The small veins that come out are not scary yet, but they should make you think!
The initial stages of the disease are characterized by mild symptoms. However, a woman who is careful about her health should not forget the first signs of developing varicose veins:
- standing weight by the end of the day;
- swelling of the feet;
- appearance of pigmentation on the skin of the lower legs and thinning of the skin;
- numbness of the limbs, frequent leg muscle cramps;
- the appearance of veins on the surface of the skin;
- presentation of a pattern of veins, spider veins in the legs.
If, returning home after a day of work, a woman finds her feet in a "miserable condition", then we should not just blame the uncomfortable shoes or an extra "salty part" at dinner. Elongation and heaviness in the legs is the first signal of the development of blood stasis in the vessels. Remember - venous diseases are difficult to treat. Early prevention and timely medical care can significantly stop or slow down the process of varicose veins. Treatment should begin as soon as possible.
Varicose veins grade 1
The main causes of varicose veins are considered to be pregnancy, excessive weight gain, prolonged physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle, and a genetic predisposition to such a disease. Ordinary people call varicose veins the "disease of flight attendants" because of the peculiarities of this profession and the long standing. This degree of disease is milder.
Classify the disease according to different factors. One of the classifications is according to the stages of disease development:
- Varicose veins of the 1st degree or stage of compensation.
- Varicose veins of the 2nd degree or the stage of undercompensation.
- Grade 3 varicose veins or decompensation phase.
Different stages of varicose veins of the lower extremities have radically different treatment. You should not try to cope with the disease yourself. This can only hurt and lead to catastrophic consequences. It is best to seek help from a competent specialist.
The first degree of varicose veins is characterized by nocturnal edema, convulsive nocturnal spasms. Often, people mistake all these symptoms for common fatigue. However, already at this stage it is necessary to take preventive measures, which include warming the feet to improve overall blood flow, light foot massage, regular swimming, cycling.
Varicose veins of the first stage can also appear as cramps in the calf area, patients often complain of a feeling of stretching of the legs or burning in the muscles. This is increasingly accompanied by pain in the lower extremities.
Already at this stage, manifestations of the visual character of varicose veins can be noticed, which should alert immediately:
- Mild skin cyanosis.
- The first spider veins appear in different parts of the body, most often in the legs.
- Visible tortuosity of veins.
Varicose veins of the first degree appear more often from such external changes.
Another important factor in the appearance of the first stage of varicose veins are the external conditions in which a person finds himself. For example, in a hot environment, symptoms increase, swelling, pain, and spasms increase.
Treatment of varicose veins of the first degree
Sometimes doctors recommend supplemental use of venotonics, which are quite effective in treating first-stage varicose veins. Separately, it should be said about massage: not every type of therapy is suitable for this disease. If after the procedures the pain only intensifies, then it is necessary to change the approach to choose a massage complex.
It is worthwhile to arrange cold relaxing foot baths more often, which will soothe the muscles, relieve swelling, help reduce pain and relieve fatigue. But hot baths should be excluded, as they do not improve the condition of the limbs with varicose veins.
Doctors may recommend the following treatments for this class of varicose veins:
- Scleotherapy - a special medicine is injected directly into a vein with a needle. The action of the drug is aimed at resorbing the veins, strengthening the weak vascular walls, blocking blood flow to the desired area.
- Ozone therapy - an action aimed at strengthening blood vessels, resorption of varicose veins.
Each of the above options is quite effective. However, the maximum effect can be achieved only if all the recommendations to be followed after using the procedures.
Wearing special compression garments is first hand. Such an element helps to create pressure in the veins, preventing them from expanding further.
Causes of the disease
There are more than fifty reasons that can cause a change in the venous system. Particularly susceptible to the disease are people whose profession is associated with stress on the legs and a reduced activity: salesmen, hairdressers, programmers, accountants, drivers.
Scientists have conducted many years of research and identified the main factors that cause varicose veins:
- Hormonal changes in the body: pregnancy, menopause, old age;
- Overweight of any degree;
- genetic predisposition. 70% of children whose parents suffered from venous insufficiency develop varicose veins;
- Weak muscular system;
- Wearing uncomfortable footwear: socks with tight elastic bands, tight pants for men;
- Lack of activity and physical activity;
- Habit of sitting with one foot on the other;
- Rare change of body position: standing long, lying down, sitting;
Chronic diseases: diabetes mellitus, high blood viscosity.
Out of ten patients with varicose veins, eight are female patients. Poor sex is prone to venous pathologies due to mandatory hormonal interruptions during pregnancy, after childbirth, during menopause. The second important factor why women suffer from leg pain more often than men is the love for high heels.
Rules and instructions
In the initial stage of varicose veins, the patient is advised to follow the rules:
- Walk once or twice a day. You need to walk at a leisurely pace, stopping periodically for rest.
- Wear comfortable shoes with heels no higher than 3 cm. The upper part of the shoe should not have traction accessories, the ties are not tied as tightly as possible.
- Attend fitness training twice a week. Loads are chosen individually by the doctor and the coach.
Review your diet. The diet excludes foods high in sugar, fatty meats, flour products and starchy vegetables. Most of the diet of a patient with varicose veins consists of steamed or boiled vegetables. Fried and spicy foods are not recommended.
- Feet should rest in the evening. Blood flow will increase if you lift your legs and throw them on a high pillow or on the back of a sofa.
- If the work involves a small amount of movement, it is recommended to lubricate the feet with refreshing gels or oils containing heparin.
- Special compression garments or elastic bandages are used daily. Special underwear is chosen by a doctor. The peculiarity of compression clothing is in the squeezing function. Pressure on the body occurs with different forces, which causes the blood to circulate with force.
- Change position frequently. If you have to sit constantly at work, then get up and sit down several times every 30 minutes. Exercises will help prevent varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
Treatment of different stages
A therapy that is effective in the early stages may have the opposite effect on advanced pathology. The choice of treatment methods should be adequate for the stages of varicose veins:
Compression sweater
Used in all stages of varicose veins, however, the degree of compression should vary significantly at different stages of disease progression. In the initial stage of varicose veins, compression is used for prophylactic purposes during standing and sitting work.
Compression can stop the development of varicose veins, but before medical use it is necessary to consult a phlebologist, as compression is dangerous, exacerbating the problem of varicose veins. In the compensatory and undercompensation stages for puffiness and veins with visible varicose veins, first- and second-class compression underwear are usually prescribed.
The third class of compression is used in cases of severe venous insufficiency. If lymphedema appears, use fourth-grade underwear. The hospital jersey is worn for hospital treatment.
Folk remedies
Traditional medicine helps treat varicose veins in the early stages. The following tools are widely practiced:
- application of cabbage leaves
- potato, wormwood and garlic compresses;
- chestnut tinctures,
- decoction of hops and nettles.
However, the ease of use, accessibility, gentleness of action of folk remedies are combined with their low effectiveness (compared to medicines), therefore, enthusiasm for these methods is fraught with disease progression. Herbal medicines and compresses should be applied after medical advice and serve only as an aid to the main treatment.
Hirudotherapy
Treatment with caterpillars is indicated in rare cases of advanced stages of varicose veins. Sometimes caterpillars are prescribed for thrombophlebitis.
Caterpillars can provoke allergies and trophic ulcers that aggravate varicose veins. Currently, the method is being replaced by non-traumatic drugs containing anticoagulant ingredients.
Medications
Medications can help relieve symptoms. Tablets, capsules based on grape extract, chestnut, which are biologically active additives, are effective in the initial stage of varicose veins.
Benefits are described in the compensation phase. Most oils and fats contain heparin, which prevents blood from clotting. To a large extent, the effect of oils and gels is caused by massage during application.
But in the decompensation phase, the application of such products can cause additional skin manifestations. Relieving symptoms with medication is often temporary and does not cure the underlying cause.
Operations
Laser coagulation and sclerotherapy are minimally invasive techniques for excluding veins from the bloodstream. They are used for small diameters of varicose veins in the early stages of varicose veins (when getting rid of spider veins, nets).
Endovascular laser coagulation of varicose veins
Phlebectomy
Surgical removal of veins is indicated in the third stage of the disease, accompanied by trophic ulcers and complications. In some cases, varicose veins in the legs do not develop according to the pattern presented in the step-by-step classification. For example, the symptoms of the first stage may be completely absent: a picture of undercompensation appears immediately.
Or, as the disease progresses, some signs of varicose veins do not add to the symptoms of the previous stage, but disappear. Therefore, at the beginning of the 21st century, Russian phlebologists, in addition to the step-by-step approach, adopted the International Classification (CEAP), which, when diagnosing the severity of the disease, takes into account the facts of individual varicose vein flow characteristics and treatment effects.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pathology with the onset of varicose veins do not make people think about venous disease:
- feeling of heaviness in the legs;
- fatigue after walking.
They tend to be associated with flat feet, unusual high heels, uncomfortable new shoes, lumbar osteochondrosis.
And only the visual detection of varicose cyanotic veins under the skin raises a suspicion of the development of varicose veins.
The vascular network as the first sign of varicose veins appears more often below the knees
Women go to the doctor when they notice unpleasant cosmetic defects in the form of reddish venous "spiders" on the legs, below the knees, on the skin of the thighs.
The "influx" of young women who want to get treatment from a phlebologist specializing in venous diseases is usually associated with the upcoming summer beach season, taking care of their appearance, not their health. With the help of pills, they want to restore the beauty of the skin of the feet.
Pregnant women are more attentive to their condition. In addition to cosmetic changes, they notice difficulty in walking, increased fatigue in the evening.
The initial stage of the disease is indicated by the disappearance of clinical symptoms after lying down.
You can be sure of yourself by performing this experiment: measure the volume of the lower leg at the level of the calves or calf muscles in the morning and evening after work. If the difference is more than 1 cm, there are signs of veins with initial varicose veins.
The following appear:
- leg pain;
- swelling of the feet;
- feeling of fullness and heaviness in the legs;
- muscle cramps at night;
- varicose veins become like dense "snake" cords with darkened areas of skin.
These signs are unmistakable manifestations of venous insufficiency and require treatment.
The main causes of varicose veins in women
Fatigue and edema may be the first manifestations of venous blood flow disorder
The sex hormone estrogen plays a special role in the development of varicose veins in women. Its action leads to problems such as weight gain, depression, swelling, drowsiness, dry mucous membranes. This hormone increases the permeability of small vessels. Fluid is easily removed from the bloodstream, the blood becomes less flowing. Excess fluid accumulates in the surrounding tissues. These factors contribute to the development of stagnation in the vessels of the lower extremities.
Reasons for increased estrogen in women:
- An imbalance in estrogen-progesterone production. Occurs as a result of a drop in progesterone levels in a woman's body;
- Chronic stress. During stress, the body produces cortisol, which in turn inhibits progesterone synthesis;
- Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the amount of estrogen in a woman's body increases;
- Taking contraception. Varicose veins occur as a side effect of taking these medications;
- Liver disease, as estrogen is removed from the body by the liver. With its poor function, this hormone accumulates in the body;
- Age-related changes in hormone levels also lead to a sex hormone imbalance with an estrogen predominance.
Full liver function is important to maintain normal hormone levels. In addition to removing excess hormones, it participates in the synthesis of substances - the precursors of progesterone and estrogen. To improve its performance, physical activity, good nutrition and minimizing the intake of toxic substances in the body are required.
Treatment of varicose veins with traditional medicine
Treating varicose veins in the legs with medication is the most effective way, which is suitable for almost all patients. A wide range of medicines allows you to choose a medicine that is more suitable for long-term treatment.
Medical methods for the treatment of varicose veins of the legs
Venotonics is one of the most effective drugs for treating this disease. Venotonics are drugs that increase venous tone and improve blood flow from the veins.
These tablets can prevent the formation of characteristic varicose veins and nodules.
Application of oils
The best treatment for varicose veins of the legs is an integrated approach, which includes medication in the form of tablets, as well as the use of gels and oils for the external treatment of problem areas.
Ointment for varicose veins in the legs also helps improve blood flow and prevent the formation of blood clots.
These tools are recommended for use only after consulting a doctor, who will also determine the duration of treatment and regimen of use.
Do not treat yourself - this may further damage the patient's already poor condition.
Consequences of varicose veins.
Varicose veins can lead to the development of trophic leg ulcers, thrombosis in the varicose vein system, thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism (immediate death) in the midst of seemingly complete health.
Complicated stages of varicose veins require surgery. Although women most often suffer from varicose veins, men are also affected by this disease, mainly for hereditary reasons.A man under the age of 40 can appear on the operating table and radical measures are used to cure him of varicose veins - diseased veins are removed.
Removing varicose veins is easy.
In the groin, the surgeon makes an incision, where the large saphenous vein affected by varicose veins flows into the femoral vein. The vein is exposed, connected and cut, and a second incision is made in the ankle. With the help of a special metal probe, which is inserted into the lumen of the vessel, the entire enlarged vein is removed.
In the future, with proper operation technology, relapses are not noticed. The blood supply to the legs is distributed to the other vessels, and after 2 weeks everything is fully restored.
Risk factors that predispose to the development of varicose veins.
- Genetics and pathology of connective tissue;
- Female;
- Taking hormonal medications: progesterone, estrogen;
- Pregnancy;
- Age: most common after 50;
- Overweight and physical inactivity;
- Prolonged standing in a vertical position (standing work: hairdresser, saleswoman, teacher, etc. );
- Mbipesha.
Symptoms and signs of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.
| Symptoms of varicose veins | External signs |
| Pain aches | Telangiectasia |
| Heavy legs | Reticular vein |
| Fatigue | Varicose veins |
| Puffiness | Thrombophlebitis |
| Itchy skin | Hyperpigmentation |
| Discomfort on foot | Bleeding from the trauma node |
| Cramps in calf muscles | Ulcerimi |
Varicose vein treatment options.
The choice of treatment depends on the diameter and type of varicose veins
- Varicose veins of saphenous veins
- Drug therapy
- Elastic compression and bandaging of the legs
- Scleotherapy injections
- Foam sclerotherapy
- Laser therapy
- Miniflebektomia
Dear women, varicose veins can wrap you in long skirts and pants forever. If pills and oils are not able to get your feet back to normal, then it remains the only safe way to remove varicose veins. In what way and where, it is only after consultation with a phlebologist. Veins can now be treated surgically without hospitalization, without anesthesia, without incisions, with high accuracy. You just have to take a step towards your health.
Detailed information about varicose veins, symptoms, disease prevention, special exercises, treatment methods and necessary nutrition can be found on the website: ovarian. ru
How varicose veins appear in the early stages. Why is he dangerous
As a rule, veins with reticular varicose veins are painless. Therefore, the most common complaints that patients turn to doctors are cosmetic defects - visible reticular veins.
In rare cases, the appearance of such a network of varicose veins is accompanied by a burning sensation or other changes in the sensitivity of the skin.
In addition to these symptoms, the first stage of varicose veins is manifested:
- standing weight;
- increases leg fatigue;
- cramps in the muscles of the lower extremities, especially at night;
- itching at the site of vascular network occurrence;
- swelling of the feet and legs.
To prevent the disease from progressing, it is necessary to start treatment on time
Therefore, it is important to consult a phlebologist, angiologist or vascular surgeon in a timely manner, who will tell you what to do with such skin formations. To begin, a specialist will perform an examination and prescribe the necessary additional examinations that will help identify the causes of the appearance of stars or messages, as well as establish the degree of damaged venous circulation
To determine the extent of vascular lesions and their insufficiency do:
- complete blood count (indicates if the patient has anemia or thrombocytopenia);
- biochemical blood test (detects abnormalities in blood clotting or liver and kidney function);
- general urine test (detects kidney problems);
- vascular ultrasound - angioscanning duplex (detects vascular wall pathology and blood flow disorders);
- Contrast-enhanced X-ray phlebography (determines the location of venous lesions and the degree of impairment of their functions).
If you do nothing after the first signs of varicose veins are detected, it is possible:
- adhesion of inflammation and development of thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities;
- passage of the pathological process from the superficial veins of the lower extremities to the deep ones;
- venous thrombosis. If thrombosis occurs in the venous vessels of the head, it is dangerous for stroke and sinus thrombosis;
- pulmonary artery thromboembolism is a deadly complication that occurs due to the separation of a thrombus from the vessel wall and blockage of the pulmonary artery lumen.
If you ignore the appearance of veins with initial reticular varicose veins and do not start treatment on time, the disease will progress. Then the development of complications will become inevitable.
Prevention
Do not forget about preventive measures. For prevention, you need to devote time to sports.
Avoid excessive physical exertion. Wear comfortable shoes with low heels (up to 4 cm). Remember that hot baths, baths and saunas negatively affect the health of the feet.
And following these simple guidelines will help prevent the development of this disease:
- try to get rid of bad habits - smoking and smoking negatively affects the condition of blood vessels;
- compression therapy - wear medical socks, tights and knee braces; diet
- , weight control (overweight people are more likely to suffer from varicose veins), exclude fatty meats and chicken, give up spicy and salty foods, make sure to include vegetables and fruits in the diet;
- massage - get in the habit of doing a light foot massage after a hard day at work, this will help you relax and improve the body's natural circulation.
Any disease is always easier to prevent than to cure. Be healthy!