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 are varicose veins?

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

The main contingent that is susceptible to the onset of this disease are people over the age of 40. This is due to the fact that at this time the vessels are exposed to various negative influences, which leads to a decrease in their adaptability.

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 scheme of treatment of varicose veins is quite complex.

Causes

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, which are located in the venous cavity, prevent its return flow.

Lack of physical activity leads to congestion 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.

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 dilate and constrict 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.
• 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

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 while going to the doctor.

In the early stages, varicose veins can be asymptomatic. Some patients complain of mild pain that occurs after prolonged walking or running. There are no specific symptoms that allow a diagnosis to be made. The initial forms of varicose veins can be detected exclusively with the help of instrumental research.

The symptoms of advanced varicose veins are as follows:

1. The appearance of cyanosis, which is localized along the veins.
2. The vessels swell above the surface of the skin and form nodules. These formations are painful and dense, which is associated with inflammation and the process of proliferation of connective tissue in these areas (sclerosis).
3. Constant pain that does not depend on exercise. If at the very beginning of the development of the pathology this happens exclusively after overexertion, then in later periods it can disturb the patient even in sleep. 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. Raising the local temperature in the area of ​​the nodes.

The appearance of the first symptoms of the disease requires an immediate visit to a medical institution for diagnosis and treatment.

Why varicose veins are dangerous

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

1. Thrombophlebitis. In inflamed areas of the veins, blood flow is significantly slowed down. Such conditions are conducive to the formation of blood clots. These blood clots can block the lumen of a vessel in the lower extremities, which will cause gangrene, or carry blood to the lungs, heart, brain and other organs, causing an acute disruption of the blood supply. These pathologies are extremely difficult to treat and often lead to disability and death.
2. Trophic ulcers. Impaired venous outflow is always accompanied by disturbances of microcirculation in the tissues of the lower extremities. Lack of oxygen and nutrients leads to ulcers. These ulcers are difficult to treat and often recur because it is necessary to conduct therapy aimed at the root cause of their appearance.
3. Bleeding. If varicose veins are accompanied by hypertension, this can lead to rupture of peripheral vessels and bleeding. This is due to the fact that dilated vessels become thinner and high blood pressure 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 that significantly worsens the condition and complicates treatment.

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

Diagnostics

If varicose veins are suspected, the patient should undergo a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis and to assess the condition of the tissues surrounding the foci of pathology.

To do this, you are shown to conduct the following studies:

1. Complete blood count.
2. Biochemistry of the blood.
3. Coagulogram. This laboratory test makes it possible to predict the development of thrombosis and thrombophlebitis based on the properties of blood clotting. High clotting is a threatening condition.
4. ultrasound. With the help of ultrasound you can get a detailed image of the vascular bed and identify foci of inflammation that do not appear externally.
5. Phlebography. Obtaining a graphical image of the venous system of the lower extremities with the help of a contrast agent allows you to study in detail its structures and identify even the smallest changes.

In addition to instrumental and laboratory tests, 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 external specific manifestations, presumed localization and trophic ulcers.

A phlebologist should be involved in the treatment and monitoring of patients with this disease. This doctor is a specialist in the treatment of varicose veins.

Treatment

Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities is possible with the use of drugs 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 carried out according to a special scheme that takes into account the effect on the pathological process and prevents the development of complications.

Surgical treatment of varicose veins is most effective because it allows you to get rid of the pathology forever. 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 drugs. They act only for a certain time and are not able to prevent the progression of the disease.

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

• NSAIDs. 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 aimed at preventing the formation of blood clots. The primitive representative is considered ordinary aspirin, which is used in small doses. They dilute the blood, which facilitates the flow of blood through the inflamed veins. The use of such drugs is unacceptable for patients who have a tendency to bleed.
• Hormones from the prednisolone group. In cases where NSAIDs do not have the desired effect, the use of adrenal hormones is indicated. These substances are also used as ointments. They have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and also improve tissue microcirculation. It is worth remembering that prolonged 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 vessel wall, which ensures normal blood flow.

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

The use of these drugs should be strictly according to the doctor's instructions. Their independent use is strictly prohibited, as they can cause side effects and have specific contraindications. Failure to comply with such restrictions is fraught with deterioration of the general condition.

Conservative therapy is the most appropriate 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 impossible. The main type of surgical treatment is saphenectomy.

Safenectomy is an operation to remove damaged large saphenous veins. Due to this, the foci of the disease are completely eliminated. But the disadvantage of such treatment is quite a large degree of injury. More recently, operations have been performed with a large number of skin incisions that have been needed to provide access to the veins.

Today, modern methods of treating varicose veins allow safectomy with a minimum number of incisions, as there are special probes for extracting veins. A vein up to half a meter long can be removed from a single incision.

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

1. Diabetes mellitus. This pathology is accompanied by the fact that wound healing is significantly reduced. In such a situation, surgery can provoke purulent-septic processes that may require amputation of the limbs.
2. Intolerance to antibacterial agents. In the postoperative period, antibiotics are prescribed that destroy the pathogenic flora that got into the wound during surgical treatment. Some patients have an intolerance to these drugs. Surgical treatment without a course of antibiotic therapy is strictly prohibited.
3. Severe diseases of the cardiovascular system. These pathologies, accompanied by heart failure, may become a contraindication, as the use of certain anesthetics is prohibited with them.

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

Possible cutting of ulcers during surgery. In this way, tissue death is prevented. In cases where venous thrombosis has led to gangrene, amputation is required. Such an operation is performed only in extreme cases.

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

• Sclerotherapy.
• Radiofrequency ablation.
• Laser ablation.

These methods of treatment are based on the blockage of the lumen of blood vessels and their further destruction with the help of chemicals or physical factors.

It is recommended to use them in the early stages of the disease. In such a situation, the risk of recurrence becomes minimal. It is not worth applying such treatment with advanced varicose veins, as this may require quite a large number of sessions.

Folk remedies

Some sources suggest the use of various traditional medicines to treat varicose veins in the legs. It is strongly recommended not to do this, as the effect of plants in this pathology has not been scientifically confirmed.

Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities should be planned exclusively by a licensed medical professional. Non-surgical treatment of varicose veins only helps to delay its application. You should not turn to different folk healers, because the time lost before starting proper treatment can lead to amputation.

Concomitant therapy

In order to achieve the maximum effect of the treatment, additional measures must be taken together with the use of drugs. These include:

• Diet. Patients with varicose veins should avoid fatty foods. Helps increase cholesterol levels and blood viscosity. Such processes lead to an increase in the delay of peripheral blood circulation in the area of ​​varicose veins and provoke the formation of blood clots. 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 the flow of blood under its own weight, which prevents congestion.
• Wearing tight socks. In an upright position, such socks prevent the accumulation of blood in the varicose veins. But you must use such socks properly, as prolonged wear can adversely affect the condition of the foot, as well as the skin in the lower leg.
• Walk. 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, comorbidities such as atherosclerosis, diabetes or obesity should be treated. The presence of such therapy allows in some cases to be limited to drug treatment, which provides a favorable outcome of the disease.

Prevention

To prevent the development of varicose veins, you must follow a number of simple rules that will reduce the risk of its occurrence. All of them are aimed at maintaining normal blood properties, as well as creating a normal lifestyle. These include:

1. Drinking liquid at least one and a half liters a day.
2. Proper nutrition. This term implies not only the provision of all necessary substances in the diet and the exclusion of harmful foods, but also regular eating. 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 secreted.
3. Give up bad habits.
4. Limit the amount of coffee and other energy drinks.
5. Maintain mobility even when sitting. For this there are special exercises aimed at contracting the muscles of the legs.
6. Timely treatment of diseases. Any pathology in the human body can cause long-term consequences. To avoid this, you should always seek the help of medical professionals if any symptoms occur, 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 recommended only at the very beginning of the disease.