Varicose veins are a very common pathology that reduces the quality of life and causes dangerous complications that require expensive and complex treatment.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins, or varicose veins, is a disease associated with disorders of the valvular apparatus of the veins.As a result of their damage, the normal outflow of blood from the periphery is interrupted, and the blood lingers in various parts of the vascular bed, causing them to develop.
The main population exposed to this disease is people over 40 years old.This is due to the fact that at this time ships are exposed to various negative influences, which causes a decrease in their adaptive capacity.
Most often, varicose veins affect the lower legs, but the pathological process can also be seen in the groin area or internal organs.
It is necessary to carry out preventive measures, because this pathology tends to develop, and the treatment regimen for varicose veins is quite complicated.
Reason
The main cause of varicose veins is considered excessive and insufficient mobility.The mechanism of normal blood flow through veins is closely related to muscle contraction.During muscle tension, blood is pushed through the vein, and the valve in the vein cavity prevents its backflow.
Lack of physical activity leads to congestion in the periphery, as a result of which the blood puts excessive pressure on the valve apparatus.Excessive pressure also has an adverse effect on the vascular system.Frequent muscle contractions can cause damage to vein valves.
In addition, there are several negative factors and diseases that increase the risk of developing varicose veins:
- Bad habits.Alcohol and nicotine have vasomotor properties.They can expand and narrow the lumen of blood vessels, which causes disruption of normal blood flow.
- Coffee abuse.
- Uncomfortable shoes.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Systemic connective tissue disease.
- Atherosclerosis.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Traumatic lesions.
- Excess weight.
The presence of such factors greatly increases the risk of developing this disease.Regardless of the etiological factor, the symptoms of varicose veins from the lower legs will not be different.
Clinical manifestations
Usually, symptoms of this disease appear when there are irreversible structural changes in the lower leg veins.That is, the patient already needs surgical treatment at the time of contacting the doctor.
In the early stages, varicose veins may be asymptomatic.Some patients complain of minor pain that occurs after a period of walking or walking.There are no specific symptoms that make it possible to make a diagnosis.The initial form of varicose veins can be detected exclusively with the help of an instrumental examination.
Symptoms of advanced varicose veins are as follows:
- The appearance of cyanosis, which is localized along the veins.
- Vessels protrude above the surface of the skin and form nodules.This formation is painful and dense, which is associated with inflammation and the process of proliferation of connective tissue in this area (sclerosis).
- Persistent pain that does not depend on physical activity.If at the beginning of the development of the pathology it occurs exclusively after overexertion, then at a later stage it can disturb the patient even in his sleep.This is due to the fact that one of the signs of inflammation is pain.The intensity of the pain can be quite severe, leading to lameness.
- Local temperature increase in the node area.
The appearance of the first symptoms of this disease requires immediate contact with a medical facility for diagnosis and treatment.
Why are varicose veins dangerous?
The lack of proper treatment is fraught with the development of several dangerous complications that pose a threat not only to health, but also to life.These include:
- Thrombophlebitis.In inflamed areas of the vein, blood flow slows down significantly.Such conditions are good for the formation of blood clots.These blood clots can block the lumen of a vessel at the bottom of the leg, causing gangrene, or they can be carried with blood to the lungs, heart, brain and other organs, causing acute disruption of blood supply.This pathology is very difficult to treat and often causes disability and death.
- Trophic ulcer.Violation of venous blood outflow is always accompanied by microcirculation disorders in the tissues of the lower legs.Lack of oxygen and nutrients leads to the formation of ulcers.These ulcers are difficult to treat and often recur, because it is necessary to carry out therapy aimed at the root cause of their appearance.
- Bleeding.If varicose veins are accompanied by hypertension, this can cause peripheral vessel rupture and bleeding.This is due to the fact that the vessels are expanded to become thinner, and high blood pressure can cause them to burst.In addition, bleeding can occur with minor mechanical damage, which in a healthy person will not lead to hematoma formation.
Almost all complications can be aggravated by the addition of infectious factors, which significantly aggravates the condition and complicates treatment.
If complications develop, treatment of varicose veins should be reconsidered.
Diagnostics
If varicose veins are suspected, the patient must undergo a series of examinations, the purpose of which is to confirm the diagnosis, as well as assess the condition of the tissues surrounding the pathological focus.
To do this, it is recommended to conduct the following examinations:
- General Blood Test.
- Blood Biochemistry.
- Coagulogram.This laboratory examination makes it possible to predict the development of thrombosis and thrombophlebitis, based on the nature of blood clotting.High reliability is a threatening condition.
- Ultrasound.Using ultrasound, you can get a detailed image of the vascular bed and identify foci of inflammation that do not appear externally.
- Phlebo.Obtaining a graphic image of the lower leg venous system using a contrast agent allows you to study its structure in detail and identify even the smallest changes.
In addition to instrumental and laboratory studies, special tests are carried out that assess the condition of soft tissues, and also assess the degree of circulatory failure.
External examination is also important, where the doctor can see specific external manifestations, possible localization and trophic ulcers.
Phlebologists should be involved in the treatment and supervision of patients with such diseases.He is a doctor who specializes in how to treat varicose veins.
Treatment
Treatment of varicose veins from the lower legs is possible with the use of drugs or through surgical intervention.Treatment options depend on how severe the changes are in the affected area.
Drug treatment of varicose veins from the lower legs is carried out according to a special scheme, which takes into account the effect on the pathological process and prevents the development of complications.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins is the most effective, because it allows you to get rid of the pathology forever.However, it is not allowed for all patients and has some contraindications.
Conservative Therapy
Treatment of varicose veins without surgery is only allowed in the early stages of the development of the pathology.
It should be remembered that conservative treatment only helps to eliminate the manifestations of the disease.It is impossible to achieve a lasting effect using only drugs.They only act for a certain time and cannot prevent the development of the disease.
Patients with varicose veins are advised to use the following group of drugs:
- NSAIDs.It is advisable to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs topically, in the form of ointments. In some cases, it is possible to prescribe these drugs in tablet form, but long treatment can lead to the development of gastritis or peptic ulcers, which are caused by side effects.
- Antiplatelet agents.The action of the drug is aimed at preventing blood clotting.The primitive representative is considered to be ordinary aspirin, which is used in small doses.They thin the blood, which helps facilitate blood flow through inflamed veins.The use of the drug is not acceptable for patients who have a tendency to bleed.
- Hormones of the prednisolone group.In cases where NSAIDs do not have the desired effect, the use of adrenal hormones is indicated.These ingredients are also used in the form of ointments.They have a significant anti-inflammatory effect and also improve tissue microcirculation.Keep in mind that long-term use of hormones also has adverse effects on the body's condition.
- Phlebotonics.This group of drugs is used in the treatment of varicose veins from the lower legs.They normalize the tone of the vascular walls, which ensures normal blood flow.
Treatment of varicose veins should be systematic.Regular cycle administration of drugs allows you to maintain a constant concentration of active substances, which ensures a continuous effect on damaged vessels.
The use of these drugs should only be prescribed by a doctor.Their independent use is strictly prohibited, because they can cause side effects and also have certain contraindications.Failure to comply with such restrictions is fraught with deterioration of the general situation.
Conservative therapy is most appropriate as a supportive method during preparation for planned surgery.
Surgical treatment
Many people are interested in curing varicose veins without surgery?In fact, this is impossible.The main type of surgical treatment is saphenectomy.
Saphenectomy is an operation that aims to remove the damaged great saphenous vein.Thanks to this, the focus of the disease is completely eliminated.But the downside of this treatment is quite a lot of trauma.In recent times, such operations are performed with a large number of incisions in the skin, which are necessary to provide access to the veins.
Today, modern methods of treating varicose veins allow saphenectomy to be performed with a minimum number of incisions, as there are special probes to extract the veins.Veins up to half a meter long can be removed with one incision.
This operation has several contraindications that make it impossible to perform.These include:
- Diabetes mellitus.This pathology is accompanied by a significant decrease in wound healing.In such cases, surgical intervention can trigger purulent-septic processes, which may require limb amputation.
- Intolerance to antibacterial agents.In the postoperative period, antibiotics are prescribed that destroy the pathogenic flora that entered the wound during surgical treatment.Some patients experience intolerance to the drug.Carrying out surgical treatment without a course of antibiotic therapy is strictly prohibited.
- Severe diseases of the cardiovascular system.Pathologies accompanied by heart failure may be contraindicated, as the use of certain anesthetic agents is prohibited for them.
Safenectomy is performed for uncomplicated forms of varicose veins.Cases in which trophic ulcers or necrotic changes caused by acute disruption of blood supply are observed require expanding the scope of the operation.
It is possible to remove the ulcer during surgery.In this way, tissue death is prevented.In cases where vein thrombosis has led to gangrene, amputation is required.This operation is only done in extreme cases.
There are also modern minimally invasive treatment methods, including:
- Sclerotherapy.
- Radiofrequency ablation.
- Laser ablation.
This treatment method is based on the occlusion of the blood vessel lumen and further destruction using chemical or physical factors.
It is advisable to use it in the early stages of the disease.In such a situation, the risk of relapse becomes minimal.It is not worth using such treatment for advanced varicose veins, as it may require a large number of sessions.
People's recovery
Some sources suggest using various traditional remedies as a treatment for varicose veins of the legs.It is not recommended to do this, because the effect of the plant in this pathology has not been scientifically confirmed.
Treatment of varicose veins in the lower leg should be planned exclusively by a certified medical specialist.Methods to treat varicose veins without surgery only help to delay their implementation.You should not turn to various traditional healers, because wasted time before proper treatment can lead to amputation.
Concomitant therapy
To achieve the maximum effect of treatment, it is necessary to carry out additional measures along with the use of drugs.These include:
- Diet.Patients with varicose veins should avoid fatty foods.It helps increase cholesterol levels and blood viscosity.Such a process leads to increased slowing of peripheral blood circulation in the area of the dilated vein and causes thrombus formation.In addition, you need to drink plenty of fluids to thin your blood.It is recommended to drink plain water instead of carbonated drinks or tea.
- Periodically provide your feet with a high position.Such a procedure stimulates the outflow of blood under its own weight, which prevents stagnation.
- Wear compression stockings.In an upright position, the stockings prevent the pooling of blood in the dilated veins.But the socks must be used correctly, because long-term wear can affect the condition of the feet, as well as the skin in the lower leg area.
- Walking.Patients should maintain an active lifestyle.In the final stages of varicose veins, walking should be short and not cause fatigue or pain in the legs.
In addition, concomitant pathologies such as atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus or obesity should be treated.The presence of such therapy allows in some cases to limit oneself only to drug treatment, which ensures a good outcome of the disease.
Prevention
To prevent the development of varicose veins, you need to follow some simple rules that will reduce the risk of their occurrence.All of them are aimed at maintaining normal blood properties, as well as creating a normal lifestyle.Among them are:
- Drink at least one and a half liters of fluid every day.
- Proper nutrition.This term not only implies the preparation of all the necessary ingredients in the diet and the exclusion of harmful foods, but also normal foods.Eating at the same time allows you to take the maximum amount of nutrients from food, because reflexes are developed and a sufficient amount of gastric juice is released.
- Stop bad habits.
- Limit the amount of coffee and other energy drinks.
- Ensure mobility even when working inactively.For this, there are special exercises, the purpose of which is to tighten the leg muscles.
- Timely treatment of diseases.Any pathology in the human body can cause long-term consequences.To avoid this, you should always seek help from a medical professional if any symptoms appear, and also undergo a preventive examination.
Today, there are many ways to treat varicose veins.With timely diagnosis, they allow you to get rid of the problem once and for all.Treatment of varicose veins without surgery is only advised at the beginning of the disease.