The Egyptian Society for Blood Transfusion Services
Varicose veins is a condition in which the veins are keratinized and dilated. Varicose veins can appear in all veins in the body, but they mostly affect the veins of the legs. This is because walking and standing for a long time increase pressure on the veins of the lower body.
For many people, varicose veins, which are a widespread and mild type of varicose veins, are a matter of cosmetic problem only. For others, varicose veins can cause very severe pain and discomfort. Varicose veins can sometimes lead to complications and more severe and dangerous problems. cases are at risk of contracting other diseases
related to blood flow in the body.
● Symptoms of varicose veins, among the symptoms of varicose veins are veins that appear twisted and swollen as if they are ropes on the legs. Mostly, varicose veins do not cause pain at all. Symptoms of varicose veins are as follows:
• Blue or purple veins.
• Veins that appear twisted and swollen, as if they are ropes on the legs.
Varicose veins may appear in different places of the legs, from the thigh to the ankle, and with painful signs and symptoms, they may include the following:
• Feeling of pain or heaviness in the legs.
• Burning, throbbing, muscle spasms, and swelling in the lower legs.
• Increased pain after sitting or standing for long periods.
• Itching around one or more veins.
• Sores in the skin near the ankle, which may indicate a serious vascular disease that requires medical treatment.
• Spider veins are a condition similar to varicose veins but smaller as they are closer to the skin. They are usually red or blue. They usually appear on the legs but can also appear on the face. They appear in different sizes in different people and often look like a cobweb.
● causes and risk factors for varicose veins, the risk of infection increases
Varicose veins with age, as the arteries transport blood from the heart to the other various tissues in the body, while the veins return blood from different parts of the body to the heart, in order to return blood to the heart, the veins of the legs must work against the force of gravity and the force of attraction.
Contractions in the muscles of the lower leg act like pumps, and the soft walls of the veins help blood to return to the heart. Small valves in the veins open when blood flows towards the heart and then close to prevent blood from flowing back to the heart.
Back backwards.
● Common causes of varicose veins include the following:
1. Age.. As a person gets older, the veins lose their suppleness, which causes them to expand, and the valves in the veins may become weaker, allowing the blood that should flow to the heart to return back. Thus, blood collects in the veins, which leads to their widening, and varicose veins are formed. Varicose veins appear blue; Because they contain blood that lacks oxygen.
2. Pregnancy.. Varicose veins develop in some pregnant women, as pregnancy increases the volume of blood in the body but reduces its flow from the legs to the pelvis. This change in blood circulation is intended to support the fetus, but it can cause an unfortunate side effect of widening veins. In the legs, varicose veins may appear for the first time or may get worse late in the day
Legs, as hormonal changes during pregnancy may play a role in this, varicose veins that appear during pregnancy usually improve without the need for any medical treatment within three months after delivery.
● Factors that increase the risk of infection include the following:
1. Age.. Varicose veins often appear between the ages of 30-70, and the risk of developing them increases with age, as aging causes erosion and rupture of the valves in the veins that help regulate blood flow. Eventually, erosion of the valves causes the blood to flow from flowing back into the veins, where it collects instead of flowing into the heart.
2. Sex.. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men, and hormonal changes during pregnancy in the premenstrual period and during menopause can be trigger factors. Female hormones tend to cause relaxation in the walls of the veins. Take HRT or birth control pills. May increase the risk of varicose veins.
3. Genetic factors.. The possibility of developing varicose veins increases among those whose relatives suffer from them.
4. Excess obesity.. Excess weight puts extra pressure on the veins.
5. Standing for long periods.. Blood flow is less efficient when staying in the same position for a long time.
● Complications of varicose veins Complications of varicose veins are rare, but can include: ulcers and blood clots.
● Diagnosis of varicose veins..
• To diagnose varicose veins, the doctor conducts a physical examination that also includes observing the legs when standing to see if there is swelling. Sometimes the doctor may also ask for a description of the pain in the legs.
• In some cases, it may be necessary to conduct an ultrasound examination, through which it is possible to check whether the valves in the veins are working normally, or if there is any evidence of thrombosis. When conducting this examination, it is carried out through the following steps:
• You should lie down on the bed.
• A small amount of warm gel is applied to the skin, with the help of the gel it prevents the formation of air pockets between the transducer and the patient's body.
• A skilled ultrasound technician places a small handheld instrument called a transducer in the area being examined and • moves from one area to another if necessary.
• The transducer transmits the image of the veins in the legs to a screen that the technician and doctor can view.
● Treatment of varicose veins may be limited to methods and means of self-treatment, or it may require procedures carried out by the doctor to block or remove the veins. Treatments include the following:
1. Exercise.. Exercising can relieve pain and prevent varicose veins from getting worse. Fortunately, treating varicose veins does not usually require lying in bed.
Hospitalization or a long and uncomfortable recovery period.
2. Self-care.. Self-care can relieve pain and prevent varicose veins from getting worse, including:
• Reduce weight.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes.
• Raising the legs.
• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods.
3. Using rubber stockings.. Wearing rubber stockings is often the first step before any other treatment, and these stockings are worn throughout the day so that they are wrapped around the leg and form pressure on it, which
It helps push blood into the veins and muscles in the legs more efficiently.
The degree of compression varies according to the type of socks and the brand. There are socks in different colors and with different degrees of pressure. There are many types of rubber socks in the market, so everyone can find comfortable and suitable socks for him.
When buying rubber stockings, you must make sure that they are suitable for the leg. The patient or pharmacist can measure the leg with a measuring tape to ensure that stockings are purchased in the correct size. Rubber stockings must be strong, but not tight and tight.
Perhaps he finds those who suffer from weak hands or from inflammation
Joints find it difficult to wear such socks. On the other hand, there are special devices that help in wearing socks.
4. Other treatments.. If self-care and stretchy stockings don't help with your varicose veins or if the condition is more serious, your doctor may recommend one of the following treatments:
• Treatment of varicose veins by sclerotherapy.
• Laser surgery.
• Surgery using catheters.
• Hide the veins.
• Prevention of varicose veins
● There is no way to completely prevent varicose veins, however
Improving blood circulation and tightening muscles may reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, and home measures that help relieve discomfort caused by the formation of varicose veins may also help prevent their appearance, and they include the following:
• Exercise.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Maintain a diet rich in fiber and low in salt.
Avoid high heels, stockings and tight underwear.
• Raising the legs.
Rapid changes in sitting or standing positions.
● Alternative treatments.. Treating varicose veins with desert chestnut (Aesculus) seed extract, as it may be effective in cases of chronic vein insufficiency, a disease linked to the appearance of varicose veins, as the veins become unable to pump blood to the heart. You should consult a doctor before using desert chestnut seed extract and herbs. medicinal or any other food product.
Herbs that may help in treatment include:
• Witch Hazel.
• Chrysanthemums (Calendula).
• Horse Chestnut.
• Wild ace (Butcher's Broom).
Grape Seed.
• Bilberry.