Varicose veins are a lesion of the superficial veins of the legs, which is 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 causing 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 circulates through arteries from top to bottom, and through veins from bottom to top. The blood moves upward in spurts, lingering at the locations of the valves, which, in turn, prevent reverse blood flow. Thus, blood moves freely from one valve to another. But if any of them does not function effectively enough, then a certain amount of blood returns downwards - as a result, venous pressure increases, the vein expands, and blood stasis forms.
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, 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 extremity injuries.
Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive tanning, unbalanced diet, and frequent stress can indirectly affect the development of varicose veins in the legs in women.
Signs of varicose veins in women
With varicose veins, the veins increase in size, 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 extremities during movement;
- pain in the calf 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 begin treatment, since in the future the disease will only progress.
In later stages
In later stages, varicose veins on the legs of women show visible changes:
- bloating, dilation 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 provoke the development of such severe complications as thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, and trophic ulcers. Therefore, when the first alarming symptoms occur, you should immediately contact a phlebologist.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
An examination by a phlebologist begins with a consultation. First, the doctor collects an anamnesis: asks the woman about her complaints, clarifies 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 finds out the features of lifestyle, professional activity, and also clarifies whether close relatives had similar problems.
To make a diagnosis, an ultrasound scan of the veins is performed. 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
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 implementation of preventive measures is important for women who are at risk for developing the disease.
One of the most effective methods for preventing varicose veins is wearing compression garments - stockings, knee socks, tights. The therapeutic effect of medical knitwear is based on creating a certain pressure on different parts of the legs: the highest at the ankle level with a gradual decrease towards the knee and mid-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;
- 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 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 avoidance of fast food, fatty, salty foods;
- control body weight and hormonal levels;
- to refuse from bad habits;
- choose comfortable, appropriately sized shoes and clothes;
- 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 immediately consult a doctor 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 develop an individual plan for treatment and prevention of the disease.