Chronic venous insufficiency: The disease can cause severe disability

Recent research conducted by the Geriatric Institute and five other medical centers nationwide has found that up to 34% of people who visit have symptoms of varicose veins (STM) at different rates.

Varicose veins associated with lower limb edema (Photo: TTO) Although this is a common disease, but received very little attention in Vietnam, especially the basic knowledge of this disease.

Chronic venous insufficiency is a very common disease, especially in the elderly. According to some epidemiological studies, the incidence of this disease can be up to 30% - 40%. And common diseases in workers, teachers .

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thang, Director of the Geriatric Institute, in the early stages, the symptoms are often atypical, so the patients themselves are easily mistaken for normal aging manifestations of the body. The incidence in women can be twice, even 3 times, compared to men due to hormonal changes in the body. The disease is also common in working people who require a lot of standing (workers in textile, garment, sales, barbers, teachers .). Other cases are due to the habit of wearing high heels, wearing too tight clothes.

It is obvious that the symptoms will increase markedly when standing long, sitting long, in hot environments and often appear at the end of the day. The patient may feel a feeling of heaviness or tension in the calf, which may cause mild swelling in the ankles, a burning sensation in the leg or itching .

Dermatitis, dry ankles and sores

Chronic STM progresses slowly but if left untreated, many serious complications can seriously affect the quality of life.

According to PGS Wins, STM causes varicose veins in the legs, the veins of large zigzag stretches, look very bad to make patients feel guilty . However, long-term STM will lead to changes under the skin and held under the skin. The skin becomes dark, with lesions such as eczema, dermatitis . long afterwards, the entire ankle is as hard as wood, no longer elastic. When these symptoms appear, it quickly leads to the formation of ulcers that can seriously disrupt the patient.

For patients with chronic STM, drug use is the first method that doctors choose. Besides, squeezing lower extremities is also a measure in all stages of the disease. In some cases, surgery will be an effective way to remove a vein that does not recover or use laser energy or high-frequency waves to remove fibrous veins. However, Prof. Thang said that, in parallel with the above treatments, attention should also be paid to treatment with postural therapy and changes in risk factors to get good treatment results. Best.

In order to prevent STM, the most important thing is regular movement such as walking, swimming, cycling, jumping . For obese people need to eat and practice to reduce weight because this is a weak risk factors for STM. Besides, it is necessary to limit sitting for a long time or standing for a long time. In case of forced occupational conditions, try to alternate foot movements and when resting, you can put your feet up high so that blood is easy to circulate.