Varicose veins: causes, classification, symptoms and methods of treatment

If you want to learn more about varicose veins, check out this article. It will help you understand the main causes of the disease, as well as recognize the first symptoms of varicose veins yourself.

Few people know that varicose veins are a very common disease, affecting almost 30% of women and 20% of men. This is due to the fact that the first symptoms can be almost invisible. This article will help you understand how to independently recognize varicose veins when they are still suitable for conservative and safe treatment.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are a common disease that can cause a lot of discomfort and significantly impair the quality of life. Varicose veins occur when the vein walls lose their elasticity and cannot effectively pump blood back to the heart. Standing or sitting for a long time, hereditary predisposition, excess weight, pregnancy, diseases of the heart and blood vessels - all this can lead to varicose veins. There are various methods that can alleviate the symptoms and even get rid of the disease.

Varicose veins are a vascular disorder that occurs when venous valves weaken and blood circulation is impaired. This is why this happens.

Our vessels pump blood from the legs to the heart due to the operation of special valves that do not allow blood to flow to the legs under the influence of gravity. But it happens that the valves weaken. And then some of the blood begins to remain in the veins and, as a result, the pressure on them increases. Venous walls are enlarged and damaged. Over time, the veins become larger and larger. The legs of people with varicose veins may look like there are large ropes under the skin.

Varicose veins are not only an aesthetic problem. This disease can lead to serious complications such as thrombosis, ulcers and even tissue necrosis. Therefore, it is extremely important to independently recognize varicose veins and consult a doctor at the first signs. The easier the course of the disease, the easier the treatment will be. The main reasons for the development of varicose veins.

The reasons for the development of varicose veins can be different. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

1. One of the main factors is heredity. Varicose veins occur in people with a weakened vein wall due to a genetic mutation. Remember if your family members had varicose veins. If you have, then you are also at risk of developing this disease. However, don't be too quick to get upset. If you lead a healthy lifestyle and take care of your health, then there is every possibility to avoid the appearance of varicose veins. But it is always important for you to monitor your diet and lifestyle and be attentive to your health.
2. Working on foot. If you are in a profession where you have to spend a lot of time on your feet, be especially attentive to the condition of your feet. There is a high risk of developing varicose veins. First of all, people who work on their feet are affected by immobility of the leg muscles. If a person walks a lot, the muscles contract and squeeze the blood vessels, which helps push blood to the heart. But if you stay in one place all day, your veins are left without support. Therefore, when you stand, the likelihood of varicose veins increases. Representatives of the following professions should be especially attentive to their health: teachers, cooks, surgeons, operating nurses, hairdressers, waiters, salespeople, bartenders, turners, massage therapists.
3. Sitting work can also negatively affect the health of blood vessels and the appearance of varicose veins. These are office workers, drivers, programmers, accountants, librarians, cashiers, seamstresses, bank employees, jewelers and telephone operators. A sedentary lifestyle also increases the risk of developing varicose veins and is dangerous. After all, the muscles of the lower leg do not work, and the blood stagnates. The veins expand and become varicose veins. It is especially bad to have the habit of crossing your legs. You can put pressure on the veins, leading to thrombosis. Do not forget to take breaks during work and at least sometimes do a warm-up or at least walk around the office.
4. Heavy physical work and heavy lifting can also cause varicose veins. This is due to the fact that when a heavy weight is lifted, a jump in intra-abdominal pressure occurs, which, of course, is transmitted to the legs and causes blood vessels to stretch and valves to break. If you are a loader, weightlifter, builder, storekeeper, miner or have to lift weights as part of your occupation, remember that this is dangerous and can cause varicose veins.
5. Long and frequent flights are also dangerous for the functioning of blood vessels. During the flight, there are changes in the atmospheric pressure, which also negatively affects the blood vessels. On the plane you can't stretch your legs and it's hard to find a comfortable position. Due to the dry air on board an airplane, the body suffers from dehydration. Blood viscosity increases, which leads to venous stagnation and slow blood flow.
6. Pregnancy. It often happens that the first symptoms of varicose veins can appear precisely during pregnancy, because the woman's body is placed under a heavy load and swelling appears in the legs. Doctors can often prescribe compression garments, which can improve the course of the disease.
7. Being overweight can also cause varicose veins. In addition, it is important to know that due to excess weight, a person may not notice a single varicose vein for years. Varicose veins can be hidden under a significant layer of subcutaneous fat. Their visualization is not only difficult, but it is impossible without instrumental techniques. Therefore, if you are overweight, and in the evening you feel tired or swollen in your legs, you should consult a phlebologist as soon as possible.
8. Poor lifestyle, alcohol abuse, smoking and other bad habits and addictions. In general, varicose veins and bad habits are incompatible. And combined with smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, this will have serious consequences. Without treatment and control, varicose veins can provoke other vascular diseases, for example, atherosclerosis of the lower extremities.
9. Heels are the enemy of your blood vessels. Don't rush to chase beauty. Remember that high heels put a lot of stress on the feet. Shoes should be comfortable first, and then beautiful. Heels, of course, are acceptable to wear, but only on occasion, don't overdo it.

Symptoms of varicose veins at different stages of the disease.

The initial stage of varicose veins. Compensation phase. The initial phase of varicose veins is also called the compensation phase. It got this name due to the fact that when the functioning of the veins in the body is disrupted, special mechanisms are activated that compensate for these disturbances. That is why it is dangerous. A person can ignore the signs of varicose veins for several months, and maybe even years, and lose precious time for effective treatment.

External signs may be completely absent, or may appear in the form of spider veins. They should not be underestimated. These are true harbingers of varicose veins.

All that a person can feel in the initial stage of varicose veins is heaviness in the legs, a feeling of fullness and swelling. Most patients attribute these symptoms to fatigue, especially if the work involves stress on the feet.

But if you are sensitive to your health, have noticed these symptoms and consulted a phlebologist in time, then you can be sure. In this case, when varicose veins are diagnosed at the initial stage, conservative non-surgical treatment is prescribed. For example, different types of sclerotherapy.

Classification of varicose veins. What is important to know?

The classification of varicose veins depends on the level at which the affected vein is located. It is important to know about this classification so that you can recognize the symptoms in time and immediately consult a phlebologist.

The classification of varicose veins begins with the identification of the main forms of the disease: primary (idiopathic) varicose veins, secondary varicose veins (consequences of traumatic vein injuries), age-related (senile) varicose veins, congenital varicose veins (intrauterine formation). of varicose veins), etc.

Primary varicose veins are one of the most common forms of the disease. It can be found in people of any age, although more often this type of varicose veins develops in women. Hereditary factor is one of the causes of this disease.

Secondary varicose veins are a form of the disease that develops after traumatic injuries to the veins. Venous thrombosis, surgery, trauma and other factors can lead to secondary varicose veins. Usually this type of disease appears at the site of the injury.

Senile varicose veins most often appear in the elderly. The increased aging of the body causes the weakening of the walls of the vein vessels, which has a significant impact on their etymology.

Congenital varicose veins are characterized by the fact that the disease appears during fetal development. An abnormality in the development of blood vessels causes a violation of their vital function, namely reversible expansion of veins.

The second stage of varicose veins. Undercompensation.

This is the most common stage with which patients already consult a doctor. Undercompensation is the stage when the body can no longer cope with the disease itself. In this case, the person not only complains of pain and swelling at the end of the day, but also experiences constant discomfort. It is now difficult for the patient to lead a normal lifestyle. In this case, a visit to a phlebologist should be scheduled immediately.

Main symptoms: veins are clearly visible, the skin may take on a blue tint. Swelling, pain, burning sensation and light cramps in the legs are observed not only in the evening, but also at night.

Light treatment at this stage is no longer sufficient. In this case, EVLT and minimally invasive surgery are usually used.

The third stage. Severe varicose veins. Decompensation.

In this case, the breakdown of blood vessels negatively affects the functioning of other organs and systems of the body. Tissue nutrition suffers, fluids accumulate in them and trophic ulcers may appear. Veins are severely deformed and serious complications in the form of thrombophlebitis are possible.

At this stage, urgent surgical treatment is necessary. Otherwise, varicose veins begin to pose a threat to life.

It is important to understand that the disease can have either one form of development or different combinations. And the classification of varicose veins is not clear, but rather implies the possibility of different combinations of factors. But regardless of the form, varicose veins require treatment. Proper treatment can lead to a complete recovery, prevent serious complications and improve the quality of life of patients.

Diagnosis of varicose veins.

A modern clinic has the most accurate and effective methods for diagnosing varicose veins. The main methods for diagnosing varicose veins are:

1. Examination by a specialist. The first thing you should do is make an appointment with a phlebologist.
2. Ultrasound examination. This is the main diagnostic method used to detect varicose veins. An ultrasound examination of the veins allows you to see any changes in the structure of the veins, determine if there are any obstructions to blood flow, and identify other problems with the veins.
3. Phlebography. This is a diagnostic method that allows you to get a more detailed image of the vessels of the lower extremities while a contrast agent is injected into them. This method allows you to diagnose both disorders in the structure of the veins and other problems with the lymphatic system.
4. CT examination. This method allows you to get a three-dimensional image of the vessels, which significantly improves the scaling of the veins.
5. MRI examination. This method is mainly used when it is not possible to perform an ultrasound examination, since its effectiveness in diagnosing varicose veins is reduced.
6. Thermography. This method is based on taking into account the thermal radiation of the extremities and allows you to determine the presence of diseases in the structure of the veins.

As a rule, making a diagnosis based on research data does not take much time. Most procedures take between 10 and 40 minutes. Treatment at different stages will vary greatly, so you should never self-medicate. Any health manipulation can be prescribed only after receiving the research results.

Methods for treating varicose veins

Varicose veins are a serious condition, but they can be treated. There are ways to help avoid discomfort and reduce the risk of complications. It is important not to delay the doctor's visit and follow his recommendations, as early treatment significantly increases the chances of recovery. There are various methods that can alleviate the symptoms and even get rid of the disease.

The first important way to treat varicose veins is to change your lifestyle. People suffering from varicose veins should pay special attention to physical activity. Regular exercise aims to strengthen the muscles of the lower body and stimulate blood circulation. Walking, swimming, gymnastics for the muscles of the legs - all this can be a good help in the treatment of varicose veins.

The second way is to change your diet. There are many products that can further aggravate the situation with varicose veins: strong coffee, hot spices, alcohol, fatty and heavy foods. It is better to choose foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. For example, vegetables, fruits, herbs, non-fermented dairy products, nuts, fish.

The first two methods are mandatory conditions at any stage of the disease.

The next step, if indicated by a doctor, may be drug treatment. The use of ointments, creams and gels that contain substances that improve blood circulation helps reduce swelling and pain. You can also use drug therapy, your doctor will prescribe pills.

 

Modern methods of treating varicose veins include:

1. Disappearance and coagulation. The emitter is inserted into the vein through a micropuncture. The laser precisely heats the blood, which burns the walls of the blood vessels and closes the vein (this is called sclerosis). After the procedure is completed, the emitter is removed. Over time, the vein turns into connective tissue and then resolves completely. The duration of the procedure is about half an hour. Immediately after the end of the treatment, the patient can return to normal life. To consolidate the results obtained, it is necessary to wear compression garments for several days.
2. Sclerotherapy. A special substance is injected into the affected vessel, which glues its walls together. The attached vessel is excluded from the bloodstream and dissolves over time.
3. Radiofrequency ablation. The mechanism of action is similar to laser therapy. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the vein, which heats its walls and also causes them to stick together. After some time, the vein resolves.
4. Miniphlebectomy. This is a minimally invasive surgery that is performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Through a puncture, the affected vein is carefully removed without cutting or stitching.
5. In the severe stages of the disease, surgical treatment is indicated, which deprives the twisted veins of the ability to drain blood.

Treatment of varicose veins in modern kinetics 

In a modern clinic they know how to effectively help patients. Doctors have already performed thousands of operations and helped millions of patients get rid of varicose veins. If you suffer from varicose veins, then know that it is never too late to go to the clinic and get treatment.

The modern clinic employs only qualified doctors specializing in the treatment of varicose veins and other vein diseases. Patients are offered a variety of treatment options, including laser therapy, sclerotherapy, radiofrequency therapy, and surgery. Only the most modern equipment and technologies are used. This guarantees maximum results and minimum risk of complications. Also, the professional clinic is among the most advanced in the field of venous surgery in the country.

Another advantage of a professional clinic is that only an individual approach is provided to patients. Each patient is unique, and during treatment, all his features are taken into account when choosing a method. The main goal of the clinic is to allow the patient to return to normal life and forget about vein problems.

Don't think that varicose veins will go away on their own. In fact, in rare cases, symptoms can improve due to lifestyle changes or certain medications. However, it is important to understand that this is only a temporary improvement and treatment is still required. Postponing a visit to the doctor, you can only worsen the course of the disease.