Varicose veins: risk factors and prevention

Varicose veins

Varicose disease of the lower extremities is a common disease of the peripheral circulation, which consists of the violation of the outflow of blood from the venous system. According to various estimates, suffer from varicose veins 25-40% of women and 10-15% of men of working age.

Varicose veins of the violations occur in the vessel wall, and depending on the form of the disease, they can be intra-dermal or subcutaneous, is more or less common, obvious or subtle. Sometimes patients varicose veins are the "stars" - spider veins, or trophic disorders (darkening of the skin of the feet, seal the subcutaneous tissue and other manifestations).

Risk factors

The main reasons for the development of varicose veins are:

  1. Genetic predisposition. Disease can be pronounced with the "family" character, which affects the relatives in the descending line.
  2. Pregnancy.
  3. Weight.
  4. Work and the sport involves heavy physical exertion, heavy lifting, strong muscular tension. Prolonged static posture – sitting or standing work).
  5. Hormonal medications.
  6. Wearing tight clothing and shoes.
  7. Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (prone to constipation).
  8. Diseases of the liver and gallbladder (hepatitis, biliary stasis, etc.).

Complications of varicose veins

Varicose veins lead to serious complications, which are more serious than the disease itself:

Thrombophlebitis. Vascular inflammation, which is associated with the formation of the lumen of a thrombus (blood clot). Blood clots can cause pain and interfere with walking and working. Part of the clot or the entire clot can begin to move into the bloodstream, which carries the threat jam any ship and endanger human lives.

Trigger the development of thrombosis can:

  • injury-areas of the varicose veins;
  • overheating (bath or sauna);
  • dehydration;
  • high body temperature;
  • alcohol poisoning;
  • long-term stay in a sitting position (car or plane).

Trophic ulcers. Occur in areas with varicose veins, bleeding and is very difficult to heal.

Changes in blood composition and increase its viscosity.

Thromboembolism. Jam, one of the heart arteries.

Symptoms and diagnosis

The external manifestation of varicose disease is:

  • the presence of the venous network of the foot;
  • its translucency with thin veins;
  • swelling of the feet;
  • cramps;
  • fatigue and heaviness in the legs at the end of the working day;
  • leg pain after strong physical exertion;
  • the presence of a pronounced venous nodes;
  • education of trophic ulcers.
The main method of diagnosis of varicose veins – ultrasound duplex scanning of vessels of the legs (ultrasound).

Treatment

varicose veins

Currently, there are two types of treatment of varicose veins:

  1. Conservative. An integrated approach to the treatment of varicose veins are:
    • cleansing of the body;
    • treatment of diseases of the digestive system and liver;
    • outdoor-use special creams and gels that strengthen the walls of blood vessels, improve their elasticity, as well as relieve swelling and fatigue in the legs;
    • preparations, in the form of capsules;
    • hirudotherapy (use of leeches) is one of the most effective conservative treatment of varicose veins and its complications;
    • physical therapy;
    • wearing support socks.
    Complete the course of treatment is best 1 month break for 2-3 months.
  2. Surgical. Surgically remove the damaged part of the ship. The modern method of treatment is sclerotherapy. When the affected vein is injected with a special substance, Vienna and the fall out from the circulation – it will be disabled. Venous outflow is implemented in roundabout ways to support the way. Cosmetic purposes can be used for micro sclerotherapy of spider veins.

Prevention

  1. Use only comfortable and loose clothes and shoes that are not narrow and pinched blood vessels.
  2. Avoid lifting and carrying heavy objects.
  3. If you are sedentary or standing work, it is important to do warm-UPS and breaks.
  4. To slow down the progression of the disease can be, if you regularly use compression stockings: special elastic socks, stockings, tights, pantyhose.
  5. Use elastic bandages to support the veins in normal mode.
  6. It is useful to do the exercise lift your legs: lie on your back – "bicycle", "scissors", etc.
  7. Prevention of varicose veins useful walking, swimming, running, Cycling, contrast shower, foot.
  8. Watch for normal bowel function. Drink more water and eat enough fresh fruits and vegetables (400 g per day).