The problem of varicose veins in women is one of the most common problems worldwide. This pathology occurs in 80% of cases in women for several reasons - genetic predisposition, hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy, lack of exercise and excess weight. With an integrated approach, varicose veins on the legs in women are successfully treated - the main thing is that all the necessary measures are taken in a timely manner.
Causes of varicose veins
Experts identify several common causes of varicose veins:
- The hereditary predisposition is often transmitted through the female line - in 75% of cases of patients with varicose veins, relatives (grandmothers, mothers) had the same problem. At the same time, varicose veins of the legs in women are not inherited, but congenital pathologies of the venous structure are observed (weakness of the vascular walls, inferior flaps, etc. ).
- The cause of varicose veins in women is often associated with an unbalanced rhythm of life. Constant wearing of high heels, sedentary work, lack of physical activity or overloading the legs due to prolonged standing lead to a decrease in vascular tone and stagnation of blood in the veins. To correct this imbalance, the veins dilate, while women continue to experience swelling and a feeling of heaviness.
- A hormonal imbalance 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 can be associated with pregnancy and labor. At this time, 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 elastic and the extensibility of the veins and their walls increases.
If a woman has problems with her veins before pregnancy, this can ultimately affect how it progresses. Pregnant women with varicose veins are at risk of postpartum bleeding, premature release of amniotic fluid, and weak contractions. Therefore, if there are diseases of the veins or if there is a hereditary predisposition, observation by a phlebologist is necessary during pregnancy.
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 and long-term symptoms and signs indicating the need for examination and treatment of the patient. The list of symptoms of pathology in the veins includes pain, cramps, heaviness, bloating, tingling and fatigue in the legs.
The signs of vein damage include:
- venous reflux,
- telangiectasia,
- reticular veins,
- Swelling,
- skin pigmentation,
- phlebeurysm,
- venous ulcers.
Our numerous observations indicate that symptoms of venous diseases can manifest themselves both in the early stages of the pathological process, well before the development of venous reflux or varicose vein transformation, and much later.
In most cases, the early clinical manifestations of varicose veins are limited to telangiectasia or reticular varicose veins. Further exacerbation of venous hypertension, inflammatory changes in the walls and their valves lead to the formation of a typical symptom complex:
- increased fatigue,
- heavy legs at the end of the day,
- Pain,
- Combustion,
- Cramps in the calf muscles.
Due to pathological changes in the veins, hyperpigmentation of the skin progresses, lipodermatosclerosis occurs with thinning of the skin and thickening of the subcutaneous fatty tissue. An increase in the severity of trophic disorders is accompanied by the appearance of dry or weeping eczema and, ultimately, venous ulcers.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are due to venous hypertension and inflammation in the system, which interferes with normal blood outflow and causes disorders in the microcirculatory bed. The leading role in the development of hypertension is played by changes in the structure of the venous wall (collagen/elastin ratio) and the hormonal status of the body, hemodynamic changes, congenital or acquired insufficiency of the valvular apparatus.
Long-term hypertension leads to the formation of endothelial dysfunction, which is accompanied by the activation and adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells and is aggravated by the production of anti-inflammatory mediators, which are responsible for damage to the walls and the occurrence of valve insufficiency; increased capillary permeability and pain in the lower extremities. It is important to take into account that the pathological process in the vascular bed progresses steadily without adequate treatment.
What is the prevention of varicose veins?
Preventive measures in the fight against varicose veins have 2 goals.
The first is to prevent the development of the disease in women who are predisposed to it. If there is at least one risk factor for the appearance of varicose veins, there is no need to wait for the appearance of ugly accumulations on the legs, unpleasant symptoms and even more complications if all this can be prevented. Secondly, prevention of existing varicose veins helps prevent the disease from progressing and the development of complications. In each of the two cases, preventive measures are about eliminating and minimizing risk factors for the development of varicose veins, which can only be achieved by changing several aspects of life:
- First of all, it is necessary to reduce weight to normal by changing your diet and exercising. When playing sports, it is better to give preference to training on exercise machines while lying down or lying down. Such training practically does not put any lasting strain on the superficial veins of the legs, but at the same time strengthens the muscles and improves blood circulation.
- Avoid prolonged strain on the legs – sitting, standing, lifting heavy objects. If such a regime is due to the specifics of a woman's work, it is worth taking breaks as often as possible, doing special gymnastics and walking up and down the stairs.
- When resting or sleeping, you must keep your legs 15 cm above the level of your heart. Simply use small bolsters or pillows to achieve this position.
- Check your wardrobe. He should not wear clothing that restricts mobility of the hips and shoulders, or shoes with heels over 4 cm or with flat soles. This does not mean that a woman should completely abandon 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 tans should avoid regular visits to the solarium and prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Foot care is also important to prevent varicose veins. A cool shower with an emphasis on the legs and an evening massage of the legs and feet are helpful. In addition, you can use special massage baths and small massage devices, as well as cooling gels for the feet.
- A good prevention against 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 strictly according to special tables by a phlebologist.
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 lifestyle changes. In addition, various methods of surgical correction of venous pathologies, laser therapy and sclerotherapy are often used. With the help of such modern techniques, you can not only restore women's health, but also make their legs beautiful and light again thanks to aesthetic corrections.
By contacting a phlebologist in a specialized medical center, you can receive a complete diagnosis of the condition of the venous system, as well as comprehensive treatment of varicose veins and other similar pathologies using advanced techniques and equipment. Modern methods of eliminating venous problems are aimed at making the healing process quick, as effective as possible, without consequences for the woman, painless and non-traumatic. Medical centers should make women's lives healthy and therefore happy. Be active, full of strength and energy, and the specialists of any qualified clinic will help you with this.