The problem of varicose veins in women is one of the most common problems worldwide. This pathology occurs in women in 80% of cases for several reasons - genetic predisposition, hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy, sedentary lifestyle and excess weight. Varicose veins of women's legs are successfully treated when an integrated approach is used - the most important thing is to take all the necessary measures in time.
Causes of varicose veins
Experts identify several common causes of varicose veins:
- Hereditary tendency is often transmitted through the female line - in 75% of cases, relatives of patients with varicose veins (grandmothers, mothers) encountered the same problem. At the same time, varicose veins of the legs of women are not inherited, but congenital pathologies of the structure of the veins can be observed (weakness of the vessel walls, lower valves, etc. ).
- The cause of varicose veins in women is often related to an unbalanced lifestyle. Constant wearing of high heels, sedentary work, lack of physical activity or overloading of the legs due to prolonged standing lead to a decrease in vascular tone and stagnation of blood in the veins. To compensate for this imbalance, the veins dilate while women continue to 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 the next, the use of oral contraceptives, etc.
- The appearance of varicose veins can be associated with pregnancy and childbirth. In this case, the constantly growing child compresses the veins of the pelvis, and 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 flexible, and the extensibility of the veins and their walls increases.
If a woman has problems with her veins before pregnancy, this can ultimately affect its course. Pregnant women with varicose veins are at risk of postpartum hemorrhage, premature emptying of amniotic fluid, and weak delivery. Therefore, in case of any pathology of the veins or a hereditary tendency during pregnancy, it is necessary to be monitored by a phlebologist.
Signs of varicose veins in women
From the point of view of modern phlebology, venous lesions take into account both any functional changes in the venous system, as well as long-term symptoms and signs that indicate the need for examination and treatment of patients. The list of pathological symptoms of veins includes pain, cramps, heaviness, fullness, tingling and fatigue in the legs.
The signs of damage to the veins are the following:
- venous reflux,
- telangiectasia,
- reticular veins,
- swelling,
- skin pigmentation,
- phlebeurism,
- venous ulcers.
Many of our observations indicate that the symptoms of venous diseases can appear both in the early stages of the pathological process, significantly before the development of venous reflux or varicose transformation, and significantly later.
In most cases, early clinical manifestations of varicose veins are limited to telangiectasia or reticular varicose veins. Further aggravation of venous hypertension, inflammatory changes in the walls and valves lead to the development of a typical set of symptoms:
- increased fatigue,
- heavy legs at the end of the day,
- pain,
- burning,
- cramps in the calf muscles.
Due to the pathological changes in the veins, hyperpigmentation of the skin progresses, lipodermatosclerosis is detected with thinning of the skin and thickening of subcutaneous fatty tissue. An increase in the severity of trophic disorders is associated with the occurrence of dry or weeping eczema and, ultimately, venous ulcers.
Varicose veins of the lower limbs are caused by venous hypertension and inflammation of the system, which interfere with the normal outflow of blood and cause disturbances in microcirculation. The leading role in the development of high blood pressure is played by changes in the structure of the vein wall (collagen/elastin ratio) and the hormonal state of the body, hemodynamic changes, congenital or acquired insufficiency of the valvular apparatus.
Long-term hypertension leads to the development of endothelial dysfunction, which is accompanied by the activation and adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells, which is enhanced by the production of anti-inflammatory mediators responsible for damage to the walls and the appearance of valvular insufficiency; increased capillary permeability, as well as pain in the lower limbs. It is important to take into account that in the absence of adequate treatment, the pathological process in the vascular system progresses continuously.
What is the prevention of varicose veins?
In the fight against varicose veins, preventive measures have 2 goals.
First, it prevents the development of the disease in women who are prone 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 curls on the legs, unpleasant symptoms, and even more complications, if all this can be prevented. Secondly, in the case of existing varicose veins, prevention helps to avoid the progression of the disease and the development of complications. In any of the two cases, preventive measures include the elimination and minimization of factors that threaten the development of varicose veins, which can only be achieved by changing many aspects of life:
- First of all, the body weight should be reduced to normal with dietary correction and exercise. When playing sports, it is better to give preference to exercises on exercise machines in a lying or supine position. Such training practically does not put a long-term load on the superficial veins of the legs, but at the same time it strengthens the muscles and improves blood circulation.
- Avoid prolonged stress on the legs - sitting, standing, lifting heavy objects. If such a system results from the specifics of women's work, then it is worth taking breaks as often as possible, doing special gymnastics, walking up and down the stairs.
- When resting or sleeping, you should keep your legs 15 cm higher than your heart. Just use small pillows or cushions to achieve this position.
- Review your wardrobe. Do not wear clothing that restricts hip and shoulder movement, or shoes with heels higher than 4 cm or flat soles. This does not mean that a woman should completely give up tight dresses and beautiful high heels - just choose more comfortable clothes for everyday wear and leave the rest for special occasions.
- Fans of exotic tanning should avoid regular visits to the solarium and prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Foot care is also important in preventing varicose veins. A cool shower, focusing on the legs, and a nightly massage of the legs and feet are helpful. In addition, you can use special massage baths and small massagers, cooling gels for the feet.
- A good prevention of varicose veins is elastic compression - special stockings, tights and knee socks. As a result of the compression stockings, the speed of blood flow increases and venous congestion is eliminated. The phlebologist must select the knitwear strictly according to the special tables.
What treatment is prescribed for women?
The modern treatment strategy for women with varicose veins is based on 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 not only restore women's health, but also make their legs beautiful and light thanks to aesthetic correction.
If you contact a phlebologist at a specialized medical center, you can get a full diagnosis of the state 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 related to veins are designed to speed up the healing process, make it as effective as possible for women without consequences, painless and non-traumatic. Health centers are designed to make women's lives healthy and thus happy. Be active, full of strength and energy, and the specialists of any qualified clinic will help you with this.