If the veins on the legs are very large and clearly visible to the naked eye, then this is not at all a reason for pride (well, in fact, these are not muscles). However, they do not look as attractive as, say, quadriceps. Therefore, most people usually hide them. Even from doctors. Which, by the way, is completely false. Because if you have any problems with the condition of the veins and blood vessels, then they should be shown to a doctor who specializes in them - a phlebologist. But first, read this article: in it you will learn how to treat varicose veins in the legs, what symptoms it has and what procedures are carried out to eliminate it.
Varicose veins of the legs: symptoms
Symptoms of this disease depend on its stage:
So, at the first stage, the patient is disturbed by a feeling of heaviness in the lower extremities, muscle cramps (more often during sleep), itching or burning, swelling of the legs. Sometimes there is pain in the legs, especially in the area of the veins. Often appear and telangiectasia.
At the second stage, there are vascular networks and all the symptoms inherent in the first stage, but already more pronounced. Also, the visibility of the veins is significantly increased: they can be observed even with the naked eye.
The third stage is characterized by all of the above symptoms. At the same time, swelling becomes almost permanent. Sometimes they can pass in the morning, but at the same time reappear in the evening.
In the fourth stage, the color of the skin changes. It may become brownish or even black. Inflammation appears, skin atrophy is possible. In this case, spots of a blue or purple hue appear on it.
At the fifth stage and the sixth stage, a trophic ulcer is formed: healed and non-healed, respectively.
Varicose veins of the legs: treatment
Today, the treatment of varicose veins in the legs can be done in several ways:
Laser obliteration of veins. This is a high-tech procedure, which is carried out using modern equipment - a medical laser device. The device is equipped with a flexible light guide, which is inserted through a puncture or incision into the lumen of the problematic vessel to a certain depth. After that, the phlebologist turns on the apparatus, and the tip of the light guide begins to emit a continuous stream of light. Light has such a wavelength that the rays are absorbed by the walls of the veins, as a result of which they heat up and solder. Control over the implementation of the procedure with the help of an ultrasonic laser makes it possible to treat varicose veins in the legs even more accurately and efficiently. After a while, the glued veins dissolve. The light guide has a special design, due to which the entire inner circumference of the vessel is immediately processed. The required length of treatment is achieved due to the fact that the doctor gradually pulls out the light guide. Laser ablation has an average session duration of 2–4. 5 hours, but this inconvenience is compensated by the fact that varicose veins can be treated with only one session of laser ablation. And since the procedure requires a small incision (not exceeding 0. 3 cm), there is no need for suturing after the session.
Miniphlebectomy. This procedure will also require a puncture or incision (and also no more than 3 mm). It is needed to extract the affected area of the vein. After that, the phlebologist excises the extracted vein, and its ends are compressed. Treatment of varicose veins of the legs with this procedure does not involve suturing, since the puncture is small - usually it is covered with a plaster and bandaged. This is enough for healing.
Sclerotherapy. For this procedure, you do not need to make an incision - the session is completely injectable. Using a syringe, a special liquid (or in the form of foam) preparation is injected into the skin, which sticks together the walls of the veins. Just as in the case of laser vein obliteration, the glued vessel dissolves in the tissues after a while.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins in the legs. This operation is performed using local anesthetics. During the operation, the doctor excised the skin in the area of the removed veins, after which they remove them. In addition, the cause of the backflow of blood is simultaneously eliminated. After surgical treatment, a rather long recovery period is required, which is accompanied by mandatory dressings.
It is worth remembering that after all the procedures, you must follow certain instructions that the doctor will give after they are completed. So, it is necessary to abandon any kind of tanning, do not go to the sauna or bath for a couple of months after the treatment of varicose veins of the legs. It is also forbidden to stay in a standing or sitting position for a long time. A special moment in achieving the effectiveness of the procedure, as well as in a faster rehabilitation period, is the wearing of compression underwear. At the same time, it is enough to adhere to this rule around the clock in the first few days. In the future, compression underwear can only be worn during the daytime. By the way, uncomfortable shoes (high heels, tight) at first will also need to be abandoned. Two or three weeks after the procedure, it is advisable to wear comfortable and spacious shoes.
Causes of varicose veins
One of the main reasons for the appearance and development of varicose veins of the legs, experts call a genetic predisposition. So, if a person in one of the relatives is diagnosed with varicose veins, then the risk of this disease will be significantly higher than in people whose relatives did not suffer from varicose veins. However, there are many other factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins on the legs:
Sedentary lifestyle.
Wearing uncomfortable shoes or shoes with high heels.
Postponed leg injuries.
Increased loads: excess weight, weight lifting.
Wrong nutrition.
Pregnancy and childbirth.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Weakened vascular tone.
Taking certain hormonal drugs.
Smoking and alcohol abuse.
Diseases of the pelvic organs.
Constant stress and emotional tension.
High blood viscosity.
Varicose veins are more common in older people (because vascular tone decreases with age). However, it can also appear in young people even up to 30 years old. Both sexes are affected by this disease.
Why is it necessary to treat varicose veins in the legs?
If the elimination of varicose veins in the legs (treatment) is not done in a timely manner, then various complications are possible, including a non-healing trophic ulcer. Subsequently, such an ulcer can cause gangrene, and this can already be fraught with amputation of the lower limb and disability. In addition, the treatment of any disease is easier to carry out in the initial stages of the disease.
Also, do not forget about the possible development of thrombophlebitis. One of the complications of this disease is pulmonary embolism, which can generally be fatal.
Prevention of varicose veins in the legs
A good preventive measure for varicose veins on the legs is to wear compression underwear that can provide uniform pressure on the entire surface of the legs. It is also recommended to follow other tips:
Do not neglect sports activities: cycling, swimming, walking, etc.
Avoid uncomfortable shoes (especially high heels).
Take a contrast shower.
In addition, if you have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins (or other factors), then consult a phlebologist at least twice a year.