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 associated with rupture of the valve apparatus of the veins.As a result of its damage, the normal flow of blood from the periphery is disturbed and blood stagnates in various parts of the vascular bed, causing them to expand.
The main population susceptible to this disease are people over 40 years of age.This is due to the fact that at this time the vessels are exposed to various negative influences, which causes a decrease in their adaptive capacity.
Most often, varicose veins affect the lower extremities, but the pathological process can also be observed in the groin area or internal organs.
It is necessary to carry out preventive measures, as this pathology tends to progress and the treatment regimen for varicose veins is quite complex.
Reasons
The main causes of varicose veins are considered to be excessive and insufficient mobility.The mechanism of normal blood flow in the veins is closely related to muscle contractions.During muscle tension, blood is pushed through the veins and valves present in the venous cavity prevent its backflow.
Lack of physical activity leads to congestion in the periphery, causing the blood to exert 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 several 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 flow.
- Coffee abuse.
- Uncomfortable shoes.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Systemic connective tissue diseases.
- Atherosclerosis.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Traumatic injuries.
- Overweight.
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 differ.
Clinical manifestations
Typically, the symptoms of this disease appear when there are already irreversible structural changes in the veins of the lower extremities.In other words, the patient already needs surgical treatment when they see a 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 the diagnosis possible.Early 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, localized along the veins.
- The 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 connective tissue proliferation in these areas (sclerosis).
- Constant pain that does not depend on physical activity.If at the beginning of the development of the pathology it occurs exclusively after excessive exertion, in the later stages it can bother the patient even during sleep.This is due to the fact that one of the signs of inflammation is pain.The intensity of the pain can be quite intense, leading to lameness.
- Local increase in temperature in the node area.
The appearance of the first symptoms of the disease requires immediate contact to a medical facility for diagnosis and treatment.
Why are varicose veins dangerous?
Lack of adequate treatment leads to the development of a number of dangerous complications that pose a threat not only to health, but also to life.These include:
- Thrombophlebitis.In inflamed areas of the veins, blood flow slows down significantly.Such conditions are favorable to 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 transported with the blood to the lungs, heart, brain, and other organs, causing an acute interruption of blood supply.These pathologies are extremely difficult to treat and often lead to disability and death.
- Trophic ulcers.Violation of the venous outflow of blood is always accompanied by 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, as therapy aimed at the root cause of their appearance is necessary.
- Bleeding.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 damage, which in a healthy person will not even lead to the formation of a hematoma.
Almost all complications can be worsened by the addition of an infectious factor, which significantly worsens the condition and complicates treatment.
If complications arise, varicose vein treatment should be reconsidered.
Diagnosis
If varicose veins are suspected, the patient must undergo a series of tests, the purpose of which is to confirm the diagnosis, as well as assess the condition of the tissues surrounding the foci of the pathology.
To do this, it is recommended that the following tests be carried out:
- General blood test.
- Blood biochemistry.
- Coagulogram.This laboratory test makes it possible to predict the development of thrombosis and thrombophlebitis, based on the blood clotting properties.High coagulability is a threatening condition.
- Ultrasound.Using ultrasound, it is possible to obtain a detailed image of the vascular bed and identify foci of inflammation that do not appear externally.
- Phlebography.Obtaining a graphic image of the venous system of the lower extremities using a contrast agent makes it possible to study its structures in detail and identify even the smallest changes.
In addition to instrumental and laboratory studies, specific tests are carried out that assess the condition of soft tissues and also assess the degree of circulatory failure.
An external examination is also important, during which the doctor can observe specific external manifestations, probable location and trophic ulcers.
A phlebologist must be involved in the treatment and supervision of patients with this disease.It is this doctor who specializes in the treatment of varicose veins.
Treatment
Treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities is possible with the use of medication or surgical interventions.The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the changes in the affected area.
Drug treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs 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 permitted for all patients and has a number of contraindications.
Conservative therapy
Treatment of varicose veins without surgery is allowed only in the initial 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 medication alone.They only act 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 medications:
- NSAIDs.It is advisable to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs topically, in the form of ointments. In some cases, it is possible to prescribe these drugs in tablets, but long treatment can lead to the development of gastritis or peptic ulcers, which are caused by side effects.
- Antiplatelet agents.The action of these medications is aimed at preventing the formation of blood clots.A primitive representative is considered to be ordinary aspirin, used in small dosages.They thin the blood, which helps ease blood flow through inflamed veins.The use of such medications is unacceptable for patients with a tendency to bleed.
- Hormones from 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 prolonged use of hormones also has a detrimental effect on the condition of the body.
- Phlebotonics.This group of medicines is used to treat varicose veins of the lower extremities.They normalize the tone of the vascular wall, which ensures normal blood flow.
Treatment of varicose veins must be systematic.Regular cyclical administration of medications allows you to maintain a constant concentration of active substances, which guarantees a constant effect on damaged vessels.
The use of these medications should only be 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 may worsen the general condition.
Conservative therapy is most 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 aimed at removing damaged large saphenous veins.Thanks to this, the foci of the disease are completely eliminated.But the disadvantage of this treatment is trauma.In recent times, these operations were performed with a large number of incisions in the skin, necessary to give access to the veins.
Today, modern methods of treating varicose veins allow saphenectomy to be performed with a minimum 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 series of contraindications that make it impossible to perform.These include:
- Diabetes mellitus.This pathology is accompanied by a significant decrease in wound healing.In this situation, surgical intervention can provoke purulent septic processes, which may require amputation of the limbs.
- 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 have intolerance to these medications.It is strictly prohibited to carry out surgical treatment without antibiotic therapy.
- Serious diseases of the cardiovascular system.Those pathologies accompanied by heart failure can become a contraindication, as the use of certain anesthetics is prohibited.
Saphenectomy is performed for uncomplicated forms of varicose veins.Cases in which trophic ulcers or necrotic changes caused by acute interruption of the blood supply are observed require expansion of the scope of the operation.
It is possible to excise ulcers during surgery.This way, tissue death is avoided.In cases where venous 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 occlusion of the lumen of blood vessels and their subsequent destruction using chemical products or physical factors.
It is advisable to use them in the initial stages of the disease.In such a situation, the risk of relapse becomes minimal.It is not worth using this treatment for advanced varicose veins, as it may require a fairly large number of sessions.
Folk remedies
Some sources suggest using several traditional medicines as treatments for varicose veins in the legs.It is strictly not 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 specialist physician.Methods of treating varicose veins without surgery only help to delay their implementation.You should not turn to multiple traditional healers, because wasting time before proper treatment can lead to amputation.
Concomitant therapy
To obtain the maximum effect of treatment, additional measures must be taken along with the use of medications.These include:
- Diet.Patients with varicose veins should avoid fatty foods.Helps increase cholesterol levels and blood viscosity.Such processes lead to an increased slowdown in peripheral blood circulation in the area of dilated veins and provoke the formation of thrombus.Additionally, you need to drink plenty of fluids to thin your blood.It is recommended to drink plain water instead of soft drinks or tea.
- Periodically bring your legs to an elevated position.Such procedures stimulate blood flow under its own weight, which prevents stagnation.
- Wear compression socks.In the vertical position of the body, these socks prevent the accumulation of blood in the dilated veins.But these socks must be worn correctly, as prolonged use can negatively affect the condition of the foot, as well as the skin in the leg area.
- Hiking.Patients need to maintain an active lifestyle.In the more advanced stages of varicose veins, walks should be short and not cause fatigue or pain in the legs.
Furthermore, concomitant pathologies such as atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus or obesity must be treated.The presence of this therapy allows, in some cases, to be limited only to drug treatment, which guarantees a favorable outcome of the disease.
Prevention
To prevent the development of varicose veins, it is necessary to follow a series of simple rules that will reduce the risk of their 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 liquid per day.
- Proper nutrition.This term implies not only the provision of all necessary substances in the diet and the exclusion of harmful foods, but also regular meals.Eating at the same time allows you to extract the maximum amount of nutrients from food, as a reflex is developed 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 sedentary.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 any symptoms appear, and also undergo preventive exams.
Today, there are several ways to treat varicose veins.With timely diagnosis, they allow you to get rid of the problem once and for all.Treating varicose veins without surgery is only advisable at the beginning of the disease.