Varicose veins are damage to the superficial vessels of the legs, characterized by a decrease in the elasticity of the vessel wall, expansion and deformation of blood vessels, and a violation of blood flow. Varicose veins are considered one of the most common vascular diseases, and due to hormonal characteristics, pregnancy and childbirth, varicose veins in women are diagnosed several times more often than in men. The disease is dangerous because it usually begins imperceptibly, lasts for years, and gradually creates numerous complications, and in some cases, life-threatening situations.
Causes of varicose veins in women
The root cause is a violation of the venous valves. Normally, blood circulates through veins from top to bottom, and through veins from bottom to top. Blood moves upward, stretching at the sites of the valves, which in turn prevents the reverse flow of blood. Thus, blood moves freely from one valve to another. But if any of them does not work effectively enough, then a certain amount of blood returns to the bottom - as a result, the venous pressure increases, the vessel expands and blood stagnation occurs.
The reason for this process may be the following provoking factors:
- hereditary tendency;
- congenital weakness of connective tissue;
- excess body weight;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- pregnancy;
- menopause;
- hormonal imbalance (including those caused by taking oral contraceptives);
- the presence of accompanying chronic pathologies (diabetes mellitus, kidney, heart failure);
- indigestion (constipation);
- work that requires prolonged sitting or standing without the opportunity to rest;
- frequent wearing of uncomfortable, tight high-heeled shoes;
- regularly taking very hot baths;
- lower limb injuries.
Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive tanning, unbalanced diet, and frequent stress can indirectly affect the development of varicose veins on the legs in women.
Symptoms of varicose veins in women
With varicose veins, the veins enlarge, but visible changes in the legs are not immediately visible. 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 can be diagnosed using instrumental research methods. As it progresses, the following complaints may appear:
- heaviness, "swelling" in the legs;
- excessive fatigue of the lower limbs during movement;
- pain in calf muscles;
- swelling of the legs at the end of the working day;
- visible dilation of veins, the appearance of spider veins;
- light leg cramps at night.
The first signs of varicose veins appear after standing for a long time, before the onset of menstruation. Already at this stage, it is necessary to consult a doctor and start treatment, because in the future the disease will only progress.
In later stages
In the later stages, varicose veins in women's legs show visible changes:
- swelling, dilation of veins, the appearance of nodules and bumps along the affected vein;
- severe swelling of the lower extremities that does not go away after rest;
- pain at the site of the lesion;
- hyperpigmentation, excessive dryness of the skin of the feet;
- development of dermatitis, venous eczema.
In the later stages, varicose veins can lead to the development of severe complications such as thrombophlebitis, thrombosis and trophic ulcers. Therefore, when the first alarming symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a phlebologist.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
Examination of a phlebologist begins with a consultation. First, the doctor collects an anamnesis: he asks the woman about her complaints, clarifies when the symptoms first appeared, what happened before the appearance of the symptoms of varicose veins, and what factors affect the intensity of the symptoms. Then the doctor studies the characteristics of lifestyle, professional activity, and also clarifies whether close relatives have similar problems.
An ultrasound examination of the veins is performed to make a diagnosis. In a modern phlebology center, modern expert-class equipment is used, thanks to which it is possible to identify the disease in the early stages of development, when there may be no obvious symptoms. Ultrasound examination determines the presence of varicose veins, their location and the severity of pathological changes. Based on the results of the ultrasound examination, the final diagnosis is made and individual treatment tactics are developed. In modern phlebology, priority is given to non-surgical, minimally invasive methods: sclerotherapy, laser technologies.
Prevention of varicose veins
Prevention of varicose veins is aimed at preventing the disease and its possible complications. Like all pathologies, it is easier to prevent varicose veins than to treat them later. First of all, it is important to implement preventive measures for women who are at risk of developing the disease.
One of the most effective ways to prevent varicose veins is to wear compression clothes - socks, knee socks, tights. The therapeutic effect of medical knitting is based on creating a certain pressure on different parts of the legs: the highest at the level of the ankle with a gradual decrease towards the middle of the knee and thigh. Thanks to this, venous blood flow from the legs to the heart is stimulated, which prevents blood stagnation and the development of varicose veins.
To prevent varicose veins, all women:
- eliminate or limit static loads on the legs;
- exercise: light running, walking, Nordic walking, swimming, cardio;
- take a contrast shower to increase vascular tone: sessions should start with a temperature difference of 1 degree between cold and hot water;
- massage the legs to stimulate blood circulation: the procedure can be performed independently by lightly pressing the lower limb from top to bottom;
- normalize your diet: effective prevention of varicose veins and its complications is to include fiber-enriched foods (vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, legumes, cereals) in the daily menu, as well as to avoid fast food, fatty, salty foods. ;
- control body weight and hormonal levels;
- give up bad habits;
- choose comfortable, appropriately sized shoes and clothes;
- if necessary, wear orthopedic shoes or 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 see a doctor immediately if you feel any discomfort. A phlebologist will conduct an examination, make an accurate diagnosis, help choose the right type of compression stockings, and develop an individual plan for the treatment and prevention of the disease.