Problems with blood vessels are a fairly common phenomenon that occurs more and more often in modern society.Today, varicose veins of the extremities are diagnosed not only in elderly people.The disease affects young people and even children.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins on the legs, arms and other parts of the body?It is very important to know the first signs of the disease.Because the effectiveness of all subsequent treatments depends on timely diagnosis.
This article will be devoted to the symptoms of varicose veins on the legs and other parts of the body.We will also talk about the causes of the disease and the necessary preventive measures to prevent the development of the pathological process.And, of course, we will pay attention to all kinds of methods for treating varicose veins on the legs, hands or other organs.
It is believed that this disease affects only the limbs of the human body.However, that is not true.Recently, doctors are increasingly diagnosing varicose veins of the small pelvis in women.Pathology is also found in the veins of the esophagus and other internal organs.How to recognize and treat such anomalies?Let's find out.
Definition of disease
Before you find out what the disease is, you need to get general information about the structure of the human bloodstream.
As you know, the blood in our body circulates through vessels.Arteries are vessels through which blood flows from the heart to various organs and tissues.Veins are also blood vessels, but blood flows through them in the opposite direction - from organs and tissues to the heart.
To keep this process going in the right direction, there are one-way valves inside each vein.They ensure the necessary blood circulation in the right direction.What else can be achieved with such valves?Blood does not accumulate in one place, but circulates and enriches the body.
Varicose veins are characterized by damage to the intravascular valves or even their complete absence.As a result, the general flow of blood is disturbed and it accumulates in the place where the pathology was detected.Because of this, the veins increase in volume and expand abnormally.
There are several types of veins in our body - superficial (located just under the skin), deep (hidden deep in the muscle tissue) and communicating (connecting the first two types).
Varicose veins are most often diagnosed in superficial veins, for example, on the legs in the knees, calves or thighs.However, the disease can also affect the blood vessels located in the pelvic or rectal area.
Lower limbs
First, let's pay attention to varicose veins of the lower extremities.Externally, the disease manifests itself in the form of purple, blue or bluish-green veins under the skin that twist and protrude outward.You can see similar manifestations in the photo below.
Causes of varicose veins on the legs
The main cause of the disease, as mentioned above, is the pathological processes that occur in the blood vessels themselves.What could cause such changes?
The main provocateurs of the disease include a hereditary predisposition to vein deformation.Also, excessive loads on the legs can negatively affect the blood vessels, for example, when a person constantly stands or walks due to his professional work.It is not surprising that teachers, athletes and hairdressers are predisposed to this disease.
Other negative factors that affect the elasticity of blood vessels are excess weight, hormonal changes and cardiovascular diseases (for example, thrombosis).
Do not forget about bad habits that negatively affect not only the veins, but also the whole body as a whole.It is clear that smoking and alcohol abuse can cause the development of a pathological process in blood vessels.
Often, the development of the disease can be triggered by pregnancy, which is a great stress and burden for the entire female body.Also, carrying a baby affects the hormonal background of the expectant mother, which can also cause pathological processes occurring in the circulatory system.However, it is worth remembering that, as such, pregnancy is not the cause of varicose veins.Carrying a fetus can be the reason or one of the reasons for the manifestation of the disease.
It is no secret that the disease is most often diagnosed in women, and this is not always related to pregnancy or hormonal changes.Wearing uncomfortable shoes (too narrow or with very high heels) is another main reason for the appearance of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
An important factor in the development of abnormal expansion of blood vessels can be various damage to the veins.This can include injuries or inflammatory processes that occur in the vessels, as well as the formation of blood clots.
How to recognize the disease at an early stage in order to start timely and quality treatment?Let's find out.
Details about symptoms
The first sign of a problem is pain in the legs, that is, in the place where the valve disorder occurred.It is also very important to pay attention to unpleasant sensations in the lower extremities, as if the leg is heavy.This feeling is an important signal of vascular deformation.
Abnormal protrusion of veins is another sign of the development of pathology.Deep purple veins appear under the skin, twist and swell.
The skin in the area of the affected vein becomes dry, it can peel and darken, itches and itches.Edema occurs at the site of development of the pathological process, the skin swells or swells.
If you do not pay attention to these manifestations in time, the symptoms may intensify.A person begins to feel cramps, and open sores form in the area of varicose veins that can bleed and cause pain.Wounds are a possibility of infection, so consult a doctor as soon as possible in order not to complicate an already difficult situation.
Disease identification
What will they say at the hospital?Most likely, the specialist will refer you to the necessary examinations in order to diagnose the disease and rule out other possible diseases.
The most important diagnostic step is the physical examination of the patient.The patient will be asked to stand up, sit down and swing their legs.Based on the external examination, a diagnosis is made.
After that, the doctor may recommend a Doppler ultrasound, based on which it will be possible to examine blood flow and, if present, detect a blood clot.
An angiogram can also be prescribed by a specialist.This study involves injecting a certain dye into the vein, thanks to which the structure of the blood vessels and their pathological changes will be clearly visible on the X-ray.
General principles of recovery
Is it possible to cure varicose veins at home?Yes, especially when it comes to the initial stages of the disease.
The first thing your doctor will advise you to do is adjust your weight and diet.That is, if the patient is overweight, then he should go on a special diet to normalize his body weight.If the patient's weight is normal, then he will still have to monitor his diet, avoiding fatty and salty foods, which can negatively affect blood vessels and also cause obesity.
In addition, a therapeutic diet may include giving up strong coffee (and sometimes even tea), smoked foods, and canned foods.Alcoholic drinks are also 100% contraindicated for people suffering from varicose veins.It is very important to eat more vegetables and fruits (including freshly squeezed juices), grains and soy.And, of course, don't forget about greens.Parsley, dill and lettuce are what will help you deal with any ailment!
Your doctor may also prescribe compression garments, such as stockings or even tights.
Many men may have complexes due to such unusual treatment of varicose veins on the legs.However, you should not be preoccupied with this problem.Compression clothing is a fairly common method for treating vascular pathologies of the lower extremities.Its reasonable use will not only free the patient from unpleasant symptoms and pain, but will also prevent the progression of the disease.In some cases, such a piece of clothing will be recommended to the patient for continuous use throughout life.Very often, pregnant women are prescribed compression stockings to relieve their condition during pregnancy, when the body cannot be helped in any other way.
The essence of this therapeutic underwear is to squeeze the leg in the area of the ankle joint, gradually weakening the impact on the skin up to the leg.This stimulates proper blood circulation to the heart.
Today, you can find various compression socks and tights on sale, which differ not only in size, but also in the degree of compression (pressure on the leg).
Another way to treat varicose veins is to prescribe special exercises for the legs.The specialist recommends certain exercises to the patient that will help normalize blood flow in the extremities.
Let's move on to drug treatment
To help fight the disease, special ointments and oral medications can be prescribed, the purpose of which is to thin the blood and improve its circulation.Also, such drugs can strengthen the walls of blood vessels, relieve inflammation and relieve pain.
Most often, doctors prescribe phlebotonics (or venotonics).They improve lymphatic drainage, strengthen blood vessel walls, give them elasticity and reduce capillary permeability.
The patient may also be prescribed antiplatelet agents that dissolve clots and improve blood fluidity by inhibiting platelet aggregation and suppressing their adhesion.
During the exacerbation of the disease, it is very important to take medicines that would prevent blood clotting.For this purpose, the doctor can prescribe medicines based on heparin or its derivatives.
According to experts, it is best to use non-steroidal drugs against inflammation.
And, of course, we must not forget about fats.Topical drugs are present in large quantities on the pharmacological market.
More radical treatments
The methods described above do not always achieve the desired result.
In such cases, your doctor may recommend non-invasive treatment options.What do they include?Let's discuss each method.
Laser treatment
One of the gentlest methods of treating varicose veins is the use of a laser on the surface of the epidermis.A small flash of light that illuminates the walls of the vein promotes the development of sclerosis, due to which the affected vein disappears, as if it had been removed.
Intravenous laser coagulation is another procedure for treating varicose veins.However, it involves making a small incision at a location just above or just below the affected vein.Then the catheter is inserted into the vein and an ultrasound is sent.The laser action lasts about a minute, after which the patient feels heat in the area of the affected vein, which disappears after a certain time and becomes part of the connective tissue.
Since the patient is given local anesthesia before the procedure, the person feels absolutely nothing.After the manipulation, there may be a feeling of heaviness in the lower extremities and bruises.However, this does not affect the recovery period in any way.The very next day, the patient can go to work and carry out his usual activities.
Radio frequencies
In addition to the laser, the ablation method can be used, which is performed in almost the same way as the laser coagulation described above.The only difference is in the equipment used.Instead of a laser, the specialist uses radiofrequency energy that enters the affected vein through a catheter, heating it until the walls of the vein collapse and it closes.After that, the blood is directed in the other direction - to a healthy vessel.
Surgical intervention
It involves complete or partial removal of the affected vessel.Varicose vein surgery is prescribed only as a last resort, when other treatment methods have failed.To combat varicose veins, surgeons use different surgical techniques.Some of them will be listed below:
- Crossectomy.
- Vein extraction.
- Miniphlebectomy.
- Endoscopy.
The essence of these manipulations boils down to the following: small cuts are made on the leg in several places (most often below and above the affected area), after which a flexible thin wire is inserted into the vein to remove the diseased vein.These operations are performed quite often and almost always proceed without complications, but they carry with them certain risks and inconveniences.
For example, such surgical interventions are performed under anesthesia (general or spinal).The use of anesthesia can lead to allergic reactions to the drugs used, bleeding and breathing problems.
Other negative factors that can occur after surgery include the possibility of infection, bruising and swelling in the affected area, nerve damage, irritation of the veins or the formation of blood clots within the blood vessels.It should also not be forgotten that surgical intervention does not guarantee the absence of recurrence in the future.
The postoperative period does not last long.Within a day or two, the patient can resume daily activities.He will be advised to wear a compression garment for a week.
Sclerotherapy
This is one of the methods of treating varicose veins, which should also be paid attention to, and it can be carried out directly in the doctor's office without hospitalization.In the process of manipulation, a special chemical solution is injected into the diseased vein, which has an irritating effect, as a result of which the vein thickens and closes.After that, circulation takes place through healthy vessels.
This procedure is used when a small vein located in the knee area is affected.Sclerotherapy is usually combined with other methods of treating varicose veins.
Different drugs are used as chemical solutions.After the procedure, the patient will have to wear compression bandages soaked in a sclerosing agent.The time of wearing is determined by the attending physician individually.
Side effects of such injections include the following negative manifestations:
- The appearance of blood clots in other vessels of the lower extremities.
- Headaches.
- Painful sensations in the lower back.
- Temporary visual impairment.
- Fainting.
- Irritation of the epidermis around the injection site.
However, most patients tolerate sclerotherapy well.If contraindications are taken into account and the manipulation is performed correctly, a positive result in the treatment of varicose veins is guaranteed.
Human first aid kit
Is it possible to cure the disease with alternative medicine?In some cases - yes, especially if we are talking about the primary manifestations of the disease and if the treatment with grandmother's methods will be carried out with the permission of the doctor.
So, what components do you need to get in order to start effective treatment of the pathology?First of all, let's take apple cider vinegar.Mix two teaspoons of the product in a glass of water, add a little honey and drink it in the morning on an empty stomach.
Apple cider vinegar can also be used for local application in the form of rubbing, after it is dissolved in water (ratio 1 to 10).At night, gently rub the affected area - by morning, the unpleasant symptoms should subside.
Chestnut tincture is often used against varicose veins.To do this, collect beautiful and intact fruits and grind them through a meat grinder.Then fifty grams of raw material is poured into a half-liter bottle of vodka and put in a dark place for two weeks.After that, the tincture is filtered and taken orally, thirty to forty drops per tablespoon of water, half an hour before meals three or four times a day.The course of such treatment is one month.Then take a two-week break and repeat if necessary.
This tincture can also be used to rub the affected area at night.
An ancient method of dealing with varicose veins is the use of leeches.How much hirudotherapy is needed in each individual case is decided by the patient and his doctor.
Therefore, we paid enough attention to the enlarged veins of the lower extremities.Now let's talk about other types of diseases.
Pelvic vessels
This pathology is very easy to confuse with gynecological diseases in women.
Varicose veins in the pelvic area can be considered hormonal disorders, pathologies of the genitourinary system, and even common radiculitis.However, it is very important to recognize the disease as early as possible.Dilated pelvic veins in women can cause disorders in the work of the ovaries and the entire circulatory system.
What are the causes of this intimate discomfort?
Provocateurs of disease
The main reasons for the onset of the disease are heavy pregnancy, regular high-intensity physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle, some gynecological diseases, prolonged use of hormonal drugs, dissatisfaction with sexual life, etc.Most often, varicose veins of the pelvic veins occur against the background of an increased amount of estrogen.And, of course, do not forget that excess weight and bad habits do not improve, but only worsen the situation.
How to recognize such a disease?
This important symptom
First of all, varicose veins of the pelvis are manifested by pain of varying intensity, which intensifies after or during sexual intercourse, physical activity or prolonged stay in the same position.The disease is also characterized by bleeding, frequent urination, accompanied by pain, swelling, redness of the vulva or perineum, burning or itching in this area.
A few words about treatment
How to get rid of pathological dilatation of pelvic veins?First of all, you need to contact an expert.He may recommend wearing compression clothes and special gymnastics (these are well-known exercises performed in a lying position - "birch", "scissors" and "bicycle").
Among the folk methods, decoctions of dandelion or chaga root, as well as chestnut tinctures, have proven to be the most effective.
What can be said about another type of varicose veins - pathology of the gastrointestinal tract?
Digestive organs
Varicose veins of the esophagus are considered a not very common disease;most often, the disease is an accompanying symptom of a more serious disease.
Why does such a pathology occur and how to determine it?
Briefly about the causes and symptoms
The main causes of esophageal vein enlargement are congestion in the liver vessels, caused by thrombosis or cirrhosis.This pathology is most often diagnosed in men, as well as in patients with serious chronic diseases, especially over fifty years of age.How to recognize the disease?
Varicose veins of the esophagus are usually asymptomatic, manifested by rare attacks of heartburn, heaviness in the abdomen, difficulty swallowing and belching.Sometimes patients can show external signs of the pathological process - protrusion of blood vessels and veins on the front wall of the abdomen (abdominal cavity).
Most often, the disease is diagnosed during a crisis, that is, when the wall of the vein breaks and bleeding occurs.In most cases, bleeding is accompanied by vomiting (with blood), low blood pressure, general weakness, rapid heartbeat and bloody discharge (or impurities) in the stool.
If such symptoms appear, you should definitely take a blood test and take an X-ray (with the introduction of special contrast solutions).
Treatment of esophageal pathology
Most often, the treatment of this disease is carried out in intensive care.In conditions of bleeding, the initial task of the doctor is to remove it.Astringents, colloid solutions and hemostatics can be used for this purpose.In some cases, doctors recommend transfusion of blood or its main components (or blood substitutes).
If the above methods do not give results, experts may consider it advisable to perform surgery or esophageal sclerosis.After recovery, the patient will have to follow a fairly strict diet for the rest of his life.Proper nutrition will include divided meals, avoiding fatty, smoked, salty and fried foods, excluding hot or cold foods, etc.
Prevention
It is known that disease is easier to prevent than to treat.What measures should be taken to prevent the occurrence of a pathological process in the veins?
First of all – a healthy lifestyle!Reasonable nutrition, moderate physical activity, getting rid of bad habits, wearing comfortable shoes and clothes - all this will help not only improve your well-being, but also avoid many serious diseases.Good health!