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 is a disease that is associated with destruction of the valve apparatus of the veins.As a result of their damage, the normal outflow of blood from the periphery is disturbed and the blood stagnates in different parts of the vascular bed, which causes 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 that time the vessels are exposed to various negative influences, which leads to a decrease in their adaptive ability.
Varicose veins most often affect the lower limbs, but the pathological process can also be observed in the groin 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 excessive and insufficient mobility.The mechanism of normal blood flow through the veins is closely related to muscle contractions.During muscle tension, blood is forced through the veins, and the valves that are located in the venous cavity prevent its reverse flow.
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, which leads to disruption of normal blood flow.
- Abuse of coffee.
- Uncomfortable shoes.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Systemic connective tissue diseases.
- atherosclerosis.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Traumatic lesions.
- Overweight.
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 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 contact with the doctor.
In the early stages, varicose veins can be asymptomatic.Some patients complain of mild soreness that occurs after long periods of walking or running.There are no specific symptoms that would allow a diagnosis to be made.The initial forms of varicose veins can be detected exclusively with the help of instrumental studies.
The symptoms of developed varicose veins are as follows:
- The appearance of cyanosis, which is 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 a 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 the pathology it appears exclusively after overexertion, then in the later stages it can bother the patient even in his sleep.This is due to the fact that one of the signs of inflammation is pain.The intensity of the pain can be quite strong, leading to lameness.
- Local increase in temperature in the area of 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 appropriate 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 the inflamed areas of the veins, the 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 interruption of the blood supply.These pathologies are extremely difficult to treat and often lead to disability and death.
- Trophic ulcers.Violation of venous blood outflow is always accompanied by microcirculation disorders in the tissues of the lower extremities.The lack of oxygen and nutrients leads to the formation of ulcers.These ulcers are difficult to treat and often recur, as it is necessary to conduct therapy aimed at the underlying cause of their appearance.
- bleedingIf 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 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.
Diagnosis
If varicose veins are suspected, the patient must undergo a series of tests aimed at confirming the diagnosis, as well as assessing the condition of the tissues around the foci of pathology.
To do this, it is recommended to carry out the following examinations:
- General blood test.
- Blood biochemistry.
- Coagulogram.This laboratory study allows predicting the development of thrombosis and thrombophlebitis based on the coagulation properties of the blood.High coagulation is a threatening condition.
- Ultrasound.With the help of ultrasound, you can get 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 with the help of a contrast agent allows you to study its structures in detail and identify even the smallest changes.
In addition to instrumental and laboratory tests, specific tests are conducted that evaluate the condition of soft tissues, as well as the degree of circulatory failure.
An external examination is also important, during which the doctor can see external specific 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 limbs is possible with the help of drugs or through surgical interventions.The choice of treatment depends on how severe the changes are in the affected area.
Medicinal 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 a number of contraindications.
Conservative therapy
Treatment of varicose veins without surgery is allowed only in the early stages of 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 with medication alone.They act only 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 drugs:
- NSAIDs.It is recommended to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs locally in the form of ointments. In some cases, it is possible to prescribe these drugs in the form of tablets, but a long course of treatment can lead to the development of gastritis or peptic ulcer, which is due to side effects.
- Antiplatelet agents.The action of such drugs is aimed at preventing the formation of blood clots.A primitive representative is considered to be ordinary 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.
- Hormones from the prednisone 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.
Treatment of varicose veins should be systemic.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 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 is fraught with deterioration of the general condition.
Conservative therapy is most suitable as a supportive method in preparation for planned surgery.
Surgical treatment
Many people are interested in how to treat varicose veins without surgery?In fact, this is impossible.The main type of surgical treatment is saphenectomy.
Saphenectomy is an operation whose purpose is to remove damaged large saphenous veins.Thanks to this, outbreaks of the disease are completely eliminated.But the disadvantage of this treatment is a rather large trauma.Recently, such operations are performed with a large number of skin incisions, which is necessary to provide access to the veins.
Today, modern methods of treating varicose veins allow a safe section to be performed with a minimum number of incisions, as there are special probes for extracting veins.A vein up to half a meter long can be removed with one incision.
This operation has a number of contraindications that make it impossible.These include:
- Diabetes mellitus.This pathology is accompanied by a significant reduction in wound healing.In such a situation, surgical intervention can provoke purulent-septic processes, which can necessitate amputation of the limbs.
- Intolerance to antibacterial agents.In the postoperative period, antibiotics are prescribed to destroy the pathogenic flora that entered the wound during surgical treatment.Some patients experience intolerance to such drugs.Surgical treatment without a course of antibiotic therapy is strictly prohibited.
- Severe diseases of the cardiovascular system.These pathologies, which are accompanied by heart failure, can become a contraindication, since the use of certain anesthetics is prohibited for them.
Saphenectomy is performed in uncomplicated forms of varicose veins.Cases in which there are trophic ulcers or necrotic changes caused by an acute violation of the blood supply require an expansion of the scope of the operation.
Excision of ulcers during surgery is possible.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 the occlusion of the lumen of the blood vessels and their further destruction using 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 a treatment for advanced varicose veins, as it may require quite a large number of sessions.
People's funds
Some sources suggest the use of 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 qualified medical specialist.Methods of treating varicose veins without surgery only help to postpone its application.You should not turn to different traditional healers, because the time lost before proper treatment can lead to amputation.
Concomitant therapy
In order to achieve the maximum effect of the treatment, it is necessary to take additional measures along with the use of drugs.These include:
- Diets.Patients with varicose veins should avoid fatty foods.It helps increase cholesterol levels and blood viscosity.Such processes lead to an increased delay in peripheral blood circulation in the area of varicose veins and provoke the formation of thrombi.You should also drink plenty of fluids to thin your blood.It is recommended to drink plain water, not 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.
- Wearing compression stockings.In the upright position of the body, such socks prevent the accumulation of blood in varicose veins.But such socks must be used correctly, as long-term wearing can negatively affect the condition of the foot, as well as the skin in the area of the lower part of the legs.
- Walks.Patients should lead an active lifestyle.In the later stages of varicose veins, walks should be short and should not cause leg fatigue or pain.
In addition, concomitant pathologies such as atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus or obesity must be treated.The availability 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, you should follow a number of simple rules that will reduce the risk of their appearance.All of them are aimed at maintaining normal properties of the blood, as well as at creating a normal lifestyle.Among them are:
- Drink at least one and a half liters of liquid per day.
- The right nutrition.This term implies not only providing all the necessary substances in the diet and excluding harmful foods, but also regular nutrition.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.
- Giving up bad habits.
- Limit coffee and other energy drinks.
- Provide mobility even in sedentary work.For this, there are special exercises, the purpose of which is to contract the muscles of the legs.
- 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, as well as undergo preventive examinations.
Today, there are different ways to treat varicose veins.With a timely diagnosis, they allow you to get rid of the problem once and for all.Treatment of varicose veins without surgery is recommended only at the very beginning of the disease.