Treatment of varicose veins, possible causes and symptoms of the disease

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 vascular valve failure. As a result of their defeat, normal blood flow from the environment is disrupted, causing the blood vessel to stagnate and dilate in various parts of the bed.

The main contingent susceptible to the appearance of this disease are people over 40 years. This is due to the fact that so far ships have been exposed to various adverse effects, which leads to a decrease in their adaptability.

Often varicose veins affect the lower extremities, but the pathological process can also be observed in the groin or internal organs.

Preventive measures should be taken, because it is prone to pathological progression, and the treatment regimen for varicose veins is very complicated.

Reasons

The main causes of varicose veins are excessive and insufficient mobility. The mechanism of normal blood flow through the arteries is closely linked to muscle cramps. During muscle tension, blood is pushed out of the arteries, and valves in the vascular space prevent it from flowing backwards.

Lack of physical activity causes congestion and, as a result, excessive pressure on the blood vessels.Excessive exercise also has a detrimental effect on the vascular system. Frequent muscle contractions can damage the valves in the arteries.

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 widen and narrow the lumen of blood vessels, disrupting normal blood flow.
• Coffee abuse.
• Anxious shoes.
• Genetic predisposition.
• Systemic connective tissue diseases.
• Atherosclerosis.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Traumatic injuries.
• Overweight.

The presence of such factors significantly increases the risk of disease. Regardless of the etiological factor, the symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities will not differ.

Clinical manifestations

Generally, the symptoms of this disease occur when there are already irreversible structural changes in the vessels of the lower extremities. That is, the patient already needs surgical treatment when going to the doctor.

In the early stages, varicose veins may be asymptomatic. Some patients complain of a small pain that occurs after a long walk or run. There are no symptoms that make it possible to diagnose. Primary forms of varicose veins can be detected only with the help of instrumental examinations.

Symptoms of advanced varicose veins are:

1. Appearance of localized cyanosis along the veins.
2. Vessels rise above the surface of the skin and form knots. These formations are painful and dense, which is associated with inflammation and the process of spreading connective tissue in these areas (sclerosis).
3. Persistent pain that does not depend on physical strength. If at the beginning of the pathological development occurs only after excessive stress, in later periods it can disturb the patient in the dream. This is because one of the symptoms of inflammation is pain syndrome. The intensity of the pain can be quite obvious, which leads to the appearance of lameness.
4. Local temperature rise in the area of ​​the nodes.

The first symptoms of the disease require an immediate visit to a medical facility for diagnosis and treatment.

Why Varicose Veins Are Dangerous

Lack of adequate treatment is fraught with the development of a number of dangerous complications that threaten not only health but also life. These include:

1. Thrombophlebitis. Significantly slows blood flow in inflamed areas of blood vesselsSuch conditions are conducive to blood clotting. These blood clots can close the vascular lumen in the lower extremities, which can lead to blood clots, or cause severe disruption of the blood supply by transporting blood to the lungs, heart, brain, and other organs. These pathologies are extremely difficult to treat and often lead to disability and death.
2. Trophic ulcers. Impaired venous blood flow is always accompanied by microcirculatory disorders in the tissues of the lower extremities. Lack of oxygen and nutrients causes ulcers. These ulcers are difficult to treat and often recur because of the root cause of their appearance.
3. Bleeding. If varicose veins are accompanied by hypertension, it can lead to rupture of peripheral blood vessels and bleeding. This is because the dilated arteries are thinner, and high blood pressure values ​​can cause them to rupture. In addition, bleeding can occur with a small mechanical damage, which does not lead to the formation of a hematoma in a healthy person.

Almost all complications can be aggravated by the addition of an infectious agent, which significantly worsens the condition and complicates treatment.

If complications develop, treatment of varicose veins should be reconsidered.

Diagnostics

If you suspect varicose veins, the patient should undergo a series of examinations aimed at confirming the diagnosis and assessing the condition of the tissues surrounding the pathological lesions.

To do this, the following queries are displayed:

1. Complete blood count.
2. Blood biochemistry.
3. Coagulogram. This laboratory test allows you to predict the development of thrombosis and thrombophlebitis based on the characteristics of blood clotting. High coagulation is a dangerous condition.
4. ultrasound. With the help of ultrasound, you can get a detailed image of the vascular bed and detect foci of inflammation that are not visible on the outside.
5. Phlebography. With the help of a contrast agent, it is possible to obtain a graphical representation of the venous system of the lower extremities, to study in detail its structure and to identify even the smallest changes.

In addition to instrumental and laboratory studies, special tests are performed to assess the condition of soft tissues and the degree of circulatory failure.

External examination is also important, during which the doctor can see the external specific manifestations, possible localization and trophic ulcers.

A phlebologist should be involved in the treatment and supervision of patients with this disease. This is a doctor who specializes in how to treat varicose veins.

Treatment

Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities is possible through medication or surgery. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the changes in the affected area.

Medical treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities is carried out according to a special scheme that takes into account the impact on the pathological process and prevents the development of complications.

Surgical treatment of varicose veins is the most effective, because it allows you to get rid of the pathology forever. However, it is not allowed for all patients and there are a number of contraindications.

Conservative therapy

Non-surgical treatment of varicose veins is allowed only in the early stages of the disease.

It should be remembered that conservative treatment only helps to eliminate the manifestations of the disease. It is not possible to achieve a lasting effect using drugs alone. They only act for a certain period of time and cannot prevent the development of the disease.

Patients with varicose veins are shown to use the following groups of drugs:

• NSAID. It is recommended to apply 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 a long course of treatment can lead to the development of gastritis or peptic ulcer disease caused by side effects.
• Antiplatelet agents. The action of such drugs is to prevent blood clots. The primary representative is conventional aspirin used in small doses. They thin the blood, facilitating blood flow through the inflamed veins. The use of such drugs is unacceptable for patients with a tendency to bleeding.
• Hormones of the prednisolone group. In the absence of any effect of NSAIDs, the use of adrenal cortex hormones is indicated. These substances are also used as ointments. They have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and at the same time improve tissue microcirculation. It should be remembered that long-term use of hormones also has a negative 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 flow.

Treatment of varicose veins should be systematic. Regular intake of drugs allows you to maintain a stable concentration of active substances, which has a lasting effect on damaged blood vessels.

The use of these drugs should be strictly prescribed by a physician. Independent use is strictly prohibited as it can cause side effects and also has contraindications. Failure to comply with such restrictions is fraught with aggravation of the general situation.

Conservative therapy is best suited as a supportive method in preparation for a planned operation.

Surgical treatment

Many people wonder how to treat varicose veins without surgery? In fact, this is not possible. The main type of surgical treatment is saphenectomy.

Safenectomy is an operation to remove damaged large sapenous vessels. As a result, the foci of the disease are completely eliminated. However, the disadvantage of such treatment is a very high degree of injury. Recently, such operations have been performed with a large number of skin incisions needed to provide access to the arteries.

Today, modern methods for treating varicose veins allow saphenectomy with a minimum number of incisions, because there are special probes for the removal of veins. An incision can produce a vein up to half a meter long.

There are a number of contraindications that make this operation impossible. These include:

1. Diabetes mellitus. This pathology is accompanied by a significant reduction in wound healing. In this case, surgery can lead to purulent-septic processes that may require amputation.
2. Intolerance to antibacterial agents. In the postoperative period, antibiotics are prescribed to destroy the pathogenic flora of the wound during surgical treatment. Some patients have intolerance to these drugs. Surgical treatment without a course of antibiotic therapy is strictly prohibited.
3. Severe diseases of the cardiovascular system. Pathologies associated with heart failure may be contraindicated, as the use of some anesthetics is prohibited with them.

Safenectomy is performed for uncomplicated forms of varicose veins. Cases of necrotic changes due to trophic ulcers or acute disruption of blood supply require further surgery.

Removal of ulcers during surgery. Thus, the prevention of tissue death is achieved. Amputation is necessary if venous thrombosis causes gangrene. Such an operation is carried out only in extreme cases.

There are modern minimally invasive treatments, including:

• Sclerotherapy.
• Radiofrequency ablation.
• Laser ablation.

These treatments are based on blocking the lumen of blood vessels and further destroying them with the help of chemicals or physical factors.

It is recommended to use them in the early stages of the disease. In this case, the risk of relapse is minimal. This treatment is not worth applying to advanced varicose veins, as it may require quite a few sessions.

Folk remedies

Some sources suggest that various traditional medicines be used to treat varicose veins of the legs. This is strongly recommended as the effects of plants in this pathology have not been scientifically proven.

Treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities should be planned only by a licensed medical professional. Treatment of varicose veins without surgery only helps to delay its application. You should not consult different folk healers, as it can lead to a waste of time before starting the right treatment.

Simultaneous therapy

In order to get the maximum effect of treatment, it is necessary to take additional measures in addition to the use of drugs. These include:

• Diet. Patients with varicose veins should avoid fatty foods. Helps increase cholesterol levels & blood viscositySuch processes cause an increase in the slowing of peripheral blood circulation in the area of ​​varicose veins and stimulate the formation of thrombi. You need to drink a lot of fluids to dilute your blood. It is recommended to drink plain water, not carbonated drinks or tea.
• Raise your legs periodically. Such procedures stimulate blood flow under its own weight, which prevents blockage.
• Wear tight socks. When the body is upright, such socks prevent the accumulation of blood in the dilated arteries. However, such socks need to be applied properly, because wearing them for a long time can adversely affect the condition of the foot and the skin in the lower leg area.
• Walking. Patients should 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, common diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes or obesity should be treated. The presence of such therapy in some cases allows to be limited only to drug treatment, which ensures a favorable outcome of the disease.

Prevention

To prevent the development of varicose veins, you need to follow a few simple rules that will reduce the risk of developing them. All are aimed at maintaining normal blood characteristics, as well as creating a normal lifestyle. Among them:

1. Drink at least one and a half liters of fluid a day.
2. Proper nutrition. This period includes not only the provision of all necessary nutrients in the diet and the elimination of harmful foods, but also regular meals. At the same time, eating allows you to get the maximum amount of food from the food, because a reflex develops and a sufficient amount of gastric juice is released.
3. Get rid of bad habits.
4. Limit the amount of coffee and other energy drinks.
5. Maintain mobility while sitting. To do this, there are special exercises aimed at tightening the leg muscles.
6. Timely treatment of diseases. Any pathology in the human body can lead to long-term consequences. To prevent this, you should seek medical help and undergo preventive examinations when any symptoms appear.

There are different ways to treat varicose veins today. When diagnosed in time, they allow you to get rid of the problem once and for all. Treatment of varicose veins without surgery is recommended only at the beginning of the disease.