The circulatory system consists of two types of blood vessels: the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the organs, and the 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 size, consists of a wall and a lumen full of blood and is equipped with venous keys that prevent blood from flowing downward (flow through the veins in the lower extremities usually from the bottom up). Vein diseases are usually caused by structural abnormalities 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 associated with weakness of the vein wall and venous valves, resulting in slowing of blood flow, stagnation of blood in the veins, leading to their dilation, the formation 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 the increased stress on the venous system during pregnancy). The risk of developing a varicose vein increases with age (because veins lose their elasticity), so varicose veins are extremely rare in children and adolescents.
Due to the fact that the veins in the lower half of the body are subjected to a greater load than the veins in the upper half, varicose veins develop in the legs and pelvic organs. Varicose veins in the lower extremities usually affect the superficial (outer) veins of the legs. There are several types of varicose veins in the legs:
- spider veins (dilation of small intradermal veins);
- reticular varicose veins (damage to the saphenous veins of small and large veins by the formation of venous nodes);
- non - saphenous varicose veins (varicose veins not belonging to the vessels of the small and large saphenous veins).
Pelvic varicose veins are a type of internal varicose veins, and inguinal varicose veins, uterine varicose veins, penile varicose veins. In men, one of the most common types of varicose veins is varicocele (testicular varicose veins), which manifests itself in aching pain in the scrotum, sexual dysfunction, and premature ejaculation.
Signs of varicose veins
In the initial stage, varicose veins are asymptomatic. Signs of varicose veins appear when the affected blood vessels are no longer able to cope with the function of blood outflow.
Varicose veins contribute to the stagnation of blood in the area of expansion. Symptoms of varicose veins include:
- the appearance of a visually perceptible vascular network and bulging veins (as opposed to atherosclerosis, a chronic arterial disease in which blood flow to the lower extremities is impaired);
- feeling heaviness in the legs and bloating;
- swelling of the legs;
- itching and darkening of the skin on the legs above the varicose veins.
Varicose veins are a chronic, progressive disease that leads to the development of venous insufficiency (a disorder of the venous system). The progression of varicose veins occurs in stages:
- first-degree varicose veins (asymptomatic growth of veins);
- second-degree varicose veins (edema, difficulty in the legs, itching);
- third-degree varicose veins (persistent disturbance of edema and severity, ulcers on the skin, pain in the affected veins).
The symptoms of varicose veins often worsen in the evening and intensify after strenuous physical exertion. Signs of varicose veins are more pronounced in summer than in winter (because vascular dilation and blood viscosity tend to occur in warm weather).
Why do varicose veins appear?
There is no single cause of varicose veins. The development of varicose veins is facilitated by overweight, high physical exertion and prolonged sitting, genetic predisposition to venous valve weakness, and inflammation of the veins. 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
Prolonged progression of varicose veins can lead to unpleasant consequences of varicose veins. One of the complications of varicose veins is the appearance of blood clots (blood clots) in the lumen of the dilated veins, which can break down and get into the blood vessels and block them with blood flow, leading to thrombosis. Chronic venous insufficiency results in trophic skin disorders: ulcers appear above the enlarged veins, which are poorly healed and susceptible to infection.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
The phlebologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. During the consultation, the phlebologist examines the veins and palpates (measures) the circumference of the left and right legs to reveal the hidden edema.
For the diagnosis of varicose veins, vascular ultrasound (ultrasound) with Doppler ultrasound (determination of blood flow) is also required. 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 treatment of varicose veins
In the phlebology department, both conservative and surgical methods of treating varicose veins are used. Conservative (non-surgical) treatment of varicose veins consists of the use of medications 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, however, existing venous abnormalities can only be eliminated with surgery.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins is the removal of dilated veins (phlebectomy). An alternative to phlebectomy is 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 ultrasound control, an electrode is placed in the lumen of a vein, with the help of which the inner surface of the vein wall is lasered. Laser cauterization causes the vein wall to coagulate, after which the vein sprays on its own. 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 pain relief of the procedure (compared to the removal of veins).
Minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins is performed on an outpatient basis (without hospital care). Recovery from laser treatment for varicose veins usually takes up to a month. During this period, compression bandages should be worn and sports should be restricted.
To prevent varicose veins, weight should be reduced, heavy lifting and prolonged sitting should be ruled out, and loose clothing should be preferred. In the early stages of the disease, regular wear of special medical compression underwear and moderate physical activity (walking, swimming, exercise) help to prevent varicose veins.
Popular questions
What can't be done with varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a disease whose progression is closely linked to lifestyle. In the presence of varicose veins, you should not lift weights or engage in sports that increase the load on the vessels in your lower body (heavyweight sports). You should rule out being in a long sitting position (if you work in an office and need to sit for a long time - take a five-minute break every hour to walk or workout) and try not to wear tight. clothing.
How to treat varicose veins in the legs in women?
For a problem with varicose veins in the legs, a woman should consult a phlebologist. In the presence of varicose veins on the 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 nodules, aesthetic discomfort), surgical removal of the varicose vein is recommended. What intervention is recommended for a woman is decided by the doctor based on the test and the results of the test.
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: by doing special exercises that improve blood flow from the lower extremities and the pelvis, wearing compression underwear, and taking medications prescribed by your doctor. Self-treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies is ineffective, and contact of the veins with herbal compresses can lead to skin ulceration.