The circulatory system consists of two types of vessels: arteries, which carry blood from the heart to organs, and veins. The venous system in the human body performs the function of returning blood from tissues and organs to the heart.
Each vein, regardless of size, consists of a wall and a lumen filled with blood, and is equipped with venous valves that prevent the downward flow of blood (the flow through the veins in the lower extremities usually moves from the bottom and up). Diseases of the veins are usually caused by abnormalities in the structure of the venous walls and valves. One of the most common varicose veins is varicose veins.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a disease that is accompanied by weakness in the venous wall and venous valves, as a result of which blood flow is slowed, the blood stagnates in the veins, leading to their expansion, the formation of venous networks and nodules. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men (due to the effect of estrogen on the vein wall and increased stress on the venous system during pregnancy). The risk of varicose veins increases with age (due to the veins losing their elasticity), so varicose veins are extremely rare in children and adolescents.
Due to the fact that the load on the veins in the lower half of the body is greater than on the venous vessels in the upper half, varicose veins develop on the legs and in the area of the pelvic organs. With varicose veins in the lower extremities, the superficial (outer) veins in the legs are usually affected. There are several types of varicose veins in the superficial veins of the legs:
- spiders (dilation of small intradermal veins);
- reticular varicose veins (damage to the saphenous veins in the system of the small and large saphenous veins with the formation of venous nodules);
- nonsaphenic varicose veins (varicose veins that do not belong to the vessels of the system of the small and large saphenous veins).
Varicose veins in the small pelvis are a type of internal varicose veins and are represented by groin varicose veins, varicose veins in the uterus, varicose veins on the penis. One of the common types of varicose veins in men is varicocele (varicose veins in the testicles), which manifests itself in tender pain in the scrotum, sexual dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
Signs of varicose veins
In the initial stages, varicose veins are asymptomatic. Signs of varicose veins appear when the affected vessels no longer cope with the function of blood flow.
Varicose veins contribute to stagnation of blood in the expansion area. The symptoms of varicose veins include:
- the appearance of a visually noticeable vascular network and swollen veins (as opposed to atherosclerosis, a chronic arterial disease in which blood flow to the lower extremities is impaired);
- a feeling of heaviness in the legs and distension in the veins;
- swelling of the legs;
- itching and darkening of the skin on the legs over varicose veins.
Varicose veins are a chronic, continuously progressive disease and lead to the formation of venous insufficiency (dysfunction of the venous system). The progression of varicose veins takes place in phases:
- varicose veins of the first degree (an increase in veins is asymptomatic);
- varicose veins of the second degree (edema appears, heaviness in the legs, itching);
- varicose veins of the third degree (edema and severity are continuously disturbed, sores appear on the skin, pain in the area of the affected veins).
Symptoms of varicose veins often increase in the evening and intensify after strenuous physical exertion. In summer, the signs of varicose veins are more pronounced than in winter (as in hot weather there is a tendency for vasodilation and increased blood viscosity).
Why do varicose veins occur?
There is no single reason for the occurrence of varicose veins. The development of varicose veins is facilitated by overweight, heavy physical exertion and work associated with a prolonged stay in a sitting position, a genetic predisposition for weakening of the venous valves and inflammation of the veins. Varicose veins in women often develop during pregnancy and after childbirth due to the fact that the enlargement of the uterus and tension during childbirth increase the load on the woman's venous system.
Complications of varicose veins
As a result of prolonged progression of varicose veins, unpleasant consequences of varicose veins may develop. One of the complications of varicose veins is the presence of blood clots (blood clots) in the lumen of the dilated veins, which can break off, reach smaller vessels with the blood flow and clog them, leading to thrombosis. Due to chronic venous insufficiency, trophic disorders form in the skin: sores appear over the enlarged veins, which heal poorly and are susceptible to infection.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
A phlebologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. During the consultation, the phlebologist examines the veins and palps (feels them), measures the circumference of the left and right legs to reveal hidden edema.
For the diagnosis of varicose veins, ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the vessels is also prescribed with Doppler ultrasound (determination of blood flow). Ultrasound allows not only to visualize the vein wall, but also to determine the presence of blood clots in the lumen of varicose veins.
Treatment methods for varicose veins
In the Department of Phlebology, both conservative and surgical methods are used to treat varicose veins. Conservative (without surgery) treatment of varicose veins consists of the use of drugs and wearing medical compression underwear. Properly chosen therapy can reduce the symptoms of varicose veins and prevent the appearance of new varicose veins, but existing venous disorders can only be eliminated by surgery.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins is to remove the dilated veins (phlebectomy). An alternative to phlebectomy is minimally invasive methods of treating varicose veins. Minimally invasive surgical methods of treating varicose veins include sclerotherapy and laser treatment of varicose veins.
Laser treatment of varicose veins
Treatment of varicose veins with a laser is performed by endovenous laser coagulation: during ultrasound control, an electrode is inserted into the lumen of the vein, by means of which the inner surface of the vein wall is cauterized with a laser. As a result of laser cauterization, coagulation of the venous wall occurs, after which the vein atrophies by itself. Minimally invasive laser treatment of varicose veins is performed under local anesthesia. The advantages of laser treatment of varicose veins are the absence of scars and the relative (in comparison with removal of veins) pain relief of the procedure.
Minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins is performed on an outpatient basis (without hospitalization). Recovery after laser treatment of varicose veins usually takes no more than a month. During this period, it is necessary to wear a compression bandage and restrict sports.
For the prevention of varicose veins you should reduce weight, exclude heavy lifting and prolonged sitting, give preference to loose clothing. To prevent varicose veins in the initial stages of the disease helps regular use of special medical compression underwear and moderate physical activity (walking, swimming, exercise).
Popular questions
What can not be done with varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a disease whose development is closely linked to lifestyle. In the presence of varicose veins you can not lift weights, participate in the sports that increase the load on the vessels in the lower half of the body (heavyweight sports). It is necessary to exclude a long stay in a sitting position (if you work in an office and have to sit for a long time - take a five-minute break to walk or exercise every hour), and also try not to wear tight tight clothing.
How to treat varicose veins on the legs in women?
With the problem of varicose veins on the legs, a woman should consult a phlebologist. In the presence of varicose veins on the legs or thighs, the doctor will help you choose the necessary compression underwear. In the presence of indications (signs of venous insufficiency, protruding venous nodules, aesthetic discomfort), surgical removal of varicose veins may be recommended. The decision on what type of intervention will be recommended for a woman is made by the doctor based on the results of the examination and the examination.
How to treat varicose veins at home?
Varicose veins are a disease of the veins that should be treated by a phlebologist. Most of the phlebologist's appointments can be performed at home: do a special exercise that improves the outflow of blood from the lower extremities and pelvis, wears compression underwear, and takes medication prescribed by your doctor. Self-treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies is ineffective, and exposure to the veins with herbal compresses can lead to ulceration of the skin.