Varicose veins, more commonly known as varicose veins, occur when the veins become stretched and enlarged, turning blue-violet or red in color due to the accumulation of large amounts of blood.This is a widespread disorder, which in most cases appears on the legs (most often in the calf muscles), but can also form on other parts of the body.
In general, the blood supply to cells, known from a biology course, occurs as follows: from the left ventricle of the heart, oxygenated blood flows through the aorta into the arteries and from there into smaller blood vessels up to the capillaries, through which the organs and tissues of the body receive oxygen and the substances they need.After this, with the help of small blood vessels called “venules”, the blood is collected from the capillaries and enters larger veins, the task of which is to send the blood back to the lungs and heart in order to be enriched with oxygen and repeat its path.The mechanism that directs blood to the heart is called the venous pump.
Veins are blood vessels that return blood from body tissues to the heart.
Some veins have one-way valves inside them that open to allow blood to flow toward the heart and close to prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction.
Actually, this is how varicose veins happen: if the valves are damaged and do not block the flow of blood, it accumulates in the veins, causing them to swell and stretch, which leads to varicose veins.Angiosurgeons claim that varicose veins are a pathological process that results in a change in the venous wall with subsequent valvular insufficiency.
In varicose veins, a reverse flow (reflux) of blood is created due to dysfunction of the valves.They do not close the vein cavity, which makes blood flow in the opposite direction possible.As a result, increased venous blood pressure is created, which violates the integrity of the walls of the veins - they expand and protrude under the skin.
Since varicose veins are a modification of the veins, the pathology is considered not only a vascular disease, but also a cosmetic problem.Normal veins and varicose veins - when, due to malfunction of the valves, reverse blood flow and dilation of the veins occur.
Why are the legs most often affected by varicose veins?
There are 3 types of veins in our legs - superficial veins, which are closest to the skin;deep veins, which are located inside the muscles and connect to the largest vein in our body - the vena cava, leading to the heart;and perforating veins, connecting the superficial and deep veins to each other.The varicose veins that we see are observed precisely in the superficial veins, located closest to the skin.
When we are in an upright position, the blood in the legs should be directed upward to the heart, resisting the force of gravity.To do this, the leg muscles contract and press on the deep veins, pushing blood towards the heart.When the leg muscles contract, the valves inside the veins open, but when the muscles relax, the valves close, blocking the flow of blood towards the feet.
As you may have guessed, varicose veins are more common on the legs due to the fact that the pressure of gravity, which increases while sitting and standing, has the greatest effect on venous circulation in the lower extremities.
How dangerous are varicose veins?
For most people, varicose veins are primarily an aesthetic problem, and at first they do not pose a threat to health.Swollen, unsightly veins can spoil the appearance of certain parts of the body, but in most cases they do not impair blood circulation.It is noted that if you do not pay due attention to the fight against varicose veins, its appearance worsens over time and complications may develop.
Causes of varicose veins
A number of factors can increase your risk of varicose veins:
- Factor No. 1 – heredity.If anyone in your family has or has had varicose veins, your chances of inheriting them increase.
- Floor.Varicose veins are more common in women than in men.
- Age.As we age, our veins and valves become weaker.
- Disruption of blood flow between arteries and veins.
- Hormonal changes.Hormonal changes during pregnancy, premenstrual period and menopause increase the risk of varicose veins.During pregnancy, the growing fetus puts pressure on the veins in the legs.Varicose veins that appear during this period become less noticeable 3-12 months after the birth of the child.Moreover, each subsequent pregnancy increases the risk of varicose veins.
- Overweight or obesity.Excess weight puts a lot of pressure on the veins, which can lead to varicose veins.
- Sedentary and standing work and a sedentary lifestyle.If you stand or sit for long periods of time, you increase your risk of developing varicose veins.This happens because during prolonged periods of inactivity, it is more difficult for the veins to deliver blood to the heart.
Symptoms of the development of varicose veins
In addition to the appearance of bulging dark blue or purple veins, here are the main signs of the development of varicose veins:
- Slight swelling of the ankles and feet, especially after standing for a long time.
- Pain, burning and feeling of heaviness in the legs.
- Leg spasms and throbbing sensation.
- Itching in the ankles and lower legs, which is often misdiagnosed as dry skin.
- Change in skin color in the area where varicose veins develop (appearance of bruises).
How to prevent varicose veins
According to experts from the Department of Surgery at the University of California, the first thing a person can do to prevent varicose veins is changing their lifestyle and instilling new habits.Although these same changes will not help get rid of already formed varicose veins, they will reduce the likelihood of deterioration in its appearance, as well as reduce pain and protect other areas of the veins from the formation of varicose veins.
What needs to be done in order to reduce the likelihood of varicose veins or protect already affected veins from worsening the condition:
- Do not sit or stand in one place for a long time.Try to move at least every 30 minutes.
- When sitting, do not cross one leg over the other.
- If possible, elevate your legs when resting while sitting or lying down.Try to raise your legs so that they are above the level of your heart.
- Exercise.This will allow your leg muscles to move and move blood through your veins more efficiently.
- If you are overweight, try to get it back to normal.This will help improve blood circulation and reduce stress on the veins.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing, especially around the waist, hips and legs.
- Don't wear high heels too often or for long periods of time.Low-heeled shoes help keep the calf muscles toned, allowing blood to move through the veins more easily.
- Exercise regularly.This will help improve blood circulation, get rid of extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight.
Complications with varicose veins
According to the Circulation Foundation, although varicose veins deteriorate over time, this process takes a very long time.It is also noted that in some people with varicose veins, high pressure in the veins can lead to damage to the skin in the ankle area and a change in its color, as well as the appearance of white scars.
If left untreated, progressive varicose veins can lead to more serious negative consequences:
- The appearance of ulcers
- Phlebitis
- Bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
If a person develops eczema (red skin rash), it may subsequently progress to ulcers that will need to be removed surgically.
Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein that is often accompanied by thrombosis within the affected vein, which becomes hard but fragile.In most cases, this disorder does not pose a serious health risk, although it is often mistakenly confused with a more serious pathology - deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Many people worry that accidentally hitting a varicose vein will cause it to bleed, but this rarely happens.If this happens, the bleeding is stopped by applying a tight gauze bandage and applying ice.A person needs to lie down so that his legs are higher than his heart, and without delay, seek medical help so that specialists can carry out procedures that will reduce the risk of rebleeding.
Some patients suffering from varicose veins later face another pathology - deep vein thrombosis.Science is not entirely sure whether varicose veins directly increase the risk of DVT.Symptoms of DVT include swelling, pain, and skin that is hot to the touch.According to experts from the US National Library of Medicine, deep vein thrombosis mainly affects large veins in the thigh and calf muscles, and it is noted that DVT almost always develops in only one leg.
Treatment of varicose veins
Compression therapy
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is recommended to wear compression clothing.Stockings, tights or leggings apply gentle pressure from the bottom of the leg upward, reducing blood accumulation and swelling.However, the effect is achieved only if you wear them regularly.Although wearing compression stockings will not cure already formed varicose veins, they will help prevent or reduce enlargement of veins and further complications.
In addition, the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), in its clinical guideline for the treatment of patients with varicose veins of the lower extremities and pelvis, notes: “Wearing stockings is the first therapeutic procedure for patients who have had ulcers removed as varicose veins progress.”
Endovenous ablation (radiofrequency or laser)
Endovenous ablation involves the use of laser or radiofrequency therapy to close or remove the varicose vein.The doctor makes a tiny cut in the skin near the vein and inserts a catheter into it.After this, a special device is connected to the tip of the catheter, with which the catheter is heated and closes or removes the varicose vein (depending on the chosen ablation method).The procedure is performed using local anesthesia and the patient usually returns home the same day.
Endovenous ablation is one of the most effective and safe methods of treating varicose veins.The Society of Vascular Surgery (SVS) recommends this procedure over surgery for the treatment of superficial varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
This is another gentle method of treating varicose veins.During the procedure, a special substance is injected into the vein affected by varicose veins, which destroys the inner lining of the vein and causes blood to clot inside it.Over time, the vein collapses and disappears.
Surgical method
In advanced cases of varicose veins, more gentle treatment methods will not help correct the situation.In this case, the person is referred for surgery, during which the superficial vein is surgically removed.Indications for surgery are:
- Ulcers or the threat of their appearance,
- Bleeding,
- Phlebitis.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and the patient is usually sent home the same day.A person may feel pain and discomfort for 2 weeks after surgery.
The Circulation Foundation notes that deep vein thrombosis can sometimes develop after surgery, but the risk of this pathology can be reduced by wearing compression stockings and maintaining high physical activity of the person.
Varicose veins and training
Moving a lot and exercising moderately are the main helpers in the fight against varicose veins.
However, while some training methods are beneficial and recommended for the prevention of varicose veins, others can be harmful.
Moderate, rhythmic physical activity (such as walking) makes a positive contribution to preventing the development of varicose veins and helps minimize the likelihood of complications, since dynamic muscle movements help direct blood from the periphery to the heart.
Walking
Walking is one of the best movements to prevent varicose veins and promotes healthy circulation by stretching and contracting the venous pump in the calf muscles.Walk for at least 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.
Low-intensity running
Running at a low pace works the calf muscles well, but it has one drawback - running puts stress on our joints.If you are not ready to replace running with another activity, run on grass or rubberized paths, rather than on hard asphalt.
Elliptical and exercise bike
Workouts on the elliptical trainer and stationary bike actively engage the calf muscles, promoting healthy circulation.In addition, unlike running, these workouts put less stress on your joints.
Strength training
Individuals with varicose veins should avoid excessive amounts of very intense weight training.During prolonged muscle tension of an irregular nature, the leg muscles and ventilator pumps do not contribute to the return of blood to the heart through the veins.For this reason, during training, blood accumulates in the veins of the legs, which can only contribute to the further development of varicose veins.In addition, the increase in intra-abdominal pressure during straining also impedes blood circulation.
Among the exercises that negatively affect venous circulation, specialists from the Venous Clinic in Georgia especially note squats, lunges and crunches.
People with varicose veins need to train with light weights and perform relatively high reps per set without reaching failure.In addition, in order to restore normal blood circulation after finishing strength training, it is recommended to pedal on an exercise bike or exercise on an elliptical trainer.It is also recommended to wear compression stockings during and after strength training.
Why do veins bulge more in summer?
As noted by specialists from the Venous Center named after.St. John's and Hospital.St. Joseph Wayne, veins bulge more in the summer due to the fact that, under the influence of high temperature, they expand and fill with more blood, increasing in size.
In order to reduce the swelling of veins in the summer, you need to follow simple recommendations:
- Lubricate your skin with a thick layer of moisturizing SPF cream.
- If you are outside for a long time, try to hide in the shade.
- Don't sunbathe for too long.
- Swim regularly.This way you will carry out cooling procedures for your body, without giving the veins the opportunity to increase in size.
- Try to wear flats/low-top shoes and sandals rather than high-heeled shoes.
- Drink more fluids.
You shouldn’t let the situation get worse; you need to take action right away.