Everyone has heard the term "Varicose veins or" Varicose veins. "But only a handful ask 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 the blood. Vessels in the superficial venous system in the lower leg due to weakness of the venous wall and dysfunction of the venous valve.
Varicose veins on the lower legs are one of the most common diseases of humans. According to modern European statistics, the disease affects 10% of modern men and about 30% of women. State statistical data for our country correlate with general European statistics. The urban population suffers from venous pathology comparable to the rural population.
Varicose veins - what is it? How do varicose veins occur?
What happens to varicose veins on the lower part of the legs, compared to healthy ones. The lower venous system consists of deep and superficial veins. The deep venous system is very important for returning blood to the heart. The deep veins are surrounded by a muscular sheath and resist expansion. The superficial veins do not have very good support. Therefore, they are prone to pathological changes under the influence of stress. The main directions of blood flow from the superficial veins into, and subsequently towards the heart and lungs, include: perforated veins, main osteal and popliteal venous valves.
With varicose veins, this process is disrupted, vertical or horizontal reflux (abnormal blood discharge) appears, which leads to varicose veins of the venous wall due to the constantly increasing pressure in the superficial venous system of the lower leg. Further, there is a decrease in the speed of blood flow, stagnation in the superficial vascular system, and with an increase in blood clotting, favorable conditions are formed for the formation of blood clots.
Varicose veins - what is it? Varicose veins - systemic pathology
Of course, after reading on many sites devoted to this problem, you realize that the word "varicose veins" hides the disease - varicose veins on the lower legs. And this article will focus not only on varicose veins, the problem goes deeper. Varicose veins are a systemic disease, and with systemic disease, various organs and systems are affected. Especially where there is an increase in load on the veins. So, in women who often give birth, the pelvic veins experience varicose veins, in adolescence, boys experience varicocele - the expansion of veins in the scrotum, esophageal and abdominal veins also develop, and with chronic constipation, hemorrhoids develop. - Hemorrhoid veins swell. Why do Varicose Veins Appear in Different Places? The main reason lies in the congenital weakness of the vascular wall, which, when exposed to mechanical factors, gives rise to varicose veins.
Are primary and secondary varicose veins
Distinguish between primary and secondary varicose veins on the lower leg. In the first case, the disease develops as a result of weakness of the venous wall or its damage. The second major factor is the increased load on the venous system. In these conditions, obesity, pregnancy, weakness of 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 outflow. This happens with injuries, tumors, post -thrombotic disease.
Modern data on the causes of varicose veins
The cause of varicose veins is usually hereditary. This is a weakness of the connective tissue of the venous wall. So that the vein does not grow under constant pressure and remains the same diameter, it has a special frame (or, as women say, a "supporting corset"). According to modern European data, a special protein, collagen type II, serves as a scaffold in the venous wall. If an insufficient amount of this specific protein is inherited, then it is insufficient in the vein wall. The function of the venous skeleton gradually decreases and, under constant pressure, it begins to expand. Once the vein enlarges, it will not return to its previous size. Its diameter will become larger and larger over time.
Varicose veins - what is it? Mechanisms of development of complications in varicose veins
The main function of the human venous system is to return blood from the organs to the heart. With varicose veins, this function begins to suffer, and in turn, the blood in the dilated vein stagnates. This mainly shows the varicose veins on the lower part of the leg, when they begin to bulge out and, when the body is upright, look like an inflated ball, and in neglected cases, like a "bunch of grapes". 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 this serious and difficult to treat problem, it is necessary to remove the varicose veins. Thus, venous stasis will disappear, and thus the threat of complications.
Another important factor in the development of varicose veins is the safety of the large superficial venous valve apparatus (large and small saphenous veins). Each vein has a special valve - these are two thin flaps that, when blood flows to the heart, open and then close, preventing blood flow back to the legs. With an increase in the diameter of the vein, this valve stretches and begins to flow blood in the opposite direction. Further, with the development of varicose veins, the apex of the venous valve simply ruptures and ceases to perform its primary function.
At this stage of varicose veins, patients are offered to get rid of varicose veins using innovative methods (RF and EVLK).
There are several other modern theories about the origin of varicose veins - these are endocrine, neurotropic, mechanical, constitutional. But their percentage is so small that it makes no sense to think about it in more detail.
Summarizing the above, I would like to say again that varicose veins are a systemic disease that manifests itself in the skeletal weakness of the venous wall, and arises in any organ where an increased load falls on the veins.
How varicose veins and heredity are related
According to modern research, if both parents have varicose veins, then the risk of this disease in children increases by 60%. Therefore, if you have a relative who suffers from varicose veins on the lower part of the legs, then you need to know the factors that can be the driving force for the emergence of varicose veins in you. The lives of modern people are often filled with factors for the development of varicose veins, so it is better once again to 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 done by a professional specialist - a phlebologist. At the consultation, the doctor will conduct a modern examination, which includes palpation, questioning, clarification of complaints, in some cases, tests (cough, reflux, tourniquet). Based on the results obtained, the doctor makes an initial diagnosis, and to clarify the diagnosis, he independently conducts ultrasound scans, less frequent contrast phlebography, spiral computed tomography, plethysmography, phlebometry and dopplerometry. After all the examinations, the doctor can establish the diagnosis: "Expansion of veins in the lower leg. "
Varicose veins - what is it? Modern treatment of varicose veins
Treatment of varicose veins may not guarantee 100% results even after surgery. Innovative European technology that provides good treatment results with minimal trauma can be called non -surgical.
Without surgery, varicose veins are treated with several modern medical methods:
- Laser treatmentor laser coagulation of varicose veins. This method eliminates the backflow of blood in shallow and perforated veins using the thermal energy of laser radiation. The entire procedure is performed without incisions, a light guide is inserted through a puncture, then the vein is removed. When done, use compression garments. Today it is the best technology to treat varicose veins.
- Radio frequency treatment (RFA, RFO).One of the best innovative methods is aimed at treating the saphenous vein and eliminating reverse blood flow. The entire procedure was performed under anesthesia, without incisions.
- Sclerotherapy treatment. The drug is injected into a vein, which attaches to the vein.
- Conservative treatmentincluding bandages, wearing compression stockings, use of medications, a set of physical exercises.
With a hereditary predisposition to this disease, it is necessary to undergo an annual consultation with ultrasound examination with a good phlebologist at the European level. Modern treatment of varicose veins will be based on the age of the patient, the severity of the pathology, the corresponding disease, and other important factors.
Varicose veins - what is it? Treatment at home
How are varicose veins treated? Many of us ask this question, but you can perform simple procedures at home and avoid more severe forms of the disease.
But is it realistic to achieve great success at home? Treatment with folk remedies includes the intake of various infusions and decoctions, rubbing into the skin of homemade ointments, using compresses soaked in the juice of healing plants. The most commonly used colored horse chestnuts, nutmeg, garlic-honey mixture, hazel tincture, decoction of hop cones, apple cider vinegar. How to fully recover without using the services of a doctor? This question is of interest to many. Unfortunately, "green pharmacy" does not have the same potential as the experience of physicians with the latest advances in phlebology. Therefore, it is better not to place unnecessary hope on folk remedies. As a precaution, yes, please. But, unfortunately, they can’t help seriously. Otherwise, so many medical techniques will not be invented in the fight against varicose veins.
Varicose veins - what is it? Prevention of varicose veins
- Avoid blood clots, move more, wear loose clothing.
- Do not overdo it with fever treatment.
- Monitor your weight.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
Now you know what is dangerous varicose veins, how to treat this disease and for its prevention you need to be examined by a good phlebologist, adhere to a proper lifestyle and monitor your health in general. These simple tips are relevant for residents in any corner of our country.
Surprisingly, the simplest measure can prevent this disease. Treatment (the cost of which can increase in the case of an extension) will be short -lived if you have taken care of your feet. Doubts? Take a look at the others - many have varicose veins, pictures don’t even have to be searched on the Internet. Most patients who seriously suffer from varicose veins, at the initial manifestation, do not pay attention to the unpleasant symptoms, thinking, "maybe it will go away on its own. " Unfortunately, it will not.
The conclusion suggests itself - don’t ignore yourself, your body and the phlebologist’s office if varicose veins first appear on your legs.
I’ve seen a lot of my "varicose" experience and I know how to put you down quickly. In a literal sense. So look at your feet now and, if you notice something suspicious, sign up for a consultation at a phlebological center. Health and good luck to you!