Treatment methods for varicose veins, possible causes and symptoms of the disease

Varicose veins are a very common pathology that significantly reduces quality of life and causes dangerous complications that require expensive and complex treatment.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins, or varicose veins, are diseases associated with the malfunction of the valve apparatus of the veins. As a result of its defeat, the normal flow of blood from the periphery is interrupted and the blood is stagnant in various parts of the vascular bed, causing them to expand.

The main contingent susceptible to the appearance of this disease are people over 40 years old. This is due to the fact that during this period the vessels are exposed to several negative influences, which causes a decrease in their adaptive capacity.

Most of the time, varicose veins affect the lower extremities, but the pathological process can also be seen in the groin or internal organs.

Preventive measures are necessary, as this pathology tends to progress and the treatment of 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 present in the vein cavity prevent its reverse flow.

The lack of physical activity leads to congestion of the periphery, with 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 enlarge and constrict the lumen of blood vessels, which interrupts the normal flow of blood.
• Coffee abuse.
• Uncomfortable shoes.
• Genetic predisposition.
• Systemic connective tissue diseases.
• Atherosclerosis.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Traumatic injuries.
• Too much.

The presence of such factors significantly increases the risk of disease. Regardless of the etiological factor, the symptoms of varicose veins in the lower limbs will not be different.

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 when going to the doctor.

In the early stages, varicose veins can be asymptomatic. Some patients complain of mild pain that occurs after long walks or runs. There are no specific symptoms that make the diagnosis possible. The initial forms of varicose veins can be detected exclusively with the aid of instrumental examinations.

The symptoms of advanced varicose veins are as follows:

1. Cyanosis appears, located along the veins.
2. The vessels protrude above the skin's surface and form nodules. These formations are painful and dense, which is associated with inflammation and the proliferative process of connective tissue in these areas (sclerosis).
3. Constant pain that does not depend on physical effort. If in the beginning of the development of the pathology it occurs exclusively after an 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 the painful syndrome. The intensity of the pain can be quite pronounced, which leads to the appearance of lameness.
4. Increase in local temperature 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

The lack of proper treatment leads to the development of a series of dangerous complications that threaten not only health, but also life. That includes:

1. Thrombophlebitis. In inflamed areas of the veins, blood flow is significantly reduced. These conditions are comfortable for the formation of blood clots. These blood clots can block the lumen of the vessel in the lower extremities, which will cause gangrene, or are carried with the blood to the lungs, heart, brain and other organs, causing an acute disorder of the blood supply. These pathologies are extremely difficult to treat and usually lead to disability and death.
2. Trophic ulcers. The violation of venous blood flow is always accompanied by disturbances of microcirculation in the tissues of the lower extremities. The lack of oxygen and nutrients leads to ulceration. These ulcers are difficult to treat and often recurrent, as it is necessary to carry out a 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 the dilated vessels become thinner and high blood pressure values ​​can cause them to rupture. In addition, bleeding can occur with minor mechanical damage, which in a healthy person does not even lead to the formation of a hematoma.

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

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

Diagnosis

If varicose veins are suspected, the patient should be subjected to a series of tests, in order to confirm the diagnosis, as well as assess the condition of the tissues that surround the foci of the pathology.

To do this, it is shown to perform the following searches:

1. Complete blood count.
2. Blood biochemistry.
3. Coagulogram. This laboratory examination allows to predict the development of thrombosis and thrombophlebitis, based on blood clotting properties. High clotting is a threatening condition.
4. ultrasound. With the help of ultrasound, it is possible to obtain a detailed image 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 extremities with the use of a contrast agent allows to study its structures in detail and reveal even the smallest changes.

In addition to instrumental and laboratory studies, specific tests are performed to assess the state of soft tissues and to assess the degree of circulatory failure.

An external exam is also important, during which the doctor can see specific external manifestations, presumptive 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 treating varicose veins.

Treatment

The treatment of varicose veins in the lower limbs is possible with the use of medications or through 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 limbs 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

The 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 not able to stop the disease from progressing.

Patients with varicose veins use the following groups of drugs:

• NSAIDs. Topical application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of ointments is advisable. 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 these drugs aims to prevent the formation of blood clots. The primitive representative is considered to be ordinary aspirin, which is used in small doses. They thin the blood, which facilitates the flow of blood through the inflamed veins. The use of such drugs is unacceptable for patients with a tendency to bleed.
• Hormones of the prednisolone group. In cases where NSAIDs do not have the desired effect, the use of hormones from 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 important to remember that prolonged use of hormones also has a detrimental effect on the state of the body.
• Phlebotonic. This group of drugs is used to treat varicose veins in the lower limbs. They normalize the tone of the vascular wall, which ensures normal blood flow.

The treatment of varicose veins must be systematic. Regular cyclic intake of drugs allows a constant concentration of active substances to be maintained, which ensures a constant effect on damaged vessels.

The use of these drugs must be strictly in accordance with the instructions of a doctor. Its independent use is strictly prohibited, as they can cause side effects, in addition to presenting specific contraindications. Failure to comply with these restrictions will worsen the general condition.

Conservative therapy is the most appropriate method of support in preparing for planned surgery.

Surgical treatment

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

Saphenectomy is an operation to remove large damaged saphenous veins. Thanks to this, the outbreaks of the disease are completely eliminated. But the disadvantage of this treatment is a very high injury rate. More recently, these operations have been performed with a large number of skin incisions, necessary to give 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 the extraction of veins. An incision can remove a vein up to half a meter in length.

This operation has a series of contraindications that make it impossible to perform. This includes:

1. Diabetes mellitus. This pathology is accompanied by the fact that wound healing is significantly reduced. In such a situation, surgical intervention can cause septic-purulent processes that may require limb amputation.
2. Intolerance to antibacterial agents. In the postoperative period, antibiotics are prescribed, which 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. Serious diseases of the cardiovascular system. Pathologies that are accompanied by heart failure can become a contraindication, since the use of certain anesthetics is prohibited with them.

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

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

There are also modern minimally invasive treatment methods, including:

• Sclerotherapy.
• Radio frequency ablation.
• Laser ablation.

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

It is advisable to use them in the early stages of the disease. In such a situation, the risk of relapse becomes minimal. There is no point in applying this treatment with advanced varicose veins, as this may require quite a large number of sessions.

Folk remedies

Some sources suggest the use of several traditional medicines as a treatment for varicose veins in the legs. It is strongly discouraged from doing so, since the effect of plants on this pathology has not been scientifically confirmed.

The treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities must be planned exclusively by a licensed medical specialist. Methods of treating varicose veins without surgery only help to delay its implementation. You should not resort to several folk healers, because the time wasted before starting proper treatment can lead to amputation.

Concomitant therapy

To achieve the maximum effect of treatment, additional measures must be taken along with the use of medications. This includes:

• Go on a diet. Patients with varicose veins should avoid fatty foods. It helps to increase cholesterol levels and blood viscosity. These processes lead to an increase in the deceleration of peripheral blood circulation in the area of ​​varicose veins and cause the formation of thrombi. You also need to drink plenty of fluids to thin the blood. Drinking pure water is recommended, not soft drinks or tea.
• Periodically, keep your legs elevated. These procedures encourage the blood to flow with its own weight, which avoids congestion.
• Wearing tights. In the vertical position of the body, these stockings prevent the accumulation of blood in the dilated veins. But it is necessary to apply these socks correctly, as prolonged use can negatively affect the condition of the foot, as well as the skin of the leg region.
• Walking. Patients need to maintain an active lifestyle. In the final stages of varicose veins, walking should be short-lived and not cause fatigue or pain in the legs.

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

Prevention

In order to prevent the development of varicose veins, you need to follow a series of simple rules that will reduce the risk of their occurrence. All of them aim to maintain normal blood properties, as well as create a normal lifestyle. Among them are:

1. Drink at least one and a half liters a day.
2. Adequate nutrition. This term implies not only providing all the necessary substances in the diet and excluding harmful foods, but also regular meals. Eating at the same time allows you to get the most nutrients out of food, once a reflex is developed and a sufficient amount of gastric juice is released.
3. Abandoning bad habits.
4. Limit the amount of coffee and other energy drinks.
5. Maintain mobility even when sitting. For this, there are special exercises, whose objective is to contract the muscles of the legs.
6. Timely treatment of diseases. Any pathology in the human body can have long-term consequences. To avoid this, one should always seek help from medical professionals when any symptoms appear, and also do preventive exams.

Today, there are several ways to treat varicose veins. With a 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.