A less aesthetic disease is that of varicose veins, which manifests itself by the expansion of superficial venous vessels whose network is visible through the skin.With this disease, blood circulation in these vessels is disrupted, which can lead to insufficient oxygen supply and removal of carbon dioxide.The symptoms are pronounced, so it is necessary to treat them quickly.It is best to avoid this disease completely through prevention.Often, treatment for varicose veins involves surgery.
Why do varicose veins appear?There are reasons that are often found in the lives of many people:
- Metabolic disorder.
- Professions where a person is constantly in a standing position (salespeople, waiters, etc.).
- Bad habits (smoking and alcohol) that negatively affect the condition of blood vessels.
- Endocrine diseases.
- Abuse of red pepper in food.
Reasons for the development 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 further note other factors that often cause the disease: lifestyle, hormonal levels and nutrition.
Impaired metabolism is one of the causes of varicose veins.This leads to obesity, which is the result of an inactive lifestyle and poor diet, very common today.People are increasingly consuming highly processed foods and abandoning plant foods.
In addition, professions that require 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 pressure on the veins.All this leads to the development of varicose veins over time.
- 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 extremities if they often walk 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.
- Prostate adenoma.
- Cough.
- Constant constipation.
- Surgery under anesthesia.
How to recognize varicose veins?
The very first sign of varicose veins is the appearance of a blue vein pattern (mesh) on the surface of the skin.It usually appears on the thighs, in places where cellulite is located - impaired fat metabolism, 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 stronger the pain in the calf muscles becomes.The pain is throbbing or sharp, usually intensifying around lunchtime after experiencing some load during the day.
A person complains of:
- Heaviness in the legs.
- Trophic changes in the legs.
- Night cramps.
On external examination, a grid or stars are visible, especially if the person is standing.If the patient lies down, the external manifestations of varicose veins may become invisible.The swelling usually goes away after a night's rest.
Stages of varicose veins
Varicose veins are progressive and go through the following stages:
- The first is swelling of veins, heterogeneity of structure, hardening of veins, lymph node formation and thrombophlebitis.
- The second is fatigue, irritability, fatigue, heaviness in the legs.Deterioration of health, insomnia and memory loss.Complaints of nocturnal cramps appear.For a long time, the skin cannot return to its previous shape after removing outer clothing due to swelling.
- The third concerns trophic changes in the lower leg region.The skin becomes brown, dry, cracked, lifeless.Development of dermatitis with characteristic rash and itching.The swelling can now be located in any part of the leg.The feeling of heaviness is reminiscent of muscle swelling.Any stress leads to rapid fatigue, which causes 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 occurrence 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, this disease will fully manifest itself during pregnancy.Typically, 35% of women suffer from 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 flow becomes difficult.This leads to stagnation of blood, causing venous vessels to dilate and become visible.If a woman is left untreated, there may be a risk of a blood clot rupturing, leading to the death of both mother and baby.
Other causes of varicose veins during pregnancy are:
- Hormonal changes.
- The enlargement of the uterus and its pressure on the vessels.
- Increased amount of blood.
- Individual characteristics.
Pathology can also appear in the anus or external lips.
Pelvic varicose veins
Varicose veins can develop not only in the legs,
but also in the pelvic region.This disease often develops in women.It is diagnosed using a three-dimensional ultrasound, where dilated veins of the small pelvis can be seen, as well as inflammatory processes in the uterus, ovaries and bladder.
The symptoms of pelvic varicose veins are similar to those of leg varicose veins.Heaviness and pain are felt in the lower abdomen.The cause is often pregnancy, pelvic pathologies, or difficult childbirth.Other factors are:
- Constantly carry a child in your arms.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Take oral contraceptives.
- Congenital underdevelopment of the vein wall.
How are varicose veins treated?
Conservative treatment is allowed only in the presence of contraindications to surgery or at the initial stage of varicose veins, when no pathological changes have yet occurred.Here are used:
- Bandage.
- Compression stockings.
- Constant change of posture.
- Elevate your legs so they can rest.
- Avoid poorly ventilated areas with high temperatures.
- Eliminate large amounts of fluid and salt from the diet.
- Take diuretics.
- Venoprotectors.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Exercise therapy for simple varicose veins: bathing, swimming, aqua aerobics.
- Ointments.
- Hirudotherapy.
Operations for varicose veins
Tumescent anesthesia (use of a local anesthetic) is part of the surgical procedure.This measure is necessary if pathological changes have already begun.
Miniphlebectomy is an operation under local anesthesia - small punctures are made on the surface of the skin directly to the veins.
Another type of operation involves removing the affected veins with a short scraping.
Endoscopic vein dissection is another type of surgery that uses an endoscopic device 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 prognoses:
- Give up bad habits.
- Wear compression garments.
- Massage of legs, thighs and back.
- Exercise therapy.
- Stress relief.
- Maintain personal foot hygiene.
- Eliminates constipation.
The most effective method would be to change your daily routine.You should eliminate strenuous physical activity and get enough rest.You can also resort to traditional medicine recipes.