VEHICLES

Fatigue, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, slight swelling of tissues, swelling of the veins and the first visible "vascular networks" may indicate the development of varicose veins in the lower extremities.

The statistics for this disease are very sad. For example, in a single country, about 37 million people suffer from this disease. Every sixth patient of them is a girl under 12 years. Such an early appearance of the disease significantly increases the risk of complications which, when neglected, threaten disability and even death.

What is so terrible about varicose veins in the lower extremities? Why is it so important to stop the development in the early stages? About this treatment methods, preventive measures from the point of view of specialists as well as many other useful information about varicose veins in the lower extremities, read this article.

What are varicose veins in the lower extremities?

All veins in the human body are divided into deep, superficial and perforated. Deep vessels do almost all the work (90%) of transporting blood to the heart, and perforated vessels are a kind of bridge between deep and superficial. The structure of the veins ensures the presence of valves that only control and promote blood flow in the right direction. When the circulatory system fails, some of the blood accumulates at some point. This leads to local expansion (extension) of the ship. The first to suffer are deep veins (the so-called internal varicose veins), later superficial in the form of "spider veins and nodules".

For a complete understanding of the severity of the disease, it is worth noting that its progression threatens the development of thrombophlebitis, blockage of the pulmonary artery with a thrombus (or thromboembolism) as well as trophic wounds in the leg, lymphostasis (edema of the lower extremities) andmany other problems that can lead to the patient.

The main causes of varicose veins in the lower extremities

Many factors can cause a malfunction in blood vessel function, blood flow in general, and then stimulate the appearance of varicose veins in the superficial veins of the lower extremities. Let's consider the most important ones:

Congenital malformation of the valves in the venous vessels - the disease can be inherited. According to statistics, two-thirds of patients have close relatives with a similar disease.

Inadequate mobility reduces soft tissue stress. As a result, a decrease in the load on blood vessels, their tone.

Under the "standing" position, the pressure inside the bench vessels increases tenfold. With a long vertical arrangement, the valves can not cope with the increased load, which causes a violation of their function.

Decrease in vascular tone - may be caused by age-related changes, loss of wall elasticity after certain diseases.

Pregnancy - this period is characterized by an increase in the blood in the woman's body as well as the hormones progesterone, estrogen. Together, these changes stimulate the development of varicose veins in the lower extremities. It is true that the normalization of processes is possible approx. 1 year after birth if varicose vein complications have not occurred.

Obesity, the presence of injuries, previous surgeries, hormonal disorders and the use of contraceptives supplement the list of causes of the development of the disease.

Determination of varicose veins in the lower extremities - symptoms and diagnosis

The effectiveness of treatment, the rate of a positive result depends to a large extent on the accuracy and timeliness of diagnosing diseases.

Signs of varicose veins in the lower extremities help determine the disease in the early stages:

• the appearance of slight swelling of the legs
• swelling of superficial venous vessels, an increase in their diameter;
• itching of the lower extremities with varicose veins
• feeling of exertion, heaviness;
• burning, pain caused by straining of the veins;
• leg cramps;
• noticeable blue skin along the vein, induration (induration) of problem areas in tissues, the formation of varicose veins eczema in the lower extremities.

Even a minor violation of the integrity of the skin at the site of eczema can lead to a trophic wound.

In the variant of varicose veins in deep veins of the lower extremities, the symptoms may occur at a later stage, which is undesirable. Therefore, if you have the slightest suspicion of a disease, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Diagnosis of varicose veins in the lower extremities is performed using special equipment. Such an examination is safe, painless and allows you to comprehensive examination of the severity of the disease.

There are several diagnostic options:

• visual inspection;
• Color Duplex Examination Method - The blood flow chart prepared during the examination allows the direction and speed of blood movement through the veins to be assessed. The procedure informs about the condition of blood vessels, which is important to predict the development of varicose veins;
• phlebography - it is used very rarely because it involves X-ray examination.

During diagnosis, you can observe the condition of blood vessels, valves, analyze their functionality and determine the direction of blood flow.

In general, the first reason to visit a doctor is unaesthetic changes. From the first type, they are harmless, they can develop further into serious ailments and complications. Therefore, you should not neglect their significance.

Classification of varicose veins in the lower extremities

Doctors usually distinguish 5 stages of varicose veins in the lower extremities, each with its own symptoms:

• Step 1- reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities, which is the easiest to treat. It is characterized by the presence of a "vascular network". Enlarged veins are visible through the thin skin (especially in the fossa below the knee), no pain occurs yet.
• Step 2- segmental varicose veins of the lower extremities accompanied by slight fatigue, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, even seizures in the calf muscle, slight swelling of the veins is possible;
• Step 3- venous vessels differ markedly from the skin, especially inside the lower leg, thin skin with dark brown spots, itching, rash, signs of dermatitis. Increased swelling causes discomfort during movement.
• Step 4varicose veins of the lower extremities - the symptomatology is pronounced, the complications of the disease appear, such as thrombophlebitis, manifestations of trophic ulcers. Varicose veins Swollen nodules appear strongly through the thinner skin of the lower leg, feet and thigh.
• Step 5- has all the symptoms of Step 4. In addition, the disease develops to the groin area. The number of trophic gastric ulcers is increasing rapidly, as is the frequency of thrombophlebitis crises. The doctor determines disability with varicose veins in the lower extremities at this stage.

The main task of both the patient and his doctor is to prevent the development of the disease beyond the initial stages, and the sooner you contact a phlebologist, the easier it will be for him to stop the disease.

Treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities

Medicine does not stand still, but develops the latest technologies to combat venous disease. Treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities can be performed using conservative methods (medication, minimally invasive procedures), surgery, home remedies in combination with massage.

Deteriorating the attractiveness of the appearance is not the whole list of possible problems. Complications and disabilities can add to that. Modern medicine offers a wide range of non-surgical effects on problem areas, and often it is physiotherapy for varicose veins in the lower extremities that is most effective in the initial stages of the disease:

1. Use of creamy preparations, gels, ointments for varicose veins in the lower extremities, these drugs provide noticeable relief. They are easy to apply on the surface, do not cause pain and discomfort.
2. Use of venotonics - substances that normalize the function of the veins in the case of varicose veins in the lower extremities.
3. Laser Exposure - The method of endovenous laser vein erasure (ELOV) is widely used in the fight against varicose veins. The principle of the procedure is to stop the function of the problem vein due to the effect of a heat ray on it. Laser manipulations are performed under local anesthesia, restrictions on actions and additional hospital stays are not required. The patient has the right to go home immediately after the procedure.
4. Magnetotherapy for varicose veins in the lower extremities is a modern auxiliary method that promotes blood thinning, stimulation of blood circulation and as a result helps remove toxins from tissues and saturates them with oxygen.
5. RF Exposure - RF acts as a laser. They exclude the problem vessel from the circulatory system, thus eliminating the risk of possible complications;
6. Sclerotherapy - involves the introduction of a special drug into the diseased vein, which favors the gluing of the vessel walls and its self-elimination from the bloodstream after a while.

It should be noted that an initial consultation with a physician and a special examination are required.

Operations of varicose veins of the lower extremities

Subsequent visits to a physician, neglect of the disease lead to CVI (chronic venous insufficiency) and the inconvenience of minimally invasive treatment. In such cases, surgery comes to the rescue.

The following factors are considered as indications for surgery for varicose veins in the lower extremities:

• the disease is in severe stages when trophic ulcers gradually manifest;
• development of thrombophlebitis;
• discomfort associated with excessive fatigue, swelling of the legs.

The principle of surgical intervention, like conservative techniques, is based on the elimination of the problem vein from the circulatory system. Only with minimally invasive methods are the vessels glued together, and during the operation they are tied on both sides and removed.

There are several main methods for surgical treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities:

1. Phlebectomyis ​​a classic variant of surgery. Small incisions (up to five millimeters) are made in the skin, through which a probe is inserted and the diseased vein is removed. The procedure takes no more than two hours and no longer involves hospitalization.
2. Miniflebectomy- differs from classic phlebectomy in the size of the hole in the skin. In this case, these are minimal punctures that minimize the rehabilitation period and do not leave visible marks on the body.
3. Short stripping- requires accurate location of the problem area. Only the affected segment is removed. There are no traces left after the procedure.
4. Dissection of veinsunder the control of a high optical endoscope. It is injected directly into the diseased vein, the operation is performed through a monitor. Experience, qualification of a surgeon increases the chances of a successful operation.

Surgery solves the problem of sore veins, reduces the risk of developing the disease and helps relieve symptoms in the later stages. Compression underwear, venotonic medicine is the main condition for the rehabilitation period. They contribute to early recovery, normalization of blood circulation.

Treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities with folk medicine

Home medicine occupies a separate niche in the treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities. There is no need to claim their enormous significance, but there is also nothing that diminishes their dignity. Boiled decoctions, infusions, compresses can reduce pain, relieve the feeling of heaviness and fatigue after a hard day.

As a treatment option for reticular varicose veins, traditional medicine recommends a tincture of calamus root in red wine for internal use. There are also recipes for external rubbing.

Unopened birch buds are infused for 10 days on 0, 5 liters of vodka. When the product is ready, rub the product into the skin.

Useful compresses for varicose veins in the lower extremities from yogurt with garlic or wrapping with fresh cabbage leaves.

Do not expect super-fast results. The agents are suitable for prophylactic purposes and for the treatment of primary varicose veins in the lower extremities together with medication prescribed by the doctor individually. Do not use any treatment without talking to your doctor.

Massage and gymnastics for varicose veins in the lower extremities

The healing properties of massage have long been known to mankind. Massage of lower extremities with varicose veins also has a beneficial effect. It improves blood and lymph flow, normalizes venous pressure and starts metabolic processes inside tissues.

The massage technique is peculiar. It is forbidden to touch the area of ​​the affected vein in any way possible, just around it. Light squeezing, wide grip and stroking are the main techniques in the procedure. It is recommended to combine massage with a set of exercises.

Gymnastics for varicose veins in the lower extremities involves the implementation of a whole range of actions:

1. Warm-up - lie down for two to three minutes with your legs up. They must rest on a wall or other height, this position guarantees their complete relaxation.
2. Exercise "Cycling" - movements are identical as with cycling. Only the position of the body "lying on its back".
3. Exercise "Scissors" - swollen upward limbs cross each other for at least a minute.
4. Exercise for the calf muscles - in the "lying" position, bend one leg so that the knee reaches the chest. Perform movements in the opposite direction while massaging the problem muscle. Repeat the procedure four times with each leg.
5. Get up. For three to five minutes, get up on your toes and lower yourself to the starting position.
6. The gymnastic complex of exercises or exercise therapy for varicose veins in the lower extremities guarantees a preventive, therapeutic effect with the aim of speeding up the outflow of venous blood to the heart and increasing vascular tone.

It is important that the doctor not only approves sets of exercises for daily exercises, but also makes sure that the patient performs them correctly without creating additional stress on the guys.

Prevention of varicose veins in the lower extremities

It is better to prevent the problem than to cure it later! Experts unanimously recommend the following measures to prevent the disease:

1. Move more - this reduces the risk of blood and lymph clots.
2. Exercise regularly against varicose veins.
3. Shoes must be comfortable, the heel must not exceed four centimeters.
4. Prolonged exposure to the sun does not work well on the walls of blood vessels, limiting the time to hot baths.

5. Prefers a contrast shower, it improves blood circulation.
6. Focus on fresh vegetables, fruits, plant products. A special diet for varicose veins in the lower extremities is the "best friend" of health.
7. Rehydrate your body with 2 liters of fluid a day.
8. Removal of fatigue, incorrect sitting or uncomfortable position at rest is the best prevention of varicose veins in the lower extremities.

It should be remembered that varicose veins in the lower extremities are a progressive disease. From painless "stars" it can develop into thrombophlebitis and trophic ulcers. Beauty, the absence of pain and heaviness in the legs can be preserved by following the simple recommendations of specialists. If you have the slightest suspicion of disease, hurry to the phlebologist. Remember, varicose veins can not be completely cured, but it is possible to prevent to minimize the risk of its further development. Be healthy!