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 a disease that has developed, even progressed.The first stage of the disease can be said to be invisible to others and often not taken seriously by the patient himself.
But not responding to the pain that appears, swelling, and above all to spider veins is very risky, because the disease is severe, does not go away by itself, and threatens to develop dangerous complications.If the disease is neglected, not only ugly nodes will appear on the legs.Disturbances in the 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, which is very difficult to cure.
If the disease continues, the blood supply to the lower part of the leg will always decline.This will lead to the fact that the tissues will no longer receive the necessary amount of oxygen and nutrients, because the channels will be clogged, twisted and stop performing their functions.The consequences will be severe problems, including tissue death and the development of gangrene.And this is amputation and disability.So varicose veins require careful attention and the fastest response.Only if the correct treatment is started early, it will be possible to avoid not only serious consequences, but also to get rid of unpleasant and annoying bulging veins on the legs.
Causes of varicose veins in the legs
There are many reasons and factors that can trigger the development of varicose veins.
There are many reasons why varicose veins develop in the legs.But basically, the impetus for the development of this disease is various triggers such as work with constant standing, hereditary tendencies or love for uncomfortable high-heeled shoes.
The real reason for the formation of varicose veins is the interruption of venous outflow.In the human body, blood circulates, that is, it is constantly moving through the circulatory system.Once in the lower part of the leg, the blood cannot return to the top by itself;it needs a "pump."Its role is played by a special venous valve.
If they begin to cope with their task poorly, then the so-called reflux occurs - the reverse flow of blood due to valve failure.Such disorders are provoked by problems with the physiological balance between muscle cells, elastic fibers of vessel walls and collagen.When the blood returns, it leaks into the tissue, which leads to the formation of chronic venous insufficiency.
In this case, swelling appears, and then, when blood components leak into the tissue, fluid stagnation (stasis) occurs and microcirculation is disrupted.Cells gradually die, and trophic ulcers appear at the site of blood collection.This is a long-term, painful, non-healing tissue defect, opening the door to infection and more dangerous health problems.
The first signs, stages and symptoms
The symptoms of varicose veins are directly related to their stage.
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, mummies were found with traces of varicose veins and clearly repeatedly treated trophic ulcers.
This 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 and wear high heels, and spend more time on their feet.
Varicose veins can develop at a young age, often provoked by pregnancy and childbirth, when there is a high load on the venous system due to fetal growth and stress, and then after childbirth.
At first, the symptoms of the disease are difficult to distinguish and difficult to distinguish from other problems.
The first to notice is a small pain in the calf, especially after walking, which is often associated with normal fatigue.The patient may complain that he gets tired quickly and cannot walk as far as before.He is disturbed by spasms, burning sensations, distention, often worse at night;in the evening, swelling, heaviness, and legs "filled with lead" appear.
Often, at this stage, patients do not consult a doctor, attributing the discomfort to uncomfortable shoes, heavy loads on the feet, heat and fatigue.But this disease can develop over many years and even decades until the condition worsens until blue veins protruding under the skin become noticeable or spider veins appear.And even the presence of such symptoms and pain, clearly directed along the vein, does not always force the patient to seek medical help.
There are many methods for classifying diseases, but most often division into stages is used:
- First– damage to a small number of vessels, especially in the lower part of the leg, with complaints of pain, fatigue, slight manifestations of vein patterns.Treatment started at this stage is very effective.
- Second– add to the symptoms of impaired venous outflow: swelling, fluid stagnation, the appearance of mild pain in the calves and feet.A common sign is extreme fatigue at the end of the workday.
- Third– development of venous valve incompetence.The formation of twisted, twisted veins, severe swelling, a change in skin color towards cyanosis, an emerging tendency to the formation of trophic ulcers.A characteristic symptom is the appearance of pain even with a small physical effort on the leg.
- Fourth– significant convexity, blue veins convoluted under the skin, formation of nodes that make the extreme skin stand out, the presence of non-healing trophic ulcers.At this stage, only immediate surgical intervention can help.
It is necessary to treat varicose veins as early as possible, and not to use amateur measures, but be sure to seek help from a specialist - a phlebologist.He will assess the condition of the blood vessels, carry out diagnostics and prescribe the correct treatment.Often they are combined, including different methods of influence.
Disease diagnosis
In the early stages, it may be impossible to detect varicose veins in the legs using visual methods.The best way is considered duplex sonography of the vessels of the lower leg.It allows you to get a complete picture of the condition of the leg veins, including the deep ones, evaluate the level of blood flow, does not cause discomfort or pain to the patient, and also contributes to the correct selection and prescription of optimal treatment methods.
Drug treatment
To treat varicose veins in the first stage, special creams, ointments and tablets are used.
The main threat posed by varicose veins is thrombophlebitis, that is, an inflammatory process in the walls of blood vessels.Thus, the risk of thrombosis increases dramatically, and blood clots are a direct threat not only to health, but also to the patient's life.A "broken" blood clot can travel through the bloodstream to vital organs and cause a potentially fatal condition - pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction or stroke.
In the early stages of the disease, combined therapy is used, based mainly 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, tighten and strengthen blood vessels, improve blood circulation.
Compression therapy includes the use of special elastic bandages and compression stockings - stockings, knee socks, stockings and tights.
They must be chosen by the doctor depending on the stage of development of the disease.In the early stages, preventive compression socks 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 recommended especially for women who stand all day - sellers, hairdressers, teachers.
Traditional methods for this disease
Traditional medicine treats varicose veins in the legs in the following ways:
- Compressed green tomatoes.This medicine, strange at first glance, perfectly helps relieve inflammation, bulging and swollen blood vessels.Unripe tomatoes cut into circles are applied to the sore spot overnight and removed in the morning.
- Horse chestnut colored.This plant is widely used to treat vein problems, so you can do it at home.Rubbing the legs with tincture brings relief from pain and swelling, tones and strengthens the veins.
- Ginkgo biloba– an ancient tree with attractive triangular foliage.The leaves are used as a very effective medicine 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 first consult with your doctor.
Surgical intervention
The essence of the operation is to bind and remove the pathologically altered veins.
Surgical procedures for varicose veins are a common 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 vein.
- Laser freezing– modern methods of elimination (clogging) of diseased vessels using directed laser beams.Over time, the vessel ceases to function, becomes sclerotic and dissolves.This technique is considered gentle, because it does not require an incision, hospitalization of the patient and a long recovery period.This procedure gives an excellent cosmetic effect.
- Radio frequency freezing– a way to eliminate reflux in the great or small saphenous vein.Its effectiveness is comparable to phlebectomy, but does not require a recovery period and is more easily accepted by the patient.
- Sclerosis.A method in which a special drug is injected into the vein under the control of an ultrasound device, which leads to the adhesion of the vein.
Treatment prognosis and possible complications
Varicose veins in the legs are a serious disease that can lead to very dangerous complications.The main danger is the development of thrombosis, which can cause damage to the whole body.The separation and migration of blood clots threatens a person with unexpected death, because blood clots that enter vital organs and block vessels can easily cause a stroke, heart attack or embolism.
Extended varicose veins can cause disability.
The second terrible threat that varicose veins bring is a person's lack of mobility and disability.If the disease is not treated, it can lead to the development of complete blockage of the veins in the legs, where gangrene will develop, and the doctor will have no other option to save the patient's life other than amputation of the limb or both legs.
Such adverse consequences can only be prevented by timely 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 to avoid disease.Doctors always repeat this simple rule, but most people constantly ignore it until problems with veins affect them personally.
Preventive measures to prevent varicose veins are as follows:
- Moderate physical activity.Both overloading and sitting passively in a motionless position, which causes blood to pool in the lower legs, are equally harmful to vascular health.
- Stop bad habits - smoking and drinking alcohol.They have a very negative effect on the condition of the veins.
- Wear comfortable shoes with moderate heels, no more than 5–6 cm high.
- The use of preventive compression stockings if necessary, during "standing" work or severe descent, during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Fights overweight.Significant body weight is one of the factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins.
Following these simple rules will help keep your veins strong and healthy, and your legs beautiful and slim.