Most people primarily associate varicose veins with large, painful blue and purple nodules that disfigure the legs of both sexes.But what looks so ugly is a disease that has already developed and even advanced.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 the emerging pain, swelling and even more so to 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 will ugly lumps appear on the legs.Disturbances in venous flow will cause irreversible consequences in the tissues, which will lead to the formation of trophic ulcers.This is a serious and painful disease that is very difficult to cure.
If the disease progresses, the blood supply to the lower extremities will steadily deteriorate.This will mean that the tissues will no longer receive the necessary amount of oxygen and nutrients, as the vessels will become clogged, twisted and will no longer perform their functions.The result will be serious problems, including tissue death and the development of gangrene.And that is amputation and disability.Therefore, varicose veins require careful attention and the quickest response possible.Only if appropriate treatment is started early will it be possible to avoid not only serious consequences, but also to eliminate bothersome bulging veins on the legs.
Causes of varicose veins in the legs
There are many reasons and factors that can cause the development of varicose veins.
There are many reasons why varicose veins develop in the legs.But basically, the impetus for the development of the disease is various triggers, such as constant standing, hereditary predisposition or love for uncomfortable high-heeled shoes.
The real reason for the formation of varicose veins is the interruption of venous flow.In the human body, blood circulates, that is, it moves constantly through the circulatory system.Once in the lower extremities, the blood cannot return on its own;needs a “bomb”.Their role is played by special venous valves.
If they begin to perform their functions poorly, 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 in the vessel walls and collagen.When blood returns, it leaks into the tissues, leading to the formation of chronic venous insufficiency.
In this case, swelling appears, and then, as blood components leak into the tissue, fluid stagnation (stasis) occurs and microcirculation is disturbed.The cells gradually die and a trophic ulcer appears at the site of blood accumulation.These are painful tissue defects that do not heal in the long term, opening the door to infections and even more dangerous health problems.
First signs, phases and symptoms
The symptoms of varicose veins are directly related to their stages.
Varicose veins in terms of prevalence 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 material evidence.In Egypt, a mummy was found with traces of clearly repeatedly treated varicose veins and trophic ulcers.
The disease affects both men and women, but is slightly more common among the fair 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 in youth, often caused by pregnancy and childbirth, when there is a great load on the venous system 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 differentiate from other problems.
The first to be noticed is minor pain in the calves, especially after walking, which is often attributed to normal tiredness.The patient may complain that they get tired quickly and are unable to walk long distances as before.Feeling uncomfortable with cramps, burning sensation, distension, often worsening at night;At night, swelling, a feeling of heaviness and legs “full of lead” appear.
Most often, at this stage, patients do not consult a doctor, attributing the discomfort to uncomfortable shoes, heavy load on the legs, heat and fatigue.But the disease can progress for years and even decades, until the situation worsens so much that bulging blue veins under the skin become visible or spider veins appear.And even the presence of such symptoms and pain, clearly directed to the veins, does not always force the patient to seek medical help.
There are many methods for classifying the disease, but most often division into stages is used:
- First– injury to a small number of vessels, mainly in the lower part of the legs, with complaints of pain, tiredness, slight manifestation of the venous pattern.Treatment started at this stage is especially effective.
- Second– adding symptoms of impaired venous flow: swelling, fluid stagnation, appearance of mild pain in the calves and feet.A common sign is extreme tiredness at the end of the workday.
- Third– development of venous valve incompetence.Formation of twisted and twisted veins, intense swelling, changes in skin color towards cyanosis, emerging tendency to the formation of trophic ulcers.A characteristic symptom is the appearance of pain even with minor physical exertion on the legs.
- Room– convex and complicated blue veins visible under the skin, formation of nodules that make the skin of the extremities prominent, presence of trophic ulcers that do not heal.At this stage, only urgent surgical intervention can help.
It is necessary to treat varicose veins as early as possible, and not resort to amateur measures, but be sure to seek help from a specialist - a phlebologist.He will assess the condition of the blood vessels, make diagnoses and prescribe the correct treatment.Most often it is combined, including different methods of influence.
Diagnosis of the disease
In the early stages, it may be impossible to detect varicose veins in the legs using visual methods.The best way is considered to be duplex ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities.It allows you to obtain a complete picture of the condition of the veins in the legs, including deep veins, 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 ideal treatment method.
Drug treatment
To treat varicose veins in the early stages, special creams, ointments and tablets are used.
The main threat that varicose veins pose is thrombophlebitis, that is, an inflammatory process in the walls of blood vessels.With it, the risk of thrombosis increases dramatically, and a blood clot poses a direct threat not only to health, but also to the patient's life.A “dissolved” 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, based mainly on the use of special drugs - venotonics and compression products.The main medications are drugs that thin the blood and prevent the formation of blood clots, toning and strengthening blood vessels, improving blood circulation.
Compression therapy includes the use of special elastic bandages and compression stockings - stockings, knee-highs, stockings and tights.
They are necessarily selected by a 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 meshes, so they can be used daily.They are especially recommended for women who are on their feet most of the day - salespeople, hairdressers, teachers.
Traditional methods for the disease
Traditional medicine treats varicose veins on the legs in the following ways:
- Green tomato compresses.This remedy, strange at first glance, perfectly helps to relieve inflammation, swelling of blood vessels and swelling.Green tomatoes cut into circles are applied to the sore spot overnight and removed in the morning.
- Horse chestnut tincture.This plant is often used to treat vein problems, so you can do it at home.Rubbing the legs with the tincture brings relief from pain and swelling, tones and strengthens the veins.
- Ginkgo biloba– an ancient tree with interesting triangular-shaped foliage.Its leaves are used as a very effective remedy to improve blood circulation and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
You can combat 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 to ligate and remove pathologically altered veins.
Surgical procedures for varicose veins are common, as the developed disease cannot be cured with conservative methods alone.
The most commonly used surgical techniques are:
- Phlebectomy,or removal of affected veins.
- Laser coagulation– a modern method of obliterating (clogging) diseased vessels using a targeted laser beam.Over time, the vessel stops functioning, 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– a way to eliminate reflux in the great or small saphenous vein.Its effectiveness is comparable to phlebectomy, but it does not require a period of rehabilitation and is easier for patients to tolerate.
- Sclerosis.Method in which a special medicine is injected into a vein under the control of an ultrasound machine, causing the vein to be glued together.
Treatment prognosis and possible complications
Varicose veins in 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 organism.The separation and migration of a blood clot threatens a person with unexpected death, since 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.
The second terrible threat that varicose veins bring with them is the deprivation of a person's mobility and disability.If the disease is not treated, it can lead to the development of complete blockage of the leg veins, in which gangrene will develop, and doctors will have no other option to save the patient's life other than amputation of a limb or both legs.
These dire consequences can only be avoided by seeking medical help in a timely manner and strictly following medical prescriptions.Timely treatment can save you from terrible complications and preserve the health and beauty of your feet.
Prevention is important to prevent the disease.Doctors constantly repeat these simple rules, but most people persistently ignore them until the problem with their veins affects them personally.
Preventive measures to prevent varicose veins are as follows:
- Moderate physical activity.Both overload and passive sitting in immobile positions, which causes blood stagnation in the lower extremities, are equally harmful to vascular health.
- Give up 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.
- Use of preventive compression stockings if necessary, during “standing” work or aggravated heredity, during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Fighting excess weight.Significant body weight is one of the factors contributing to the development of varicose veins.
Following these simple rules will help keep your veins strong and healthy and your legs beautiful and slender.