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

Varicose veins are considered a more "feminine" disease, which affects the fairer sex more often 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 organs other than the legs, threatening the woman's health, so it must be treated immediately.

reason

The main causes of varicose veins in women's legs are:

• prolonged wearing of uncomfortable shoes with high heels and tight clothing (tight jeans, form-fitting clothing);
• overweight, overweight;
• hereditary predisposition;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• heavy physical activity;
• frequent nervous disorders;
• leg injuries;
• sitting for a long time in a cross-legged position;
• bad habits.

A common cause of the development of varicose veins of the lower extremities and pelvic organs is a hormonal imbalance, which manifests itself when:

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

Venous congestion in the pelvis is also manifested as a result of:

• long-term inflammatory process;
• regular interruption of sexual relations for a long time, especially in the absence of orgasm;
• frequent constipation;
• abortions;
• difficult birth;
• curvature or prolapse of the uterus;
• pelvic tumors.

The signs

The first symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities:

• fatigue;
• heaviness in the legs, worse in the evening;
• burning and swelling;
• the appearance of spider veins and blue web.

Without treatment, patients face:

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

In an advanced stage, other signs appear:

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

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

• severe persistent or permanent abdominal pain, which may become intense after ovulation or during menopause;
• menstrual irregularities (dysmenorrhea);
• vaginal discharge (white or colorless);
• sensitivity of the vaginal mucosa;
• pain during sexual intercourse;
• pressure, heaviness in the pelvic area;
• difficulty urinating (in rare cases);
• swelling of the vulva, vagina;
• venous nodes in 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 provoke complications and unpleasant consequences:

• Eczema or trophic ulcers of the legs due to tissue malnutrition.
• Dermatitis in the affected areas of the feet.
• Blood clot formation due to blood stagnation in the veins.
• Thrombophlebitis.
• Pulmonary embolism.The detached thrombus passes through the bloodstream to the pulmonary artery and this threatens a lung infarction or sudden death of a person.

Uterine disease negatively affects the functioning of the endocrine system: in an advanced stage, there is a decrease in the level of female hormones and ovarian dysfunction, which provokes menstrual irregularities.This process often leads to problems with the conception and birth of 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 spontaneous abortion;
• thrombophlebitis of the uterine walls;
• thrombosis (blockage) 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.

dope

Treatment of varicose veins of the pelvic veins and lower extremities of any stage is impossible without drug support.In the initial stage it becomes the basis of treatment, in an advanced stage it completes the set of measures.

• Phlebotonics- strengthens the vein walls, reduces the inflammatory process.
• Anticoagulants with direct and indirect action- thins the blood, facilitating its movement through the vessels.Medicines are used under the supervision of a specialist to avoid complications such as bleeding.
• Fibrinolytics- dissolve blood clots formed and reduce blood clots.

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

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

Minimally invasive interventions

• Sclerotherapy- sticking the diseased vein from the inside with a special sclerosing substance to close the vessel from blood circulation.The treated area is overgrown with fibrous tissue and gradually disappears.
• Laser coagulation– laser welding of dilated veins.
• Radiofrequency ablation– intravascular thermal effect on vessel walls to close the lumen.

operation

It is indicated for the development of complications of the disease and the ineffectiveness of drug therapy.In addition to the classical methods of surgical treatment of the lower extremities (various types of phlebectomy), interventions are performed on the genitals and pelvis:

• Embolization of ovarian varicose veins– through a catheter inserted into the femoral or jugular vein and inserted into the affected area, first a contrast agent is supplied for hardware monitoring of the progress of the operation and then an embolizing drug, which blocks the affected vessel.
• CUTTING– compression of veins in the pelvis with special medical clamps.The progress of the intervention is monitored through the endoscope.
• Resection (complete or partial removal) of blood vessels– performed by the perineum (labia majora area) or peritoneum.In the first option, an incision is made along the labial line, through which the affected areas are removed.In mild forms of the pathology, vein removal is performed through several punctures if the lesion is observed in the area of the vagina and vulva.When it spreads to the area of the ovarian vein and uterus, operations are performed through the retroperitoneum using a laparoscope or endoscope.

Physiotherapy

• Hirudotherapy– treatment with leeches.It increases the elasticity of the vein walls, improves blood circulation, prevents blood clotting, eliminates pain and swelling.
• Massage- increases the elasticity of blood vessels, normalizes the functioning of the valves, strengthens the venous walls, it can be performed only in the initial stage of the development of the disease.
• Gymnastics and exercise therapy– Regular training has a positive effect on the tone of blood vessels, prevents relapses and relieves the patient's condition.Recommended exercises: bicep, bicycle, squat, scissor.Such gymnastics helps normalize blood flow and eliminate congestion in blood vessels.Also useful: swimming, running, cycling.
• Strengthening.As a result of the alternation of cold and heat, the tone of the vascular walls increases, blood circulation accelerates, microcirculation in tissues is restored, arterial blood flow increases, outflow from the lymphatic and venous systems and metabolic processes are activated.You should start washing with warm water.
• UHF therapy– exposure to a continuous pulsed electric field of ultra-high frequency.It has an analgesic effect, relieves inflammation, improves blood circulation and stimulates the immune system.
• Myostimulation– impact on the muscles of the low-intensity current.It helps increase the speed of blood circulation, eliminates swelling, pain and discomfort.

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

Compression garments

The positive effect of special knitted clothing is due to the uniform redistribution of pressure in the muscles, followed by a gentle massage of the veins, resulting in:

• the speed of blood flow through the deep vessels increases;
• blood and lymph stagnation is eliminated;
• the severity of signs of varicose veins decreases;
• the load on the legs decreases;
• 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.

diets

Varicose veins in the legs and pelvis require dietary adjustments to provide the enlarged and weakened veins with the necessary nutrients.Dietary food includes eating large amounts of vegetables and fruits, rich in vegetable 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 to lose excess weight, reduce the load on blood vessels and improve blood circulation.

Popular recipe

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

The most effective herbs for varicose veins:

• horse chestnut;
• dandelion;
• Kombucha

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

Preventing

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 rest and work hours;
• use gentle methods of contraception;
• take a contrast shower;
• perform gymnastic exercises every day;
• eat properly;
• visit a massage therapist;
• take preventive courses of venotonics;
• prevention of constipation;
• minimize stress.

Special attention to prevention should be given to pregnant women;according to statistics, pathological expansion of veins in the pelvic area and lower extremities is observed in 40% of cases.