Varicose veins are a lesion of the superficial veins of the legs, characterized by a decrease in the elasticity of the vascular wall, dilation and deformation of blood vessels, and impaired blood flow. Varicose veins are considered one of the most common vascular diseases, and varicose veins in women are diagnosed several times more often than in men, due to hormonal characteristics, pregnancy and childbirth. The disease is dangerous because it usually begins unnoticed, lasts for years, gradually leading to numerous complications and, in some cases, life-threatening conditions.
Causes of varicose veins in women
The root cause is disruption of the venous valves. Normally, blood flows through the arteries from top to bottom and through the veins from bottom to top. Blood rises in spurts, lingering at the locations of the valves, which, in turn, prevent reverse blood flow. This allows blood to flow freely from one valve to another. But if one of them doesn't work efficiently enough, some blood flows back down. As a result, venous pressure increases, the vein expands and blood stasis is formed.
The cause of this process may be the following provoking factors:
- hereditary predisposition;
- congenital weakness of connective tissue;
- excess body weight;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- pregnancy;
- menopause;
- hormonal imbalance (including those caused by taking oral contraceptives);
- the presence of concomitant chronic pathologies (diabetes mellitus, renal, cardiac insufficiency);
- indigestion (constipation);
- work that requires prolonged sitting or standing without opportunity to rest;
- frequent wearing of uncomfortable and tight high-heeled shoes;
- regularly take baths that are too hot;
- injuries to the lower limbs.
Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive tanning, unbalanced diet and frequent stress can indirectly affect the development of varicose veins of the legs in women.
Signs of varicose veins in women
With varicose veins, the veins enlarge, but visible changes in the legs do not appear immediately. The severity of clinical symptoms depends on the stage of the disease.
In the early stages
At the initial stage, varicose veins in women are asymptomatic, but can be diagnosed using instrumental research methods. As it progresses, the following complaints may appear:
- heaviness, "bloating" in the legs;
- excessive fatigue of the lower limbs during movement;
- pain in the calf muscles;
- swelling of the legs at the end of the working day;
- visible dilation of veins, appearance of spider veins;
- slight cramps in the legs at night.
The first signs of varicose veins appear after a long period of rest, before the start of the menstrual cycle. Already at this stage it is necessary to consult a doctor and start treatment, because in the future the disease will only progress.
In later stages
In later stages, varicose veins on women's legs show visible changes:
- bloating, dilation of veins, appearance of knots and bumps along the affected vessel;
- severe swelling of the lower extremities that does not disappear after rest;
- pain at the site of injury;
- hyperpigmentation, excessive dryness of the skin of the legs;
- development of dermatitis, venous eczema.
In later stages, varicose veins can provoke the development of such serious complications as thrombophlebitis, thrombosis and trophic ulcers. Therefore, as soon as the first alarming symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a phlebologist.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
An examination by a phlebologist begins with a consultation. First of all, the doctor collects an anamnesis: asks the woman about her complaints, specifies when the symptoms appeared for the first time, what preceded the appearance of signs of varicose veins and what factors influence the intensity of the symptoms. Then the doctor finds out the features of lifestyle, professional activity, and also clarifies whether close relatives have had similar problems.
To make a diagnosis, an ultrasound of the veins is performed. The modern phlebological center uses modern expert-class equipment, thanks to which it is possible to identify the disease at the early stages of development, when obvious symptoms may be absent. Ultrasound examination determines the presence of varicose veins, their location and the severity of pathological changes. Based on the ultrasound results, a final diagnosis is made and individual treatment tactics are developed. In modern phlebology, priority is given to non-surgical and minimally invasive methods: sclerotherapy, laser technologies.
Varicose vein prevention
Prevention of varicose veins aims to prevent the disease and its possible complications. Like all pathologies, varicose veins are much easier to prevent than to treat afterwards. First of all, implementing preventive measures is important for women at risk of developing the disease.
One of the most effective methods of preventing varicose veins is to wear compression clothing - stockings, knee-length socks, tights. The therapeutic effect of medical knitting is based on the creation of a certain pressure on different parts of the legs: the highest at the ankle with a gradual decrease towards the knee and mid-thigh. Thanks to this, the flow of venous blood from the legs to the heart is stimulated, which prevents blood stagnation and the development of varicose veins.
To prevent varicose veins, all women should:
- eliminate or limit static loads on the legs;
- exercise: light jogging, walking, Nordic walking, swimming, cardio exercises;
- take a contrast shower to increase vascular tone: sessions should begin with a temperature difference of 1 degree between cold and hot water;
- massage the legs to stimulate blood circulation: the procedure can be carried out independently by stroking the lower limb up and down with light pressure;
- normalize your diet: effective prevention of varicose veins and their complications involves including foods enriched with fiber (vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, legumes, whole grains) in the daily menu, as well as avoiding fast food, foodsfatty and salty;
- control body weight and hormonal levels;
- refuse bad habits;
- choose comfortable and appropriately sized shoes and clothing;
- if necessary, wear orthopedic shoes or insoles: the correct position of the feet contributes to the correct distribution of the load and improves blood circulation.
It is also extremely important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any discomfort. A phlebologist will conduct an examination, make an accurate diagnosis, help you choose the right type of compression stockings and draw up an individual plan for treatment and prevention of the disease.