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 legs of their natural beauty.
In order to be fully armed and maintain health for many years, it is important to know everything about varicose veins.
What are varicose veins on the legs
Varicose veins (VV) affect every third woman over the age of 30-40.The disease is less common in men and adolescents.
Leg veins have special valves.With their help, blood is transferred only toone way (up).Failure of these valves resultsthe blood is allowed to move downward (opposite to the normal direction), which impedes its outflow.
Over the years, blood vessels lose tone, become more fragile, and venous valves lose their ability to circulate blood efficiently.As a result, blood flow throughout the body is disrupted.The appearance of subtle venous networks and stars becomes the first sign of the development of varicose veins.
Furthermore, venous dilatation of the veins in the legs begins to progress.Veins increase in size, swell and take on an unhealthy bluish tint.They often become inflamed and rupture, causing severe discomfort, pain and burning.A common location for vascular formations is in the popliteal fossa and adjacent areas.
In addition to the lower extremities, other parts of the body are susceptible to the disease:
- different 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 prefer men's clothing styles.
Interesting fact!The term "varicose veins" comes from Latin.The word varix is translated as "knot".The disease is accompanied by the characteristic formation of vascular nodes.
What causes varicose veins: the reasons
Many people are familiar with the expression: movement is life.This is exactly the case with vein diseases.What causes varicose veins in the legs?A sedentary lifestyle is the first reason for its appearance..Lack of proper activity negatively affects the condition of blood vessels.Blood circulation deteriorates, blood stagnates and the first vascular network appears.
In the case of constant stress on the legs, the risk of developing the disease increases.Prolonged standing puts undue pressure on the lower limbs, causing blood to stagnate in them.
A sedentary lifestyle is no less harmful- contributes to the weakening of blood vessels, and consequently to 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 are:
- hereditary predisposition;
- chronic stress and sedentary work;
- alcohol abuse, poor diet and excess weight;
- 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 playing of sports, excessive use of saunas and baths.
Symptoms
There are many signs of developing RVV.The first thing to pay attention to is the appearance of leg pain.This is the first alarm call.The diagnosis of varicose veins is confirmed if the following manifestations are present:
- throbbing pain in places of blood vessels;
- burning sensation in the leg muscles and frequent night cramps;
- pain when walking;
- feeling tired when standing;
- "Buzzing" in the legs at the end of the day
Traditional healers add psychological causes to the traditional causes of illness.In their opinion, the internal state of a person greatly influences the development or containment of the disease.
Varicose veins on the legs develop imperceptibly.The first lesions most often occur in the back of the knee joint(in the popliteal fossa) and on the adjacent leg areas.Spider veins and edema are often overlooked.It is these minor manifestations that become the initial signs of vascular circulation disorders.
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 the 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 varicose veins are formed
The disease is rapid in nature, develops and progresses quite quickly.Varicose veins on the feet become the beginning of "full-fledged" varicose veins.Venous insufficiency is of a systemic nature, its characteristic manifestations are observed on different parts of the body and can coexist with hemorrhoids and other signs of the disease.
The international classification below is called CEAP (Clinical Etiology Anatomy Pathology).
Phlebologists distinguish 6 stages of varicose veins:
The first stagerepresents the initial stage of the disease development, during which increased fatigue, heaviness and swelling of the lower extremities are observed by the end of the day, as well as the development of a weak vascular network.Sometimes leg cramps are already felt at this stage.
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 discomfort.Dilated veins on the legs and vascular networks are very clearly visible, and the swelling and pain are becoming more and more intense.Venous valves lose their ability to perform their function.The second stage of the disease requires qualified medical care.
The third phasecharacterized by the constant presence of pain, severe swelling and spasms in the lower extremities.The veins on 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.
The fourth stageit is diagnosed if the metabolism of the skin is disturbed.In addition, the skin becomes covered with brown-brown spots, mainly localized in the ankle area.The pigmented area of the skin thickens, and then trophic ulcers form on it.If there is a risk of blood clots, the patient is advised to do soemergency surgical intervention.
The description of the first four stages helps to gain a complete understanding of the development of varicose veins.
The fifth stageit is determined by the presence of keloid scars that were created after the treatment of trophic ulcers.Often the wound reopens in the same place.
The sixth stageimplies just that (an open ulcer).In this case, there is a need for urgent surgery;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 institution in a timely manner, a qualified specialist will help you 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 required with the prescription of systemic drugs, local agents and physiotherapy.
Using traditional medicine recipes can also bring many benefits, but requires a doctor's approval.