The circulatory system consists of two types of vessels: arteries that carry blood from the heart to the organs, and veins. The venous system in the human body performs the function of returning blood from the tissues and organs to the heart.
Each vein, regardless of size, consists of a wall and lumen filled with blood, and is equipped with venous valves that prevent blood from flowing down (the flow through the veins of the lower extremities usually moves from the bottom up). Vein diseases are usually caused by abnormalities in the structure of the venous walls and valves. One of the most common venous diseases is varicose veins.
What is varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a disease that is accompanied by weakness of the venous wall and venous valves, as a result of which blood flow slows down, blood stagnates in the veins, leading to their dilation, the formation of venous networks and nodes. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men (due to the effect of estrogen on the venous wall and increased stress on the venous system during pregnancy). The risk of varicose veins increases with age (due to the fact that the veins lose their elasticity), so varicose veins are extremely rare in children and adolescents.
Due to the fact that the load on the veins of the lower half of the body is greater than on the venous vessels of the upper half, varicose veins develop in the legs and in the pelvic area. In varicose veins of the lower extremities, the superficial (external) veins of the legs are usually affected. There are several types of varicose veins on the superficial veins of the legs:
- arachnoid veins (dilation of small intradermal veins);
- reticular varicose veins (damage to the subcutaneous veins of the system by small and large subcutaneous veins with the formation of venous nodules);
- non-saphenic varicose veins (varicose veins that do not belong to the vessels of the small and large subcutaneous veins).
Varicose veins of the pelvis are a type of internal varicose veins and are represented by inguinal varicose veins, varicose veins of the uterus, varicose veins of the penis. One of the most common types of varicose veins in men is varicocele (varicose veins of the testicles), which manifests itself in scrotal pain, 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 bleeding.
Varicose veins contribute to blood stagnation in the area of dilation. Symptoms of varicose veins include:
- the appearance of a visually noticeable vascular network and bulging veins (unlike atherosclerosis, a chronic arterial disease in which blood flow to the lower extremities is disrupted);
- feeling of heaviness in the legs and swelling of the veins;
- swelling of the legs;
- itching and darkening of the skin of the legs above the varicose veins.
Varicose veins are a chronic, continuously progressive disease that leads to the formation of venous insufficiency (dysfunction of the venous system). The progression of varicose veins takes place in stages:
- first degree varicose veins (enlargement of the veins is asymptomatic);
- second degree varicose veins (swelling, heaviness in the legs, itching);
- third degree varicose veins (swelling and heaviness are constantly disturbed, skin ulcers appear, pain in the affected veins).
The symptoms of varicose veins often increase in the evening and worsen after strenuous exercise. In summer, the signs of varicose veins are more pronounced than in winter (because in hot weather there is a tendency to vasodilation and blood viscosity increases).
Why do varicose veins appear?
There is no single cause for varicose veins. The development of varicose veins is facilitated by overweight, heavy physical exertion and work associated with long stays in a sitting position, genetic predisposition to venous valve weakness and venous inflammation. Varicose veins in women often develop during pregnancy and after childbirth due to the fact that the increase in the uterus and the tension during childbirth increase the load on a woman's venous system.
Complications of varicose veins
As a result of prolonged progression of varicose veins, unpleasant consequences of varicose veins can develop. One of the complications of varicose veins is the appearance of blood clots (blood clots) in the lumen of varicose veins, which can rupture, reach smaller vessels with the bloodstream and clog them, leading to thrombosis. Due to chronic venous insufficiency, trophic disorders of the skin are formed: ulcers appear above the varicose 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 palpates them, measures the circumference of the left and right legs to reveal hidden swelling.
To diagnose varicose veins, an ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the vessels with Doppler ultrasound (determination of blood flow) is also prescribed. Ultrasound allows not only to visualize the venous wall, but also to determine the presence of blood clots in the lumen of varicose veins.
Methods of treating varicose veins
The phlebology department uses both conservative and surgical methods to treat varicose veins. Conservative (without surgery) treatment of varicose veins consists of the use of drugs and the wearing of 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 the removal of varicose veins (phlebectomy). An alternative to phlebectomy are minimally invasive methods to treat varicose veins. Minimally invasive surgical methods for treating varicose veins include sclerotherapy and laser treatment for varicose veins.
Laser treatment of varicose veins
Laser treatment of varicose veins is performed by endovenous laser coagulation: under ultrasound control, an electrode is inserted into the lumen of the vein, with the help of which the inner surface of the venous wall is cauterized with a laser. As a result of laser cauterization, coagulation of the venous wall occurs, after which the vein atrophies 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 (compared to the removal of veins) painlessness of the procedure.
Minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins is performed on an outpatient basis (without hospitalization). Recovery after laser treatment of varicose veins, as a rule, takes no more than a month. During this period it is necessary to wear a compression bandage and to limit sports.
To prevent varicose veins you should lose weight, exclude weight lifting and prolonged sitting, give preference to loose clothing. To prevent varicose veins in the early stages of the disease helps regular wearing of special medical compression underwear and moderate physical activity (walking, swimming, exercise).
Popular questions
What can't be done with varicose veins?
Varicose veins is a disease whose progression is closely linked to lifestyle. In the presence of varicose veins you can not lift weights, to engage in those sports that increase the load on the vessels of the lower half of the body (heavy 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 for a walk or exercise every hour), and also try not to wear tight-fitting clothes.
How to treat varicose veins in the legs in women?
With the problem of varicose veins in the legs, the woman should consult a phlebologist. If you have varicose veins in your legs or thighs, your doctor will help you choose the compression underwear you need. In the presence of indications (signs of venous insufficiency, protruding venous nodes, aesthetic discomfort), surgical removal of varicose veins may be recommended. The decision on which type of intervention will be recommended for a woman is made by the doctor based on the results of the examination and examination.
How to treat varicose veins at home?
Varicose veins are a disease of the veins that must be treated by a phlebologist. Most phlebologist appointments can be done at home: doing a special exercise that improves blood flow to the lower extremities and pelvis, wearing compression underwear, and taking medications prescribed by your doctor. Self-treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies is ineffective, and exposure of the veins with herbal compresses can lead to skin ulcers.