Varicose veins are a very common pathology that significantly reduces the quality of life and causes dangerous complications that require expensive and complex treatments.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins, or varicose veins, are a disease associated with disruption of the valve apparatus of the veins.As a result of their damage, the normal outflow of blood from the periphery is disrupted and blood stagnates in various parts of the vascular bed, causing its expansion.
The main population susceptible to this disease is people over the age of 40.This is due to the fact that at this point the ships are exposed to various negative effects, which cause 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 the valves in the venous cavity prevent it from refluxing.
Lack of physical activity leads to congestion in the periphery, as a result of which the blood exerts excessive pressure on the valve apparatus.Excessive stress also has a detrimental effect on the vascular system.Frequent muscle contractions can cause damage to 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.
- Excess weight.
The presence of such factors significantly 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
Usually, the symptoms of this disease appear when irreversible structural changes are already present in the veins of the lower extremities.That is, the patient already needs 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 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 are 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 effort, in the later stages it can disturb the patient even in sleep.This is due to the fact that one of the signs of inflammation is pain.The intensity of the pain can be quite severe and lead to lameness.
- Local increase in temperature in the area of the nodes.
The appearance of the first symptoms of the disease requires immediate contact with a medical facility for diagnosis and treatment.
Why are varicose veins dangerous?
The lack of adequate treatment is fraught with 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 significantly.Such conditions are conducive to the formation of blood clots.These blood clots can block the lumen of a vessel in the lower extremity, 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 conditions 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 disorders of 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 often recur, since it is necessary to carry out therapy aimed at the main cause of their appearance.
- Bleeding.If varicose veins are accompanied by hypertension, this can lead to rupture of peripheral vessels and bleeding.This is because the dilated vessels become thinner and hypertension can cause them to rupture.In addition, hemorrhages with minor mechanical damage may occur, 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, treatment of varicose veins should be reconsidered.
Diagnostics
If varicose veins are suspected, the patient must undergo a series of examinations, the purpose of which is to confirm the diagnosis, as well as evaluate the condition of the tissues surrounding the foci of the pathology.
To do this, it is recommended to carry out the following tests:
- General blood test.
- Blood biochemistry.
- Coagulogram.This laboratory test allows you to predict the development of thrombosis and thrombophlebitis, based on the coagulative properties of the blood.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 medium allows you 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 conditions of the soft tissues and also evaluate the degree of circulatory failure.
An external examination is also important, during which the doctor can see specific external manifestations, probable localization and trophic ulcers.
A phlebologist should be involved in the treatment and supervision of patients suffering from this disease.It is this doctor who specializes in the treatment of varicose veins.
Treatment
Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities is possible with the use of drugs or through surgical interventions.The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the changes in the affected area.
Pharmacological treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities 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 eliminate 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 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 lasting effect using drugs alone.They only work for a certain time and are unable to prevent the progression of the disease.
Patients with varicose veins are advised to use the following groups of drugs:
- NSAIDs.The topical use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in the form of ointments, is recommended. In some cases, these drugs can be prescribed in the form of tablets, but a long course of treatment can lead to the development of gastritis or peptic ulcer, caused by side effects.
- Antiplatelet agents.The action of such drugs is aimed at preventing the formation of blood clots.A primitive representative is considered regular aspirin, which is used in small doses.They thin the blood, which helps facilitate blood flow through inflamed veins.The use of such drugs is unacceptable for patients who have a tendency to bleed.
- Prednisolone group hormones.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 condition 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, ensuring normal blood flow.
Treatment of varicose veins should be systematic.Regular cyclic 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 drugs 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 is fraught with aggravation of the general conditions.
Conservative therapy is more 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 reality, this is impossible.The main type of surgical treatment is saphenectomy.
Saphenectomy is an operation whose purpose is to remove damaged great saphenous veins.Thanks to this, foci of the disease are completely eliminated.But the disadvantage of this treatment is significant trauma.In recent times, such 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 performing saphenectomy with a minimum number of incisions, since there are special probes for extracting veins.A vein up to half a meter long can be removed with a single incision.
This operation presents a series of contraindications that make it impossible to carry out.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 penetrated the wound during surgical treatment.Some patients experience intolerance to these drugs.It is strictly forbidden to carry out surgical treatment without a course of antibiotic therapy.
- Serious diseases of the cardiovascular system.Those pathologies 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.Cases in which trophic ulcers or necrotic changes caused by acute disruption of blood supply are observed require an expansion of the scope of intervention.
It is possible to remove ulcers during surgery.This prevents tissue death.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 further destruction through the use of chemicals or physical factors.
It is recommended 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 rather large number of sessions.
Folk remedies
Some sources suggest using various traditional medicines as a treatment for varicose veins in the legs.It is strictly not recommended to do this, since the effect of plants in this pathology has not been scientifically confirmed.
Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities should be planned exclusively by a certified medical specialist.Methods for treating varicose veins without surgery only help to delay its implementation.You should not turn to various traditional healers, because wasting time before proper treatment can lead to amputation.
Concomitant therapy
To achieve the maximum effect from treatment, additional measures should be taken along with the use of medications.These include:
- Diet.Patients with varicose veins should avoid fatty foods.It helps increase cholesterol levels and blood viscosity.These processes lead to a greater slowdown of peripheral blood circulation in the area of dilated veins and cause the formation of thrombi.Additionally, you need to drink plenty of fluids to thin your blood.It is recommended to drink plain water instead of carbonated drinks or tea.
- Periodically provide the legs with an elevated position.Such procedures stimulate the outflow of blood under its own weight, preventing stagnation.
- Wear compression stockings.In an upright position of the body, such stockings prevent the accumulation of blood in the dilated veins.But such socks must be used correctly, since long-term use can adversely affect the condition of the foot and the skin on the lower leg.
- Walk.Patients should maintain an active lifestyle.In 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 should be treated.The presence of such therapy allows in some cases to be limited to pharmacological treatment alone, which guarantees a favorable outcome of the disease.
Prevention
To prevent the development of varicose veins, you need to follow a number of simple rules that will reduce the risk of their occurrence.They all aim to maintain normal blood properties and create a normal lifestyle.Among these are:
- Drink at least one and a half liters of fluids a day.
- Correct 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 take maximum nutrients from food, as a reflex develops and a sufficient amount of gastric juice is released.
- Abandon bad habits.
- Limit the amount of coffee and other energy drinks.
- Ensure mobility even when working in a sedentary manner.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 tests.
Today there are various ways to treat varicose veins.With a timely diagnosis, they allow you to eliminate the problem once and for all.Treatment of varicose veins without surgery is advisable only at the beginning of the disease.