The circulatory system consists of two types of blood vessels: arteries, which carry blood from the heart to organs, and veins. The venous system in the human body performs the function of returning blood from tissues and organs to the heart.
Each vein, regardless of size, consists of a wall and a lumen filled with blood, and is equipped with venous valves that prevent the downward flow of blood (the flow through the veins of the lower extremities normally 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, due to which the blood flow slows down, the blood stagnates in the veins, which leads to their expansion, the creation of venous networks and nodes. Women are more prone to developing 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 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 on the legs and in the area of the pelvic organs. In varicose veins of the lower extremities, the superficial (external) veins on the legs are usually affected. There are several types of varicose veins on the legs:
- spider veins (expansion of small intradermal veins);
- reticular varicose veins (damage to the saphenous veins of the small and large saphenous veins with the formation of venous nodes);
- non-saphenic varicose veins (varicose veins that do not belong to the vessels of the system of small and large saphenous veins).
Varicose veins of the small pelvis are a type of internal varicose veins and are represented by inguinal varicose veins, varicose veins of the uterus, varicose veins on the penis. One of the common types of varicose veins in men is varicocele (varicose veins of the testicles), which is manifested by painful pain in the scrotum, 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 tolerate the function of blood outflow.
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 distension in the veins;
- swelling of the legs;
- itching and darkening of the skin on the legs over varicose veins.
Varicose veins are a chronic, continuously progressive disease and lead to the creation of venous insufficiency (dysfunction of the venous system). The progression of varicose veins takes place in stages:
- first degree varicose veins (vein enlargement is asymptomatic);
- second degree varicose veins (edema, heaviness in the legs, itching);
- varicose veins of the third degree (edema and severity are constantly disturbing, skin ulcers appear, pain in the area of the affected veins).
The symptoms of varicose veins often intensify in the evening and intensify after strenuous physical exertion. In summer, the signs of varicose veins are more pronounced than in winter (considering that in hot weather there is a tendency to vasodilate and increase blood viscosity).
Why do varicose veins appear?
There is no single reason for the appearance of varicose veins. The formation of varicose veins is facilitated by overweight, heavy physical exertion and work associated with a long stay in a sitting position, a 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 uterine enlargement and tension during childbirth increase the load on a woman's venous system.
Complications of varicose veins
As a result of long-term 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 break off, reach the blood vessels to smaller vessels and clog them, leading to thrombosis. Due to chronic venous insufficiency, trophic disorders of the skin occur: ulcers form through varicose veins, which heal poorly and are susceptible to infections.
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 (feels), measures the circumference of the left and right legs to detect hidden edema.
For the diagnosis of varicose veins, ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of blood vessels with Doppler ultrasound (determination of blood flow) is also prescribed. Ultrasound enables not only visualization of the venous wall, but also determination of the presence of blood clots in the lumen of varicose veins.
Methods of treating varicose veins
The Department of Phlebology uses both conservative and surgical methods of treating varicose veins. Conservative (without surgery) treatment of varicose veins consists of the use of medication and wearing medical compression underwear. Properly chosen therapy can reduce the symptoms of varicose veins and prevent the appearance of new varicose veins, however, existing venous disorders can only be removed with surgery.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins is the removal of varicose veins (phlebectomy). An alternative to phlebectomy are minimally invasive methods of treating varicose veins. Minimally invasive surgical methods for treating varicose veins include sclerotherapy and laser treatment of varicose veins.
Laser treatment of varicose veins
Laser treatment of varicose veins is performed by endovenous laser coagulation: under the control of ultrasound, 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, the venous wall coagulates, after which the vein itself atrophies. 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 (in relation 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 usually does not take more than a month. During that period, it is necessary to wear a compression bandage and limit sports.
To prevent varicose veins, you should reduce weight, exclude lifting heavy loads and prolonged sitting, and give preference to loose clothing. For the prevention of varicose veins in the initial stages of the disease, regular wearing of special medical compression underwear and moderate physical activity (walking, swimming, exercising) help.
Popular questions
What can't be done with varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a disease whose progression is closely related to lifestyle. In the presence of varicose veins, you can not lift weights, engage in those sports that increase the load on the blood 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 the office and have to sit for a long time - take a five-minute break every hour for a walk or exercise), 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, a woman should consult a phlebologist. In the presence of varicose veins on the legs or thighs, the doctor will help you choose the necessary compression underwear. In the presence of indications (signs of venous insufficiency, bulging venous nodes, aesthetic discomfort), surgical removal of varicose veins may be recommended. The decision on which type of intervention will be recommended to 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 vein disease that needs to be treated by a phlebologist. Most appointments with a phlebologist can be done at home: performing a special exercise that improves blood flow from 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 to herbal compresses can lead to skin ulcers.