Varicose disease of the lower extremities is the most common disease of the veins peripheral, which consists in the violation of the exit of the blood from the venous system. According to various estimates, suffer from varicose veins 25-40% of women and 10-15% of men of working age.
Varicose veins of the violations occur in the vessel wall, and depending on the form of the disease, which can be either intra-dermal or subcutaneous, is more or less common, obvious or subtle. Sometimes patients with varicose veins include the "star" - spider veins or disorders trophic (darkening of the skin of the legs, seal subcutaneous tissue, and other manifestations).
Risk Factors
The main reasons for the development of varicose veins are:
- The genetic predisposition. The disease can be pronounced "family" of the character, that affect family members in a downline.
- Pregnancy.
- Weight.
- Work and sports associated with great physical efforts, heavy lifting, strong muscular tension. Prolonged static position – sitting or standing work).
- Hormonal medications.
- Wear fitting clothes and shoes.
- Disorders in the digestive system (prone to constipation).
- Diseases of the liver and gallbladder (hepatitis, bile stasis, etc.).
Complications of varicose veins
Varicose veins causes serious complications more serious than the disease itself:
Thrombophlebitis. Inflammation of vein with formation in the light of a thrombus (blood clot). A blood clot can cause pain and interfere with walking and working. Part of the clot or the entire clot can begin to move through the bloodstream, the execution of the threat of blocking any of the boat and put in danger the life.
To enable the development of thrombosis can:
- injury areas of varicose veins;
- overheating (bath or sauna);
- dehydration;
- high body temperature;
- alcohol intoxication;
- long stay in a sitting position (in a car or flying in an airplane).
Trophic ulcers. Occur in areas of varicose veins, bleed and are very difficult to heal.
The changes in the composition of the blood and increase its viscosity.
Thromboembolism. Obstruction by a clot, one of the arteries of the heart.
Symptoms and diagnosis
The external manifestation of the varicose veins of the disease:
- the presence of a red vein in the legs;
- the translucent fine veins;
- swelling of the feet;
- ramps;
- the fatigue and heaviness in the legs at the end of the working day;
- leg pain after strong physical exertion;
- the presence of pronounced venous nodes;
- the education of trophic ulcers.
The main method of diagnosis of varicose veins – ultrasound duplex scanning of vessels of the legs (ultrasound).
Treatment
Currently, there are two types of treatment of varicose veins:
- Conservative. An integrated approach in the treatment of varicose veins are:
- the cleaning of the body;
- treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the liver;
- outdoor use special creams and gels that strengthen the walls of blood vessels, improves their elasticity, as well as relieve the swelling and fatigue in the legs;
- preparations in capsule form;
- hirudotherapy (use of leeches) is one of the most effective conservative treatment of varicose veins and its complications;
- physiotherapy;
- using compression hosiery.
To carry out courses of treatment is best for 1 month, with breaks of 2-3 months.
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Surgical. Surgically remove the damaged part of the boat. Modern method of treatment is sclerotherapy. While in the affected vein, injected a substance that's special, Vienna and falls out of the General circulation – which they will be disabled. Venous output occurs at the roundabout of ways support ways. For aesthetic you can use of micro sclerotherapy of spider veins.
Prevention
- Wear only comfortable and loose clothing and shoes that are not restricted and not pinched blood vessels.
- Avoid lifting and carrying heavy objects.
- If you are sedentary or standing work, it is important to do warm-UPS and breaks.
- To slow down the progression of the disease can be, if you regularly wear compression tights: special elastic stockings, socks, tights, leotards.
- Use bandages, elastic support for the veins in the normal state.
- It is useful to do exercise with lifting legs: lying on your back – "the Bicycle", "scissors", etc.
- For the prevention of varicose veins help to walk, swim, run, ride Bike, shower contrast on the legs.
- Watch for normal bowel function. Drink more water and eat enough fresh fruit and vegetables (400 g per day).