Treatment, symptoms and prevention of varicose veins

Varicose veins is not a disease, but a symptom associated with vascular malformations, which are caused by excessive enlargement of the veins. Varicose veins most often affect the lower extremities, but they can also occur in the rectum and esophagus. More rare is the disease of the bladder and female reproductive organs.

varicose veins

Varicose veins called Common disease of the blood vessels that appear through the skin and swells the veins. It should be remembered that without treatment, chronic venous disease can cause serious complications.

These changes are painful, exhausting, because cause disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

What are varicose veins

To understand what it is varicose veins, it is necessary to know the functions of the veins and circulatory system. Vienna – the blood vessels, blood flow to the heart. This is possible through it, that the valves are closed, when the blood flow quickly returns.

Good blood circulation is provided, that these valves do not work properly. Some people are born with faulty valves, in others they are weakened as a result way of life – bad eating habits, profession, poor physical activity, disease.

When the blood flows through the veins down, its pressure rises, the veins swell and swell back to its original form.

The type of varicose veins

1. Varicose veins of the lower extremities.

Caused by disorders of the venous circulation of the lower extremities, and damage to the venous valves as a result of congestion and high blood pressure in the veins. Is the symptoms of chronic venous diseases.

The most common reasons:

  • lack of exercise;
  • during pregnancy the enlarged uterus compresses the pelvic veins, resulting in stagnation of blood in the veins;
  • high age;
  • obesity;
  • genetic predisposition;
  • prolonged immobilization (immobility), because other diseases.

2. Hemorrhoids.

A fairly common disease, which occurs due to pressure on the rectal veins. This may be due to:

  • frequent constipation;
  • sedentary;
  • obesity;
  • pregnancy;
  • diseases of the liver;
  • hypertension;
  • sexual acts.

With age, the tissue that keeps the rectum and the veins, begins to weaken, and varicose veins can outside of the anus, which is associated with painful symptoms. The first symptom is bleeding from the rectum, which occurs during bowel movements.

3. Varicose veins of the esophagus.

Causes varicose veins changes in the gastrointestinal tract are the liver diseases, especially cirrhosis of the liver, acquired as a result of viral hepatitis or excessive alcohol consumption.

For a long time the disease is asymptomatic and occurs during breaks in the blood vessels, which means that the emergence of uncontrolled bleeding, which is often accompanied by vomiting blood or color of coffee grounds.

Significant blood loss causes a fall in blood pressure and increased heart rate. Varices of the gastrointestinal tract may manifest with jaundice and ascites. Bleeding due to varicose veins in the esophagus requires immediate medical attention.

4. Varicocele.

Visible veins, which collect blood from the testes and scrotum in men. Occur as a result of congenital or acquired valvular insufficiency in the veins. The reason for this may be kidney cancer or renal vascular thrombosis.

5. Varicose veins of the uterus and vagina.

This type of varicose veins form during pregnancy, because of the constant pressure of the growing uterus is in the pelvis. Also, the formation of varicose veins in the bladder.

Risk factors for the development of varicose veins

Some factors increase the risk of developing varicose veins, disrupting the blood flow to the lower extremities. They prevent blood flow in the veins, leading to increased accumulation of blood in the periphery of the body.

cause of varicose veins

Many factors are outside the control of the patient, for example, genetic or hormonal disorders. However, the appearance of varicose veins have the greatest impact on way of life. Proper diet, regular exercise it is possible to remove the non-modifiable risk factors.

Age and work

The likelihood of varicose veins increases significantly with age, especially after 40 years. This is a professional disease of hairdressers, dentists, doctors, waiters, salespeople, that there are people in such professions that require long hours of standing without movement. The vertical position progress stagnation of blood in the limbs and restricted mobility of the calf muscles cause a malfunction of the muscular valve.

Also prone to economists, specialists of IT-technologies employees. In a sitting position, with legs bent at the knees or crossed, contribute to prevent the outflow of blood.

A way of life

Unhealthy lifestyle affects the formation of varicose veins. Hot tub, sunbeds, obesity – all of these situations cause the varicose veins and reduce blood flow to the heart. Smoking contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease, so the risk of varicose veins in this group of people increased.

Hormone therapy

Introduced contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy significantly increases the possibility of the formation of varicose veins.

In addition, trends in the occurrence of varicose veins depends on other factors, such as:

• race – white more susceptible to disease than the black;

• gender – women are five times more likely to suffer from varicose veins than men;

• history of pregnancies;

• hormonal disorders;

• lack of exercise;

• wearing tight clothing;

• shoes with heels;

• diet low in fiber and vitamin C.

Symptoms of varicose veins

Symptoms of varicose veins are very different. They can occur together or separately. The early stages, patients often experience unpleasant sensations in the legs in a sitting or standing position.

The most common of these are:

  • pregnancy and feeling excessive swelling, which disappears after staying in the position with raised legs;
  • constant pain in the lower extremities after prolonged walking or sitting;
  • at times pain veins;
  • swelling of the lower extremities, which occurred at the end of the day, it is especially seen around the ankles;
  • restless legs syndrome, painful muscle cramps, especially at night.

In the later stages of the disease manifests itself, due to the wide body trunk varicose veins of the lower extremities and subcutaneous veins. They are soft and painless, and the filling degree depends on the position of the limbs, also receive hypersensitivity places, varicose veins.

The development of varicose veins increases the venous insufficiency of the lower limbs, which is involved in a large number of complications. The most common are thrombosis and haemorrhage, chronic inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous ulceration, pulmonary embolism.

Symptoms that should be a cause for a doctor's visit:

  • muscle spasms;
  • pain in the feet and legs;
  • swelling;
  • the appearance of spider veins.

Varicose veins in the pelvis most often develops in women in anticipation of a second child (or subsequent children).

One of the symptoms that indicate that the disease is constant pain in the lower abdomen, lasting several months. It develops similar to varicose veins of the lower extremities.

Typical symptoms are pressure on the bladder, heaviness in the perineum, dull pain in the lower abdomen or sacrum, which increases during pregnancy, sexual intercourse or menstruation.

Treatment of varicose veins

On the basis of modern vein treatment is a proper diagnosis of the disease and use the least invasive, but at the same time the most effective treatments for veins on the legs.

symptoms of varicose veins

There are many different ways to reduce the appearance of varicose veins, for example:

  • conservative;
  • medication;
  • surgical.

Conservative treatment

The goal of therapy is to facilitate blood flow to the affected limb. One of the main methods is to change the way of life. Recommended:

  • increased physical activity – walking, Cycling, swimming; you should avoid sports that increase the efficiency of the intra-abdominal pressure, such as: weight lifting, rowing;
  • the rest of the foot elevated;
  • avoid prolonged standing or sitting motionless, especially with your legs crossed;
  • maintain an ideal weight;
  • normal diet, with enough protein to avoid constipation;
  • wear shoes, heel no higher than 3-4 cm;
  • refrain from hot baths, saunas, tanning beds and prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Conservative treatment is often recommended for patients who for various reasons can not be applied to surgical treatment, for example, women during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Early stages of effective treatment of folk remedies in the form of tinctures of horsetail, wild Rue -, Arnica -, horse chestnut extract.

Packaging

This method is used in milder stages of the disease. Pack the outer side of the limbs, which increases pressure in the veins and reduces the blood stagnation. Patients wear special compression stockings a certain size, which is determined by the doctor. Some patients use an elastic bandage. It is recommended to use these tights during the day and removed at night. This method must be supported by appropriate medicines.

Pharmacology

In addition to the basic therapy, which treats the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Pharmacology helps to strengthen and seal blood vessel walls, increases blood circulation, has anti-inflammatory effect.

1. Tablets, pills and ointments.

In this group are drugs that are composed of diosmin is a substance which reduces the permeability of small blood vessels; it improves venous blood circulation, reduce tension in the walls of veins and is an anti-inflammatory effect. Other medications are troxerutin, which increases the elasticity of the small blood capillaries and improve the blood circulation in the tissues.

Sclerotherapy

Is a very popular method of treatment because lasts long and is quite simple to implement. Its essence – an introduction to the affected vein a special drug that helps reduce local inflammation and healing of venous. Rare side effects include deep vein thrombosis, allergic reactions, neurological disorders, skin necrosis, inflammation of superficial veins, hyperpigmentation.

Laser ablation and radio frequency ablation radio waves

The treatment of varicose veins is often done with the help of waves of different frequencies. Their action causes an increase in varicose veins. Laser treatment replaces painful surgery to remove the destroyed veins.

Can be used in all stages of venous insufficiency. The advantages of this method:

  • low risk of complications;
  • high efficiency;
  • short operation time;
  • minor complications after surgery;
  • the rapid recovery.

Surgical treatment

The indications for surgical treatment are:

  • relapsing inflammation of the veins;
  • bleeding;
  • complications of varicose veins in the form of sores;
  • the low efficiency of other methods of treatment;
  • extensive changes, causing serious cosmetic defects.

Depending on the extent of the disease, this method can cause partial or complete removal of the superficial veins, ligation, removal or obliteration of the veins.

Surgical treatment is contraindicated in patients with bleeding disorders, deep venous disease and limb ischemia. Surgery is not remove the cause of the disease and its affects of the complications.

In men with varicocele, the treatment is often performed with the help of sclerotherapy. Hemorrhoids effectively treated with special creams along with exercises, lifestyle changes, diet and surgical methods.

Prevention

prevention and treatment of varicose veins

Here are a few ways to help prevent varicose veins:

  • to keep the weight;
  • sedentary lifestyles often change the position of the feet, shifting weight from one leg to the other. Women wear special socks, which have a good effect on blood circulation;
  • not to cross your legs, as this prevents blood flow to the legs to the heart;
  • choose the right shoes;
  • do not wear tight pants, socks;
  • sports.

The best prevention of varicose veins in the legs is to diet, which is based on the large amount of fiber, fresh vegetables and fruits, enough liquid (1.5–2 liters per day). You should limit the consumption of fatty, fried food. You can also leave Smoking because it will seriously damage the blood vessels.

Varicose veins is a chronic disease and its treatment can take a very long time. Prevention, small changes in lifestyle and habits can help prevent disease.

The first sign of varicose veins is better to consult a doctor, use the fact that the disease in the early stages can be cured easier, faster and less traumatic.

06.03.2019