Varicose veins are an injury to the superficial veins of the legs, which is characterized by a decrease in the elasticity of the vascular wall, dilation and deformation of blood vessels, and impaired blood flow. Varicose veins are considered one of the most common vascular diseases, and varicose veins in women are diagnosed several times more than in men, due to hormonal characteristics, pregnancy and childbirth. The disease is dangerous because it often begins unnoticed, lasts for years, and gradually causes numerous complications and, in some cases, life-threatening conditions.
Causes of varicose veins in women.
The fundamental cause is the alteration of the venous valves. Normally, blood flows through the arteries from top to bottom and through veins from bottom to top. Blood gushes up and remains at the valve locations, which, in turn, prevents reverse blood flow. Thus, blood passes freely from one valve to another. But if any of them do not work effectively enough, a certain amount of blood returns downwards; As a result, venous pressure increases, the vein expands, and blood stasis forms.
The cause of this process may be the following provoking factors:
- hereditary predisposition;
- congenital weakness of connective tissue;
- excess body weight;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- the pregnancy;
- menopause;
- hormonal imbalance (including those caused by taking oral contraceptives);
- the presence of concomitant chronic pathologies (diabetes mellitus, renal, cardiac failure);
- indigestion (constipation);
- work that requires sitting or standing for a long time without the opportunity to rest;
- frequent wearing of uncomfortable and tight high-heeled shoes;
- taking too hot baths regularly;
- Lower extremity injuries.
Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive tanning, an unbalanced diet and frequent stress can indirectly affect the development of varicose veins in the legs of women.
Signs of varicose veins in women.
With varicose veins, the veins increase in size, but visible changes in the legs do not appear immediately. The severity of clinical symptoms depends on the stage of the disease.
In the early stages
At the initial stage, varicose veins in women are asymptomatic, but they can be diagnosed using instrumental research methods. As you progress, the following complaints may appear:
- heaviness, "swelling" in the legs;
- excessive fatigue of the lower extremities during movement;
- pain in the calf muscles;
- swelling of the legs at the end of the working day;
- visible dilation of veins, appearance of spider veins;
- slight cramps in the legs at night.
The first signs of varicose veins appear after standing for a long time, before the start of the menstrual cycle. Already at this stage it is necessary to consult a doctor and start treatment, since in the future the disease will only progress.
In later stages
In later stages, varicose veins in women's legs show visible changes:
- swelling, dilation of the veins, the appearance of nodes and lumps along the affected vessel;
- severe swelling of the lower extremities that does not go away after rest;
- pain at the injury site;
- hyperpigmentation, excessive dryness of the skin on the legs;
- development of dermatitis, venous eczema.
In the later stages, varicose veins can provoke the development of such serious complications as thrombophlebitis, thrombosis and trophic ulcers. Therefore, when the first alarming symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a phlebologist.
Diagnosis of varicose veins.
An examination by a phlebologist begins with a consultation. First of all, the doctor collects a history: he asks the woman about her complaints, clarifies when the first symptoms appeared, what preceded the appearance of signs of varicose veins and what factors influence the intensity of the symptoms. Then the doctor finds out the features of lifestyle, professional activity, and also clarifies whether close relatives had similar problems.
To make a diagnosis, an ultrasound of the veins is performed. The modern phlebological center uses modern equipment of experts, thanks to which it is possible to identify the disease in the early stages of development, when obvious symptoms may not be present. Ultrasound examination determines the presence of varicose veins, their location and the severity of pathological changes. Based on the ultrasound results, a final diagnosis is made and individual treatment tactics are developed. In modern phlebology, priority is given to non-surgical and minimally invasive methods: sclerotherapy, laser technologies.
Prevention of varicose veins
Prevention of varicose veins aims to prevent the disease and its possible complications. Like all pathologies, varicose veins are much easier to prevent than to treat later. First of all, the implementation of preventive measures is important for women who are at risk of developing the disease.
One of the most effective methods to prevent varicose veins is to wear compression garments: stockings, knee-high socks, tights. The therapeutic effect of medical knitwear is based on creating a certain pressure on different parts of the legs: the highest at the ankle level with a gradual decrease towards the knee and mid-thigh. Thanks to this, the outflow of venous blood from the legs to the heart is stimulated, which prevents blood stagnation and the development of varicose veins.
To prevent varicose veins, all women should:
- eliminate or limit static loads on the legs;
- exercise: light jogging, walking, Nordic walking, swimming, cardiovascular exercises;
- take a contrast shower to increase vascular tone: sessions should start with a temperature difference of 1 degree between hot and cold water;
- massage the legs to stimulate blood circulation - the procedure can be performed independently by stroking the lower limb from top to bottom with light pressure;
- Normalize your diet: effective prevention of varicose veins and their complications is the inclusion of foods rich in fiber (vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains) in the daily menu, as well as avoiding fast food, fatty foods and salty;
- monitor body weight and hormonal levels;
- reject bad habits;
- choose comfortable shoes and clothing of the right size;
- if necessary, use shoes or orthopedic insoles: the correct position of the feet contributes to the correct distribution of the load and improves blood circulation.
It is also extremely important to immediately consult a doctor if you feel any discomfort. A phlebologist will conduct an examination, make an accurate diagnosis, help you choose the right type of compression stockings and develop an individual plan for the treatment and prevention of the disease.