Most people primarily associate varicose veins with the large, painful blue and purple nodules that disfigure the legs of both sexes.But what looks so ugly is already developed, even advanced disease.The first stages of the disease are practically invisible to others and are often not taken seriously by the patients themselves.
But not reacting to the appearance of pain, swelling, and even more to spider veins is extremely risky, because the disease is severe, does not go away on its own and threatens the development of dangerous complications.If the disease is ignored, not only ugly knots on the legs will appear.Disorders of venous outflow will cause irreversible consequences in the tissues, which will lead to the formation of trophic ulcers.This is a serious and painful disorder that is very difficult to cure.
If the disease progresses, the blood supply to the lower extremities will steadily deteriorate.This will lead to the fact that the tissues will no longer receive the necessary amount of oxygen and nutrients, because the vessels will become clogged, twisted and stop performing their functions.The result will be serious problems, including tissue death and the development of gangrene.And this is amputation and disability.Therefore, varicose veins require careful attention and the fastest possible response.Only if proper treatment is started in time, it will be possible to avoid not only serious consequences, but also to get rid of ugly and annoying bulging veins on the legs.
Causes of varicose veins on the legs
There are many reasons and factors that can cause the development of varicose veins.
There are many reasons why varicose veins develop on the legs.But basically, the impetus for the development of the disease is various triggers such as work with constant standing, hereditary predisposition or love of uncomfortable high-heeled shoes.
The real reason for the appearance of varicose veins is a disorder of venous outflow.In the human body, blood circulates, that is, it constantly moves through the circulatory system.Once in the lower extremities, the blood cannot return upward on its own;it needs a "pump".Its role is played by special venous valves.
If they begin to cope poorly with their duties, then the so-called reflux occurs - the reverse flow of blood due to valve failure.Such disorders are caused by problems with the physiological balance between muscle cells, elastic fibers of blood vessel walls and collagen.When the blood returns, it leaks into the tissues, leading to the formation of chronic venous insufficiency.
In this case, swelling occurs, and then, as blood components pass into the tissue, fluid stagnation and microcirculation disorders occur.The cells gradually die, and a trophic ulcer appears at the site of blood accumulation.These are long-term incurable, painful tissue defects, open doors for infection and even more dangerous health problems.
First signs, stages and their symptoms
The symptoms of varicose veins are directly related to its stages.
Varicose veins can be considered one of the most common diseases in terms of frequency.It has been known since ancient times, about which there are not only documentary, but also material evidence.In Egypt, a mummy was found with traces of dilated veins and clearly repeatedly treated trophic ulcers.
The disease affects both men and women, but it is somewhat more common in the fairer sex.The main reason for the difference is that women give birth and wear high heels, as well as spending more time on their feet.
Varicose veins can develop at a young age, often triggered by pregnancy and childbirth, when there is a heavy load on the venous system due to the growth and pressure of the fetus, and then after the stress of childbirth.
At first, the symptoms of the disease are difficult to distinguish and difficult to distinguish from other problems.
The first to be noticed are minor pains in the calves, especially after walking, which are often attributed to normal fatigue.The patient may complain of getting tired quickly and not being able to walk long distances as before.He suffers from cramps, burning, flatulence, often worse at night;in the evening, swelling, a feeling of heaviness and "lead-filled" legs appear.
Most often, at this stage, patients do not consult a doctor, attributing discomfort to uncomfortable shoes, high load on the legs, heat and fatigue.But the disease can progress for years, or even decades, until the situation worsens to the point where blue veins protruding from under the skin or spider veins appear.Even the presence of such symptoms and pain, clearly directed along the veins, does not always force the patient to seek medical help.
There are many methods for classifying the disease, but the division into stages is most often used:
- First- damage to a small number of blood vessels, mainly in the lower part of the legs, with complaints of pain, fatigue, mild manifestations of the venous pattern.Particularly effective treatment is started at this stage.
- Second- addition of symptoms of impaired venous outflow: swelling, fluid stagnation, appearance of mild pain in calves and feet.A common sign is extreme fatigue at the end of the working day.
- Third- development of venous valve incompetence.Formation of twisted, twisted veins, strong swelling, change in skin color towards cyanosis, tendency to the formation of trophic ulcers.A characteristic symptom is the appearance of pain even with minor physical exertion on the legs.
- Fourth- noticeable convex, twisted blue veins under the skin, the formation of nodes that make the skin of the extremities stand out, the presence of trophic ulcers that do not heal.At this stage, only urgent surgical intervention can help.
Varicose veins should be treated as soon as possible, and not resort to amateur measures, but be sure to seek the help of an expert - a phlebologist.He will assess the condition of blood vessels, perform diagnostics and prescribe the correct treatment.It is most often combined, including different methods of influence.
Disease diagnosis
In the early stages, it may be impossible to detect varicose veins on the legs by visual methods.Duplex sonography of the blood vessels of the lower extremities is considered the best way.It allows you to get a complete picture of the state of leg veins, including deep ones, assess the level of blood flow, does not cause discomfort or pain to the patient, and also contributes to the correct selection and prescription of the optimal treatment method.
Drug treatment
For the treatment of varicose veins in the first stages, special creams, ointments and tablets are used.
The main danger posed by varicose veins is thrombophlebitis, that is, an inflammatory process in the walls of blood vessels.In addition, the risk of thrombosis increases sharply, and a blood clot is a direct threat not only to the patient's health, but also to his life.A "discarded" blood clot can travel through the bloodstream to vital organs and cause potentially fatal conditions - pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction or stroke.
In the initial stages of the disease, combined therapy is used, which is mainly based on the use of special drugs - venotonics and compression products.The main drugs are drugs that thin the blood and prevent the formation of blood clots, tone and strengthen blood vessels, and improve blood circulation.
Compression therapy includes the use of special elastic bandages and compression stockings - stockings, knee socks, stockings and tights.
They are necessarily selected by the doctor depending on the degree of development of the disease.In the initial stages, preventive compression stockings are most often used.High-quality medical products do not differ in appearance from special knitwear, so they can be worn every day.They are especially recommended for women who are on their feet most of the day - salespeople, hairdressers, teachers.
Traditional methods for treating diseases
Traditional medicine treats varicose veins in the legs in the following ways:
- Green tomato wraps.This medicine, strange at first glance, perfectly helps to relieve inflammation, bulging blood vessels and swelling.Unripe tomatoes cut into circles are placed overnight on the sore spot, and removed in the morning.
- Horse chestnut tincture.This herb is widely used to treat vein problems, so you can also do it at home.Rubbing the legs with tincture brings relief from pain and swelling, tones and strengthens the veins.
- Gingko biloba– an ancient tree with interesting triangular leaves.Its leaves are used as a very effective medicine to improve circulation and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
You can fight against the manifestations of varicose veins with the help of various herbal preparations, but it is best to consult your doctor first.
Surgical intervention
The essence of the operation is ligation and removal of pathologically altered veins.
Operative procedures for varicose veins are a frequent occurrence, because the developed disease cannot be cured by conservative methods alone.
The most commonly used surgical techniques are:
- phlebectomy,or removal of the affected veins.
- Laser coagulation- a modern method of obliteration (clogging) of diseased vessels using a directed laser beam.Over time, the vessel stops functioning, becomes sclerotic and dissolves.The technique is considered gentle, as it does not require incisions, patient hospitalization and a long recovery period.The procedure gives an excellent cosmetic effect.
- Radiofrequency coagulation- a way to eliminate reflux in a large or small vein.Its effectiveness is comparable to phlebectomy, but it does not require a rehabilitation period and patients tolerate it more easily.
- Sclerosis.A method in which a special drug is injected into a vein under the control of an ultrasound device, which causes the vein to stick.
Treatment prognosis and possible complications
Varicose veins on the legs are a serious disease that can easily lead to very dangerous complications.The main danger is the development of thrombosis, which can cause damage to the entire body.The detachment and migration of a blood clot threatens a person with unexpected death, because a blood clot that enters vital organs and blocks a vessel can easily cause a stroke, heart attack or embolism.
Advanced varicose veins can cause disability.
Another terrible threat that varicose veins carry with them is loss of mobility and disability.If the disease is not treated, the development of a complete blockage of the veins in the legs may occur, during which gangrene will develop, and doctors will have no other options to save the patient's life other than amputation of a limb or both legs.
Such terrible consequences can only be prevented by timely seeking medical help and strict adherence to medical prescriptions.Timely treatment can save you from terrible complications and preserve the health and beauty of your feet.
Prevention is important for disease prevention.Doctors constantly repeat these simple rules, but most people persistently ignore them until the problem of veins affects them personally.
Preventive measures to prevent varicose veins are as follows:
- Moderate physical activity.Both overloading and passive sitting in motionless positions, which causes blood stagnation in the lower extremities, are equally harmful to the health of blood vessels.
- Quitting bad habits – smoking and drinking alcohol.They have an extremely negative effect on the condition of the veins.
- Wear comfortable shoes with medium heels, no more than 5-6 cm high.
- The use of preventive compression stockings when necessary, during work "standing" or difficult inheritance, during pregnancy and childbirth.
- The fight against excess weight.Significant body weight is one of the factors that contribute to the appearance of varicose veins.
Following these simple rules will help you keep your veins strong and healthy, and your legs beautiful and slim.