Causes, symptoms, treatment and consequences of varicose veins of the legs in women

Varicose veins are considered a more "female" disease, which more often affects the fairer sex than men, due to gender and genetic characteristics of the structure and functioning of the body.The pathology is accompanied by pain, swelling and other unpleasant symptoms;it can affect other organs besides the legs, endangering the woman's health, so it must be treated immediately.

Reasons

The main causes of varicose veins of the legs in women are:

• prolonged wearing of uncomfortable high-heeled shoes and restrictive clothing (tight jeans, shapewear);
• overweight, obesity;
• hereditary predisposition;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• heavy physical exertion;
• frequent nervous disorders;
• leg injuries;
• prolonged sitting in a cross-legged position;
• bad habits.

A common reason for the development of varicose veins of the lower limbs and pelvic organs is a hormonal imbalance, which occurs when:

• pregnancy, childbirth;
• menopause;
• menstrual irregularities;
• taking hormonal drugs (for example, contraceptives).

Venous congestion in the pelvis also occurs as a result of:

• prolonged inflammatory process;
• regular interruption of intercourse for a long time, especially in the absence of orgasm;
• frequent constipation;
• abortions;
• difficult birth;
• bending or prolapse of the uterus;
• pelvic tumors.

Signs

The first symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities:

• tiredness;
• heaviness in the legs, worse in the evening;
• burning and swelling;
• the appearance of cobwebs and blue web.

Without treatment, patients face:

• night cramps;
• itching of the skin in the affected areas.

In an advanced stage, other signs also appear:

• pigment spots concentrated in the lower third of the leg;
• cyanosis (blue coloring of certain areas of the skin);
• sclerotic changes in the subcutaneous tissue.

Varicose veins of the pelvic organs and the uterus are characterized by specific symptoms:

• severe constant or intermittent abdominal pain that may become intense after ovulation or during menopause;
• menstrual irregularities (dysmenorrhea);
• vaginal discharge (white or colorless);
• sensitivity of the vaginal mucosa;
• pain during intercourse;
• pressure, heaviness in the pelvic area;
• difficulty urinating (in rare cases);
• swelling of the vulva, vagina;
• venous nodes on the buttocks and perineum.

The intensity and nature of the manifestations are individual.Some women may experience only 2-3 symptoms, while others may experience all of the above.

Why is it dangerous?

Treatment of varicose veins should be carried out in a timely manner, as the disease can cause complications and unpleasant consequences:

• Eczema or trophic ulcers of the legs due to tissue malnutrition.
• Dermatitis on the affected areas of the legs.
• Formation of blood clots due to stagnation of blood in the veins.
• thrombophlebitis.
• Pulmonary embolism.The separated thrombus passes through the blood stream into the pulmonary artery and this threatens a lung infarction or sudden death of a person.

Disease of the uterus negatively affects the functioning of the endocrine system: in an advanced stage, there is a decrease in the level of female hormones and dysfunction of the ovaries, which provokes menstrual irregularities.This process often leads to problems conceiving and carrying a child, including infertility.

Pathological expansion of the veins of the pelvic organs is also dangerous:

• uterine bleeding;
• the impossibility of natural childbirth and the threat of miscarriage;
• thrombophlebitis of the walls of the uterus;
• thrombosis (clogging) of the ovarian veins.

Treatment

It includes medication and physical therapy, compression, gymnastics and lifestyle changes that will help prevent the development of serious consequences and the need for surgical intervention.

medicines

Treatment of varicose veins of the pelvic veins and lower limbs at any stage is impossible without medical support.In the initial stage it becomes the basis of the treatment, in the advanced stage it complements the complex of measures.

• Phlebotonics- strengthening the walls of the veins, reducing the inflammatory process.
• Anticoagulants with direct and indirect action- dilutes the blood, facilitating its movement through the vessels.Medicines are used under the supervision of a specialist to avoid complications such as bleeding.
• Fibrinolytics- they dissolve the blood clots that have formed and reduce blood clotting.

Additional groups of drugs are prescribed, taking into account the accompanying symptoms:

• NSAIDs– eliminating pain, relieving swelling and inflammation.
• Preparations for female sex hormoneswith hormonal disorders.
• Hemostatics (coagulants)- hemostatic agents for the treatment of uterine bleeding.
• antibiotics- prescribed in the presence of infectious lesions.

Minimally invasive interventions

• Sclerotherapy- sticking the diseased vein from the inside with a special sclerosant substance to shut off the vessel from the blood flow.The treated area is overgrown with fibrous tissue and gradually subsides.
• Laser coagulation- laser welding of varicose veins.
• Radiofrequency ablation– intravascular thermal effect on the walls of the vessel to seal the lumen.

Operation

Indicated for the development of complications of the disease and ineffectiveness of drug therapy.In addition to the classic methods of surgical treatment of the lower limbs (various types of phlebectomy), interventions are performed on the genitals and pelvis:

• Embolization of varicose veins in the ovaries– through a catheter inserted into the femoral or jugular vein and introduced into the affected area, a contrast agent is first given to monitor the progress of the operation, and then an embolizing drug that blocks the affected vessel.
• Cutting out– compression of the veins in the pelvis with special medical clips.The course of the intervention is monitored with an endoscope.
• Resection (complete or partial removal) of vessels– performed from the perineum (labia majora area) or peritoneum.In the first option, an incision is made along the line of the labia, through which the affected areas are removed.In mild forms of pathology, resection of the vein is performed through several punctures, if the lesion is observed in the area of the vagina and vulva.In the case of spread in the region of the ovarian vein and the uterus, operations are performed through the retroperitoneum using a laparoscope or an endoscope.

Physiotherapy

• Hirudotherapy– treatment with leeches.Increases the elasticity of the vein walls, improves blood circulation, prevents the formation of blood clots, removes pain and swelling.
• massage- increases the elasticity of the blood vessels, normalizes the functioning of the valves, strengthens the venous walls, can be performed only at the initial stage of the disease.
• Gymnastics and exercise therapy- regular training has a positive effect on vascular tone, prevents relapses and alleviates the patient's condition.Recommended exercises: birch, bicycle, squats, scissors.Such gymnastics helps to normalize blood flow and remove congestion in blood vessels.Also useful: swimming, jogging, cycling.
• Hardening.As a result of the alternation of cold and heat, the tone of the vascular walls is increased, blood circulation is accelerated, microcirculation in the tissues is restored, arterial blood flow increases, outflow from the lymphatic and venous system and metabolic processes are activated.You should start dousing with warm water.
• UHF therapy– exposure to a continuous ultra-high frequency pulsed electric field.It has an analgesic effect, relieves inflammation, improves blood circulation and stimulates the immune system.
• Myostimulation- impact on the muscles of a low-intensity current.It helps to increase the speed of blood flow, eliminate swelling, pain and discomfort.

Depending on the individual characteristics of the body and the severity of the pathology, other physical procedures are used - electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, pressotherapy, darsonval, balneotherapy.

Compression garments

The positive effect of the special knitwear is due to the uniform redistribution of pressure on the muscles, followed by a gentle massage of the veins, which leads to:

• the speed of blood flow through the deep vessels increases;
• eliminates blood and lymph stagnation;
• reduces the severity of the signs of varicose veins;
• the load on the legs is reduced;
• Complications during pregnancy, childbirth and after operations are prevented.

For varicose veins of the lower extremities, stockings, knee socks and elastic bandages are used;shorts and tights are used for damage to the pelvic organs.

diet

Varicose veins in the legs and pelvis require dietary adjustments to provide the varicose and weakened veins with the nutrients they need.Dietary nutrition includes intake of large amounts of vegetables and fruits, rich in plant fiber and protein foods.It is recommended to drink 1.5-2 liters of water per day.

You should exclude from the menu alcoholic and carbonated drinks, fatty, fried, pickled and smoked foods, reduce the amount of empty carbohydrates in your diet in order to lose excess weight, reduce the load on blood vessels and improve blood circulation.

Folk recipes

In the treatment of varicose veins of the legs and pelvis, the use of home remedies in combination with medical treatment is allowed.They can be used only after consulting a doctor.

The most effective plants for varicose veins:

• horse chestnut;
• dandelion;
• Kombucha

Tinctures, decoctions for internal and external use, ointments are prepared from them.

Prevention

Preventive measures are useful not only for women at risk of developing pathology, but also for those who already suffer from varicose veins:

• lead an active lifestyle;
• normalization of the rest and work schedule;
• use gentle methods of contraception;
• take a contrast shower;
• perform gymnastic exercises daily;
• eat right;
• visit a massage therapist;
• take preventive courses of venotonics;
• prevention of constipation;
• minimize stress.

Special attention to prevention should be paid to pregnant women;according to statistics, in 40% of cases, pathological expansion of the veins in the pelvis and lower limbs is observed.