This is a distortion and disruption of the normal function of the leg veins.Under normal conditions, blood in veins flows from bottom to top; this is achieved due to the coordinated work of the contraction of the heart, the elastic walls of the blood vessels, the muscles surrounding the blood vessels, and the valves of the veins.This valve allows blood to flow upward and prevents it from flowing in the opposite direction.When invasion occurs, the blood vessel wall expands and the valve space bifurcates, and the blood can partially move in the opposite direction, forming a countercurrent, which further expands the blood vessel wall and weakens the valve.Varicose veins appear.The disease is extremely common in people over the age of 30, with women most commonly affected.
Causes and prevention of varicose veins in lower limbs
In most cases, the cause of varicose veins lies in a sedentary lifestyle: we remain in static positions (especially sitting) for long periods of time without putting the necessary stress on our muscles.The following risk factors may also have an impact:
- Clothes that are too tight (pants, socks),
- Uncomfortable shoes (especially high heels),
- Hormone balance disorder,
- Take regular hot baths, saunas,
- Prolonged strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting,
- obesity.
The main way to prevent varicose veins is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.Even if you have a sedentary job, try not to sit still for hours on end: stand up, stretch your legs and walk more; don't forget that a balanced diet, combined with moderate physical activity, can protect you from many diseases.
Pregnancy is also a serious risk factor for varicose veins.But genetic susceptibility is still being studied, and there are even studies refuting it.
symptom
The disease develops very slowly: over years or even decades.The symptoms of the initial stage are diverse, but for convenience, they are combined into a certain complex with a general feeling of heaviness in the legs:
- Leg fatigue will occur without strenuous exercise.
- venous pain,
- Calf cramps at night,
- There is a pulling sensation in the legs.
If symptoms of varicose veins are not followed early on, the veins will become increasingly deformed.Swelling of the feet and ankles may begin at night and subside by morning; spider veins may become visible and then the veins may be felt swollen and have nodules on them.If a specialist is not consulted at this stage, the patient may be at risk of skin pigmentation and trophic ulcers, in addition to a significant decrease in quality of life and significant pain.The further development of varicose veins can bring complications such as bleeding from venous nodes, as well as the risk of serious medical conditions such as blood clots, which can be fatal if a specialist is not contacted.
diagnosis
Diagnosis of varicose veins is very simple - just a survey, examination and ultrasound of the patient can show the affected area of the veins and the extent of the damage to choose the best treatment.If for some reason (for example, when the damaged vein is located deep), the ultrasound does not provide all the necessary information, then the specialist will perform an additional test - venography - a contrast agent is injected into the vein, which under X-ray will show the smallest changes in the blood flow along the vein.
Treatment of varicose veins of lower limbs
Non-surgical treatments for varicose veins (special physical exercises, massage, wearing compression garments, taking drugs that strengthen the walls of blood vessels) are only helpful initially.Unfortunately, however, few patients seek help from specialists at this time.Perhaps due to the widespread prevalence of this disease, many people either believe in traditional treatments, which have not proven their effectiveness and waste precious time, or succumb to venous dilation until the onset of intolerable pain syndromes that mark the advanced stage.
Like any other surgical procedure, surgical treatment of varicose veins requires a team of highly qualified doctors to treat the patient.After all, surgery can have serious contraindications, so your health can only be trusted to experienced specialists in well-equipped medical centers.
For our patients, we are prepared to offer all known, clinically proven treatments: from conservative (non-surgical) to surgical.The most effective of these are:
- Laser coagulation (removal of dilated blood vessel areas by laser exposure, i.e. by heat exposure) - This method is suitable for small blood vessels and removal of spider veins near the surface of the skin;
- Sclerosis (injection of special substances into veins that safely block them) - this method only works on small peripheral blood vessels;
- Phlebectomy is the surgical removal of an affected area of veins and is used in advanced stages of large vein disease;
- Radiofrequency coagulation.
The choice of treatment depends on many factors (degree of varicose veins, patient's condition, contraindications to the procedure).Specialists strive to provide patients with the most detailed information about their condition, listen to the patient's wishes and decide on a treatment appropriate to the specific situation.