Most people associate varicose veins primarily with large, painful blue and purple lumps that disfigure the legs of both sexes.But what looks so ugly is an already established, 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 responding to pain, swelling, and even more so spider veins is extremely risky, since the disease is serious, does not go away on its own, and threatens to develop dangerous complications.If the disease is neglected, not only ugly lumps appear on the legs.Disorders of venous outflow have irreversible consequences in the tissues, leading to the formation of trophic ulcers.It is a serious and painful disorder that is very difficult to cure.
If the disease progresses, the blood supply to the lower limbs continues to deteriorate.This leads to the fact that the tissues no longer receive the necessary amount of oxygen and nutrients, as the vessels become clogged, twisted and do not perform their functions.The result leads to serious problems, including tissue death and gangrene.And this is amputation and disability.So varicose veins require careful attention and the fastest possible response.Only by starting the appropriate treatment in time can not only avoid serious consequences, but also get rid of ugly and annoying bulging veins on the legs.
Causes of varicose veins of the legs
Many reasons and factors can provoke the development of varicose veins.
There are many reasons why varicose veins develop in the legs.But basically, the development of the disease is stimulated by many triggering factors, such as work at a constant position, hereditary predisposition or a love for uncomfortable high-heeled shoes.
The real reason for the development of varicose veins is the disturbance of venous outflow.In the human body, blood circulates, that is, it constantly moves through the circulatory system.In the lower limbs, the blood cannot return upward on its own;it needs a "pump".Its role is fulfilled by special venous valves.
If they begin to cope with their tasks poorly, so-called reflux occurs - the reverse flow of blood due to a malfunction of the valve.Such disorders are caused by problems in the physiological balance between muscle cells, the elastic fibers of blood vessel walls, and collagen.When the blood returns, it seeps into the tissues, leading to the development of chronic venous insufficiency.
In this case, swelling appears, then when blood components leak into the tissue, fluid stagnation (stasis) occurs and microcirculation is disturbed.The cells gradually die, and a trophic ulcer appears in the place of blood accumulation.These are long-lasting, non-healing, painful tissue defects, open doors to infections and even more dangerous health problems.
First signs, stages and their symptoms
The symptoms of varicose veins are directly related to its stages.
In terms of the frequency of occurrence of varicose veins, it can be considered one of the most common diseases.It has been known since ancient times, for which there is not only documentary but also physical evidence.In Egypt, a mummy was found with varicose veins and trophic ulcers that had clearly been treated several times.
The disease affects both men and women, but is somewhat more common among the fair sex.The main reason for the difference is that women give birth, wear high heels, and spend more time on their feet.
Varicose veins can develop at a young age, which is often triggered by pregnancy and childbirth, when the venous system is under great strain due to the growth and pressure of the fetus, and 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 is a minor pain in the calf, especially after walking, which is often attributed to normal fatigue.The patient may complain that he gets tired quickly and cannot walk long distances as before.Troubled by cramps, burning sensations, bloating, often worse at night;in the evenings, swelling, a feeling of heaviness, and "lead-filled" legs appear.
Most often, at this stage, patients do not consult a doctor and attribute the discomfort to uncomfortable shoes, high load on the legs, heat and fatigue.But the disease can drag on for years, even decades, until the situation worsens to the point where blue veins protruding under the skin or spider veins appear.And even the presence of such symptoms and pain, which is clearly directed along the veins, does not always force the patient to seek medical help.
There are many ways to classify the disease, but the most common is the division into stages:
- First of all- damage to a small number of blood vessels, mainly in the lower part of the legs, with complaints associated with pain, fatigue, and a mild manifestation of the venous pattern.Treatment started at this stage is particularly effective.
- Second time- supplementing the symptoms of impaired venous outflow: swelling, fluid retention, mild pain in the calf and foot.A frequent symptom is extreme fatigue at the end of the working day.
- Third– development of venous valve incompetence.Formation of twisted, twisted veins, severe swelling, change in skin color towards cyanosis, tendency to develop trophic ulcers.A characteristic symptom is the appearance of pain in the legs even with minor physical exertion.
- Fourth- noticeable convex, tortuous blue veins under the skin, the formation of nodules that highlight the skin of the limbs, the presence of non-healing trophic ulcers.At this stage, only urgent surgical intervention can help.
Varicose veins should be treated as early as possible, and you should not resort to amateur measures, but definitely seek help from a specialist - a phlebologist.He assesses the condition of the blood vessels, makes a diagnosis and prescribes the appropriate treatment.They are most often combined, including different methods of influence.
Diagnosis of the disease
In the early stages, it may not be possible to detect varicose veins in the legs using visual methods.The best method is a duplex ultrasound examination of the vessels of the lower extremities.It allows you to get a complete picture of the condition of the leg veins, including the deep ones, assess the level of blood flow, does not cause discomfort or pain to the patient, and contributes to the correct selection and prescription of the optimal treatment method.
Drug treatment
In the first stage, special creams, ointments and tablets are used to treat varicose veins.
The main danger of varicose veins is thrombophlebitis, that is, the inflammatory process of the walls of blood vessels.With this, the risk of thrombosis increases sharply, and the blood clot poses a direct threat not only to health, but also to the patient's life.A 'dislodged' clot can travel through the bloodstream to vital organs and cause potentially fatal conditions - pulmonary embolism, heart attack or stroke.
In the initial stages of the disease, combined therapy is used, which is primarily based on the use of special drugs - venotonics and compression products.The main drugs are drugs that thin the blood and prevent blood clots, tone and strengthen blood vessels, and improve blood circulation.
Compression therapy involves the use of special elastic bandages and compression stockings - socks, knee socks, stockings and tights.
If necessary, the doctor selects them depending on the degree of development of the disease.In the initial stage, 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.We recommend it especially to women who are on their feet most of the day - salespeople, hairdressers, teachers.
Traditional methods of disease
Traditional medicine treats varicose veins on the legs with the following methods:
- Green tomato poultice.This medicine, strange at first glance, perfectly helps to relieve inflammation, bulging veins and swelling.Unripe tomatoes cut into rounds are applied to the sore spot overnight and removed in the morning.
- Horse chestnut tincture.This plant is widely used to treat venous problems, so you can do it at home.Rubbing the legs with tincture relieves pain and swelling, tones and strengthens the veins.
- Gingko biloba– an ancient tree with interesting triangular foliage.Its leaves serve as a very effective medicine to improve blood circulation and strengthen blood vessel walls.
You can fight 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 the ligation and removal of pathologically altered veins.
Varicose vein surgery is common, as the 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 for removing (clogging) diseased blood vessels using a directed laser beam.Over time, the vessel ceases to function, becomes sclerotic and dissolves.The technique is considered gentle, as it does not require incisions, hospitalization of the patient and a long recovery period.The procedure provides an excellent cosmetic effect.
- Radiofrequency coagulation- method of eliminating reflux in the great or small saphenous vein.Its effectiveness is similar to phlebectomy, but it does not require a rehabilitation period and is easier for patients to tolerate.
- Sclerosis.A method in which, under the guidance of an ultrasound device, a special medicine is injected into the vein, which leads to the gluing of the vein.
Treatment prognosis and possible complications
Varicose veins of the legs is a serious disease that can easily lead to very dangerous complications.The main danger is the formation of thrombosis, which can cause damage to the entire body.The separation and migration of a blood clot threatens a person with unexpected death, since a blood clot that reaches vital organs and blocks a vascular system can easily cause a stroke, heart attack or embolism.
Advanced varicose veins can cause disability.
The second terrible threat that varicose veins bring is the deprivation of an individual's mobility and disability.If the disease is not treated, it can lead to complete blockage of the veins in the legs, during which gangrene develops, and doctors have no other option to save the patient's life than amputation of one limb or both legs.
Such serious consequences can only be prevented by timely medical assistance and strict adherence to medical regulations.Timely treatment can save you from terrible complications and preserve the health and beauty of your feet.
In order to prevent the disease, prevention is important.Doctors keep repeating these simple rules, but most people persistently ignore them until the vein problem affects them personally.
Preventive measures to prevent varicose veins include:
- Moderate physical activity.Both overloading and passive sitting in a motionless position, which causes blood stasis in the lower limbs, are equally harmful to the vascular system.
- Giving up bad habits - smoking and drinking alcohol.They have an extremely negative effect on the condition of the veins.
- Wearing comfortable shoes with a medium heel, no more than 5-6 cm high.
- Use of preventive compression stockings if necessary, "standing" work or aggravated heredity, during pregnancy and childbirth.
- The fight against excess weight.Being overweight is one factor that contributes to the development of varicose veins.
Following these simple rules will help keep your veins strong and healthy, and your legs beautiful and slim.