Varicose veins, more commonly known as varicose veins, occur when the veins become elongated and enlarged, turning bluish-purple or red in color due to the accumulation of large amounts of blood.It is a widespread disease that most often appears in the legs (most commonly in the calf muscles), but can also occur in other parts of the body.
In general, the blood supply to the cells, which is known from the biology course, occurs as follows: from the left ventricle of the heart, oxygen-rich blood flows through the aorta to the arteries and from there to the capillaries, through which the organs and tissues of the body receive oxygen and the substances they need.The blood is then collected from the capillaries by the help of small blood vessels called "venules" and enters the larger veins, whose task is to send the blood back to the lungs and heart to be enriched with oxygen and repeat its journey.The mechanism that directs blood to the heart is called the venous pump.
Veins are blood vessels that return blood from body tissues to the heart.
Some veins have one-way valves that open to allow blood to flow toward the heart and close to prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction.
In fact, this is how varicose veins happen: if the valves are damaged and do not prevent blood flow, they accumulate in the veins, causing them to swell and stretch, which leads to varicose veins.Angiosurgeons argue that varicose veins are a pathological process that results in changes in the venous wall that subsequently result in valvular insufficiency.
Due to dysfunction of valves in varicose veins, reverse flow of blood (reflux) occurs.They do not close the vascular space, which makes it possible for blood to flow in the opposite direction.As a result, increased venous blood pressure occurs, which breaks the integrity of the walls of the veins - they expand and protrude from under the skin.
Since varicose veins are a modification of the veins, the pathology is considered not only a vascular disease, but also a cosmetic problem.Normal veins and varicose veins - when reverse blood flow and dilation of veins occur due to valve malfunction.
Why are the legs most affected by varicose veins?
There are 3 types of veins in our feet - superficial veins, which are closest to the skin;deep veins located inside the muscles and connected to the vena cava, which leads to the largest vein of our body - the heart;and perforating veins, which connect the superficial and deep veins.The varicose veins that we see are precisely observed in the superficial veins that are closest to the skin.
When we are in an upright position, the blood in the legs must be directed upwards towards the heart, resisting the force of gravity.For this, the leg muscles contract and press the deep veins, pushing the blood towards the heart.When the leg muscles contract, the valves inside the veins open, but when the muscles relax, the valves close, preventing blood from flowing to the leg.
As you may have guessed, varicose veins are more common in the legs because the increased pressure of gravity when sitting and standing has the greatest effect on the venous circulation in the lower extremities.
How dangerous are varicose veins?
For most people, varicose veins are primarily an aesthetic problem and do not pose a health threat at first.Swollen, useless veins can spoil the appearance of certain parts of the body, but in most cases they do not interfere with blood circulation.It is noted that if you do not pay due attention to the fight against varicose veins, its appearance will deteriorate over time and complications may arise.
Causes of varicose veins
A number of factors can increase the risk of varicose veins:
- Factor number 1 is heredity.If you have or have had varicose veins in your family, your chances of inheriting them increase.
- Floor.Varicose veins are more common in women than in men.
- Age.As we age, our veins and valves weaken.
- Disruption of blood flow between arteries and veins.
- Hormonal changes.Hormonal changes during pregnancy, premenstrual period and menopause increase the risk of varicose veins.During pregnancy, the growing fetus puts pressure on the veins in the legs.Varicose veins that appear during this period are less noticeable 3-12 months after the birth of a child.Moreover, each subsequent pregnancy increases the risk of varicose veins.
- Overweight or obesity.Excess weight puts too much pressure on the veins, which can cause varicose veins.
- Sitting and standing work and sedentary lifestyle.If you stand or sit for a long time, you increase the risk of developing varicose veins.This happens because it is harder for the arteries to deliver blood to the heart during long periods of inactivity.
Symptoms of the development of varicose veins
In addition to the prominent appearance of dark blue or purple veins, the main signs of the development of varicose veins are:
- Slight swelling in the ankles and feet, especially after standing for a long time.
- Pain, burning and heaviness in the legs.
- Leg spasms and a tingling sensation.
- Itching on the ankles and lower legs is often misdiagnosed as dry skin.
- Skin discoloration (appearance of deposits) in the area where varicose veins develop.
How to prevent varicose veins
According to experts from the Department of Surgery at the University of California, the first thing a person can do to prevent varicose veins is to change their lifestyle and instill new habits.Although these same changes will not help get rid of varicose veins that have already formed, they will reduce the likelihood of their appearance worsening, as well as reduce pain and protect other areas of the veins from developing varicose veins.
Here's what to do to reduce the likelihood of varicose veins or to protect already affected veins from worsening:
- Do not sit in one place for a long time and do not stand.Try to move at least every 30 minutes.
- Do not cross one leg over the other while sitting.
- If possible, elevate your legs while resting while sitting or lying down.Try to raise your legs above the level of your heart.
- Exercise.This will allow your leg muscles to pump and move blood through your veins more efficiently.
- If you are overweight, try to bring it back to normal.This will help improve blood circulation and reduce stress on the veins.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing, especially around the waist, hips and legs.
- Do not wear high heels too often or for long periods of time.Low-heeled shoes help to tone the calf muscles, blood moves more easily in the veins.
- Exercise regularly.This will help improve blood circulation, get rid of extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight.
Complications with varicose veins
According to the Circulation Foundation, although varicose veins worsen over time, this process takes a long time.It is also noted that in some people with varicose veins, high pressure in the veins can cause damage and discoloration of the skin in the ankle area, and the formation of white scars.
If left untreated, progressive varicose veins can lead to more serious negative consequences:
- Appearance of ulcers
- Phlebitis
- bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
If a person develops eczema (a red skin rash), it can later develop into ulcers that need to be surgically removed.
Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vessel, often accompanied by thrombosis within the affected vessel, which becomes hard but brittle.In most cases, this disorder does not pose a serious health risk, although it is often mistakenly confused with a more serious pathology - deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Many people worry that accidentally hitting a varicose vein will cause it to bleed, but this rarely happens.If this occurs, the bleeding is stopped by applying a tight gauze bandage and applying ice.The person should lie down so that the legs are higher than the heart and see a doctor without delay so that specialists can perform procedures that will reduce the risk of rebleeding.
Some patients suffering from varicose veins later face another pathology - deep vein thrombosis.Science is not entirely sure whether varicose veins directly increase the risk of DVT.Symptoms of DVT include swelling, pain, and skin that feels warm to the touch.According to experts at the US National Library of Medicine, deep vein thrombosis mainly affects the large veins in the thigh and calf muscles, and DVT almost always develops in only one leg.
Treatment of varicose veins
Compression therapy
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is recommended to wear compression garments.Socks, tights, or leggings apply gentle pressure from the bottom of the leg up, reducing blood pooling and swelling.But the effect is achieved only if you wear them regularly.Although wearing compression stockings will not cure varicose veins that have already formed, they will help prevent or reduce varicose veins and further complications.
In addition, the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) notes in its clinical guidelines for the treatment of patients with varicose veins of the lower extremities and pelvis: "Wearing stockings is the first therapeutic procedure for patients with ulceration as the varicose veins progress."
Endovenous ablation (radiofrequency or laser)
Endovenous ablation involves the use of laser or radiofrequency therapy to close or remove a varicose vein.The doctor makes a small incision in the skin near the vein and inserts a catheter into it.After that, a special device is connected to the tip of the catheter, with the help of which the catheter is heated and closes or removes the varicose vein (depending on the selected ablation method).The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the patient usually goes home the same day.
Endovenous ablation is one of the most effective and safe methods of treating varicose veins.The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) recommends this procedure over surgery for the treatment of superficial varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
This is another gentle method of treating varicose veins.During the procedure, a special substance is injected into the vein affected by varicose veins, which destroys the inner membrane of the vein and causes blood to clot inside it.Over time, the vein collapses and disappears.
Surgical method
In advanced cases of varicose veins, milder treatment methods will not help correct the condition.In this case, the person is sent to surgery, during which the superficial vein is surgically removed.Instructions for operation are:
- Ulcers or the threat of their appearance,
- bleeding
- Phlebitis.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and the patient is usually sent home the same day.After the operation, a person may feel pain and discomfort for 2 weeks.
The Circulation Foundation notes that deep vein thrombosis can sometimes develop after surgery, but the risk of this pathology can be reduced by wearing compression stockings and maintaining a high level of physical activity.
Varicose veins and exercise
A lot of movement and moderate exercise are the main helpers in the fight against varicose veins.
However, while some training methods are beneficial and recommended for the prevention of varicose veins, others may be harmful.
Moderate, rhythmic physical activity (for example, walking) positively contributes to preventing the development of varicose veins and helps to minimize the possibility of complications, because dynamic muscle movements help direct blood from the periphery to the heart.
Walking
Walking is one of the best exercises to prevent varicose veins and promotes healthy circulation by stretching and contracting the venous pump in the calf muscles.Walk at least 5 times a week for at least 30 minutes.
Low intensity running
Running at a low speed works the calf muscles well, but it has one drawback - running puts stress on our joints.If you are not ready to replace running with another activity, run on grass or rubber tracks rather than hard asphalt.
Elliptical and exercise bike
Exercises on the elliptical trainer and stationary bike actively engage the calf muscles and promote healthy blood circulation.In addition, unlike running, these exercises put less stress on your joints.
Strength training
People with varicose veins should avoid excessive amounts of very intense weight training.During long-term muscle tension of an irregular nature, leg muscles and ventilator pumps do not help return blood to the heart through the veins.For this reason, blood accumulates in the veins of the legs during exercise, and this can only contribute to the further development of varicose veins.In addition, increased intra-abdominal pressure during straining also inhibits blood circulation.
Among the exercises that have a negative effect on venous circulation, specialists of the Venous Clinic of Georgia especially mention squats, lunges and crunches.
People with varicose veins should train with light weights and perform relatively high repetitions per set before failure.In addition, after finishing strength training, it is recommended to pedal an exercise bike or exercise on an elliptical trainer to restore normal blood circulation.It is also recommended to wear compression stockings during and after strength training.
Why veins swell more in the summer?
as noted by the specialists of the Venous Center.St. John's and Hospital.St.Joseph Wayne, the veins become more prominent in the summer because they expand under the influence of high temperature and are filled with more blood, increasing in size.
To reduce the swelling of veins in the summer, you should follow simple recommendations:
- Lubricate your skin with a thick layer of moisturizing SPF cream.
- If you are outside for a long time, try to hide in the shade.
- Do not sunbathe for too long.
- Swim regularly.Thus, you will carry out cooling procedures for your body, without allowing the vessels to increase in size.
- Try wearing flats/low shoes and sandals instead of high heels.
- Drink more fluids.
You should not let the situation get worse;you must take immediate action.