Varicose veins (VV) are one of the most common diseases.The insidiousness of this disease lies in the fact that for many years all pathological changes in the vessels are practically not felt, but then they can quickly lead to the development of venous insufficiency, thrombophlebitis or the formation of trophic ulcers.To avoid this, you should take care of your veins without waiting for the appearance of serious symptoms of the disease.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a dilation of the lumen of a vein that is larger than expected in a certain area.As a result, it stretches and becomes curved.The blood flow in such a vessel becomes turbulent, which leads to stagnation, inflammation and the formation of blood clots.
Varicose veins can occur in almost any part of the body, where these vessels have valves that prevent the backflow of blood.
Varicose veins on the legs: stages of the disease
The first stage of varicose veins (compensation).The veins of the legs are practically unchanged in appearance;only spider webs may be seen or the characteristic distortion of individual vessels may appear.By the end of the day, you sometimes worry about a slight swelling of the legs, their fatigue, fatigue and a feeling of discomfort.
The duration of this stage is many years.If you start treatment at this time, you can significantly slow down or completely prevent the progression of the disease.This stage is most favorable for conservative treatment.
The second stage of varicose veins (subcompensation).At this stage, calf muscle cramps may occur at night, veins stand out more noticeably, and the limbs periodically ache.Swelling of the ankle joints is observed almost constantly, but disappears by morning.The skin in the area of the shin acquires a brown-purple hue.
This stage also lasts for years.Conservative treatment measures are no longer as effective as in the first stage, so doctors here increasingly recommend various surgical interventions.Preventive measures are aimed at ensuring that the disease does not enter the stage of decompensation as long as possible.
The third stage of varicose veins (decompensation).The veins stand out even more, the swelling may not disappear until the morning, the skin in the shin area becomes thinner and wounds appear that do not heal for a long time.As a rule, the most dangerous complications develop at this stage:
- thrombophlebitis (thrombosis and inflammation of the veins);
- trophic dermatitis, ulcer;
- pulmonary embolism (the most dangerous complication, when a blood clot breaks off in the lower extremities and is carried to the lungs by the bloodstream, then leads to respiratory arrest and death in 5-8 out of 10 people);
- chronic venous insufficiency (swelling and fatigue of the legs even when the problem of varicose veins has already been solved).
At this stage, all therapeutic and preventive measures are aimed at preventing the development of complications, and if they have already appeared, then minimizing their consequences.
Which doctor treats varicose veins?
Phlebologist.This is a vascular surgeon who has received a narrow specialization in the treatment of venous diseases.He is the one who treats varicose veins.
However, if there is no phlebologist in your locality or it is extremely problematic to get a consultation with him, then you can turn for help to a vascular surgeon or, in his absence, simply to a general surgeon who provides outpatient visits.This is much better than just letting the disease run its course.
How to treat varicose veins?
The treatment of varicose veins largely depends on the stage of the disease, the presence of complications and the specific clinical picture of the disease.
At the first stage, the main emphasis is on lifestyle changes, giving up bad habits that worsen varicose veins and normalizing body weight.In this case, as a rule, patients are allowed to use folk remedies, undergo treatment with leeches and take herbal medicines.If the disease continues to progress, then drugs are prescribed that increase the tone of the veins and improve the rheological properties of the blood, as well as wearing compression clothing.
In the second stage, drug therapy and compression clothing become mandatory, if necessary, surgical intervention is performed.To prevent complications, annual courses of planned therapy in a hospital are recommended.
At the third stage, the choice of method is determined by the presence of complications and the general clinical picture of the disease.If serious complications occur, the patient should be hospitalized in the surgical department.
Treatment of varicose veins: what should you change in your lifestyle?
Exercise.More than anything else, our veins love us when we walk a lot.Standing or sedentary work contributes to the development of varicose veins.Therefore, if you are forced to stand or sit for a long time, you should do special exercises every 40-50 minutes.
habits.As you know, blood flows through the veins from the heels to the heart.Anything that compresses or compresses the vessels and surrounding tissues impedes the natural flow of blood and contributes to the progression of varicose veins.Therefore, at the very first stage of the disease, you should say goodbye to such habits as:
- sit in the "leg on leg" position (impaired blood flow at the level of the popliteal fossa, so it is better to change it to the American position "leg on leg" or "leg on the back of a chair");
- wear tight belts, socks, stockings, belts, too tight jeans, tight underwear (partially pressing the veins in the groin, knees or due to the tight waist do not allow breathing from the "belly", which almost excludes the diaphragm from the act of breathing, namely, facilitates the movement of blood to the heart);
- overeating (overeating is always fraught with extra pounds, and any excess weight in itself can lead to varicose veins);
- Long walking in high heels (in this case, the load on the legs increases, and the knee area, which facilitates the upward movement of blood, is almost disabled).