The circulatory system consists of two types of vessels: arteries, which carry blood from the heart to the organs, and veins. The venous system of the human body performs the function of returning blood from tissues and organs to the heart.
Each vein, regardless of its size, consists of a blood-filled wall and lumen, and is equipped with venous valves that prevent downward flow of blood (flow through the veins of the lower extremities normally moves from below upwards). Vein diseases are usually caused by abnormalities in the structure of the venous walls and valves. One of the most common vein diseases is varicose veins.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a disease that is accompanied by weakness of the venous wall and venous valves, as a result of which the blood flow slows down, the blood stagnates in the veins, leading to their expansion, the formation of networks venous and nodes. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men (due to the effect of estrogen on the vein wall and increased stress on the venous system during pregnancy). The risk of varicose veins increases with age (because the veins lose their elasticity), which is why 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. With varicose veins of the lower extremities, as a rule, the superficial (external) veins of the legs are affected. There are several types of varicose veins of the superficial veins of the legs:
- spider veins (expansion of small intradermal veins);
- reticular varicose veins (damage to the saphenous veins of the small and large saphenous vein system with the formation of venous ganglia);
- Non-saphenous varicose veins (varicose veins that do not belong to the vessels of the small and large saphenous vein system).
Small pelvic varicose veins are a type of internal varicose veins and are represented by inguinal varicose veins, uterine varicose veins, penile varicose veins. One of the common types of varicose veins in men is the varicocele (varicose veins of the testicles), which is manifested by 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 cope with the function of blood outflow.
Varicose veins contribute to stagnation of blood in the area of expansion. Symptoms of varicose veins include:
- the appearance of a visibly noticeable vascular network and bulging veins (in contrast to atherosclerosis, a chronic arterial disease in which blood flow to the lower extremities is disturbed);
- feeling of heaviness in the legs and distension of the veins;
- swelling of the legs;
- itching and darkening of the skin on the legs over the varicose vein.
Varicose veins are a chronic disease that continuously progresses and leads to the formation of venous insufficiency (dysfunction of the venous system). The progression of varicose veins occurs in stages:
- varicose veins of the first degree (an increase in veins is asymptomatic);
- varicose veins of the second degree (edema appears, heaviness in the legs, itching);
- varicose veins of the third degree (edema and severity are continuously altered, ulcers appear on the skin, pain in the area of the affected veins).
The symptoms of varicose veins often increase at night and intensify after heavy physical exertion. In summer, the signs of varicose veins are more pronounced than in winter (since in hot climates there is a tendency to vasodilation and the viscosity of the blood increases).
Why do varicose veins appear?
There is no single reason for the appearance of varicose veins. The development of varicose veins is facilitated by being overweight, strenuous physical effort and work associated with a prolonged stay in a sitting position, a genetic predisposition to weak venous valves, and inflammation of the veins. Varicose veins in women often develop during pregnancy and after childbirth due to the fact that the enlargement of the uterus and the tension during childbirth increase the load on the venous system of the woman.
Complications of varicose veins
As a result of the 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 the dilated veins, which can rupture, reach smaller vessels with blood flow and obstruct them, causing thrombosis. Due to chronic venous insufficiency, trophic disorders of the skin are formed: ulcers appear over the enlarged 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 (palpates) them, measures the circumference of the left and right legs to reveal hidden edema.
For the diagnosis of varicose veins, an ultrasound (ultrasound) examination 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.
Varicose veins treatment methods
In the phlebology department, conservative and surgical methods are used to treat varicose veins. Conservative (non-surgical) treatment of varicose veins consists of the use of medications and the use of medical compression underwear. Properly selected therapy can reduce the symptoms of varicose veins and prevent the appearance of new varicose veins, however, existing venous disorders can only be removed by surgery.
Surgical treatment for varicose veins consists of removing the dilated veins (phlebectomy). An alternative to phlebectomy is minimally invasive methods to treat varicose veins. Minimally invasive surgical methods to treat varicose veins include sclerotherapy and laser treatment of varicose veins.
Varicose vein laser treatment
Treatment of varicose veins with laser is carried out 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 cautery, coagulation of the venous wall occurs, after which the vein atrophies on its own. Minimally invasive laser treatment of varicose veins is performed under local anesthesia. The advantages of varicose vein laser treatment are the absence of scarring and the relative (compared to vein removal) 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 limit sports.
For the prevention of varicose veins, you need to reduce weight, exclude heavy lifting and prolonged sitting, give preference to loose clothing. To prevent varicose veins in the initial stages of the disease, regular use of special medical compression underwear and moderate physical activity (walking, swimming, exercising) helps.
Popular questions
What can not 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, participate in those sports that increase the load on the vessels of the lower half of the body (heavy weight 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 walking or exercising every hour), and also try not to wear tight clothes.
How to treat varicose veins in the legs in women?
With the problem of varicose veins on 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 nodules, cosmetic discomfort), surgical removal of varicose veins may be recommended. The decision about what 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 vein disease that must be treated by a phlebologist. Most appointments with the phlebologist can be done at home: doing 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 home remedies is ineffective, and exposure to veins with herbal compresses can lead to skin ulcers.