Methods of treatment for 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, are a disease associated with a malfunction of the valvular apparatus of the veins. As a result of their defeat, the normal outflow of blood from the periphery is disrupted, and blood stagnates in various parts of the vascular bed, causing its expansion.

The main subject susceptible to the appearance of this disease are people over the age of 40. This is due to the fact that at this point the vessels are exposed to various negative influences, which causes a decrease in their ability to adapt.

Most often, varicose veins affect the lower limbs, but the pathological process can also be observed in the groin or internal organs.

It is necessary to implement 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 in the venous cavity prevent it from flowing backwards.

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 widen and narrow the lumen of blood vessels, disrupting normal blood flow.
• Abuse of coffee.
• Uncomfortable shoes.
• Genetic predisposition.
• Systemic diseases of the connective tissue.
• Atherosclerosis.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Traumatic injuries.
• Overweight.

The presence of these 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 at the time of going to the doctor.

In the early stages, varicose veins can be asymptomatic. Some patients complain of slight pain that occurs after long walks or runs. 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 examinations.

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 physical exertion. If at the beginning of the development of pathology it occurs exclusively after overvoltage, 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. Local temperature increase in the node area.

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

Lack of proper care is fraught with the development of a number of dangerous complications that threaten not only health, but also life. These include:

1. Thrombophlebitis. In the inflamed areas of the veins, blood flow is significantly slowed. Such conditions are comfortable for blood clots to form. These blood clots can block the vessel lumen in the lower limbs, which will cause gangrene, or are carried with blood to the lungs, heart, brain, and other organs, causing acute blood supply disturbance. These conditions are extremely difficult to treat and often lead to disability and death.
2. Trophic ulcers. Violation of the 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, since 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 values ​​can cause them to rupture. In addition, bleeding with slight mechanical damage can occur, which in a healthy person will not even lead to the formation of a hematoma.

Almost all complications can be aggravated 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 reconsidered.

Diagnostics

If the presence of varicose veins is suspected, the patient must undergo a series of examinations, the purpose of which is to confirm the diagnosis, as well as assess the condition of the tissues surrounding the foci of the pathology.

For this purpose, the following polls are shown:

1. Complete blood count.
2. Biochemistry of blood.
3. Coagulogram. This laboratory test allows you to predict the development of thrombosis and thrombophlebitis, based on the clotting properties of the blood. Elevated clotting is a threatening condition.
4. ultrasound. With the help of ultrasound, it is possible to obtain a detailed picture of the vascular bed and identify foci of inflammation that do not appear externally.
5. Phlebography. Obtaining a graphic image of the venous system of the lower limbs 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 state of soft tissues and also assess the degree of circulatory insufficiency.

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. It is this doctor who specializes 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 the method of treatment 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, 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 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 medicines. They only act for a certain time and are unable to prevent the progression of the disease.

It is proven that patients with varicose veins use the following groups of drugs:

• NSAIDs. It is recommended to topically apply non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in the form of ointments. In some cases, it is possible to prescribe these drugs in tablets, but a long course of treatment can lead to the development of gastritis or peptic ulcer, which is 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 to be 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 of the prednisolone group. In cases where NSAIDs do not have the desired effect, the use of hormones of the adrenal cortex 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 long-term use of hormones also has a detrimental effect on the state 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 must be systematic. Regular cyclical intake of medicines allows you to maintain a constant concentration of active substances, which ensures a constant effect on damaged vessels.

The use of these drugs must be strictly prescribed by a doctor. Their independent use is strictly prohibited, as they can cause side effects, and also have specific contraindications. Failure to comply with these restrictions is fraught with aggravation of the general conditions.

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

Surgical treatment

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

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

Today, modern methods of treating varicose veins allow saphenectomy with a minimum number of incisions, as there are special probes for extracting the veins. An incision can remove a vein up to half a meter long.

This operation has a series 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 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 has entered 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 that are accompanied by heart failure can become a contraindication, since the use of certain anesthetic agents is prohibited with them.

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

Possible excision of ulcers during surgery. Thus, the prevention of tissue death is performed. In cases where venous thrombosis has led to gangrene, amputation is required. This is done only in extreme cases.

There are also modern minimally invasive treatment methods, including:

• Sclerotherapy.
• Radiofrequency ablation.
• Laser ablation.

These methods of treatment are based on obstruction 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 relapse becomes minimal. It is not worth applying such treatment with advanced varicose veins, as this may take a fairly large number of sessions.

Folk remedies

Some sources suggest using various traditional medicines as a treatment for varicose veins in the legs. It is categorically not recommended to do this, since the effect of plants in this pathology has not been scientifically confirmed.

The treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs should only be planned by a licensed specialist doctor. Methods of treating varicose veins without surgery only help to delay their implementation. You should not turn to various folk healers, because the time lost before the start of proper treatment can lead to amputation.

Concomitant therapy

In order to achieve the maximum effect of treatment, it is necessary to implement additional measures together with the use of medicines. These include:

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

In addition, comorbid conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetes or obesity should be treated. The presence of this therapy allows in some cases to be limited only to pharmacological treatment, which guarantees a favorable outcome of the disease.

Prevention

In order to prevent the development of varicose veins, it is necessary to follow a number of simple rules that will reduce the risk of their occurrence. All of them are aimed at maintaining the normal properties of the blood, as well as creating a normal lifestyle. Among them are:

1. Drink at least one and a half liters of fluids 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 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. Give up bad habits.
4. Limit the amount of coffee and other energy drinks.
5. Maintain mobility even when seated. For this, there are special exercises, the purpose of which is to contract 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 when 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.