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, the normal outflow of blood from the periphery is disturbed, and the blood stagnates in different parts of the vascular bed, leading to their spread.

The main contingent that is susceptible to the appearance of this disease are people older than 40 years. This is due to the fact that at that time the vessels are exposed to various negative influences, which causes a decrease in their adaptability.

Most often, varicose veins affect the lower extremities, but the pathological process can be noticed in the groin or in the internal organs.

It is necessary to implement preventive measures, because this pathology tends to progress, and the treatment regimen of varicose veins is quite complex.

Reasons

Excessive and insufficient mobility is considered to be the main cause of varicose veins. 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 valves located in the vein 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 narrow the lumen of blood vessels, which disrupts normal blood flow.
• Abuse of coffee.
• 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 occur 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 may be asymptomatic. Some patients complain of minor pain that occurs after a long walk or run. There are no specific symptoms that allow a diagnosis to be made. The initial forms of varicose veins can be detected only with the help of instrumental examinations.

The symptoms of advanced varicose veins are as follows:

1. Occurrence of cyanosis localized along the veins.
2. The vessels bulge above the surface of the skin and form nodules. These formations are painful and dense, which is associated with inflammation and the process of connective tissue proliferation in these areas (sclerosis).
3. Constant pain that does not depend on physical exertion. If at the very beginning of the development of the pathology it occurs exclusively after overexertion, then in later periods it can upset 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, leading to lameness.
4. Local temperature rise in the node area.

The appearance of the first symptoms of the disease requires an urgent 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. These include:

1. Thrombophlebitis. In inflamed areas of the veins, blood flow is significantly slowed down. Such conditions are favorable for the formation of blood clots. These blood clots can block the lumen of a vessel in the lower extremities, which will cause gangrene, or be transmitted by blood to the lungs, heart, brain and other organs, causing acute disorders of the blood supply. These pathologies are extremely difficult to treat and often lead to disability and death.
2. Trophic ulcers. Violation of venous outflow of blood is always accompanied by disorders of microcirculation in the tissues of the lower extremities. Lack of oxygen and nutrients leads to ulceration. These ulcers are difficult to treat and often recur, because it is necessary to conduct therapy aimed at the underlying cause of their appearance.
3. Bleeding. If varicose veins are accompanied by hypertension, it can lead to rupture of peripheral veins and bleeding. This is due to the fact that varicose veins thin, and high blood pressure values ​​can cause them to rupture. In addition, bleeding with minor mechanical damage can occur, which in a healthy person will not even lead to the formation of hematomas.

Almost all complications can be exacerbated by the addition of an infectious factor, which significantly worsens the condition and complicates treatment.

If complications occur, treatment of varicose veins should be reconsidered.

Diagnostics

If varicose veins are suspected, the patient must undergo a series of examinations aimed at confirming the diagnosis, as well as assessing the condition of the tissues surrounding the foci of pathology.

To do this, the following surveys are shown:

1. Complete blood count.
2. Blood biochemistry.
Coagulogram. This laboratory examination enables the prediction of the development of thrombosis and thrombophlebitis based on the properties of blood coagulation. High clotting is a threatening condition.
3. ultrasound. With the help of ultrasound you can get a detailed picture of the vascular bed and identify foci of inflammation that do not appear from the outside.
4. Phlebography. Obtaining a graphic image of the venous system of the lower extremities with the help of a contrast agent allows you to study its structures in detail and detect even the smallest changes.

In addition to instrumental and laboratory studies, specific tests are performed to assess the condition of soft tissues, as well as 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 supervision of patients with this disease. This doctor specializes in treating varicose veins.

Treatment

Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities is possible with the use of drugs or surgery. 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 impact on the pathological process and prevents the development of complications.

Surgical treatment of varicose veins is the most effective, because it allows you to get rid of the pathology forever. However, it is not allowed for all patients and there are 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 drugs alone. They only work for a limited time and are unable to prevent the disease from progressing.

Patients with varicose veins have been shown to use the following groups of drugs:

• NSAIL. Topical application of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in the form of ointments, is advised. 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 the formation of blood clots. Ordinary aspirin used in small doses is considered a primitive representative. They dilute the blood, which facilitates blood flow through the inflamed veins. The use of such drugs is unacceptable for patients who have a tendency to bleed.
• 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 fats. 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 drugs allows you to maintain a constant concentration of active substances, which ensures a permanent effect on damaged blood vessels.

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

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

Surgical treatment

Many people wonder how to cure varicose veins without surgery? In fact, it is impossible. The main type of surgical treatment is saphenectomy.

Saphenectomy is an operation to remove damaged large saphenous veins. Thanks to that, the foci of the disease are completely eliminated. But the disadvantage of such treatment is the rather high injury rate. More recently, such surgeries have been performed with a large number of incisions in the skin, which were necessary to allow access to the veins.

Today, modern methods of treating varicose veins allow safenectomy with a minimum number of incisions, because there are special probes for removing veins. A vein up to half a meter long can be removed with one 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, surgical intervention can cause purulent-septic processes, which may require amputation of limbs.
2. Intolerance to antibacterial agents. In the postoperative period, antibiotics are prescribed that destroy the pathogenic flora that entered 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. Those pathologies that accompany heart failure can become a contraindication, because the use of certain anesthetics is prohibited.

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

Possible ulcer excision during surgery. Thus, prevention of tissue death is carried out. In cases when 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, including:

• Sclerotherapy.
• Radiofrequency ablation.
• Laser removal.

These treatment methods are based on clogging 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 using such a treatment with varicose vein inflammation, as it may require a fairly large number of sessions.

Folk remedies

Some sources suggest the use of various traditional medicines as treatments for varicose veins of the legs. This is strongly discouraged because the effect of plants in this pathology has not been scientifically confirmed.

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

Concomitant therapy

In order to achieve the maximum effect of treatment, it is necessary to carry out additional measures 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 slowing of the peripheral blood circulation in the area of ​​varicose veins and cause the formation of thrombi. You also need to drink plenty of fluids to dilute your blood. It is recommended to drink plain water, not carbonated drinks or tea.
• Occasionally keep your legs raised. Such procedures stimulate the outflow of blood under its own weight, which prevents congestion.
• Wearing tight socks. In the upright position of the body, such socks prevent the accumulation of blood in varicose veins. But such socks need to be applied properly, because prolonged wearing can negatively affect the condition of the feet, as well as the skin in the lower leg area.
• Walking. Patients should maintain an active lifestyle. In the later stages of varicose veins, walks should be short-lived and should not cause fatigue or pain in the legs.

In addition, comorbid conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, or obesity should 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 must follow a series of simple rules that will reduce the risk of its occurrence. They all aim to maintain normal blood properties as well as create a normal lifestyle. Among them are:

1. Drinking liquid at least one and a half liters per 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 meals. Eating at the same time allows you to take the maximum of nutrients from food, because it develops a reflex and releases a sufficient amount of gastric juice.
3. Stop bad habits.
4. Limit the amount of coffee and other energy drinks.
5. Ensure mobility even when working in a sitting position. For this there are special exercises whose purpose is to tighten the leg muscles.
6. Timely treatment of the disease. Any pathology in the human body can cause long-term consequences. To avoid this, you should always seek the help of medical staff when any symptoms appear, and also undergo preventive examinations.

Today, there are different ways to treat varicose veins. Timely diagnosis allows you to get rid of the problem forever. Treatment of varicose veins without surgery is desirable only at the very beginning of the disease.