Varicose veins are a very common pathology that significantly reduces the quality of life and leads to dangerous complications requiring expensive and complex treatment.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins, or varicose veins, are a disease associated with disruption of the valve apparatus of the veins.Due to their damage, the normal outflow of blood from the periphery is disrupted and blood stagnates in various parts of the vascular bed, causing their expansion.
The main population susceptible to this disease is people over 40 years old.This is due to the fact that at this stage the vessels are exposed to various negative influences, which leads to 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 or internal organs.
It is necessary to take 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 in the veins is closely related to muscle contractions.During muscular tension, blood is pushed into the veins and the valves present in the venous cavity prevent its reflux.
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 damage the 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 dilate and narrow the lumen of blood vessels, disrupting 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 do not differ.
Clinical manifestations
Usually, symptoms of this disease appear when there are already irreversible structural changes 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 minor pain that occurs after long periods of walking or running.There are no specific symptoms to make a diagnosis.The first forms of varicose veins can be detected exclusively using instrumental examinations.
Symptoms of developed varicose veins include:
- The appearance of localized cyanosis along the veins.
- The vessels protrude from the surface of the skin and form nodules.These formations are painful and dense, 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 very beginning of the development of pathology this occurs exclusively after overwork, then in later stages it can disturb the patient even in sleep.This is because one of the signs of inflammation is pain.The intensity of the pain can be quite severe, leading to lameness.
- Local increase in temperature at the nodes.
The appearance of the first symptoms of the disease requires immediate contact with a medical institution for diagnosis and treatment.
Why are varicose veins dangerous?
The lack of proper 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 for 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 disruption of the blood supply.These conditions are extremely difficult to treat and often lead to disability and death.
- Trophic ulcers.Violation of 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 ulcerations.These ulcers are difficult to treat and often recur, since it is necessary to conduct therapy aimed at the root 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 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 aggravated by the addition of an infectious factor, which significantly worsens the condition and complicates treatment.
If complications arise, treatment of varicose veins should be reconsidered.
Diagnosis
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 to assess the condition of the tissues surrounding the foci of pathology.
To do this, it is recommended to carry out the following examinations:
- General blood test.
- Biochemistry of blood.
- 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.Thanks to ultrasound, you can get a detailed picture of the vascular bed and identify foci of inflammation that do not appear outside.
- Phlebography.Obtaining a graphic image of the venous system of the lower extremities using a contrast agent allows you to study its structures in detail and identify even the smallest changes.
In addition to instrumental and laboratory studies, specific tests are carried out to assess the condition of soft tissues as well as the degree of circulatory insufficiency.
An external examination is also important, during which the doctor can note specific external manifestations, probable localization and trophic ulcers.
A phlebologist should be involved in the treatment and monitoring of patients with such a 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 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 permanently get rid of the pathology.However, this 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 should be remembered 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 work for a certain period of time and are not able to prevent the progression of the disease.
Patients suffering from varicose veins are advised to use the following groups of drugs:
- NSAIDs.It is recommended to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 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 disease, provoked by side effects.
- Antiplatelet agents.The action of these drugs is aimed at preventing the formation of blood clots.A primitive representative is considered to be ordinary aspirin, used in small doses.They thin the blood, making it easier for blood to flow through inflamed veins.The use of such drugs is unacceptable for patients with a tendency to bleeding.
- 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, which ensures normal blood circulation.
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 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 these restrictions leads to a worsening of the general condition.
Conservative treatment is most suitable as a supportive method during preparation for planned surgical intervention.
Surgical treatment
Many people wonder how to cure varicose veins without surgery?In fact, it's impossible.The main type of surgical treatment is safenectomy.
Safenectomy is an operation whose aim is to remove damaged large saphenous veins.Thanks to this, the foci of the disease are completely eliminated.But the downside of this treatment is the considerable trauma.In recent years, such operations have been carried out with a large number of incisions in the skin, necessary to provide access to the veins.
Today, modern methods of treating varicose veins make it possible to perform safenectomy 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 through a single incision.
This operation has a number of contraindications which 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 cause purulent-septic processes, which may require amputation of limbs.
- Intolerance to antibacterial agents.In the postoperative period, antibiotics are prescribed to destroy the pathogenic flora introduced into the wound during surgical treatment.Some patients have an intolerance to these medications.It is strictly forbidden to carry out surgical treatment without antibiotic treatment.
- Serious diseases of the cardiovascular system.Pathologies accompanied by heart failure can become a contraindication, since the use of certain anesthetic agents is prohibited for them.
Safenectomy is performed for simple forms of varicose veins.Cases in which trophic ulcers or necrotic changes caused by acute disruption of blood supply are observed require expanding the scope of the operation.
It is possible to excise ulcers during surgery.In this way, tissue death is avoided.In cases where venous thrombosis has led to gangrene, amputation is necessary.This operation is only performed 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 chemicals or physical factors.
It is advisable to use them from 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 to treat varicose veins of 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 delay their implementation.You should not turn to various traditional healers, because wasted time before proper treatment can lead to amputation.
Concomitant therapy
In order to achieve the maximum effect of treatment, it is necessary to take additional measures along with the use of medications.These include:
- Dieting.Patients suffering from varicose veins should avoid fatty foods.It helps to increase cholesterol levels and blood viscosity.Such processes lead to increased slowdown of peripheral blood circulation at the level 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 still water rather than carbonated drinks or tea.
- Periodically give your legs an elevated position.Such procedures stimulate the flow of blood under its own weight, which prevents stagnation.
- Wear support stockings.In a vertical position of the body, these stockings prevent the accumulation of blood in dilated veins.But these stockings must be used correctly, because prolonged wearing can negatively affect the condition of the foot, as well as the skin of the lower leg.
- Walks.Patients should maintain an active lifestyle.In later stages of varicose veins, walks should be short and not cause fatigue and 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 limit yourself to only drug treatment, which guarantees a favorable course of the disease.
Prevention
In order to prevent the development of varicose veins, you need to follow a number of simple rules that will reduce the risk of their appearance.All of them are aimed at maintaining normal blood properties and creating a normal lifestyle.Among them are:
- Drink at least one and a half liters of fluid per day.
- Good nutrition.This term implies not only the intake 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 get the maximum amount of nutrients from food, since a reflex develops and a sufficient amount of gastric juice is released.
- Give up bad habits.
- Limit the amount of coffee and other energy drinks.
- Ensuring mobility even when working sedentary.For this, there are special exercises whose goal is to contract the leg muscles.
- Rapid treatment of diseases.Any pathology of the human body can lead to long-term consequences.In order to avoid this, you should always seek help from a healthcare professional if symptoms appear and also undergo preventive examinations.
Today, there are different ways to treat varicose veins.With a quick diagnosis, they allow you to get rid of the problem once and for all.Treatment of varicose veins without surgery is only recommended at the very beginning of the disease.