Most people associate varicose veins primarily with the large, painful blue and purple nodules that plague the legs of both sexes.But it is a disease that has already developed, even developed, which looks so ugly.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 resulting pain, swelling and more spider veins is quite risky, because the disease is severe, does not go away by itself and threatens the development of dangerous complications.If the disease is neglected, only ugly knots will not appear on the legs.Violation of 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 treat.
If the disease develops, the blood supply to the lower extremities will constantly 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 blocked, twisted and stop performing their functions.The result will be serious problems, including tissue death and the development of gangrene.This is amputation and disability.Thus, varicose veins require careful attention and the fastest possible response.Only if you start the right treatment in time, it will be possible not only to avoid serious consequences, but also to get rid of ugly and annoying bulging veins on the legs.
Causes of varicose veins of the legs
There are many reasons and factors that can lead to the development of varicose veins.
There are many reasons for the development of varicose veins in the legs.But mainly, the impetus for the development of the disease is various triggers, such as constant work on the feet, a hereditary tendency or a love for uncomfortable high-heeled shoes.
The real reason for the formation of varicose veins is the violation of venous flow.Blood circulates in the human body, that is, it constantly moves through the circulatory system.Once in the lower extremities, the blood cannot return upward by itself;it needs a "pump".Its role is played by special venous valves.
If they begin to cope with their duties properly, then the so-called reflux occurs - the reverse flow of blood due to valve failure.Such disorders cause problems with the physiological balance between muscle cells, elastic fibers of vascular walls and collagen.When the blood returns, it leaks into the tissues, causing chronic venous insufficiency.
In this case, swelling appears, and then when blood components leak into the tissue, fluid stagnation (stasis) occurs and microcirculation is disturbed.Cells gradually die and a trophic ulcer appears at the site of blood collection.These are painful tissue defects that do not heal for a long time, open doors for infection and even more dangerous health problems.
First signs, stages and their symptoms
Symptoms of varicose veins are directly related to its stages.
Varicose veins can be considered one of the most common diseases in terms of prevalence.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 varicose veins and trophic ulcers that were clearly healed many times.
The disease affects both men and women, but it is slightly more common among the fairer sex.The main reason for the difference is that women give birth and wear high heels, as well as spend more time on their feet.
Varicose veins can develop in youth, often provoked by pregnancy and childbirth, when there is a high 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 thing to notice is small pains in the calves, especially after walking, often attributed to normal fatigue.The patient may complain that he gets tired quickly and cannot walk long distances as before.He is disturbed by cramps, burning sensation, distention, often worse at night;in the evening, swelling, a feeling of heaviness and "lead-filled" legs appear.
Often, patients at this stage do not consult a doctor, associating discomfort with uncomfortable shoes, heavy load on the feet, heat and fatigue.But the disease can progress for years or even decades until the condition gets so bad that blue veins emerging from under the skin are noticeable or spider veins appear.And 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 ways to classify the disease, but the most commonly used classification is:
- First- damage to a small number of veins, mainly in the lower part of the legs, with complaints of pain, fatigue, mild manifestation of vein pattern.The treatment started at this stage is especially effective.
- Second– addition of symptoms of impaired venous flow: swelling, fluid stagnation, the appearance of mild pain in the calves and feet.A common symptom is extreme fatigue at the end of the working day.
- the third- the development of venous valvular insufficiency.The formation of twisted, twisted vessels, severe swelling, skin color change towards cyanosis, tendency to the formation of trophic ulcers.A characteristic symptom is the appearance of pain in the legs even with little physical effort.
- The fourth- noticeable bulging, twisted blue veins under the skin, the formation of nodules that make the skin of the limbs bulge, the presence of non-healing trophic ulcers.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 a diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.It is often combined, including various 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.Duplex sonography of the veins of the lower extremities is considered the best way.This allows you to get a complete picture of the condition of the leg veins, including the deep veins, assess the level of blood flow, does not cause discomfort or pain to the patient, and also helps to correctly choose and prescribe the optimal treatment method.
Drug treatment
In the first stage, special creams, ointments and tablets are used to treat varicose veins.
The main danger caused by varicose veins is thrombophlebitis, which is an inflammatory process in the walls of blood vessels.With it, the risk of thrombosis increases dramatically, and blood clotting is a direct threat not only to health, but also to the patient's life.An "open" 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, combination therapy based on the use of special drugs - venotonics and compression products is used.The main drugs are those that thin the blood and prevent the formation of blood clots, tone and strengthen blood vessels, and improve blood circulation.
Compression therapy involves the use of special elastic bandages and compression stockings - stockings, knee socks, stockings and tights.
They are definitely selected by the doctor depending on the degree of development of the disease.In the initial stages, most preventive compression stockings are used.High-quality medical products do not differ in appearance from special knitwear, so they can be used daily.They are especially recommended for women who are on their feet most of the day - sellers, hairdressers, teachers.
Traditional methods for treating the disease
Traditional medicine treats varicose veins in the legs with the following methods:
- Green tomato compresses.Strange at first glance, this tool perfectly helps to eliminate inflammation, bulging blood vessels and swelling.Unripe tomatoes cut into circles are applied to the painful area overnight and removed in the morning.
- Horse chestnut tincture.This plant is widely used to treat vascular problems, so you can do it at home.Rubbing the feet with tincture relieves 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 remedy to improve blood circulation and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
With the help of various herbal preparations, you can fight the manifestations of varicose veins, but it is best to consult your doctor first.
Surgical intervention
The essence of the operation is the closure and removal of pathologically changed vessels.
Surgical procedures for varicose veins are a common occurrence, as advanced disease cannot be treated by conservative methods alone.
The most commonly used surgical methods:
- phlebectomy,or removal of affected vessels.
- 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 because it does not require incisions, hospitalization of the patient and a long recovery period.The procedure gives an excellent cosmetic effect.
- Radiofrequency coagulation- a method of eliminating reflux in the great or small saphenous vein.Its effectiveness is comparable to phlebectomy, but it does not require a rehabilitation period and is easier to tolerate by patients.
- Sclerosis.A method of injecting a special drug into the vein under the control of an ultrasound device and causing the vein to stick.
Prognosis of treatment 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 damage the whole 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.
The second terrible threat that varicose veins brings with it is the loss of mobility and disability of a person.If the disease is not treated, it can lead to the development of complete occlusion of the arteries in the legs, where gangrene will develop, and doctors will have no other option to save the patient's life, except to amputate one or both legs.
Such terrible consequences can be prevented only by seeking medical help in time 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 disease.Doctors constantly repeat these simple rules, but most people ignore them until a vascular problem affects them personally.
Preventive measures to prevent varicose veins are as follows:
- Moderate physical activity.Both excessive loading and passive sitting in a stationary position, which causes blood stagnation in the lower extremities, are equally harmful to vascular health.
- Giving up bad habits - smoking and drinking alcohol.They have an extremely negative effect on the condition of the veins.
- Wear comfortable shoes with a medium heel, not more than 5-6 cm high.
- If necessary, the use of preventive compression stockings during "standing" work or during 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 slim.