Varicose veins in women are one of the most common problems in the world. This pathology occurs in 80% of cases in women due to several reasons - genetic predisposition, hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy, inactive lifestyle and excess weight. When using an integrated approach, varicose veins on the legs in women are successfully treated - the main thing is to take all the necessary measures in time.
Causes of varicose veins
Experts identify several common causes of varicose veins:
- Hereditary tendencies are often transmitted through the female line - in 75% of cases in patients with varicose veins, relatives (grandmother, mother) have the same problem. At the same time, varicose veins of the legs in women are not inherited, but congenital pathologies of the vein structure are observed (weakness of the vascular wall, inferior valves, etc. ).
- Often the cause of varicose veins in women is associated with an unbalanced rhythm of life. Always wearing high heels, sedentary work, lack of physical activity, or straining the legs due to prolonged standing leads to a decrease in vascular tone and blood stagnation in the veins. To compensate for this imbalance, the veins expand, while women still experience swelling and heaviness.
- Hormonal imbalances can also contribute to the development of varicose veins in women. This may be due to hormonal fluctuations from one menstrual cycle to another, use of oral contraceptives, etc.
- The appearance of varicose veins may be associated with pregnancy and childbirth. At this time, the ever-growing child compresses the pelvic veins, plus the amount of blood and hormones in the woman's body increases. Under the influence of such factors, the ligaments of the female pelvis become more elastic, and the elongation of the veins and their walls increases.
If a woman has problems with veins before pregnancy, this can eventually affect her journey. Pregnant women with varicose veins are at risk of postpartum hemorrhage, untimely discharge of amniotic fluid, and labor weakness. Therefore, if there is any vein pathology or with the presence of hereditary tendencies during pregnancy, it should be observed by a phlebologist.
Signs of varicose veins in women
From the point of view of modern phlebology, venous lesions consider both functional changes in the venous system, as well as long-term symptoms and signs that indicate the need for examination and treatment of the patient. The list of pathological symptoms in the veins includes pain, cramps, heaviness, fullness, tingling, and fatigue in the legs.
Conversely, signs of vein damage include:
- venous reflux,
- telangiectasia,
- reticular vein,
- swollen,
- skin pigmentation,
- phlebeurysm,
- venous ulcers.
Many of our observations show that the symptoms of vein disease can manifest at an early stage of the pathological process, much earlier than the formation of venous reflux or varicose transformation, and significantly later.
In most cases, the initial clinical manifestations of varicose veins are limited to telangiectasia or reticular varicose veins. Further aggravation of venous hypertension, inflammatory changes in its walls and valves lead to the formation of a complex of common symptoms:
- increased fatigue,
- heavy feet at the end of the day,
- sick,
- burning,
- calf muscle cramps.
Due to pathological changes in the veins, hyperpigmentation of the skin develops, lipodermatosclerosis with thinning of the skin and thickening of subcutaneous fat tissue is noted. Increased severity of trophic disorders is associated with the occurrence of dry or weeping eczema and, finally, venous ulcers.
Varicose veins on the lower legs are based on venous hypertension and inflammation in the system, which disrupts the normal outflow of blood and causes disruption of the microcirculation bed. The main role in the development of hypertension is played by changes in the structure of the vein wall (collagen / elastin ratio) and hormonal status of the body, hemodynamic changes, congenital or acquired deficiency of the valve apparatus.
Long-term hypertension leads to the formation of endothelial dysfunction, which is accompanied by the activation and adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells, enhanced by the production of anti-inflammatory mediators responsible for damage to the walls and the appearance of valve insufficiency; increased capillary permeability, as well as pain in the lower part of the leg. It is important to consider that in the absence of adequate treatment, the pathological process in the vascular bed continues to develop.
What is varicose vein prevention?
Preventive measures in the fight against varicose veins have 2 goals.
First, it is to prevent the development of the disease in women who have a tendency to it. If there is at least one risk factor for the appearance of varicose veins, then there is no need to wait for the appearance of ugly clusters on the legs, unpleasant symptoms, and even more complications, if all this can be prevented. Secondly, in the case of existing varicose veins, prevention will help prevent the development of the disease and the development of complications. In any two cases, preventive measures involve eliminating risk factors for the development of varicose veins and minimizing them, which can only be achieved by changing some aspects of life:
- First of all, it is necessary to reduce the body weight to normal through correction of diet and exercise. When playing sports, it is better to give preference to exercising on exercise machines in a lying or supine position. Such exercises practically do not put long-term pressure on the superficial veins of the legs, but at the same time strengthen the muscles and improve blood circulation.
- Avoid prolonged pressure on the legs - sitting, standing, lifting heavy objects. If such a regime is due to the peculiarities of a woman's work, then she should rest as often as possible, do special gymnastics, go up and down the stairs on foot.
- While resting or sleeping, you need to keep your feet 15 cm higher than your heart level. Just use a small pad or cushion to achieve this position.
- Check your wardrobe. He cannot wear clothes that restrict movement in the hips and shoulders, and shoes with heels higher than 4 cm or with flat soles. This does not mean that a woman should completely give up tight clothes and beautiful high-heeled shoes - just choose more comfortable clothes for everyday wear, and leave the rest for special occasions.
- Fans of exotic tanning should avoid frequent visits to the solarium and prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Foot care is also important in the prevention of varicose veins. A cold shower with emphasis on the feet and a foot and leg massage every night is helpful. In addition, you can use a special massage bath and small massager, cooling gel for the feet.
- A good prevention of varicose veins is elastic compression - special stockings, tights and knee socks. Under the influence of compression stockings, the speed of blood flow increases, and venous congestion disappears. The selection of knitwear must be carried out in strict accordance with a special schedule by a phlebologist.
What treatment is prescribed for women?
Modern treatment strategies for women with varicose veins are based on the use of an integrated approach aimed at reducing the negative effects of risk factors and changing lifestyle. In addition, various methods of surgical correction of venous pathology, laser therapy and sclerotherapy are widely used. With the help of such modern techniques, you can restore not only women's health, but also make their legs beautiful and light again thanks to aesthetic correction.
By contacting a phlebologist at a specialized medical center, you can get a complete diagnosis of the condition of the venous system, comprehensive treatment of varicose veins and any other similar pathology using advanced techniques and equipment. Modern methods of getting rid of problems with veins are designed to make the healing process quick, as effective as possible without consequences for women, painless and non-traumatic. Medical centers are designed to make women's lives healthy, and therefore happy. Be active, full of strength and energy, and specialists from any qualified clinic will help you with this.