From the article you will learn what signs can show varicose veins of the lower extremities, the causes of pathology, treatment and prevention at home.
WHAT IS VARICOSIS?
Varicose veins are a venous pathology based on a malfunction of the vascular valve with the formation of venous insufficiency, dilation of the lumen, congestion, which are accompanied by permanent tissue.
MAIN CAUSES OF PATHOLOGY
Varicose veins of the legs have different causes and symptoms that have minor sexual characteristics.The main common trigger of the pathology is called congenital connective tissue weakness.In second place are hormonal changes, so women are more often diagnosed with varicose veins. Prolonged static position, sitting or standing, plays a role, while the longer the legs, the more serious the situation. Excess weight also provokes an increase in pressure in the veins of the lower extremities, as well as lack of physical activity. Smoking, pregnancy, concomitant pathologies, tight underwear, shoes, heels, everything 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 radically. This is a staged disease, the symptoms of which are associated with a stage in the development of the pathological process.
The first stage is characterized by insignificant clinical manifestations: the veins barely protrude above the surface of the skin, the dermis is slightly hyperemic, the heaviness in the legs begins to bother, it is possible evening pastosis of the legs, ankles, convulsions. Such symptoms of varicose veins of the legs are especially 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: the veins of the legs protrude in a prominent place on the surface of the skin, well felt, resembling nodules. If the pathological process progresses, the veins of the lower extremities acquire a curved shape, bluish-purple hue, sometimes becoming black.
The symptoms of varicose veins of the legs from the third stage are characterized by the development of complications: trophic disorders appear, the skin resembles parchment, swelling and spasms become frequent, the legs become covered with a rash, begin to itch, join secondary flora, layersof pyoderma, dermatitis, eczema.
The fourth stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities is the most severe in terms of symptoms: the skin above the bulging veins becomes inflamed, nearby tissues are affected, trophic ulcers open, pain in the legs with varicose veins is constant, the addition of secondary infectionprovokes thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, emergency hospitalization, comprehensive treatment.
WHAT DOCTOR TO CONSULT?
A phlebologist is involved in pain in the legs with varicose veins, but a vascular surgeon may also perform the initial appointment. It all depends on the severity of the pathology. The phlebologist prescribes conservative therapy or consults a vascular surgeon to resolve the issue with surgery.
Without a complete clinical and laboratory examination, it is not possible to make an accurate diagnosis. Instrumental diagnostic methods help to clarify the stage of the pathology, the duration of the tests takes 10 minutes, maximum - half an hour. The result of the examination is announced by the doctor immediately at the first appointment. The choice of adequate therapy depends on the stage of the pathology.
TREATMENT CHARACTERISTICS
The therapy for varicose veins lies on the "three pillars": drug treatment, minimally invasive techniques, operative classics.
CONSERVATIVE THERAPY
In addition to the mandatory general recommendations for varicose veins: dosed, regular exercise, minimizing static load on the legs, exercise therapy, wearing compression stockings, use of elastic bandages - conservative therapy includes the appointment of phlebotonics. , horse chestnut extract. These are tableted systemic drugs: synthetic and based on natural ingredients.
Most often, oral administration is combined with the same name external therapy for varicose veins. According to doctors and patients, the combination of capsules and gel is the most effective.
Of course, you should not expect a complete cure from conservative methods, drugs are not able to restore varicose veins, but as a preventive measure, in preparation for surgery, the impossibility of surgical treatment of varicose veins - these drugsensure stopping the progression of the disease and relieving symptoms.
COMPRESSION SCLEROTHERAPY
The essence of minimally invasive therapy for varicose veins is to inject a special sclerosing drug into the varicose vein. Using a syringe, the doctor injects a foamy solution into the vein, which fills the deformed vessel, spasming it.
The patient is fitted with a compression stocking designed to keep the vessel in this condition. Within three days, the walls of the veins stick together, the vessel is shut off from normal 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 formed adhesions.Compression sclerotherapy is performed if the varicose veins are not complicated by reverse blood flow from deep vessels to superficial ones through communicating veins.If there is such a countercurrent, the efficiency of the procedure tends to zero.
OPERATIONAL INTERVENTION
Surgery - has been and remains the most reliable and effective way to treat varicose veins, regardless of the presence of reverse blood flow in the veins. But here, too, it is important to consult a doctor in time, as recurrences often occur in the later stages. Varicose veins are operated with various techniques: microsurgery, radiofrequency and laser coagulation of deformed veins.
In the initial stages, photocoagulation or laser removal of spider veins 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 of less invasive miniphlebectomy. If varicose veins are complicated by venous thrombosis, a secondary infection,crossectomy, is performed.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH VARICOSE OF THE FEET AT HOME?
The essence of the use of folk remedies for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins is to remove toxins and toxins from the body by restoring normal blood flow. To do this, balance the diet, including in daily meals cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, citrus fruits, apples, peaches, cherries, cherries, strawberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants. Be sure to calculate the correct drinking ration: 40 ml per kilogram of body weight.
In addition, they use the properties of green tomatoes, which are tied into slices in the area of varicose veins in the form of compresses. The effect is guaranteed by lycopene - an antioxidant in fruit pulp, which improves the structure of the vessel wall, tones the veins. You can try a juice treatment: all vegetables that are eaten raw are suitable.
Garlic and lemon extract is effective: phytoncides dissolve cholesterol plaques, clear the lumen of blood vessels, a natural antibiotic, which is garlic, kills pathogenic flora, and vitamin C strengthens the venous wall, prevents the deposition of salts. The tincture is prepared simply: chop 4 peeled lemons, 4 large heads of garlic, put the mixture in a jar, fill it with warm boiled water, insist under the lid for three days, shake the container every day, filter, store cold, drink a third of a glass ofmeal time three times / day. Course - exams 12 liters of the resulting solution.
Apple cider vinegar is popularly considered a source of minerals and vitamins; for varicose veins taken orally in the morning and evening, dissolving two teaspoons of the product in a glass of water. Externally: rub the varicose veins with a swab soaked in vinegar to relieve itching and pain.
Compresses are made with honey, as a sterile napkin with the product is placed on the area of varicose veins for several hours under a film. Use broken cabbage leaves with vegetable oil under a bandage overnight. Course - month.
PREVENTION
The prevention of varicose veins has two goals: to prevent the onset of the disease and to reduce the number of relapses. For this: you can not go to the sauna or take too hot baths, lift weights. It is advisable to exercise a lot, except for strength sports, to control weight and to minimize the consumption of too spicy and fatty foods.
No need to wear tight clothes, knee-high 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 water your feet with cold water in the morning. It is necessary to give up bad habits, to master the point of self-massage: stroking the skin of the lower extremities from the bottom up and in the opposite direction for 10 minutes, minimizing stress, avoiding overheating, colds, undergoing medical examination.
For varicose veins, it is wise to visit the pool, walk, take a contrast shower at home and constantly wear compression stockings.