Everyone has heard the term "varicose veins" or "varicose veins". "But only a few asked the question: " What are varicose veins? "Modern sources of information give different and not always clear answers. Varicose veins are the expansion and deformation of blood vessels in the superficial venous system of the lower extremities due to weak venous walls and functional disorders of the venous valves.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are one of the most common diseases affecting mankind. According to modern European statistics, 10% of modern men and around 30% of women are affected by this disease. The data of the state statistics for our country correlate with the general European ones. City dwellers suffer from venous diseases like rural dwellers.
Varicose veins - what is it? How do varicose veins develop?
What happens in the varicose veins of the lower extremities as opposed to healthy ones. The venous system of the lower extremities consists of deep and superficial veins. The deep venous system is central to the return of blood to the heart. Deep veins are surrounded by muscle sheaths and resist expansion. Superficial venous vessels do not have such good support. Therefore, they are prone to pathological changes under the influence of stress. The main directions of blood flow from the superficial veins downwards and further towards the heart and lungs are: perforation veins, large ostal and popliteal venous valves.
In the case of varicose veins, this process is disturbed, vertical or horizontal reflux (abnormal blood flow) occurs, which leads to varicose veins in the vein wall due to constantly increased pressure in the venous system of the superficial veins of the lower extremities. In addition, there is a decrease in the speed of blood flow, stagnation in the system of superficial veins, and with increased blood clotting, favorable conditions for the formation of blood clots are formed.
Varicose veins - what is it? Varicose veins - systemic pathology
After reading about this problem on many websites, you have surely noticed that the word "varicose veins" hides a disease - varicose veins of the lower extremities. And this article isn't just going to focus on varicose veins, the problem goes much deeper. Varicose veins are a systemic disease, and systemic disease affects various organs and systems. Especially with increased stress on the veins. In a woman who has often given birth, the pelvic veins develop into varicose veins, in adolescence boys develop a varicocele - an expansion of the veins on the scrotum, the veins of the esophagus and stomach also expand, and with chronic constipation, hemorrhoids develop- Hemorrhoidal veins dilate. Why do varicose veins appear in such different places? The main reason lies in the congenital weakness of the vascular wall, which when exposed to mechanical factors provokes varicose veins.
What are primary and secondary varicose veins?
Differentiate between primary and secondary varicose veins of the lower extremities. In the first case, the disease develops as a result of weakness in the vein wall or its damage. The second leading factor will be the increased stress on the venous system. In this situation, obesity, pregnancy, weak connective tissue, standing work and the like can lead to varicose veins.
Secondary varicose veins are the result of a mechanical violation of venous blood flow. This occurs with injuries, tumors, post-thrombotic diseases.
Modern data on the causes of varicose veins
The cause of varicose veins is usually hereditary. This is the weakness of the connective tissue of the vein wall. So that the vein does not expand under constant stress and keeps the same diameter, it has a special frame (or, as women say, "support corset"). According to modern European data, a special protein, collagen type II, functions as such a scaffold in the vein wall. If an insufficient amount of this specific protein is inherited, it will not be sufficient in the vein wall. The skeletal function of the vein gradually decreases and begins to expand under constant pressure. Once the vein is enlarged, it will never return to its previous size. Its diameter increases over time.
Varicose veins - what is it? The mechanism of the development of complications in varicose veins
The main function of the human venous system is to return blood from the organs to the heart. In varicose veins, this function begins to suffer and then the blood in the enlarged veins stagnates. This is particularly indicative of lower extremity varicose veins when they begin to bulge and look like inflated spheres when the body is erect, and like "grapes" in neglected cases. Stagnation of blood in varicose veins leads to the development of complications of varicose veins - thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, trophic eczema and ulcers. In order not to lead to these serious and difficult-to-treat problems, it is necessary to remove varicose veins. Thus the venous stasis will disappear and with it the risk of complications.
Another important factor in the development of varicose veins is the safety of the valve apparatus of the large superficial veins (great saphenous vein and small). Each vein has special valves - these are two thin valves that open and then slam when the blood rushes to the heart, preventing blood from flowing back into the leg. As the vein increases in diameter, these valves expand and begin to pass blood in the opposite direction. In addition, as the varicose veins progress, the valves of the venous valves simply break and cease to perform their primary function.
At this stage of the varicose veins, the patient is offered to get rid of varicose veins using innovative methods (RF and EVLK).
There are several more modern theories about the origin of varicose veins - these are endocrine, neurotrophic, mechanical, constitutional. However, their share is so small that it makes no sense to go into it further.
In summary, I would like to say again that varicose veins are a systemic disease that manifests itself in a weakness of the scaffolding of the vein wall and occurs in any organ where an increased load falls on the veins.
How varicose veins and heredity are related
If both parents have varicose veins, the risk of developing the disease in children increases by 60%, according to modern research. So if you have relatives who suffer from varicose veins of the lower extremities, it is important to understand the factors that can act as an impetus for the appearance of varicose veins in you. The life of a modern person is often full of factors in the development of varicose veins, so it is better to once again undergo a competent medical examination of the venous system.
Varicose veins - what is it? Diagnosis of varicose veins
A good and correct diagnosis of varicose veins can only be carried out by a professional specialist - a phlebologist. At the consultation, the doctor conducts a modern examination, which includes palpation, questioning, clarification of complaints, in some cases test (cough, reflux, tourniquet). Based on the results obtained, the doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis and independently conducts an ultrasound examination to clarify the diagnosis, less often contrast phlebography, spiral computed tomography, plethysmography, phlebometry and dopplerometry. After all the examinations, the doctor can make a diagnosis: "Venous expansion of the lower extremities".
Varicose veins - what is it? Modern treatment of varicose veins
Treatment of varicose veins cannot guarantee a 100% result even after the operation. Innovative European technologies that deliver a good treatment outcome with minimal trauma can be described as non-surgical.
Varicose veins are treated without surgery using several modern medical methods:
- Laser treatmentor laser coagulation of varicose veins. With this method, the backflow of blood in the superficial and perforating veins is eliminated by the thermal energy of the laser radiation. The entire procedure is performed without incisions, a light guide is inserted through a puncture, then the vein is obliterated. When done, put on compression clothing. Today it is the best technology to treat varicose veins.
- Radiofrequency treatment (RFA, RFO).One of the best innovative methods is aimed at treating the saphenous veins and eliminating the reverse blood flow. The entire procedure is performed under anesthesia without incisions.
- Sclerotherapy treatment. A drug is injected into the vein to make the vein stick together.
- Conservative treatmentThis includes bandages, wearing compression stockings, taking medication, and doing a number of physical exercises.
If there is a hereditary predisposition to the disease, an annual consultation with an ultrasound examination with a good phlebologist at European level is required. Modern treatment of varicose veins is based on the age of the patient, the severity of the pathology, concomitant diseases and other significant factors.
Varicose veins - what is it? Home treatment
How are varicose veins treated? Many of us ask this question, but you can do simple procedures at home and avoid aggravated forms of the disease.
But is it realistic to achieve great success at home? Treatment with folk remedies includes taking various infusions and decoctions, rubbing homemade ointments into the skin and applying compresses soaked in healing vegetable juices. The most commonly used tincture of horse chestnut, nutmeg, garlic-honey mixture, hazel tincture, decoction of hop cones, apple cider vinegar. How to fully recover without resorting to the services of doctors? Many are interested in this question. Unfortunately, the "green pharmacy" does not have the same potential as a doctor's experience with the latest knowledge in phlebology. Therefore, it is better not to put unnecessary hopes on folk remedies. As a precaution, yes, please. But unfortunately they cannot seriously help. Otherwise so many medical techniques to fight varicose veins would not have been invented.
Varicose veins - what is it? Prevention of varicose veins
- Avoid standing blood, exercise more, wear loose clothing.
- Don't overdo it with fever treatments.
- Monitor your weight.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
Now that you know what insidious varicose veins are, how to treat this disease and that for prevention you need to be examined by a good phlebologist, live a correct lifestyle and monitor your health in general. These simple tips are relevant to residents of every corner of our country.
Surprisingly, the simplest measures can prevent this disease. Treatment (the cost of which may increase in advanced cases) will be short-lived once you have taken care of your feet. Doubt? Look at others - many have varicose veins, photos do not even need to be searched on the Internet. Most patients with serious varicose veins ignored the uncomfortable symptoms at the first manifestation, thinking, "Maybe it will go away on its own. " Unfortunately, it won't.
The conclusion is obvious - do not ignore yourself, your body, and the phlebologist's practice when the first varicose veins appear on your legs.
I have seen a lot in my "varicose veins" experience and I know how to get on your feet quickly. In the truest sense of the word. So look at your feet right away and, if you notice something, contact the phlebological consultationCenter on Health and good luck to you!