Varicose veins on the legs are one of the most unpleasant and common diseases.This disease can cause immense discomfort, damage the circulatory system and prematurely deprive the feet of their natural beauty.
In order to be fully armed and maintain your health for many years, it is important to know everything about varicose veins.
What are varicose veins on the legs?
Varicose veins (VV) suffer from every third representative of the fairer sex who have reached the age of 30-40.The disease is less common in men and adolescents.
Leg veins have special valves.With their help, the blood passes only inone way (up).Failure of these valves leads tothe blood is allowed to flow downward (in the opposite direction to the normal direction), preventing it from flowing out.
Over the years, blood vessels lose their tone, become more fragile, and venous valves lose their ability to circulate blood effectively.As a result, blood circulation in the body is impaired.The appearance of fine venous networks and stars becomes the first sign of the development of varicose veins.
In addition, venous dilatation of the leg veins begins to progress.The veins enlarge, swell and take on an unhealthy bluish hue.They often become inflamed and burst, causing severe discomfort, pain and burning.A common localization of vascular formations is the popliteal fossa and its adjacent areas.
In addition to the lower limbs, other areas of the body are susceptible to the disease:
- various parts of the hands;
- pelvic veins;
- groin and genitalia
Often, with varicose veins, women are ashamed to wear dresses and skirts and are forced to give preference to men's clothing styles.
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 the expression: movement is life.This is exactly the case with venous diseases.What causes varicose veins in the legs?A sedentary lifestyle is the first reason for its appearance..The lack of proper activity negatively affects the condition of the blood vessels.Blood circulation worsens, blood stagnates and the first vascular network appears.
With constant stress on the feet, the risk of developing the disease also increases.Prolonged standing puts unnecessary pressure on the lower limbs, which leads to stagnation of blood 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 are different for different people.
Among the most common are:
- hereditary predisposition;
- chronic stress and sedentary work;
- alcohol abuse, improper nutrition and overweight;
- daily wearing of tight clothes and high-heeled shoes;
- 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 call.The diagnosis of varicose veins is confirmed if the following symptoms are present:
- throbbing pain in places of blood vessels;
- burning sensation in the muscles of the legs and frequent night cramps;
- pain when walking;
- feeling tired when standing up;
- Tingling in the legs at the end of the day
Traditional healers add psychological causes to the traditional causes of illness.According to them, the internal state of the person largely affects the development or limitation of the disease.
Varicose veins of the legs develop unnoticed.The first lesions most often appear in the posterior region of the knee joint(in the popliteal fossa) and in the adjacent areas of the legs.Spider veins and edema are often overlooked.It is these minor manifestations that become the initial signs of circulatory disorders of the blood vessels.
If treatment is neglected, trophic ulcers, thrombophlebitis, bleeding from varicose veins, muscle deformation and irreversible skin changes can develop.The most dangerous consequences are the risk of developing gangrene or rupture of a blood clot, which naturally leads to death.
It's important to know!The advanced stage of varicose veins often cannot be treated with drugs and folk remedies and therefore requires mandatory surgical intervention.
How do varicose veins develop?
The disease is rapid in nature, develops and progresses quite quickly.Varicose veins in the legs become the beginning of "full-fledged" varicose veins.Venous insufficiency has a systemic nature, its characteristic manifestations are observed in different parts of the body and can coexist with hemorrhoids and other signs of the disease.
The international classification below is called CEAP (Clinical Etiological Anatomical Pathology).
Phlebologists distinguish 6 stages of varicose veins:
First stagerepresents an initial stage of disease development, in which there is increased fatigue, heaviness and swelling of the lower limbs by the end of the day and the development of a weak vascular network.Sometimes, already at this stage, cramps in the calves are felt.
First, the capillaries (small vessels) expand, after which the problem ceases to be cosmetic, and the period itself can last more than a year.
Second stagecontributes to significant discomfort.The dilated veins of the legs and vascular networks are very clearly visible, and the swelling and pain become more and more intense.Venous valves lose their ability to perform their functions.The second stage of the disease requires qualified medical assistance.
Third stagecharacterized by the constant presence of pain, severe swelling and spasms in the lower limbs.The veins in the legs are enlarged, 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.
Fourth stageis diagnosed if the metabolism of the skin is disturbed.With it, the skin is covered with brown-brown spots, localized mainly in the area of the ankle.The pigmented area of the skin thickens and subsequently trophic ulcers form on it.If there is a risk of blood clots, the patient is advised toimmediate surgical intervention.
The description of the first four stages helps to gain a complete understanding of the development of varicose veins.
Fifth stageit is determined by the presence of keloid scars that occurred after a course of treatment of trophic ulcers.Often the wound reopens in the same place.
Sixth stagesuggests just that (an open ulcer).In this case, an emergency operation is needed;skin grafting is often done.
Conclusion
Having information about what varicose veins are and how to treat them, you can confidently resist the insidious enemy.If you contact a medical facility in time, a qualified specialist will help solve the problem.The approach to treatment is always individual.
In the initial stage, you can change the lifestyle that led to the development of the disease.With pronounced signs of venous insufficiency, complex therapy is necessary with the prescription of systemic drugs, local agents and physiotherapy.
The use of recipes from traditional medicine can also bring many benefits, but requires the approval of the attending physician.