Varicose veins are lesions on the superficial veins of the legs, characterized by decreased 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 men, due to hormonal characteristics, pregnancy and childbirth. This disease is dangerous because it usually begins without being noticed, lasts for years, gradually causes many complications, and in some cases life-threatening conditions.
Causes of varicose veins in women
The main cause is a disorder of the venous valve. Normally, blood circulates through arteries from top to bottom, and through veins from bottom to top. Blood moves upward in a spurt, lingering at the location of the valve, which, in turn, prevents reverse blood flow. Therefore, blood moves freely from one valve to another. But if any of them does not work effectively enough, then a certain amount of blood goes back down - as a result, venous pressure increases, veins expand, and blood clots form.
The cause of this process may be the following provoking factors:
- hereditary predisposition;
- congenital weakness of connective tissue;
- overweight;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- pregnancy;
- menopause;
- hormonal imbalance (including those caused by taking oral contraceptives);
- the presence of concomitant chronic pathology (diabetes mellitus, kidney, heart failure);
- indigestion (constipation);
- work that requires prolonged sitting or standing without the opportunity to rest;
- often wearing uncomfortable and tight high-heeled shoes;
- frequent too hot showers;
- lower limb 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
In the early stages, varicose veins in women are asymptomatic, but can be diagnosed using instrumental research methods. As it progresses, the following complaints may appear:
- heaviness, "bloat" in the legs;
- excessive fatigue in the lower part of the legs during movement;
- pain in the calf muscles;
- swollen feet at the end of the working day;
- visible vein dilatation, spider vein appearance;
- 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 develop.
At the next level
At the next stage, varicose veins on women's legs show significant changes:
- flatulence, dilation of veins, the appearance of nodes and lumps along the affected vessels;
- severe swelling of the lower part that does not go away after rest;
- pain at the site of the lesion;
- hyperpigmentation, excessive dryness of the skin of the legs;
- the development of dermatitis, venous eczema.
In the final stages, varicose veins can trigger the development of severe complications such as thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, and trophic ulcers. Therefore, when the first alarming symptoms occur, you should immediately contact a phlebologist.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
Examination by a phlebologist begins with a consultation. First, the doctor collects the anamnesis: asks the woman about her complaints, explains when the symptoms first appeared, what preceded the appearance of the signs of varicose veins, and what factors affect the intensity of the symptoms. Then the doctor finds out the characteristics of lifestyle, professional activities, and also explains whether close relatives have the same problem.
To make a diagnosis, an ultrasound scan of the vein is performed. Modern phlebological centers use modern specialist class equipment, thanks to which it is possible to identify the disease at an early stage of development, when obvious symptoms may not be present. 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 technology.
Prevention of varicose veins
Prevention of varicose veins aims to prevent the disease and its possible complications. Like all pathologies, varicose veins are 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 this disease.
One of the most effective ways to prevent varicose veins is to wear compression clothing - stockings, knee socks, tights. The therapeutic effect of medical knitwear is based on creating specific pressure on different parts of the leg: the highest at 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 load on the legs;
- exercise: light jogging, walking, Nordic walking, swimming, cardio exercise;
- contrast shower to increase vascular tone: the session should start with a temperature difference of 1 degree between cold and hot water;
- foot massage to stimulate blood circulation: the procedure can be done independently by stroking the lower limbs from top to bottom with light pressure;
- normalize your diet: effective prevention of varicose veins and their 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 food;
- control body weight and hormone levels;
- reject bad habits;
- choose shoes and clothes that are comfortable and of the right 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 very important to see 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 treatment and disease prevention.