Varicose veins in the legs are a serious pathology caused by the violation of venous valves.The physiological balance between the muscle cells, elastin and collagen fibers of the vessel walls is disturbed, as a result, the vessels dilate and nodules are formed.Most often, the pathology manifests itself in the legs.If not treated in time, the vessels are deformed, trophic ulcers are formed and blood clots are formed, which can cause serious complications and even death.
What causes venous disease of the lower extremities
Varicose veins are gradually developing and persistent diseases, the causes of which are mostly:
- heredity associated with a genetic defect;
- obesity and overweight, which increase the load on the vascular system;
- lifestyle and field of activity: prolonged physical activity, standing or vice versa, sedentary work, frequent wearing of very tight and tight clothes, high heels, bad habits, unbalanced diet;
- changes and imbalances in hormonal levels, such as during pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
There are 6 stages of varicose veins, each of them is characterized by certain symptoms:
- stage 0 - heaviness and pain in the legs, slight swelling, night cramps, but without any external manifestations;
- Stage 1 – subtle appearance of spider veins or spider veins;
- 2nd stage - the appearance of blood vessels and the appearance of knots, which are especially noticeable after long sitting or walking;
- stage 3 - noticeable swelling of the legs is added;
- stage 4 – trophic changes occur in the limbs: abnormal skin pigmentation, development of skin inflammation;
- 5th stage - formation of trophic ulcers;
- Stage 6 - the appearance of non-healing trophic ulcers.
The earliest stages of varicose veins are difficult to diagnose because of symptoms similar to other diseases.However, thanks to the advanced diagnostic methods used in clinics, it is possible to identify the pathology and make an accurate diagnosis.
Methods of diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins
Accurate diagnosis is the key to effective treatment!To identify varicose veins and determine the stage of the disease, Doppler ultrasound is used - a highly informative method that allows you to assess blood flow in arterial and venous beds, making an accurate diagnosis.
Varicose veins are treated by conservative, injection or surgical methods.The first is carried out in the initial stages of the disease and is aimed at reducing the intensity of symptoms and improving well-being.Unfortunately, this method is not able to eliminate the causes and consequences of the disease.The main methods of such therapy include:
- physical therapy;
- compression therapy - wearing elastic bandages and special compression clothes;
- pharmacotherapy - taking venotonic and anti-inflammatory drugs that can increase the tone of the venous walls, improve blood flow and eliminate inflammatory processes.
In advanced cases, an effective method of treating varicose veins is surgery - removal of part of the affected veins - venectomy and phlebectomy.As a result of the use of such treatment methods, it is possible to eliminate the defect, as well as eliminate the blood flow and normalize the blood flow.
Minimally invasive methods are actively used to treat varicose veins, which have many advantages over other methods:
- safety and efficacy;
- carry out manipulations in an outpatient setting without hospitalization and without the use of general anesthesia;
- the procedure takes place without cuts and scars;
- quick recovery;
- After the operation, the patient can immediately return to a normal lifestyle.
The following types of minimally invasive treatments are available for varicose veins:
- sclerotherapy - a special substance is injected using an injection to glue the walls of the pathological vessel.Manipulations are performed under the control of ultrasound equipment and are effective in the fight against varicose veins;
- Laser coagulation is an advanced alternative to surgical treatment.The technique is based on the thermal effect of the laser beam on the inner walls of the vessels, resulting in the closing of the venous vessels with an excellent aesthetic effect;
- miniphlebectomy – removal of varicose nodes and veins through small holes in the skin using a special scalpel, needle and hook;
- Binding of veins with biological glue - gluing of the lumen of the vein affected by varicose veins with a special glue.
Please remember: each method has certain indications and contraindications, which can be revealed during the consultation.After carefully studying your medical history and detailed diagnosis, the vascular surgeon will help you choose the most suitable treatment method.
Prevention of varicose veins
Timely prevention can prevent the appearance of varicose veins, which is especially important for people at risk.
The main preventive measures are regular visits to a phlebologist, as well as the exclusion of negative factors that are the causes of pathology - by following simple recommendations, you can prevent the disease.Keeping your feet beautiful and healthy is easy if you follow some recommendations:
- choose wisely when choosing shoes and prefer comfortable models without high heels;
- get rid of extra pounds and monitor your weight;
- wear comfortable clothes that do not restrict movement;
- move more: walk, swim;
- avoid prolonged physical activity on your feet and do not lift heavy objects;
- limit sauna and bath visits, take a hot bath;
- wear compression stockings (for people at high risk);
- do special gymnastics and massage;
- proper and balanced food;
- get rid of bad habits.
Learn more about varicose veins, treatment and prevention methods during a consultation with a phlebologist.