Varicose veins are a very common pathology that significantly reduces the quality of life and causes dangerous complications that require expensive and complex treatment.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins or varicose veins are a disease that is associated with a breakdown of the valvular apparatus of the veins.As a result of their damage, the normal outflow of blood from the periphery is disrupted and the blood gets stuck in different parts of the vascular bed, causing their expansion.
The main population susceptible to this disease are people over 40 years old.This is due to the fact that by this time ships are exposed to various negative influences, which causes a decrease in their adaptive ability.
Most often, varicose veins affect the lower extremities, but the pathological process can also be observed in the groin area or in the internal organs.
It is necessary to carry out preventive measures, since this pathology tends to progress, and the treatment regimen for varicose veins is quite complex.
reason
The main causes of varicose veins are considered excessive and insufficient mobility.The mechanism of normal blood circulation through the veins is closely related to muscle contractions.During muscle tension, blood is pushed through the veins and the valves that are present in the vein cavity prevent it from going back.
Lack of physical activity leads to congestion in the periphery, as a result of which the blood exerts excessive pressure on the valve apparatus.Excessive stress also has a detrimental effect on the vascular system.Frequent muscle contractions can cause damage to vein valves.
In addition, there are a number of 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 circulation.
- Coffee abuse.
- Uncomfortable shoes.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Systemic connective tissue diseases.
- Atherosclerosis.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Traumatic lesions.
- Excess weight.
The presence of such factors greatly increases the risk of developing the disease.Regardless of the etiological factor, the symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities will not change.
Clinical manifestations
Typically, the symptoms of this disease appear when there are already irreversible structural changes in the veins of the lower extremities.This means, the patient already requires surgical treatment at the moment of contact with the doctor.
In the early stages, varicose veins may be asymptomatic.Some patients complain of minor pains that occur after long periods of walking or running.There are no specific symptoms that make it possible to establish the diagnosis.The initial forms of varicose veins can be detected exclusively with the help of instrumental examinations.
Symptoms of developed 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.These formations are painful and dense, which is associated with inflammation and the process of proliferation of connective tissue in these areas (sclerosis).
- Persistent pain that does not depend on physical activity.If at the beginning of the development of the pathology it occurs exclusively after overload, then in the later stages it can disturb the patient even in sleep.This is due to the fact that one of the signs of inflammation is pain.The intensity of the pain can be quite strong, leading to lameness.
- Local increase in temperature in the joint area.
The appearance of the first symptoms of the disease requires immediate contact with a medical institution for diagnosis and treatment.
Why are varicose veins dangerous?
The lack of proper treatment is fraught with the development of a number of dangerous complications that pose a threat not only to health, but also to life.These include:
- Thrombophlebitis.In the inflamed areas of the veins, blood flow slows down significantly.Such conditions are favorable for the formation of blood clots.These blood clots can block the lumen of a vessel in the lower extremities, causing gangrene, or they can be carried with the blood to the lungs, heart, brain, and other organs, causing an acute interruption of the blood supply.These pathologies are extremely difficult to treat and often lead to disability and death.
- Trophic ulcer.Violation of venous blood flow is always associated with microcirculation disorders in the tissues of the lower extremities.Lack of oxygen and nutrients leads to the formation of ulcers.These ulcers are difficult to treat and often recur, since it is necessary to carry out therapy aimed at the root cause of their appearance.
- Bloodshed.If varicose veins are accompanied by hypertension, this can lead to rupture of peripheral vessels and bleeding.This is due to the fact that dilated vessels become thinner and high blood pressure can cause them to rupture.In addition, hemorrhages can occur with minor mechanical injuries, which in a healthy person will not even lead to the formation of a hematoma.
Almost all complications can be aggravated by the addition of an infectious factor, which significantly worsens the condition and complicates treatment.
If complications develop, treatment of varicose veins should be reviewed.
Diagnosing
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 to assess the condition of the tissues surrounding the foci of pathology.
To do this, it is recommended to carry out 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 properties of blood clotting.High coagulability is a threatening condition.
- Ultrasound.Using ultrasound, you can get a detailed image of the blood vessel bed and identify foci of inflammation that are not visible from the outside.
- Phlebography.Taking a graphic image of the venous system of the lower extremities using a contrast agent allows you to study its structures in detail and identify even the smallest changes.
In addition to instrumental and laboratory studies, specific tests are performed that evaluate the condition of soft tissues, as well as evaluate the degree of blood circulation failure.
An external examination is also important, during which the doctor can see specific external manifestations, possible localization and trophic ulcers.
A phlebologist should be involved in the treatment and supervision of patients with such a disease.It is this doctor who specializes in the treatment of varicose veins.
Treatment
Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities is possible with the use of medications or surgical intervention.The choice of treatment depends on how severe the changes are in the affected area.
Drug treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities 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, as it allows you to get rid of the pathology forever.However, it is not allowed for all patients and has a number of contraindications.
Conservative therapy
Treatment of varicose veins without surgery is allowed only in the early stages of the progression of the pathology.
It is worth remembering that conservative treatment only helps to eliminate the manifestations of the disease.It is impossible to achieve a lasting effect using only medications.They act only for a certain time and are not able to prevent the progression of the disease.
Patients with varicose veins are advised to use the following groups of drugs:
- NSAIDs.It is recommended 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 a long course of treatment can lead to the development of gastritis or peptic ulcer, which is caused by side effects.
- Antiplatelet agents.The action of such drugs is aimed at preventing blood clotting.A primitive representative is considered to be regular aspirin, which is used in small doses.They thin the blood, which helps ease blood flow through inflamed veins.The use of such drugs is unacceptable 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 substances are also used in the form of ointments.They have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and also improve tissue microcirculation.It is worth remembering that long-term use of hormones also has a harmful effect on the body's condition.
- Phlebotonics.This group of drugs is used in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities.They normalize the tone of the vascular wall, which ensures normal blood flow.
Treatment of varicose veins should be systematic.Regular cyclic 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 be done only as prescribed by a doctor.Their independent use is strictly prohibited, as they can cause side effects and also have specific contraindications.Failure to comply with such restrictions is fraught with deterioration of the general condition.
Conservative therapy is more appropriate as a supportive method during preparation for planned surgery.
Surgical treatment
Many people are interested in how to cure varicose veins without surgery?In fact, this is impossible.The main type of surgical treatment is saphenectomy.
Saphenectomy is an operation whose goal is to remove damaged large saphenous veins.Thanks to this, the foci of the disease are completely eliminated.But the disadvantage of this treatment is quite trauma.Recently, such operations were performed with a large number of incisions in the skin, which were necessary to provide access to the veins.
Today, modern methods of treating varicose veins allow saphenectomy to be performed with a minimal number of incisions, as there are special probes for vein extraction.A vein up to half a meter long can be removed with one incision.
This operation has a number of contraindications that make it impossible to perform.These include:
- Diabetes mellitus.This pathology is associated with a significant decrease in wound healing.In such a situation, surgical intervention can provoke 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 such drugs.Performing surgical treatment without a course of antibiotic therapy is strictly prohibited.
- Serious diseases of the cardiovascular system.Those pathologies that are associated with heart failure can become a contraindication, since the use of certain anesthetic agents is prohibited for them.
Saphenectomy is performed for uncomplicated forms of varicose veins.Those cases in which trophic ulcers or necrotic changes caused by the acute interruption of blood supply are observed require the expansion of the field of operation.
It is possible to eliminate ulcers during surgery.In this way, tissue death is prevented.In cases where vein thrombosis has led to gangrene, amputation is necessary.This operation is performed only in extreme cases.
There are also modern minimally invasive treatment methods, including:
- Sclerotherapy.
- Radiofrequency ablation.
- Laser ablation.
These treatment methods are based on closing the lumen of blood vessels and their further destruction using chemicals or physical factors.
It is recommended to use them in the early stages of the disease.In such a situation, the risk of relapse becomes minimal.It is not worth using such a treatment for advanced varicose veins, as it may require a fairly large number of sessions.
Folk remedies
Some sources suggest the use of various traditional medicines as a treatment for varicose veins of the legs.It is not strictly recommended to do this, since the effect of plants on this pathology has not been scientifically confirmed.
Treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities should be planned exclusively by a certified medical specialist.Methods for treating varicose veins without surgery only help to delay its implementation.You should not turn to different traditional healers, because wasting time before proper treatment can lead to amputation.
Concomitant therapy
To achieve the maximum effect of the treatment, it is necessary to carry out additional measures along with the use of medications.These include:
- Diet.Patients with varicose veins should avoid fatty foods.It helps to increase cholesterol levels and blood viscosity.Such processes lead to an increased slowing of peripheral blood circulation in the area of dilated veins and provoke the formation of thrombus.In addition, you should drink plenty of fluids to thin your blood.It is recommended to drink plain water and not carbonated drinks or tea.
- Periodically secure your legs with an elevated position.Such procedures stimulate blood flow under its own weight, which prevents stagnation.
- Wearing compression stockings.In an upright position of the body, such socks prevent the accumulation of blood in dilated veins.But such socks must be used correctly, as long-term wear can negatively affect the condition of the foot, as well as the skin on the bottom of the foot.
- Walks.Patients should maintain an active lifestyle.In the later stages of varicose veins, walks should be short and not cause fatigue or pain in the legs.
In addition, accompanying pathologies such as atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus or obesity must also be treated.The presence of such therapy allows in some cases to be limited only to drug treatment, which ensures a favorable outcome of the disease.
Preventing
To prevent the development of varicose veins, you must follow a series of simple rules that will reduce the risk of its 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 fluids a day.
- The right food.This term means not only providing all the necessary substances in the diet and excluding harmful foods, but also regular meals.Eating at the same time allows you to get the maximum nutrients from food, as a reflex develops and a sufficient amount of gastric juice is released.
- Giving up bad habits.
- Limit the amount of coffee and other energy drinks.
- Ensure mobility even when working seated.For this there are special exercises, the purpose of which is to contract 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 medical professionals if symptoms appear, as well as undergo preventive examinations.
Today, there are different 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 recommended only at the beginning of the disease.