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 alteration of the valvular 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, which causes its expansion.
The main population susceptible to this disease is 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 ability to adapt.
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, since 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 through the veins is closely related to muscle contractions.During muscle tension, blood is pushed through the veins and valves that are present in the cavity of the vein prevent its reflux.
Lack of physical activity causes congestion in the periphery, as a result of which blood exerts excessive pressure on the valvular apparatus.Excessive stress also has a detrimental effect on the vascular system.Frequent muscle contractions can damage venous valves.
In addition, there are a number of 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, causing 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
Normally, the symptoms of this disease appear when there are already irreversible structural changes in the veins of the lower extremities.That is, the patient already requires surgical treatment at the time of contacting the doctor.
In the early stages, varicose veins may be asymptomatic.Some patients complain of mild pain that occurs after long periods of walking or running.There are no specific symptoms that allow a diagnosis to be made.The initial forms of varicose veins can be detected exclusively by instrumental examinations.
Symptoms of developed varicose veins are as follows:
- The appearance of cyanosis, which is localized along the veins.
- The vessels protrude from the surface of the skin and form nodules.These formations are painful and dense, which is associated with inflammation and the process of proliferation of connective tissue 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 while sleeping.This is because one of the signs of inflammation is pain.The intensity of the pain can be quite intense and cause lameness.
- Local increase in temperature in the node area.
The appearance of the first symptoms of the disease requires immediate contact with a medical center for diagnosis and treatment.
Why are varicose veins dangerous?
The 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.These conditions favor 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 carried with the blood to the lungs, heart, brain and other organs, causing an acute interruption of the blood supply.These pathologies are extremely difficult to treat and often cause disability and death.
- Trophic ulcers.Violation of venous blood flow is always accompanied by disturbances in microcirculation in the tissues of the lower extremities.Lack of oxygen and nutrients leads to the formation of ulcerations.These ulcers are difficult to treat and usually reappear, since it is necessary to carry out therapy aimed at the fundamental cause of their appearance.
- 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, bleeding 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 aggravated by the addition of an infectious factor, which significantly worsens the condition and complicates treatment.
If complications develop, varicose vein treatment should be reconsidered.
Diagnosis
If the existence of varicose veins is suspected, the patient must undergo a series of examinations, the objective of which is to confirm the diagnosis, as well as evaluate the state of the tissues surrounding the foci of pathology.
To do this, it is recommended to perform the following tests:
- General blood tests.
- Blood biochemistry.
- Coagulogram.This laboratory test makes it possible to predict the development of thrombosis and thrombophlebitis, based on the coagulation properties of the blood.High coagulability is a threatening condition.
- Ultrasound.Using ultrasound, a detailed image of the vascular bed can be obtained and inflammation foci that do not appear externally can be identified.
- 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 performed that evaluate the condition of soft tissues, as well as the degree of circulatory insufficiency.
An external examination is also important, during which the doctor can see specific external manifestations, probable localization and trophic ulcers.
A phlebologist must participate in the treatment and supervision of patients with said disease.It is this doctor who specializes in how to treat varicose veins.
Treatment
Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities is possible through the use of medications or through 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 extremities is carried out according to a special scheme that 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 allowed for all patients and has several contraindications.
Conservative therapy
Treatment of varicose veins without surgery is allowed only in the early 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 long-lasting effect using only medications.They act only for a certain time and cannot prevent the progression of the disease.
Patients with varicose veins are recommended to use the following groups of drugs:
- NSAIDs.It is advisable to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatories topically, in the form of ointments. In some cases, it is possible to prescribe these drugs in tablet form, but prolonged treatment can lead to the development of gastritis or peptic ulcer, which is caused by side effects.
- Antiplatelet agents.The action of these drugs is aimed at preventing the formation of blood clots.A primitive representative is ordinary aspirin, which is used in small doses.They thin the blood, which helps facilitate blood flow through swollen veins.The use of such medications is unacceptable in 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 long-term use of hormones also has a detrimental effect on the state of the body.
- Phlebotonics.This group of drugs is used in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities.They normalize the tone of the vascular wall, which ensures normal blood flow.
The treatment of varicose veins must be systematic.Regular cyclical administration of drugs allows you to maintain a constant concentration of active substances, which ensures a constant effect on damaged vessels.
The use of these medications should only be done as 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 leads to a worsening of 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 great saphenous veins.Thanks to this, the foci of the disease are completely eliminated.But the disadvantage of this treatment is that it produces a lot of trauma.Recently, these types of operations were performed with a large number of incisions in the skin, necessary to provide access to the veins.
Today, modern methods of treating varicose veins allow saphenectomy to be performed with a minimum number of incisions, since there are special probes for removing veins.With a single incision a vein up to half a meter long can be removed.
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 such a situation, surgical intervention can provoke purulent-septic processes, which may require amputation of 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 experience intolerance to these medications.It is strictly prohibited to perform surgical treatment without antibiotic treatment.
- Serious diseases of the cardiovascular system.Those pathologies that are accompanied by heart failure can become a contraindication, since the use of certain anesthetic agents is prohibited for them.
Saphenectomy is performed for uncomplicated forms of varicose veins.Those cases where trophic ulcers or necrotic changes caused by an acute interruption of blood supply are observed require expanding the scope of the operation.
Ulcers can be removed during surgery.In this way, tissue death is avoided.In cases where venous thrombosis has caused 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 the occlusion of the lumen of blood vessels and their subsequent destruction by chemical or physical factors.
It is advisable to use them in the early stages of the disease.In such a situation, the risk of relapse becomes minimal.It is not worth using such treatment for advanced varicose veins, as it may require a fairly large number of sessions.
Folk remedies
Some sources suggest using various traditional medicines as a treatment for varicose veins in the legs.It is categorically not recommended to do this, since the effect of plants on this pathology has not been scientifically confirmed.
The treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities should be planned exclusively by a certified specialist doctor.Methods to treat varicose veins without surgery only help to delay their implementation.You should not resort to various traditional healers, because the time lost before proper treatment can lead to amputation.
Concomitant therapy
To achieve the maximum effect of treatment, it is necessary to take additional measures along with the use of medications.These include:
- Go on a diet.Patients with varicose veins should avoid fatty foods.Helps increase cholesterol levels and blood viscosity.Such processes lead to a further slowdown of peripheral blood circulation in the area of dilated veins and provoke the formation of thrombi.Additionally, it is necessary to drink plenty of fluids to thin the blood.It is recommended to drink plain water instead of carbonated drinks or tea.
- Periodically provide your legs with an elevated position.Such procedures stimulate the outflow of blood under its own weight, which prevents stagnation.
- Wear compression stockings.In an upright position of the body, these stockings prevent the accumulation of blood in the dilated veins.But these stockings must be worn correctly, since prolonged use can negatively affect the condition of the foot, as well as the skin of the lower leg.
- Walks.Patients need to maintain an active lifestyle.In the later stages of varicose veins, walks should be short and not cause fatigue or pain in the legs.
In addition, concomitant pathologies such as atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus or obesity must be treated.The presence of such 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 number of simple rules that will reduce the risk of their occurrence.All of them are aimed at maintaining the normal properties of blood, as well as creating a normal lifestyle.Among them are:
- Drink at least one and a half liters of fluid a day.
- Proper nutrition.This term implies not only the supply 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 make the most of the nutrients in food, since a reflex develops and a sufficient amount of gastric juice is released.
- Quit bad habits.
- Limit the amount of coffee and other energy drinks.
- It guarantees mobility even when working sedentarily.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 have long-term consequences.To avoid this, you should always seek help from medical professionals if any symptoms appear, and also undergo preventive examinations.
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.Treatment of varicose veins without surgery is advisable only at the beginning of the disease.