Veins have valves that normally block or open blood flow in the vessels.Since blood flow in the veins is directed from the tissues to the heart, the job of the valves is to prevent venous blood from flowing back into the veins of the lower extremities.
When the elasticity of the vascular wall decreases and the vein expands, the valves no longer regulate blood flow and varicose veins appear, which are characterized by stagnation of venous blood in the veins.This means that blood cannot be transported normally from the legs to the heart - it is constantly delayed.
With varicose veins, the superficial veins in the legs turn blue or dark purple and appear lumpy, protruding, and misshapen.In varicose veins, the veins do not always protrude to the surface because they can lie deep in the tissue of the lower extremities.This is why leg pain often confuses people because there is no apparent reason for the pain.
Varicose veins must be treated because they can lead to thrombophlebitis - an inflammation of the vein wall.In thrombophlebitis, blood clots form;If they enter the pulmonary circulation, a person can die from a pulmonary embolism, in which a blood clot blocks vital vessels.
Causes of varicose veins
Varicose veins in the legs are caused by reduced elasticity of the vein wall and valve insufficiency.The development of varicose veins is promoted by:
- sedentary lifestyle and prolonged work while standing.More common in office workers, weightlifters, dentists and surgeons;
- hereditary predisposition;
- Female gender: Women suffer from varicose veins more often than men because “female” hormones estrogens have a negative effect on the vein wall.In addition, during pregnancy, the pressure in the veins of the pelvis and lower extremities increases, so the risk of developing varicose veins of the lower extremities increases.
- congenital weakness of the vascular system;
- Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome, in which pathological messages form between arteries and veins, promoting the reverse outflow of venous blood.
Symptoms of varicose veins
Varicose veins can be symptomatic and almost invisible.In the first case, the symptoms of varicose veins are as follows:
- Malaise and aching pain in the lower extremities;
- swelling in the ankles;
- burning or throbbing feeling in the legs;
- cramps that occur mainly in the evening or at night;
- Itching in the area of the enlarged vein;
- rapid fatigue of the legs;
- changed skin color.
These symptoms worsen in the evening, at the end of the working day, in the warm season and after standing for a long time.With hidden varicose veins, there are no external signs of varicose veins, but there is pain in the legs.
Typically, the pain is severe in the lower extremities and extends deep into the legs.Pain can often indicate inflammation of the veins (phlebitis) and the formation of blood clots.The development of thrombophlebitis is accompanied by an increase in body temperature.
An enlarged vein can rupture, causing a bruise to form where the affected vessel runs.Skin ulcers can occur after even minor damage to the skin.Typically, varicose vein ulcers are small, superficial and painful.
The danger of phlebitis, thrombosis and thrombophlebitis - the difference between thrombosis and ulcers in varicose veins of the legs is that they lead to the formation of small thin-walled blisters on the ankles.These blisters can easily become damaged and bleed.While you sleep, the blisters may rupture, causing minor bleeding.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities lead to other skin and vascular diseases:
- Lymphadenopathy.A dilated vein can damage the vessels of the lymphatic system, which transport and dispose of toxins and metabolic products.Additionally, damage to the lymphatic vessels can lead to lymphedema, which causes swelling of the lower extremities;
- Dermatitis, which is accompanied by itching and rash in the varicose vein area.The rash is most often localized on the lower leg and ankle.Dermatitis can cause minor bleeding, skin irritation, and infection.
How do you treat varicose veins?
For mild varicose vein symptoms, preventive measures by a phlebologist (to treat venous diseases) are sufficient.However, if varicose veins cause discomfort such as pain, cosmetic defects, tired legs, swelling or changes in skin color, therapy is required, which consists of the following methods:
- Compression stockings that moderately compress the legs and veins of the lower extremities so that blood does not stagnate in them.Compression socks can relieve pain and swelling.In order for the symptoms to disappear, stockings must be worn for at least 6 months.In addition, wearing stockings should be combined with regular physical activity that primarily involves the legs: running, exercise machines, cycling;
- Radiofrequency ablation.This is a minimally invasive method: a disposable catheter is inserted into the vein, which is heated and causes the vein to collapse.This causes the vein to close and venous blood flows through healthy veins to the heart;
- sclerotherapy.The doctor injects a drug that converts a section of the vein into connective tissue, which closes the lumen of the vein and transports blood to neighboring healthy vessels;
- surgical methods that involve ligation or complete removal of the affected vein.
How to treat varicose veins on the legs in women?
The treatment of varicose veins does not depend on gender: women receive the same treatment as men.However, there are special features in the therapy of pregnant women.Varicose veins in pregnant women increase the risk of obstetric and vascular complications, can lead to unstable development of pregnancy and increase the incidence of toxicosis in pregnant women.Therefore, special attention is paid to the treatment of varicose veins in pregnant women.
In extreme cases, surgical treatment is used when varicose veins are accompanied by venous insufficiency and complications, for example, the formation of trophic ulcers or thrombotic pathologies.Microinvasive methods such as sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation are contraindicated during pregnancy.In addition, women are rarely prescribed hormonal drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during pregnancy.
The main method of treating varicose veins in women is conservative therapy in the form of compression (compression stockings) in combination with drugs that improve the nutrition of the blood vessel walls (phlebotropics).If compression therapy is ineffective, doctors prescribe drugs that do not penetrate the placenta and do not affect the fetus.
Complications of varicose veins
Untreated varicose veins can be complicated by trophic ulcers, acute thrombophlebitis and bleeding from the affected veins.
Trophic ulcers most often form on the inner surface of the lower leg and above the ankle.The first signs of ulcer formation are dermatitis: the skin becomes inflamed and extremely itchy.Single and multiple small painful ulcers then form, from which pus or inflammatory fluid oozes in small quantities.
Acute thrombophlebitis results in compaction of the superficial veins, accompanied by pain and redness along the vein.A patient with acute thrombophlebitis has difficulty walking due to discomfort and pain in the legs.A thrombosed vein can rupture.Then there is severe bleeding, which leads to massive blood loss.
Prevention of varicose veins
To prevent varicose veins in men and women, you must follow the recommendations.The most effective tips and techniques:
- Always prefer physical activity to immobility, e.g.E.g. climb the stairs yourself instead of the elevator.If you have to travel 1-2 stops, don't take public transport and walk.
- Watch your weight – being overweight is a triggering factor for varicose veins;
- An active lifestyle is the key to preventing varicose veins.However, physical activity should be appropriate.Weightlifting is not recommended because heavy lifting puts a lot of pressure on the legs and causes blood congestion in the legs.The best sports for the lower extremities are running, cycling, swimming and aerobics.Choose an activity that uses your lower leg and ankle, such as soccer or skiing;
- If you have a sedentary lifestyle, get up from your chair every 40 minutes and warm up a little: sit down or just walk 5-10 times;
- Choose non-restrictive shoes without high heels and try to go barefoot as often as possible.
- Walk at least 30 minutes a day, at least 3-4 times a week;
- If you work while standing, purchase compression socks and wear them while you work.In this way, the veins of the lower extremities are strengthened and the blood does not stagnate in them.
If your legs hurt for no apparent reason, fatigue and swelling occur, and curved blue or purple veins appear on your skin, you may have varicose veins of the lower extremities.Do not delay treatment and consult a doctor for advice and diagnosis.