Varicose veins are a problem with the veins most often affecting the lower limbs. By definition, varicose veins are dilated, tortuous veins that are visible through the skin and are accompanied by bulges and additional symptoms. What are the causes of varicose veins? Can they be prevented and what are the treatments?

This is not only a cosmetic problem. Chronic venous insufficiency is a serious health problem. The diagnosis and treatment of chronic venous insufficiency requires close cooperation with a doctor. Prevention is extremely important.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are an ailment that most often affects the surface veins, and less frequently the deep veins. They may indicate problems with the venous system at various stages of advancement. Mostly varicose veins arevisible under the skin, tortuous veins that are dilated, elongated and visibly protruding. Most often, varicose veins affect the lower extremities and in this case they can be considered a clinical symptom of chronic venous disease (PF).

When deeper veins are overloaded, blood flows back into surface vessels whose anatomical structure is not conducive to transporting large amounts of blood. For this reason, the superficial veins then stretch and the symptoms typical of varicose veins appear. The formation of varicose veins is influenced by degenerative processes resulting from higher blood pressure and increased blood pressure on the venous wall. As a consequence, inflammation develops, the walls of the veins stretch and the blood stagnates. The ongoing processes weaken the valves and venous walls.

Very often, varicose veins appear in people with family predispositions. Initially, the occurrence of these subcutaneous changes within the veins may be treated as a cosmetic defect, but they should not be underestimated. Over time, in addition to the changes visible on the skin, additional symptoms may develop, including a feeling of heaviness in the limbs, pain and burning. Complications of varicose veins, including bleeding or other diseases of the venous system, are especially dangerous.

What are the different types of varicose veins?

Varicose veins are an ailment of the venous system, visible in the superficial system – the veins in this system become dilated and visible transdermally. The following types of varicose veins are distinguished:

1. primary varicose veins– the most common form of varicose veins, affects 95% people with this ailment; the formation of primary varicose veins is the result of a congenital lack of valves, abnormal angiogenesis or impaired synthesis of elastin andcollagenwithin the venous walls (probably due to genetic factors, but the etiology is not fully understood);
2. secondary varicose veins– concern 5 percent. people with varicose veins are caused, among others, by deep vein insufficiency, history of deep vein thrombosis or surface veins injuries or inflammation.

Symptoms accompanying varicose veins

The problem with varicose veins most often concerns the lower limbs. Common symptoms of varicose veins are:

1. visibly widened surface veins – they resemble cords or tangles of a dark color with noticeable protrusions;
2. swellingof the legs and feet;
3. dull or burning pain, especially after standing for a long time;
4. a feeling of heaviness in the legs;
5. itch;
6. tingle;
7. muscle cramps.

The initial symptoms of varicose veins are relatively mild, butsome people with the advanced form of the diseasemay develop ulceration, discoloration, fatty sclerosis andeczema. For skin problems related to varicose veins, we recommendthe monastery mazidło for the skin in the area of ​​Varix Klimuszko varicose veins. The preparation has a soothing and moisturizing effect, and also supports the regenerative processes of the skin. We also recommend thebutcher’s broom ointment that strengthens blood vessels, seals blood vessels, prevents the appearance of swelling and spider veins.

Varicose veins – causes of formation

The main factor that promotes the formation of varicose veins isgenetic predisposition. The probability of varicose veins when one of the parents has them is several dozen percent – about 25 percent. for men and as much as 60 percent. for women. If both parents are diagnosed with varicose veins, the risk is as high as 90%.

The formation of varicose veins is also favored by:

1. age;
2. prolonged standing or sitting;
3. undergoing venous thrombosis;
4. smoking;
5. insufficient physical activity;
6. overweight and obesity;
7. improper diet leading toconstipation;
8. taking oralhormonal contraceptives.

Varicose veins – possible complications

Although initially varicose veins are mainly an aesthetic problem, they can also lead to complications, also serious and life-threatening. Complications of varicose veins include ulcerations that heal hard, bleeding from varicose veins,thrombophlebitis of superficialor deep veins,post-thrombotic syndromeorpulmonary embolism.

Vascular diseases associated with varicose veinscan also be dangerous :

1. chronic venous insufficiency;
2. venous thrombosis;
3. iatrogenic phlebitis.

To prevent varicose veins, it is worth usingthe OS1st FS4 + n compression band for calf and ankle joint, available in blackorblue. The bandage improves blood flow, reduces swelling and pain.

Varicose veins – diagnosis

The gold standard in the diagnosis of varicose veins isDoppler ultrasound, i.e. a non-invasive ultrasound examination. It allows you to check blood flow, evaluate varicose veins, diagnose venous thrombosis or control post-thrombotic syndrome. Depending on the needs,Doppler ultrasound with continuous waveorDoppler duplexis used .

Another diagnostic method of varicose veins isvenography(especially ascending and descending) – invasive examination, which is used in doubtful cases. It allows, among others to determine the patency of the veins, insufficiency of piercing veins, venous reflux or the morphology of venous valves. A special type of examination is alsovaricography, in the case of which a contrast agent for varicose veins is administered.

Treatment of varicose veins – what is it?

Due to the fact that varicose veins are quite a common disease, they have a tendency to recur, and it is difficult to obtain good therapy effectiveness, their treatment turns out to be problematic. Modern medicine, however, proposesseveral methods of treating varicose veins, which include, first of all, compression methods, sclerotherapy, drug administration, as well as surgical methods and intravascular treatment. What are they about?

When it comes to compression therapy, i.e.treatment of varicose veins with compression products, it is a form of conservative therapy. The compression method is based on the fact that thanks to products such ascompression stockingsor compressionstockings, surface veins are mechanically supported. Kompresjoterapia is effective in the prevention of varicose veins in people who perform professional activity that requires standing or sitting. Products with the appropriate degree of compression (from I to IV) are selected according to the advancement of varicose veins. They can be recommended, among others after operations on varicose veins, after sclerotherapy, in case of venous insufficiency or lymph edema.

Another method of treating varicose veins issclerotherapyorobliteration treatment. It is injection of veins with a special sclerosing agent in the form of liquid or foam. As a result of the therapy, the vessel lumen is closed. Sclerotherapy allows for the treatment of small and medium-sized venous vessels, however, before performing it, contraindications and possible complications of the procedure should be taken into account.

When necessary, the gold standard of varicose veins treatment is implemented, which is the invasive surgical method –phlebectomy. It is a traditional method, i.e. removal of the ineffective saphenous vein through an incision in the groin (stripping). An alternative to this treatment is thelaser treatment of varicose veins.

Intravascular treatmentis also possible with the use of catheters inserted into the lumen of the vein. The catheter radiates heat energy or uses a laser, and the vessel is closed, fibrinolysed and absorbed.

When it comes to the pharmacotherapy of varicose veins, it is common to administerbioflavonoids, e.g. diosmin and hesperidin, rutin, oxirutin or troxerutin. Tribenoside and calcium dobesylate are also used.

Varicose veins prophylaxis – how to prevent their formation?

Especially people with a family history of varicose veins should remember about prophylaxis – avoiding bad habits can reduce the risk of varicose veins or delay their occurrence. Procedures that help to prevent varicose veins that are worth remembering on a daily basis include:

1. lower limb elevation – frequent lifting of the legs up, preferably at regular intervals for at least a few minutes;Trendelenburg positionis also recommended , especially in the case of various venous complications, e.g. ulcers;
2. systematic physical activity – has a positive effect on blood flow in the lower limbs, however, it should be adapted to the state of health and age; examples of recommended exercises include walking, rotating foot movements, standing on the toes (pulsating), bending and straightening the toes, cycling, gymnastics or running;
3. correctly selected preparations in the form of creams, ointments or gels that strengthen blood vessels, reduce swelling and relieve the feeling of heaviness (see the offerof ointments for varicose veinsavailable on Medonet Market);
4. proper diet – proper nutrition supports the fight against overweight or obesity (and prevents them), prevents constipation and strengthens the venous walls;
5. properly selected footwear – well-fitted shoes support the proper positioning of the foot and allow the fingers to move freely; you can also use special insoles that improve circulation thanks to a special surface that stimulates the feet.

IMPORTANT

The above-mentioned procedure may also be recommended for people who already have varicose veins.

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