From the article, you will learn what signs may indicate varicose veins in the lower extremities, the causes of the pathology, the treatment and the prevention at home.
WHAT IS VARICOSIS?
Varicose veins are a venous pathology based on a malfunction of the vascular valve apparatus with the formation of venous insufficiency, dilation of the lumen, congestion accompanied by constant tissue stiffness.MAIN CAUSES OF PATHOLOGY
Varicose veins in the legs have various causes and symptoms, which have less gender characteristics.The main common trigger of pathology is called congenital weakness of the connective tissue.Second, there are hormonal changes, so women are diagnosed with varicose veins more often. A prolonged static position, sitting or standing, plays a role, while the longer the legs, the more serious the situation. Extra pounds also cause an increase in the pressure in the veins of the lower extremities as well as a lack of physical activity. Smoking, pregnancy, concomitant pathologies, tight underwear, shoes, heels, anything that causes stagnation of blood circulation in the veins of the legs are risk factors for varicose veins.
SYMPTOMS AND CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
The signs of varicose veins in women and men do not differ fundamentally. This is a staged disease whose symptoms are correlated with the stage of development of the pathological process.
The first step is characterized by minor clinical manifestations: veins hardly protrude beyond the surface of the skin, dermis is slightly hyperemic, heaviness in the legs begins to bother, evening bleaching of the legs, ankles, cramps are possible. Such symptoms of varicose veins in the legs are particularly painful for women from an aesthetic point of view. Pain is often preceded by visual signs.
In the second stage, the clinical picture acquires a typical appearance: veins on the legs protrude prominently beyond the skin surface, are well palpated, resemble nodules. If the pathological process progresses, the veins in the lower extremities take on curved shapes, a bluish-purple hue, sometimes turning black.
The symptoms of varicose veins in the third stage are characterized by the development of complications: trophic disorders appear, the skin resembles parchment, edema and cramps become common, the legs become covered with rashes, begin to itch, secondary flora closes, pyoderma layer, dermatitis, eczema.
The fourth stage of varicose veins in the lower extremities is the most severe in terms of symptoms: the skin over the bulging veins becomes inflamed, nearby tissues are involved, trophic wounds open, pain in the legs with varicose veins is permanent, the addition of a secondaryinfection causes thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, urgent hospitalization, complex treatment.
WHICH DOCTOR TO CONSULT?
A phlebologist is involved in pain in the legs with varicose veins, but a vascular surgeon can also carry out the initial appointment. It all depends on the severity of the pathology. The phlebologist prescribes conservative therapy or refers to a vascular surgeon for consultation to solve the problem of surgery.
Without a complete clinical and laboratory examination, it is not possible to make an accurate diagnosis. Instrumental diagnostic methods help to clarify the pathology phase, the duration of the test takes 10 minutes, maximum - half an hour. The result of the examination is announced immediately by the doctor at the first appointment. The choice of adequate therapy depends on the stage of the pathology.
TREATMENT FUNCTIONS
Varicose vein therapy is based on the "three pillars": drug treatment, minimally invasive techniques, surgical classics.
CONSERVATIVE THERAPY
In addition to the mandatory general recommendations for varicose veins: dosed, regular physical activity, minimization of static load on the legs, exercise therapy, wearing compression stockings, use of elastic bandages - conservative therapy involves the appointment of phlebotonics based on flavonoids, horse chestnut extract. These are tableted systemic drugs: synthetic and based on natural ingredients.
Most often, oral administration is combined with the eponymous external treatment for varicose veins. According to doctors and patients, the combination of capsules and gel is most effective.
Of course, one should not expect a complete cure from conservative methods, drugs are not able to restore dilated veins, but as a prophylaxis in preparation for surgery it is impossible to get surgical treatment of varicose veins - these drugs guaranteea suspension of disease progression and relieves symptoms.
COMPRESSION CLEROTHERAPY
The essence of minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins is to inject a special sclerosant drug into the dilated vein. Through a syringe, the doctor injects a foaming solution into the vein, which fills the deformed vessel and spasms it.
The patient is placed on a compression stocking designed to hold the vessel in this condition. Within three days, the walls of the veins hold together, the vessel is extinguished from the usual blood flow and emptied. You should wear compression stockings for at least a month, sometimes two. The criteria for the effectiveness of the treatment are the adhesions formed.
Compression sclerotherapy is performed whose varicose veins are not complicated by reverse blood flow from deep vessels to superficial ones through communicating veins.If such a countercurrent is present, the efficiency of the procedure tends to zero.
OPERATIONAL INTERVENTION
Surgery - has been and is the most reliable and effective way to treat varicose veins, regardless of whether there is reverse blood flow in the veins. But here too it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner, as relapses often occur in the later stages. Varicose veins are operated with different techniques: microsurgery, radiofrequency and laser coagulation of deformed veins.
In the initial stages, photocoagulation or laser removal of spider effects is effective. In the later stages, phlebectomy is indicated - complete removal of the affected veins. The operation is traumatic, there is a risk of complications, so today doctors are trying to use the technique for less invasive miniflebectomy. If varicose veins are complicated by venous thrombosis, a secondary infection,crossectomyis performed.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH VARICOSIS OF THE FOOT AT HOME?
The essence of using folk remedies for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins is to remove toxins and toxins from the body with the restoration of normal blood flow. To do this, balance your diet including cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, citrus fruits, apples, peaches, cherries, cherries, strawberries, gooseberries, currants in daily dishes. Be sure to calculate the correct drinking ration: 40 ml per. Kg weight.
In addition, they use the properties of green tomatoes, which are bound in slices to the varicose vein area in the form of compresses. The effect is guaranteed by lycopene - an antioxidant in the fruit mass that improves the structure of the vascular wall, tones the veins. You can try the juice treatment: all vegetables eaten raw are suitable.
An extract of garlic and lemon is effective: phytoncider dissolves cholesterol plaques, clears the lumen of blood vessels, a natural antibiotic, which is garlic, kills pathogenic flora, and vitamin C strengthens the vein wall, prevents the deposition of salts. The tincture is prepared simply: chop 4 unpeeled lemons, 4 large garlic cloves, put the mixture in a jar, fill it with hot boiled water, insist under lid for three days, shake the container daily, filter, store in cold, drink a third of a glass belowthe meals three times a day. Course - drunk 12 liters of the resulting solution.
Apple cider vinegar is popularly considered a source of minerals and vitamins; for varicose veins, it is taken orally in the morning and evening by dissolving two teaspoons of the product in a glass of water. Outward: Rub varicose veins with a tampon soaked in vinegar to relieve itching and pain.
Compresses are made with honey, where a sterile napkin with the product is applied to the varicose vein area for a few hours during a film. Use broken cabbage leaves with vegetable oil under a bandage overnight. Course - month.
PREVENTION
Prevention of varicose veins has two goals: to prevent disease outbreaks and reduce the number of relapses. For this: you can not go in the sauna or take too hot baths, lift weights. It is recommended to exercise a lot, except strength sports, control the weight and minimize the consumption of too spicy and fatty foods.
No need to wear tight clothing, socks, knee socks, stockings with a tight elastic band, cross your legs while sitting. Women are encouraged to give up high heels.
At night - take cool foot baths, you can extinguish your feet with cold water in the morning. It is necessary to give up bad habits, to master the point of self-massage: stroke the skin of the lower extremities from the bottom up and in the opposite direction for 10 minutes, minimize stress, avoid overheating, colds, undergo medical examination.
With varicose veins, it is reasonable to visit the pool, walk, take a contrast shower at home and constantly wear compression stockings.