It starts with a spider …

Proven content

The first symptom of insufficient venous system are red veins, commonly called spider veins, appearing on the legs. Many women believe that this is just a cosmetic defect. It’s not true. This is the beginning of a serious disease of the veins, i.e. varicose veins.

With each contraction of the heart, oxygen-rich blood is forced into the arteries, which distribute it throughout the body. Tissues are treated with oxygen and nutrients, and the blood used in this way returns to the heart through the veins. Such work continues day and night.

Blood flows quickly and under high pressure through the arteries. The veins move much slower because it flows uphill. In an adult human heart is more than a meter above the ground and this distance has to be covered by the blood circulating in the body. It is not an easy task. After all, blood has to overcome the force of gravity. In order for the blood to flow upward, he needs support. When we walk, run, our muscles contract and compress our veins rhythmically. It is as if we want to remove water from a rubber hose by squeezing it with our hands. We can do this, but as soon as we release the pressure, the water in the hose will fall to the bottom. The same would happen in the veins if it weren’t for … the valves, that is, the tiny folds of the inner lining of the vessels. They close when the blood flowing upwards to the heart tries to run back downwards.

When the system fails

If we have weak muscles, we move little and the valves are damaged (we may be born with damaged valves or they may break down due to thrombophlebitis), the blood begins to regress. Then the blood pressure rises, which presses with increasing force against the walls of the veins in the legs. The veins expand and, like a stretched spring, do not return to their original shape. This is how varicose veins are formed, i.e. abnormal broadening of the veins. Over time, the skin above them becomes thinner, taut and shiny. Swollen varicose veins filled with hypoxic blood, visible under the skin as a bluish, sometimes mottled, tortuous line.

If we connected together all the blood vessels in one leg, we would get a tube about 100 km long. This is not a mistake. Some of the veins in the legs are hidden deep and form the so-called system of deep veins. Some of them run close to the skin surface and these are called superficial veins. Both these systems connect transverse strands, which are referred to by those skilled in the art as perforators. Slightly more than 10 percent flows through superficial vessels. venous blood from the legs, but it is in them that varicose veins are formed. Most often on the saphenous vein, running from the medial (inner) ankle to the groin, slightly less often on the small saphenous vein, extending from the lateral (outer) ankle to the knee.

If the valves in the deep veins are weak, the receding blood flows into the superficial veins through perforators, i.e. transverse veins. Then the pressure rises in them and varicose veins form over time. Specialists call them secondary. However, in approx. 95 percent. cases, we suffer from primary varicose veins, which also form in superficial veins, but with well-functioning valves of deep veins.

It starts with a spider

We rarely associate the feeling of heavy legs and swollen ankles in the evening with varicose veins. Meanwhile, this is how innocently the varicose disease, which is preceded by the pre-varicose period, can begin. The legs are heavy and tired, and at the end of the day they swell up around the ankles. The swelling gets worse, e.g. after a hot bath, it gets worse during menstruation (this is the influence of hormones). After increased static effort, i.e. when you stand or sit in one position for a long time, you feel pain in your legs. Professionals call it venous claudication. In addition, more and more spider veins appear on the legs. This stage of the disease can last for many years.

As varicose veins increase, you may experience leg pains and cramps that do not go away even after a night of rest. Sometimes, along the diseased vein, there appear soft protrusions, the size of which depends on the position of the legs (when you hold the leg up – varicose veins disappear, when you stand still – they appear). Over time, the so-called tissue disorders, such as brown discoloration on the skin, varicose eczema and inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue. There is the so-called scleroderma – the skin hardens, it looks like the bark of a tree. Leg ulcers are the most troublesome symptom of advanced varicose disease. These are difficult to heal, painful wounds that form along the veins affected by the disease. Most often above the inner ankles.

Preventive treatment of swelling and heaviness of the legs is worth using various preparations, including balm with grape and horse chestnut leaf extract or Soothing chestnut ointment with a routine against varicose veins.

What is conducive to varicose veins?

The tendency to develop varicose veins is genetic. They can be inherited not only from their mother, but even from their grandmother or great-grandmother. But their appearance is also influenced by other factors:

– race – white, in the case of the black race, varicose veins appear much less frequently,

– gender – women are affected 5 times more often than men,

– past pregnancies,

– hormonal disorders and the use of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy,

– little active lifestyle: no exercise, sitting for several or several hours a day (especially with the leg crossed),

– work that requires many hours of standing, e.g. hairdresser, surgeon, waiter,

– wearing tight clothes, especially knee-length socks, stockings or socks with a tight welt,

– walking in high-heeled shoes or boots that put pressure on the ankle,

– overweight and obesity,

– diet low in fiber and vitamin C deficiency,

– chronic constipation,

– smoking, alcohol abuse.

For varicose veins, you can use the Bishofit set for joints, muscles and bones, which includes a gel and a bath emulsion.

The varicose vein does not go away by itself

Once the varicose veins have started to form, the process cannot be stopped completely. Varicose veins must be treated like any other disease. An experienced surgeon will choose the method that is best for you.

A visit to a specialist begins with collecting a detailed interview. Then the doctor carefully examines the entire legs. It assesses the size of varicose veins and tracks the course of the superficial veins. It pays attention to the condition of the skin, whether it is healthy, warm or changed – red or pale with discoloration. Checks for puffiness. While running his fingers along the veins, he feels, for example, hardening or thickening in them. He can also sense the rush of blood flowing in and see if the valves are working properly and not letting the blood flow back. However, this is only a preliminary diagnosis. The doctor may also carry out additional, simple tests in his office.

For prophylactic and supportive treatment of varicose veins, use BIO gel for tired legs with propolis and Propolia BeeYes honey, which you can buy at a favorable price on Medonet Market.

Band test – Trendelenburg

The patient is lying down with the leg raised. The doctor massages his leg as if he wanted to squeeze all the blood into his stomach. Then he puts a tourniquet high on his thigh. After a while, the patient gets up. The leg is smooth, varicose veins are not visible. The specialist releases the band, the blood draws back and varicose veins appear immediately. This proves the insufficiency of the valves at the exit of the examined vein.

The marching rehearsal – Perthes

While the patient is standing, the doctor places a rubber tourniquet high on the patient’s thigh. The patient has to walk for 20-30 minutes. During this time, the blood from the superficial veins is pressed into the deep veins by the working muscles. If the varicose veins disappear after several dozen minutes, it will mean that the valves of the deep veins are efficient because they retain blood. This is important because if during the operation the trunk and branches of the superficial vein are removed, its tasks will have to be taken over by the deep vein. So it must be in good condition.

Duplex-Doppler examination

This modern ultrasound examination is extremely precise. While the patient is standing, sitting and lying down, the doctor runs the Doppler head over the skin. On the monitor, he can see if the valves are functional, healthy and there are no blood clots in the veins. It can also check if the blood is flowing smoothly and under good pressure – the right colors on the screen indicate if the flow at the vein is correct. For example, when the graph in the monitor shows red, it means that the blood is flowing quickly without obstruction; when blue appears – the blood is barely squeezing through the vein (perhaps there are clots in this place). Thanks to the duplex-Doppler examination, the condition of deep and superficial veins can be assessed.

How is it treated?

Before the surgeon decides which method to treat varicose veins, he also orders a blood count and blood clotting test. Large varicose veins are removed surgically, slightly smaller ones are obliterated (the middle that closes them is injected into the diseased vessels), and quite small ones – so-called spider veins can be destroyed with laser or photo-derm method (irradiation and destroying the diseased vessel).

Surgery to remove the affected vein can be performed at any stage of the development of varicose veins. There are not many contraindications for the operation. However, the treatments are not performed when:

– deep veins are blocked, which should take over their work after removing the superficial veins,

– during the tests, thromboembolism was detected; breakage of a clot during surgery could lead to serious complications such as a heart attack or stroke,

– general health does not allow it, e.g. a recent heart attack, advanced diabetes, hyperthyroidism.

Blood vessels can be strengthened by proper body care. For this purpose, it is worth reaching for the Bioherba soap bar for couperose and mixed skin, which makes the blood vessels more flexible and reduces the permeability of blood vessels, and also moisturizes and regulates the work of the glands.

Choice of method

Surgeons usually choose one of three surgical methods. The differences between these methods are the use of different tools or a different technique for performing the procedure.

Stripping, i.e. the Babcock method

The main venous trunk and the departing venous branches are removed. When removing the saphenous vein, the surgeon first makes two 5-cm incisions on the leg: in the groin and at the ankle (when removing the saphenous vein, the incisions are made just below the knee and around the ankle). Then he introduces into the diseased vein – usually from the ankle side – a soft, metal rope, the so-called the stripper cuts and ties the vein and pulls it out with one jerk. In order to remove the venous branches, he has to make a few, a dozen or so 1-2 cm incisions on the leg along the course of the venous trunk, through which he will pull out the branches of the removed trunk in a similar way. Stitches are placed on the cuts and are usually removed after 7 days. Stripping takes about an hour. The procedure is performed in a hospital under general or epidural anesthesia (feeling blocked from the waist down). After the surgery, you can get up and walk the very next day. The incisions hurt for several days, but can be relieved with painkillers. For a month, hematomas are visible. During this time, the diseased leg is wrapped with an elastic bandage from the groin to the toes. Special compression tights must be worn for the next 3 weeks. Unfortunately, scars remain after numerous large incisions.

The price of the procedure in a private clinic is approx. PLN 1,3 – 4 thousand. zloty

Miniphlebectomy, or the Miller and Varady method

It’s a bit like stripping. The first stage of the operation – removal of the venous trunk – follows the same course as in the Babcock method. The second stage – removal of venous branches, can be performed under local anesthesia. A minimum of 2-3 mm incisions are made along the course of the venous trunk, through which small branches are pulled out with a crochet hook-like tool. There are no sutures, and the incisions are sealed with a special plaster for several days. Later, there is almost no trace of them. You can go home after the surgery. After the procedure performed with this method, the principles of convalescence are similar to those after stripping.

Price of the procedure: approx. 1,5 – 2 thousand. zloty.

Cryostripping, or La Piverte’s method

Several 2-3 mm incisions are made along the course of the venous trunk. A special probe, covered with 24 carat gold at the end, is inserted into the vein through the incision. The probe is connected with a wire with a special apparatus containing nitrous oxide. When the probe reaches the place designated by the doctor, its tip is rapidly cooled down to minus 80-100 degrees C. A piece of the vein sticks to it and is pulled out. For the next microvision, the probe is re-inserted into the vein and the procedure is repeated. Piece by piece, the main venous trunk is removed. Venous branches can be removed through the same small incisions. If the varicose vein is tortuous and the probe is difficult to enter the diseased vein, individual pieces of it can be glued to the frozen tip of the probe and pulled out. General or local anesthesia is used for the procedure. The operation takes about an hour. After the procedure, the patient returns home. For about 2 weeks, he should wear a pressure bandage (elastic bandage) and then special compression tights.

Price of the procedure: approx. 2-2,5 thousand. zloty.

Sclerotherapy (obliteration)

This is an inoperable method of treating varicose veins. This procedure is used on veins with a small cross-section (also when there are so-called spider veins on the legs). The doctor injects into the diseased vein (sometimes several times, at intervals of 7-10 days), an agent that causes its walls to fuse together. Then he bandages the leg. The squeezed vein becomes overgrown with the given preparation. The blood takes a new path without damaging circulation. The procedure is short, 10-30 minutes, and can be performed on an outpatient basis. After the procedure, the patient should walk, but the pressure dressing must be worn for up to 2 weeks.

Treatment price: approx. PLN 100-150.

Ways to deal with spider veins

Laser therapy

Sick vessels can also be destroyed with a laser. In various places, the doctor illuminates the points of connection of the vessels and several places along the course of the vessels. In this way, diseased vessels are destroyed. The laser emits a wavelength of light that is selectively absorbed by hemoglobin. Therefore, there is no need to be afraid of laser therapy, because the surrounding tissues are slightly exposed to high temperature (although there are micro-burns to tissues). After laser therapy, you should not sunbathe for 6 weeks to avoid permanent discoloration on the skin.

Price of the procedure: approx. 1 thousand. zloty

Photo-Derm

A special device creates a pulsed beam of light (different from a laser), which heats the tissue to a high temperature, destroying diseased vessels. First, the patient’s skin is smeared with anesthetic cream, then with a cold cooling gel (as before the ultrasound examination), and then a rectangular tip made of crystal is applied to a specific place on the patient’s leg. The special wavelength of light goes only into the vessels, and not into the skin or surrounding tissues, and closes them. Photo-Derm is suitable for the treatment of small spider veins, benign vascular changes and smaller varicose veins. Before the procedure, the skin should not be tanned, and after the procedure, just like after laser therapy, one should not sunbathe for 6 weeks. No pressure bandages are applied. The patient can go home after the procedure. All he has to do is care for the irritated skin for a while to prevent bacterial contamination. But the same tip applies to any method of removing varicose veins.

Price of the procedure: approx. 1 thousand. zloty.

After the treatments

The main rule that should be followed after the treatment of varicose veins is: follow all the instructions of the operating physician conscientiously. Some of them are general and apply to all patients.

– To avoid blood clots in the veins, start walking as soon as possible.

– Usually, for 4-14 days, you need to wear a compression dressing, which can be replaced with specially selected (to the leg circumference) stockings or compression tights.

– You will need to take medicines to prevent blood clots for a while.

– 1-2 weeks after the surgery, it is worth choosing massages (including hydro massages) to improve blood circulation in the venous system.

– During the convalescence period (approx. 6 weeks), you should not sunbathe intensively. You don’t have to avoid the sun completely, but you can’t lie flat on a beach as hot as a frying pan.

– Since veins do not like high temperatures, both those who have a tendency to varicose veins, suffer from varicose veins or have surgery to remove them, should not go to the sauna.

– After the treatments, you should not wear weights, stand or sit for too long and wear high heels.

– With skin changes that accompany varicose veins, e.g. discoloration, scars after treatments with scleroderma residues, you must visit a dermatologist.

When varicose veins are not treated …

Even life-threatening complications may occur. The most common of them are:

— leg ulcers: when hypoxic blood stays in the veins, it begins to seep through tiny blood vessels into the fatty and subcutaneous tissue. It is as if the sponge is soaking more and more water. First, bloody ecchymoses appear in the area of ​​the ankles, and then there is a progressive dying off of the excessively filled (soaked) tissues with hypoxic blood. This results in a painful ulcer that is difficult to heal. From this outbreak, inflammation can spread throughout the body.

– hemorrhage: the skin above the varicose vein is thin and dry as parchment. When the blood pressure in a diseased vein increases dangerously, its walls may not be able to withstand it. The varicose veins are bursting and the skin above it. There is a haemorrhage that is difficult to control. In this case, to prevent bleeding, you need to call an ambulance as soon as possible, lie down and raise your leg as high as possible.

– blood clots and blockages: when blood remains in the veins, clots form. At some point, such a clot may detach from the vessel wall. It will travel to the heart with the blood. It can clog one of the important arteries, and the consequence of the blockage can be, among others heart attack, stroke or pulmonary embolism.

If someone has had varicose veins once, they may have them again elsewhere. An effective method of preventing them is wearing special knee-socks, stockings or tights during the day, which, by applying pressure to the right places on the leg, prevent the blood from flowing back through the non-closing valves and remaining in the veins. They should be selected individually by a doctor. For this purpose, the patient’s rested leg is measured in many places, e.g. in the ankle, calf, under the knee and in the middle of the thigh (with tights also around the groin and waist). This is how you choose the size of the pantyhose. Tights with less squeezing legs should be worn by people with a family history of varicose veins. Ladies don’t have to worry that anti-varicose tights will disfigure their legs. You can buy them in many colors or those that do not differ from regular tights. Only their price, about PLN 100, may be a deterrent.

For the sake of the veins

Everyone who wants to avoid varicose veins, and most of all people with a family predisposition to their formation, should pay more attention to their legs. Changing the lifestyle can cheat genetics a little and prevent the development of the disease. What should i do?

Avoid standing and sitting for long periods. If you have to stand at work, step from foot to foot, stamp your heel from time to time (it forces the blood to flow towards the heart a little), and do a few sit-ups every hour. If you work while sitting – try to change positions frequently and do not cross your feet. Choose a comfortable chair (the seat must not put pressure on your thighs, and the feet must not hang in the air). If you work sitting at a desk for many hours, put a stool underneath it and rest your stretched legs on it.

Rest with your legs up. During the day, try to spend a few minutes in the so-called American position, i.e. with legs stretched out and feet above the line of the heart, e.g. leaning against a wall or the backrest of another chair. Put a roller or a small pillow under your heels to sleep.

Lose excess weight. The more you weigh, the more difficult it is to circulate properly and the risk of blood stagnation in the veins of your legs increases. Get rid of unnecessary kilograms by diet and exercise.

Consult your doctor about taking hormones. Whether you are on birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.

Quit smoking. Or at least limit them radically. Nicotine affects the narrowing and calcification of the veins; if you use hormonal contraceptive pills and smoke, the risk of varicose veins increases.

Avoid high temperatures. The heat causes the veins to expand. So do not go to the sauna, do not take hot baths, do not sunbathe while lying on the cake, do not depilate the legs with hot wax. In winter, change boots or ankle boots at work.

Choose the right shoes. That is, those with wider toes and a heel that is not too high or too low. The ideal one is 3-4 cm high. If you have transverse or longitudinal flat feet, fit the insoles to the covered shoe and wear them. In flat shoes, the weight of the body strains the foot so much that blood circulation is impeded, and in shoes with a heel of more than 5 cm, the calf muscles are blocked and blood stagnates in the veins.

Do sport. Move and exercise more, it improves circulation and strengthens muscles. Jump rope is especially recommended, and lying down, the so-called bicycle and scissors. Exercise for at least 10 minutes a day. Get on the bike, swim, run. If you have the opportunity, walk in the field, and at home on a rubber rug with appendages (the so-called hedgehog or fakir).

Take care of healthy clothing. Avoid wearing tight underwear and pants. Do not wear socks or self-supporting stockings with strong cuffs.

Change your diet. Go on a low-calorie diet and give up products containing highly refined carbohydrates (cakes, sweets). However, eat as much fiber-rich foods as possible (it is found in fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grain bread). Also include bran – at least a teaspoon a day – and garlic on the menu. Eat peppers, apricots, cherries, which contain vitamins C and B6 that seal the walls of the veins. Drink about 2 liters of still mineral water a day.

Harden the veins. Take an alternating shower in the morning and evening. Start with warm water, then make changes to warm – cool water, and finish with warm (but not hot) water. A warm shower should last 2-3 times longer than a cool one.

Do leg massages. Especially at bedtime and in the morning, right after waking up. Massage your legs with your hand or a soft sponge from the toes to the groin (always towards the heart). In the evening, you can do a massage using a gel or ointment. We recommend the ointment from butcher’s broom which strengthens blood vessels, which reduces the risk of spider veins and varicose veins on the legs.