Varicose veins in the legs are one of the most unpleasant and common diseases.This disease can cause great discomfort, damage the circulatory system and prematurely deprive the feet of their natural beauty.
It is important to know everything about varicose veins in order to be fully armed and healthy for many years.
What are varicose veins in the legs?
Varicose veins (VV) suffer from every third representative of the fair sex who have reached the age of 30-40.The disease is less common in men and adolescents.
There are special valves in the veins of the legs.With their help, the blood passes only insideone direction (up).This results in valve failurethe blood is allowed to flow downward (opposite of the normal direction), which prevents it from flowing.
Over the years, blood vessels lose tone, become more fragile, and venous valves lose their ability to circulate blood effectively.As a result, the blood flow throughout the body is disturbed.The appearance of thin venous networks and stars is the first sign of the development of varicose veins.
In addition, venous dilatation of the veins in the legs begins to progress.Veins grow, swell and take on an unhealthy bluish color.They often become inflamed and burst, causing severe discomfort, pain and burning.The general location of vascular formations is in the popliteal fossa and adjacent areas.
In addition to the lower limbs, other areas of the body are also susceptible to the disease:
- different parts of hands;
- pelvic veins;
- groin and genitalia
Often, women with varicose veins are embarrassed to wear dresses and skirts and are forced to prefer men's clothing.
Interesting fact!The term "varicose veins" comes from Latin.The word Varix translates as "knot".The disease is accompanied by the characteristic formation of vascular nodes.
What causes varicose veins: causes
Many people are familiar with this expression: movement is life.This is exactly the case with venous diseases.What causes varicose veins in the legs?Sedentary lifestyle is the first cause of its occurrence..Lack of proper functioning negatively affects the condition of blood vessels.Blood circulation deteriorates, blood stagnates and the first vascular network appears.
In case of constant stress on the legs, the risk of developing the disease also increases.Standing for long periods of time puts unnecessary pressure on the lower limbs, which causes blood to stagnate in them.
A sedentary lifestyle is no less harmful- contributes to the weakening of blood vessels and, as a result, the manifestation of symptoms of varicose veins.The causes of varicose veins of the lower extremities vary from person to person.
Among the most common:
- hereditary tendency;
- chronic stress and sedentary work;
- alcohol abuse, poor diet and overweight;
- wearing tight clothes and high heels every day;
- taking hormonal contraceptives;
- changes in the female body during menopause or pregnancy.
The cause of vascular pathology in men can be heavy physical activity, excessive sports, excessive use of saunas and baths.
Symptoms
There are many signs of developing RVV.The first thing you should pay attention to is the appearance of pain in the legs.This is the first alarm.The diagnosis of varicose veins is confirmed in the presence of the following manifestations:
- throbbing pain in places of blood vessels;
- burning sensation in leg muscles and frequent night cramps;
- pain when walking;
- feeling tired when standing;
- "Buzzing" legs at the end of the day
Traditional doctors add psychological causes to the traditional causes of illness.According to them, the internal state of a person mainly affects the development or capture of the disease.
Varicose veins in the legs develop imperceptibly.The first lesions appear most often in the posterior region of the knee joint(in the popliteal fossa) and adjacent areas of the legs.Spider veins and edema are often overlooked.It is these small manifestations that become the initial symptoms of circulatory disorders.
If the treatment is neglected, trophic ulcers, thrombophlebitis, bleeding from varicose veins, muscle deformation and irreversible skin changes may develop.The most dangerous consequences are the risk of gangrene or the rupture of a blood clot, which naturally leads to death.
Important to know!The advanced stage of varicose veins often cannot be treated with drugs and folk remedies, and therefore mandatory surgical intervention is required.
How varicose veins develop
The disease is rapid in nature, develops and progresses very quickly.Varicose veins on the legs are the beginning of "full-fledged" varicose veins.Venous insufficiency is systemic, its characteristic manifestations are observed in different parts of the body and may be accompanied by hemorrhoids and other symptoms of the disease.
The following international classification is called CEAP (Clinical Etiology Anatomical Pathology).
Phlebologists distinguish 6 stages of varicose veins:
The first stagerepresents the initial stage of disease development, during which, by the end of the day, increased fatigue, heaviness and swelling of the lower extremities and the development of a weak vascular network are observed.Sometimes, already at this stage, cramps are felt in the calves.
First, the capillaries (small vessels) expand, then the problem ceases to be cosmetic, and the period itself can last more than a year.
The second stagecontributes to significant anxiety.Dilated veins in the legs and vascular networks are very visible, swelling and pain are getting stronger.Venous valves lose their ability to function.The second stage of the disease requires qualified medical assistance.
The third stagecharacterized by pain, severe swelling and constant cramps in the lower extremities.The veins in the feet enlarge and the swelling makes it impossible to wear shoes with the same comfort.These symptoms appear as a result of intense physical activity or, conversely, after a long period of limited mobility.
The fourth stageit is diagnosed when metabolism in the skin is disturbed.With it, the skin is covered with brown-brown spots localized mainly on the ankle.The pigmented area of the skin thickens and later trophic ulcers form on it.It is recommended to the patient if there is a risk of blood clottingemergency surgery.
The description of the first four stages helps to get a complete understanding of the development of varicose veins.
The fifth stagedetermined by the presence of keloid scars that appear after a course of treatment of trophic ulcers.Often the wound reopens in the same place.
The sixth stagethat's exactly what it means (an open ulcer).In this case, an urgent operation is needed;skin grafting is often done.
The result
Knowing what varicose veins are and how to treat them, you can confidently resist the insidious enemy.If you contact a medical institution on time, a qualified specialist will help you solve the problem.The approach to treatment is always individual.
At the initial stage, you can get it by changing the lifestyle that causes the disease.With obvious signs of venous insufficiency, complex therapy with the appointment of systemic drugs, local agents and physiotherapy is required.
The use of traditional medicine recipes can also bring many benefits, but requires the consent of the attending physician.