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 the blood vessels and alteration of blood flow. Varicose veins are considered one of the most common vascular diseases, and varicose veins in women are diagnosed many 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 rupture 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 jets, lingering at the locations of the valves, which, in turn, prevent reverse blood flow. Therefore, blood moves freely from one valve to another. But if any of them do not work effectively enough, a certain amount of blood flows back down - as a result, venous pressure increases, the vein expands and blood stasis is formed.
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 concomitant chronic pathologies (diabetes mellitus, renal disease, heart failure);
- indigestion (constipation);
- work that requires sitting or standing for prolonged periods without the opportunity to rest;
- frequent use of uncomfortable and narrow shoes with high heels;
- regularly taking baths that are too hot;
- lower limb injuries.
Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive tanning, an unbalanced diet and frequent stress can indirectly affect the development of varicose veins in the legs in women.
Signs of varicose veins in women
In 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
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;
- pain in the calf muscles;
- swelling of the legs at the end of the working day;
- visible dilation of the veins, appearance of varicose 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, 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, dilation of the veins, appearance of knots 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 on the legs;
- development of dermatitis, venous eczema.
In the later stages, varicose veins can provoke the development of serious complications such as thrombophlebitis, thrombosis and trophic ulcers. Therefore, when the first alarming symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a phlebologist.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
Examination by a phlebologist begins with a consultation. First, the doctor collects an anamnesis: he asks the woman about her complaints, clarifies when the symptoms 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 of the veins is performed. The modern phlebology center uses modern equipment of a specialist level, 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 ultrasound, 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.
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, implementing preventative measures is important for women at risk of developing the disease.
One of the most effective methods to prevent varicose veins is to wear compression clothing: stockings, knee-highs, tights. The therapeutic effect of medical hosiery is based on the creation of a certain pressure on different parts of the legs: the highest at the level of the ankle 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, preventing blood stagnation and the development of varicose veins.
To prevent varicose veins, all women should:
- eliminate or limit static loads on the legs;
- physical 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, stroking the lower limb from top to bottom with light pressure;
- normalize the 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 the avoidance of fast food, fatty foods and salty;
- control body weight and hormone levels;
- reject bad habits;
- choose comfortable and 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 consult a doctor 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 develop an individual plan for the treatment and prevention of the disease.