Methods of treating 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 is varicose veins?

Varicose veins, or varicose veins, is a disease that is associated with a malfunction of the venous valve apparatus. As a result of their defeat, normal blood flow from the periphery is disrupted and blood stagnates in different parts of the vascular bed, causing them to dilate.

The main contingent that is susceptible to the occurrence of this disease are people over the age of 40 years. This is due to the fact that up to this time the ships are exposed to various negative impacts, which causes 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, as this pathology tends to progress, and the treatment regimen for varicose veins is quite complicated.

Reasons

The main causes of varicose veins are considered to be excessive and insufficient mobility. The mechanism of normal blood flow through the veins is closely related to muscle contractions. During muscle tension, blood is pushed through the veins, and the valves that are present in the venous cavity prevent its reverse flow.

Lack of physical activity leads to overload in the periphery, as a result of which the blood exerts excessive pressure on the valve apparatus.Excessive exercise also has a detrimental effect on the vascular system. Frequent muscle contractions can damage the valves in the veins.

Furthermore, 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, which disrupts normal blood flow.
• Coffee abuse.
• Uncomfortable shoes.
• genetic predisposition.
• Systemic connective tissue diseases.
• Atherosclerosis.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Traumatic injuries.
• Mbipesha.

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 change.

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 going to the doctor.

In the early stages, varicose veins can be asymptomatic. Some patients complain of mild soreness that occurs after long walks or running. There are no specific symptoms that make it possible to make a diagnosis. Initial forms of varicose veins can be detected exclusively with the help of instrumental examinations.

Symptoms of advanced varicose veins are as follows:

1. The appearance of cyanosis, which is localized along the veins.
2. The vessels swell on the surface of the skin and form nodules. 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 exertion. If at the beginning of the development of the pathology occurs exclusively after hypertension, then in later periods it can disturb the patient even in a dream. This is due to the fact that one of the signs of inflammation is pain syndrome. The intensity of the pain can be quite pronounced, which leads to the appearance of lameness.
4. Increase in local temperature in the joint area.

The appearance of the first symptoms of the disease requires an immediate appeal to a medical institution 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. In inflamed areas of the veins, blood flow slows down significantly. Such conditions are suitable for the formation of blood clots. These blood clots can block the lumen of the vessel in the lower extremities, which will cause gangrene, or carry blood to the lungs, heart, brain, and other organs, causing an acute disturbance of the blood supply. These pathologies are extremely difficult to treat and often lead to disability and death.
2. Trophic ulcer. Violation of venous blood flow is always associated with microcirculation disorders in the tissues of the lower extremities. Lack of oxygen and nutrients leads to ulceration. These ulcers are difficult to treat and often recur, as it is necessary to carry out therapy aimed at the main cause of their appearance.
3. Bleeding. If varicose veins are associated with hypertension, then this can lead to rupture of peripheral vessels and bleeding. This is due to the fact that enlarged vessels become thinner and high blood pressure values ​​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 exacerbated by the addition of an infectious factor, which significantly worsens the condition and complicates treatment.

If complications develop, the treatment of varicose veins should be reviewed.

Diagnosis

If you suspect varicose veins, the patient should 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 shown that it performs the following surveys:

1. Complete blood count.
2. Blood biochemistry.
3. Coagulograms. This laboratory examination makes it possible to predict the development of thrombosis and thrombophlebitis, based on the properties of blood clotting. High clotting is a threatening condition.
ultrasound
4. . With the help of ultrasound, you can get a detailed image of the vascular bed and identify foci of inflammation that do not appear from the outside.
5. Phlebography. Taking 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 performed to assess the condition of the soft tissues, and also to assess the degree of circulatory failure.

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

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

Treatment

Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities is possible with the use of medication or by performing surgical interventions. The choice of treatment method depends on how severe changes are observed in the affected area.

Medical treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities is performed according to a special scheme, which 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 permanently. 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 disease progression.

It is worth remembering that conservative treatment only helps to eliminate the manifestations of the disease. It is impossible to achieve a lasting effect using only medication. They act only for a certain time and are not able to prevent the progression of the disease.

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

• NSAIDs. It is advisable to apply nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs topically, in the form of oils. 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, which is caused by side effects.
• Antiplatelet agents. The action of such drugs is aimed at preventing blood clots. The primitive representative is considered to be the usual aspirin, which is used in small doses. They dilute the blood, which facilitates blood flow through the inflamed veins. The use of such drugs is unacceptable for patients who are prone to bleeding.
• Hormones of the prednisolone group. In cases where NSAIDs do not have the desired effect, the use of adrenal cortex hormones is indicated. These substances are also used as oils. 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 flow.

Treatment of varicose veins should be systematic. Regular cyclic intake of medication allows you to maintain a constant concentration of active substances, which ensures a continuous effect on damaged vessels.

The use of these drugs should be done strictly as directed by a physician. 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 situation.

Conservative therapy is more appropriate as a supportive method in preparation for planned surgery.

Surgical treatment

Many people are wondering how to cure varicose veins without surgery? In fact, this is impossible. The main type of surgical treatment is safenectomy.

A safenectomy is an operation to remove large veins of damaged saphenous veins. Thanks to this, the foci of the disease are completely eliminated. But the disadvantage of such a treatment is a fairly large degree of damage. Recently, such surgeries have been performed with a large number of incisions in the skin, which were necessary to ensure entry into the veins.

Today, modern methods of treating varicose veins allow safenectomy with a minimal number of incisions, as there are special probes for venous extraction. An incision can remove a vein up to half a meter long.

This operation has a number of contraindications that make it impossible to perform. These include:

1. Diabetes mellitus. This pathology is associated with the fact that wound healing is significantly reduced. In such a situation, surgical intervention can provoke purulent-septic processes, which may require limb amputation.
2. Intolerance to antibacterial agents. In the postoperative period, antibiotics are prescribed, which destroy the pathogenic flora that was introduced into 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. Those pathologies associated with heart failure may become contraindicated, as the use of certain anesthetic agents is prohibited with them.

Safenectomy is performed for uncomplicated forms of varicose veins. Those cases in which trophic ulcers or necrotic changes are observed caused by an acute disturbance of the blood supply require an extension of the scope of surgery.

Probably cutting ulcers during surgery. Thus, prevention of tissue death is performed. In cases where venous thrombosis has led to gangrene, amputation is necessary. Such an operation is performed only in extreme cases.

There are also modern minimally invasive treatment methods, among which are:

• Scleotherapy.
• Radiofrequency ablation.
• Laser ablation.

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

Their use is advised in the early stages of the disease. In such a situation, the risk of relapse becomes minimal. It is not worth applying such a treatment with advanced varicose veins, as this may require a fairly large number of sessions.

Folk remedies

Some sources suggest the use of various traditional medicines as a treatment for varicose veins of the legs. He is strongly discouraged from doing so, as the effect of herbs on this pathology has not been scientifically confirmed.

Treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities should be planned exclusively by a licensed medical specialist. Methods of treating varicose veins without surgery only help to delay its implementation. You should not turn to different folk healers, because the time lost before starting proper treatment can lead to amputation.

Accompanying therapy

To achieve the maximum effect of treatment, it is necessary to carry out additional measures together with the use of medication. These include:

• Diet. Patients with varicose veins should avoid fatty foods. Helps increase cholesterol and blood viscosity levels. Such processes lead to an increase in the slowing of peripheral blood circulation in the area of ​​varicose veins and provoke thrombus formation. You also need to drink plenty of fluids to dilute your blood. It is recommended to drink plain water, not carbonated drinks or tea.
• Keep your legs raised periodically. Such procedures stimulate blood flow under its own weight, which prevents overload.
• Wearing tight socks. In the upright position of the body, such socks prevent the accumulation of blood in the varicose veins. But it is necessary to apply such socks correctly, as prolonged wear can negatively affect the condition of the foot, as well as the skin in the lower area of ​​the foot.
• On foot. Patients should maintain an active lifestyle. In the later stages of varicose veins, walks should be short-lived and not cause fatigue or soreness in the legs.

Furthermore, co-morbid conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetes or overweight need to be treated. The presence of such therapy allows in some cases 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 number of simple rules that will reduce the risk of its occurrence. All of them aim to maintain the normal properties of the blood as well as establish a normal lifestyle. Among them are:

1. Drink at least one and a half liters of fluid a day.
2. Proper nutrition. This term means not only providing all the necessary substances in the diet and excluding harmful foods, but also regular meals. Eating at the same time allows you to get the most nutrients from food, as a reflex develops and a sufficient amount of gastric juice is released.
3. Quitting bad habits.
4. Limit the amount of coffee and other energy drinks.
5. Keep moving even when you are sitting. For this, there are special exercises, the purpose of which is to contract the leg muscles.
6. Timely treatment of diseases. Any pathology in the human body can cause long-term consequences. In order to avoid this, you should always seek the help of medical professionals when any symptoms appear, and also undergo preventive examinations.

Today, there are various ways to treat varicose veins. With timely diagnosis, they allow you to get rid of the problem once and for all. Treatment of varicose veins without surgery is advisable only at the beginning of the disease.