Varicose veins are lesions of the superficial veins of the legs, which are 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 starts 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 a disorder of the venous valves. Normally, blood circulates through arteries from top to bottom, and through veins from bottom to top. Blood moves upward in jets, trapping at valve sites, which in turn prevents reverse blood flow. Thus blood moves freely from one valve to another. But if any of them does not work efficiently enough, then a certain amount of blood returns downwards - as a result, the venous pressure increases, the vein expands and blood stasis occurs.
The cause of this process can 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 accompanying chronic pathologies (diabetes mellitus, kidney, heart failure);
- indigestion (constipation);
- work that requires prolonged sitting or standing without the possibility of rest;
- frequent wearing of uncomfortable, tight, high-heeled shoes;
- taking too many hot baths regularly;
- lower limb injuries.
Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive sunbathing, unbalanced diet, frequent stress can indirectly affect the appearance of varicose veins on the legs in women.
Signs of varicose veins in women
In 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 by instrumental research methods. As it progresses, the following complaints may occur:
- heaviness, "bloating" in the legs;
- excessive fatigue of the lower extremities during movement;
- pain in the lower leg muscles;
- swelling of the legs at the end of the working day;
- visible dilatation of veins, appearance of spider veins;
- slight leg cramps at night.
The first signs of varicose veins appear after standing for a long time, 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 the later stages, varicose veins on women's legs show visible changes:
- swelling, dilatation of veins, appearance of nodes and bumps along the affected vessel;
- severe swelling of the lower extremities that does not go away 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 cause the development of such severe complications as thrombophlebitis, thrombosis and trophic ulcers. Therefore, when the first alarming symptoms appear, immediately consult a phlebologist.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
An examination by a phlebologist begins with a consultation. First, the doctor collects the medical history: he asks the woman about her complaints, explains when the symptoms first appeared, what preceded the appearance of signs of varicose veins and what factors influence the intensity of the symptoms. Then the doctor reveals the characteristics of the lifestyle, professional activities, and also clarifies whether close relatives had similar problems.
An ultrasound scan of the veins is performed to establish the diagnosis. A modern phlebology center uses modern equipment of professional class, thanks to which it is possible to identify the disease in the early stages of development, when obvious symptoms may be absent. An ultrasound examination determines the presence of varicose veins, their location and the severity of pathological changes. Based on the results of the ultrasound examination, a final diagnosis is made and an individual treatment strategy is developed. In modern phlebology, priority is given to non-surgical, minimally invasive methods: sclerotherapy, laser technologies.
Prevention of varicose veins
Prevention of varicose veins is aimed at preventing the disease and its possible complications. Like all pathologies, varicose veins are much easier to prevent than to treat later. First of all, the application of preventive measures is important for women who are at risk of developing the disease.
One of the most effective methods for the prevention of varicose veins is wearing compression clothing - socks, knee highs, tights. The therapeutic effect of medical knitwear is based on the creation of a certain pressure on different parts of the legs: the highest at the level of the ankle joint with a gradual decrease towards the knee and the middle of the thigh. Thanks to this, the outflow 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;
- exercises: light running, 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: effective prevention of varicose veins and its complications is the inclusion of fiber-enriched foods (vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, legumes, whole grains) in the daily menu, as well as avoiding fast food, fatty, salty food;
- control body weight and hormone levels;
- refuse bad habits;
- choose comfortable shoes and clothes of the appropriate size;
- 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. A phlebologist will perform an examination, make an accurate diagnosis, help choose the right type of compression stockings and create an individual treatment and disease prevention plan.