cramps in the legs are noted not only in the evening, but also at night.
At this point, easy treatment is no longer enough. In this case, EVLT and minimally invasive surgery are usually used.
Third step. Severe varicose veins. Decompensation.
In this case, disruption of blood vessels has a negative impact on the functioning of other organs and systems of the body. The nutrition of the tissues suffers, fluid accumulates in them and trophic ulcers may occur. The veins become severely 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 one form of development or various combinations. And the classification of varicose veins is not unambiguous, but rather implies the possibility of various combinations of factors. But whatever their form, varicose veins require treatment. Proper treatment can lead to full recovery, prevent serious complications and improve patients' quality of life.
Diagnosis of varicose veins.
A modern clinic has the most accurate and effective methods for diagnosing varicose veins. The main methods of diagnosing varicose veins are:
- Examination by a specialist. The first thing to do is to make an appointment with a phlebologist.
- Ultrasound examination. This is the main diagnostic method used to detect varicose veins. An ultrasound of the veins allows you to see any changes in the structure of the veins, determine if there is an obstruction to blood flow, and identify other problems with the veins.
- Phlebography. This is a diagnostic method that allows you to obtain a more detailed image of the vessels of the lower extremities while a contrast agent is injected into them. This method allows you to diagnose both disorders in the structure of veins and other problems with the lymphatic system.
- CT examination. This method allows you to obtain a three-dimensional image of the vessels, which significantly improves the scaling of the veins.
- MRI examination. This method is used mainly when it is not possible to perform an ultrasound scan, since its effectiveness in diagnosing varicose veins is reduced.
- Thermography. This method is based on taking into account thermal radiation of the extremities and makes it possible to determine the presence of diseases in the structure of the veins.
As a rule, making a diagnosis based on research data does not take much time. Most procedures last 10 to 40 minutes. Treatment at different stages varies greatly, so you should never self-medicate. Any health manipulations can be prescribed only after receiving the research results.
Methods for treating varicose veins
Varicose veins are a serious condition, but they can be treated. 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 different methods that can relieve symptoms and even eliminate 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 this can be of great help in the treatment of varicose veins.
The second way is to change your diet. There are many products that can further aggravate the situation with varicose veins: strong coffee, hot spices, alcohol, fatty and heavy foods. It is best to choose foods rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. For example, vegetables, fruits, herbs, unfermented dairy products, nuts, fish.
The first two methods are mandatory conditions at any stage of the disease.
The next step, if indicated by a doctor, may be drug treatment. Using ointments, creams and gels containing substances that improve blood circulation helps reduce swelling and pain. You can also resort to drug treatment; your doctor will prescribe pills for you.
Modern methods of treating varicose veins include:
- Obliteration and coagulation. The transmitter is inserted into the vein by a micropuncture. The laser precisely heats the blood, which burns the walls of the blood vessels and seals the vein (this is called sclerosis). Once the procedure is completed, the transmitter is removed. Over time, the vein turns into connective tissue and then completely resorbs. The duration of the procedure is approximately half an hour. Immediately after the end of treatment, the patient can return to normal life. To consolidate the results obtained, it is necessary to wear compression clothing for several days.
- Sclerotherapy. A special substance is injected into the affected vessel, which glues its walls together. The stuck vessel is excluded from the blood circulation 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 also makes them stick together. After a while, the vein heals.
- Miniphlebectomy. This is a minimally invasive surgical operation carried out under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Through a puncture, the affected vein is carefully removed without incision or stitches.
- In severe stages of the disease, surgical treatment is indicated, which deprives deformed veins of the ability to drain blood.
Treatment of varicose veins in modern kinetics
In a modern clinic, they know how to help patients effectively. 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 variety of treatment options, including laser therapy, sclerotherapy, radiofrequency therapy, and surgery. Only the most modern equipment and technologies are used. This ensures optimal results and minimal risk of complications. In addition, the professional clinic is one of the most advanced in the field of vein surgery in the country.
Another advantage of a professional clinic is that patients benefit only from an individual approach. Each patient is unique and during treatment all his characteristics are taken into account when choosing a method. The main objective of the clinic is to allow the patient to return to normal life and forget about venous problems.
Don't think that varicose veins will go away 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 postponing a visit to the doctor, you can only worsen the course of the disease.