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2023 Author: Alfred Shackley | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 13:14
Varicose veins (popularly called this disease simply varicose veins) is a pathological process that occurs in the vessels that deliver blood to the heart. It is characterized by lengthening and expansion of the veins, thinning of the venous wall and the further appearance of the so-called nodes due to the pathology of the vessel walls.
Symptoms of the disease, depending on the stage, can be imperceptible or pronounced.
According to statistics, almost half of humanity suffers from varicose veins, and more often women are worried about varicose veins (especially those who have reached the age of forty) than the stronger sex. This gender division is due to the fact that the walls of blood vessels in women are weaker, moreover, ladies like to wear uncomfortable shoes with high heels.
Most often, varicose veins are localized in the lower extremities, however, any organ can be exposed to this pathology.
A very common variant of varicose veins is the expansion, inflammation and tortuosity of the veins around the rectum. This disease is called hemorrhoids and is accompanied by very unpleasant symptoms.
Symptoms
In the early stages, varicose veins have the following symptoms:
- venous "mesh" on the legs;
- a feeling of heaviness, fatigue, a feeling of warmth or even a burning sensation in the lower extremities during physical exertion;
- dull pain in the area of varicose veins;
- leg cramps, especially at night;
- swelling in the ankles and lower legs.
In the advanced form of varicose veins, the patient's veins become more noticeable, the vessels of burgundy or dark blue bulge under the skin. Acute chronic pain may appear, edema occurs even with little physical exertion. Elderly people may develop defects on the skin of the extremities or in the area of the joints - trophic ulcers.
The symptoms of hemorrhoids are as follows:
- soreness in the rectum and anus during bowel movements or physical exertion (for example, lifting weights);
- discharge of blood during emptying;
- a feeling of the presence of a foreign body in the rectal area;
- burning and itching;
- prolapse of hemorrhoids in the intestine with stress and during the coping of natural needs.
In no case should such symptoms be ignored, since varicose veins and hemorrhoids can have quite serious consequences.
So, the expansion of the veins in the legs can lead to severe venous bleeding, eczema and even thrombophlebitis - inflammation of the vein, accompanied by the formation of blood clots.
Complications of hemorrhoids can be profuse bleeding from the veins of the rectum, thrombophlebitis and prolapse of hemorrhoids.
Causes
Doctors identify a number of factors and problems due to which a person may develop symptoms of varicose veins and hemorrhoids:
- irrational nutrition, passion for fatty, fried, flour products;
- alcohol abuse, smoking;
- sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work, manner of sitting, crossing legs;
- significant loads on the legs, standing work, lifting weights;
- overweight, obesity;
- deficiency of vitamins and collagen in the body;
- high blood pressure;
- wearing uncomfortable, tight clothing and high-heeled shoes.
And the appearance of hemorrhoids, among other things, can also contribute to chronic constipation and diseases of the rectum.
Treatment
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear - swelling of the lower extremities, the appearance of visible dilated veins under the skin, as well as a feeling of discomfort in the rectal area, it is necessary to consult a doctor and begin a course of treatment.
At the initial and late stages, varicose veins and hemorrhoids are treated with venotonic drugs - drugs that reduce the permeability and fragility of blood vessels.
One of the most effective and affordable venotonic drugs is Troxerutin (or its analogue - Troxevasin).
Troxerutin capsules have venotonic and anti-inflammatory activity, have an anti-edema effect, limit the adhesion of platelets to the vascular wall and strengthen it.
Adults and adolescents over the age of fifteen should take one capsule two or three times a day at the same time, after or during meals. You need to drink the medicine with plain clean water.
The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the doctor on an individual basis, but, as a rule, it is two to three weeks. After this time, when the symptoms of the disease become much less pronounced and the veins in the legs and in the rectum become less secreted, a maintenance course is recommended - taking one capsule of Troxerutin per day for 5-6 months.
In parallel with taking the capsules, local therapy is needed. The area of the skin of the legs where the veins are affected should be lubricated with Troxerutin or Troxevasin gel. Apply the gel to dry and clean skin in a thick layer, and then gently massage the treated area of the skin. It is advisable to leave a layer of gel on the skin and wait until it is completely absorbed - this will increase the effectiveness of therapy.
You need to do this procedure twice a day - for example, after a morning and evening shower.
The duration of gel treatment is also determined by the doctor individually.
Hemorrhoids are treated with ointments and suppositories - rectal suppositories. The drug Relief, which contains shark liver oil, vasoconstrictor, anti-inflammatory and analgesic components, has proven itself quite well.
The ointment should be applied to the affected veins of the anus up to four times a day - after waking up, before bedtime, and also after each act of bowel movement. Also, using a special cap, you can inject the ointment directly into the rectum. It is very important to wash and dry your skin carefully before the procedure.
Rectal suppositories should be carefully inserted into the rectum also 3-4 times a day, preferably after bowel movement.
Hemorrhoids should be treated only after a doctor has examined the rectum and accurately diagnosed the disease. Self-medication of such a delicate problem is unacceptable.
Prophylaxis
To prevent varicose veins and hemorrhoids from reappearing, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- exclude fast food, fatty foods, baked goods from the diet;
- quit smoking and alcohol;
- do not wear tight, uncomfortable things, high-heeled shoes;
- go in for sports (swimming is ideal for the prevention of varicose veins);
- do not allow constipation - this injures the rectum;
- if you have a sedentary or standing job, take regular breaks, move, change body position;
- after a working day, rest in a horizontal position, placing your legs above the level of your head;
- lose weight and watch your diet, give preference to light, natural, rich in vitamins and fiber.
If you suspect varicose veins, consult a phlebologist as soon as possible to avoid possible complications.