Meline Sarkisovna Khachatryan, phlebologist at Olympus Clinic, told all about varicose veins.
How do I recognize the problem? Signs of varicose veins
The insidiousness of pathology is that it develops slowly, without sharp exacerbations.
At the initial stage of varicose veins, there is a malfunction of the valves, but there are no visible symptoms of the disease yet.
Then external and internal signs appear:
Fatigue
Linear, tree-like or spider-like vascular patterns on the skin
Heaviness in the legs
Swelling
Night cramps
Itching around the veins
Discoloration of the skin near the affected vessels
Twisted and dilated veins
Without treatment, the symptoms become more pronounced. For example, edema: in the early stages of varicose veins, they occur rarely and only after increased loads on the legs. Edema usually appears in the evening and disappears by morning. However, for some people, this problem becomes permanent and does not disappear even after sleep.
Stages of varicose veins
C0 — there are no visible signs of venous disease.
C1 is telangiectasia, there are vascular "asterisks" or small dilated veins with a diameter of up to two to three mm.
C2 is the stage at which varicose veins or bumps appear on the legs. This is a more serious stage of varicose veins, in which the phlebologist not only detects large dilated venous inflows, but also identifies non-functioning main veins according to ultrasound data. These veins do not lead blood from the bottom up to the trunk for cleaning, but from the top down to the leg (foot). Treatment of this stage often involves surgical techniques.
C3 — edema joins the identified non-functioning veins
C4 — trophic skin changes that manifest as eczema. The skin in the area of varicose veins darkens, and the darkening can spread beyond the nodes. The skin becomes dense, dry, may crack, patients often feel itching, swelling.
C5 and C6 are the stages of varicose veins, in which ulcerative lesions of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the shin develop. C6 indicates an open ulcer, and C5 indicates a healed one. In addition to the need for constant skin treatment to prevent suppuration, the ulcerative defect itself is painful. It is difficult for the patient to wear clothes or shoes, any touch causes pain.
If you suspect the development of varicose veins, come for a consultation with the phlebologists of Olympus Clinics. Our specialists will ask about the symptoms, conduct an examination of the veins and ultrasound (ultrasound Dopplerography) — a non-invasive method of examining blood vessels using ultrasound to find out the cause of your worries.
Causes of varicose veins
Varicose veins are a disease with many causes, and the specific factors that lead to its development have not yet been established. However, there are certain risks, namely:
Heredity: Genetic predisposition to weakness of venous walls and valves.
Hormonal changes: Varicose veins are more common in women than in men due to fluctuations in hormones during pregnancy, menstruation or the use of hormonal drugs.
Old age: Loss of vein elasticity.
Sedentary work: Professions associated with prolonged stay in one position create additional pressure on the veins.
Obesity: Being overweight increases the strain on the veins.
Poor nutrition: Lack of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins C and K.
Lack of physical activity: Lack of movement reduces the efficiency of the muscle pump and blood circulation.
About the treatment of varicose veins
Let's answer right away: it is impossible to cure varicose veins with pills and ointments. They can relieve the symptoms of the disease, but not eliminate varicose veins.
But you can do without surgery. Treatment of varicose veins without surgery is the use of modern low—traumatic methods that are aimed at gluing the diseased vein so that it no longer participates in blood circulation. We have collected the main methods of treating varicose veins:
Laser or radiofrequency coagulation of veins is the most common. A laser inserted through a catheter acts on a vein, blocking blood flow in it and normalizing blood circulation. Laser treatment of varicose veins is performed under local anesthesia, so the patient does not feel pain. The procedure takes about 30-60 minutes, but depends on the complexity of the case.
Microsurgical treatment of veins is a minimally invasive procedure in which varicose veins are removed through a small puncture. The procedure lasts about 30 minutes. Also, the patient does not have visible scars.
Sclerotherapy is a method of treating varicose veins, in which a drug (sclerosant) is injected into the affected veins, causing the vessel walls to stick together. As a result: the vein becomes invisible, and blood begins to circulate through healthy vessels.
Microsclerotherapy is a method of removing vascular asterisks and small dilated veins, in which a sclerosant is injected through a thin needle. This treatment option is highly effective: it removes 96-98% of varicose veins and has an aesthetic result.
These procedures allow you to get rid of varicose veins with minimal restrictions and rapid recovery. The very next day, you can return to your usual life, but following the doctor's recommendations. At Olympus Clinics, our experienced phlebologists will help you choose the most appropriate treatment method.
Myths about varicose veins
Myth #1: High heels cause varicose veins
Reality: Although high heels can worsen symptoms, they are not the main cause of pathology. The main cause of varicose veins is heredity.
Myth #2: Leeches treat varicose veins
Reality: The treatment of varicose veins does not include the use of blood-thinning drugs. In other words, leech therapy — hirudotherapy has no scientific basis for the treatment of varicose veins. And it can also lead to complications: scarring, inflammation, pigmentation, and sometimes sepsis.
Myth #3: If there is no pain, then varicose veins do not progress
Reality: Even without pain, varicose veins can progress and cause other symptoms or complications. Have a routine check-up with a phlebologist if you have already received treatment or are at risk.
Be kinder to your health
When you notice disturbing symptoms, it's better not to Google the problem. Many diseases have similar signs, so you can misdiagnose yourself. And some do not go to the doctor, because they are afraid that their fears will be confirmed. Olympus Clinic doctors understand these experiences and do not intimidate with diagnoses, dispel fears. After diagnosis, they talk about the results and possible treatment methods in simple language in order to be closer and understand each other. It is important to us that after a visit to the clinic you feel calm and respond to the signals of your body.