Varicose veins are damage to the superficial veins of the legs, which is characterized by a decrease in the elasticity of the vascular wall, expansion 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 causing numerous complications, and in some cases, life-threatening conditions.
Causes of varicose veins in women
The main cause is the destruction of the venous valves. Normally, blood circulates through arteries from top to bottom and through veins from bottom to top. Blood moves upward in spurts, trapping at the valve sites, which in turn prevent backflow of blood. Thus blood moves freely from one valve to another. But if one of them does not function effectively enough, then a certain amount of blood goes back down - as a result, the venous pressure increases, the vein expands and blood stasis is formed.
The reason for this process can be the following provoking factors:
- hereditary predisposition;
- congenital weakness of the connective tissue;
- overweight;
- sedentary way of life;
- pregnancy;
- menopause;
- hormonal imbalance (including those caused by taking oral contraceptives);
- the presence of accompanying chronic pathologies (diabetes, kidney, heart failure);
- indigestion (constipation);
- work that requires prolonged sitting or standing without the opportunity to rest;
- frequent wearing of uncomfortable, tight, high-heeled shoes;
- regularly taking too hot baths;
- lower limb injuries.
Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive salting, 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
In the initial stage, varicose veins in women are asymptomatic, but they can be diagnosed using instrumental research methods. As it progresses, the following complaints may appear:
- heaviness, "swelling" in the legs;
- excessive fatigue of the lower limbs during movement;
- calf muscle pain;
- swelling of the legs at the end of the working day;
- visible dilatation of veins, appearance of cobwebs;
- slight leg cramps at night.
The first signs of varicose veins appear after prolonged standing, before the start of the menstrual cycle. Even at this stage, it is necessary to consult a doctor and start treatment, since in the future the disease will only progress.
In the later stages
In the later stages, varicose veins on the legs of women show visible changes:
- swelling of the abdomen, dilatation of veins, appearance of nodules and swellings along the affected vessel;
- severe swelling of the lower limbs that does not disappear after rest;
- pain at the site of the lesion;
- hyperpigmentation, excessive dryness of the skin of the legs;
- development of dermatitis, venous eczema.
In the later stages, varicose veins can provoke the development of such severe complications as thrombophlebitis, thrombosis and trophic ulcers. Therefore, when the first alarming symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a phlebologist.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
The examination by a phlebologist begins with a consultation. First, the doctor collects an anamnesis: he questions the woman about her complaints, clarifies when the first symptoms appeared, what preceded the appearance of signs of varicose veins and what factors affect the intensity of the symptoms. After that, the doctor establishes the characteristics of the lifestyle, professional activity and also finds out whether close relatives have had similar problems.
An ultrasound scan of the veins is performed to make the diagnosis. The modern phlebological center uses modern expert-class equipment, thanks to which it is possible to identify the disease in 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 results of the ultrasound scan, a final diagnosis is made and individual treatment tactics are developed. In modern phlebology, priority is given to non-surgical, minimally invasive methods: sclerotherapy, laser technologies.
Prevention of varicose veins
The prevention of varicose veins is aimed at preventing the disease and possible complications. Like all pathologies, varicose veins are much easier to prevent than to treat later. First of all, the implementation of preventive measures is important for women who are at risk of developing the disease.
One of the most effective methods of preventing varicose veins is to wear compression clothing - socks, knee socks, tights. The therapeutic effect of medical hosiery is based on the creation of certain pressure on different parts of the legs: highest at the level of the ankle with a gradual decrease towards the knee and the middle of the 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:
- eliminating or limiting static loads on the legs;
- exercise: light jogging, walking, Nordic walking, swimming, cardio exercises;
- take a contrast shower to increase vascular tone: sessions should start with a temperature difference of 1 degree between cold and hot water;
- massage the legs to stimulate blood circulation: the procedure can be performed independently by stroking the lower limb from top to bottom with light pressure;
- normalize your diet: the effective prevention of varicose veins and its complications is the inclusion of foods enriched with fiber (vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, legumes, whole grains) in the daily menu, as well as avoiding fast food, fatty, salty foods;
- control of body weight and hormone levels;
- to give up bad habits;
- choose comfortable, 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 consult a doctor immediately if you feel any discomfort. The phlebologist will conduct an examination, make an accurate diagnosis, help you choose the right type of compression stockings and develop an individual plan for treatment and prevention of the disease.