Most people primarily associate varicose veins with large, painful blue and purple nodules that disfigure the legs of both sexes.But what seems so ugly is an already developed, even advanced, disease.The early stages of the disease are practically invisible to others and are often not taken seriously by the patients themselves.
But not responding to the emerging pain, swelling and even more so to spider veins is extremely risky, since the disease is serious, does not go away on its own and threatens to develop dangerous complications.If the disease is neglected, not only ugly nodules will appear on the legs.Alterations in venous flow will have irreversible consequences on the tissues, leading to the formation of trophic ulcers.It is a serious and painful disorder, very difficult to cure.
If the disease progresses, 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, as the vessels will become clogged, twisted and will cease to perform their functions.The result will be serious problems, including tissue death and the development of gangrene.And this is amputation and disability.Therefore, varicose veins require careful attention and the quickest response possible.Only if proper treatment is started in time, it will be possible to avoid not only serious consequences, but also to get rid of unsightly and annoying bulging veins in the legs.
Causes of varicose veins in the legs.
There are many reasons and factors that can cause the development of varicose veins.
There are many reasons why varicose veins develop in the legs.But basically, the impetus for the development of the disease is various triggering factors, such as work while constantly standing, hereditary predisposition or love of uncomfortable high-heeled shoes.
The true cause of varicose vein formation is the interruption of venous flow.In the human body, blood circulates, that is, it constantly moves through the circulatory system.Once in the lower extremities, blood cannot return upward on its own;needs a "bomb".Their role is played by special venous valves.
If they begin to cope poorly with their duties, the so-called reflux occurs - the reverse flow of blood due to valve failure.These disorders are caused by problems in the physiological balance between muscle cells, elastic fibers of vessel walls and collagen.When blood returns, it leaks into the tissues, causing the formation of chronic venous insufficiency.
In this case, swelling appears and then, as blood components leak into the tissue, fluid stagnation (stasis) occurs and microcirculation is disturbed.The cells gradually die and a trophic ulcer appears at the site of blood accumulation.These are painful tissue defects that do not heal in the long term, open doors to infection and even more dangerous health problems.
First signs, stages and their symptoms.
The symptoms of varicose veins are directly related to their stages.
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 evidence, but also material evidence.In Egypt, a mummy was found with traces of clearly repeatedly treated varicose veins and trophic ulcers.
The disease affects both men and women, but is more common among the fairer sex.The main reason for the difference is that women give birth and wear high heels, as well as spending more time on their feet.
Varicose veins can develop in youth, often caused by pregnancy and childbirth, when there is a large 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 from other problems.
The first thing you notice is mild pain in the calves, especially after walking, which is often attributed to normal fatigue.The patient may complain that he or she gets tired quickly and cannot walk long distances as before.You are bothered by cramps, burning sensations, bloating, which often worsen at night;At night, swelling, a feeling of heaviness and legs “full of lead” appear.
Very often, at this stage, patients do not consult a doctor, attributing the discomfort to uncomfortable shoes, heavy load on the legs, heat and fatigue.But the disease can progress for years and even decades until the situation gets so bad that blue veins protrude under the skin 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 methods for classifying the disease, but most often the division into stages is used:
- first– damage to a small number of vessels, mainly in the lower legs, with complaints of pain, fatigue, slight manifestation of the venous pattern.Treatment started at this stage is especially effective.
- second– add symptoms of impaired venous flow: swelling, fluid stagnation, the appearance of mild pain in the calves and feet.A common sign is extreme tiredness at the end of the work day.
- third– development of venous valve insufficiency.The formation of convoluted and twisted veins, severe swelling, changes in skin color towards cyanosis, an emerging tendency to the formation of trophic ulcers.A characteristic symptom is the appearance of pain even with minor physical exertion in the legs.
- room– convex and convoluted blue veins visible under the skin, formation of nodules that highlight the skin of the extremities, presence of trophic ulcers that do not heal.At this stage, only urgent surgical intervention can help.
It is necessary to treat varicose veins as soon as possible and not resort to amateur measures, but be sure to seek help from a specialist - a phlebologist.He will evaluate the condition of the blood vessels, make diagnoses and prescribe the correct treatment.Most often it is combined, including different methods of influence.
Diagnosis of the disease.
In the early stages, it may be impossible to detect varicose veins in the legs using visual methods.The best way is considered to be duplex ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities.It allows you to get a complete picture of the condition of the veins in the legs, including deep ones, evaluate the level of blood flow, does not cause discomfort and pain to the patient, and also contributes to the correct selection and prescription of the optimal treatment method.
Pharmacological treatment
To treat varicose veins in the early stages, 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.With it, the risk of thrombosis sharply increases and a blood clot is a direct threat not only to health, but also to the patient's life.A "breakaway" blood clot can travel through the bloodstream to vital organs and cause life-threatening diseases: pulmonary embolism, heart attack or stroke.
In the initial stages of the disease, combined therapy is used, based mainly on the use of special drugs: venotonics and compression products.The main medications are drugs that thin the blood and prevent the formation of blood clots, tone and strengthen blood vessels, and improve blood circulation.
Compression therapy includes the use of special elastic bandages and compression stockings: socks, knee-high socks, stockings and pantyhose.
They are necessarily selected by a doctor depending on the degree of development of the disease.In the initial stages, preventive compression stockings are most often used.High-quality medical products do not differ in appearance from special knitwear, so they can be worn daily.They are especially recommended for women who are on their feet most of the day: salespeople, hairdressers, teachers.
Traditional methods for the disease
Traditional medicine treats varicose veins of the legs in the following ways:
- Green tomato compresses.This remedy, strange at first glance, perfectly helps to relieve inflammation, bulging blood vessels and swelling.Green 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 vein problems, so you can do it at home.Rubbing the legs with the tincture relieves pain and swelling, tones and strengthens the veins.
- Gingko biloba– an ancient tree with interesting triangular-shaped foliage.Its leaves are used as a very effective remedy 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 better to consult with your doctor first.
surgical intervention
The essence of the operation is to ligate and remove pathologically altered veins.
Surgical procedures for varicose veins are common, since the developed disease cannot be cured with conservative methods alone.
The most used surgical techniques are:
- phlebectomy,or removal of affected veins.
- 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, as it does not require incisions, hospitalization of the patient and a long recovery period.The procedure gives an excellent cosmetic effect.
- Radiofrequency coagulation– a way to eliminate 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 in which a special drug is injected into a vein under the control of an ultrasound device, causing the vein to stick together.
Treatment prognosis and possible complications.
Varicose veins in the legs are a serious disease that can easily cause very dangerous complications.The main danger is the development of thrombosis, which can damage the entire body.The separation and migration of a blood clot threatens a person with unexpected death, since 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 carry is the deprivation of a person's mobility and disability.If the disease is not treated, it can lead to the development of complete blockage of the leg veins, in which gangrene will develop, and doctors will have no other option to save the patient's life than amputation of one limb or both legs.
These terrible consequences can only be avoided 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 persistently ignore them until the vein problem affects them personally.
Preventive measures to prevent varicose veins are as follows:
- Moderate physical activity.Both overload and passive sitting in immobile positions, which cause blood stagnation in the lower extremities, are equally detrimental to vascular health.
- Quit bad habits: smoking and drinking alcohol.They have an extremely negative effect on the condition of the veins.
- Wear comfortable shoes with medium heels, no more than 5 to 6 cm high.
- Use of preventive compression stockings if necessary, during “standing” work or due to aggravated heredity, during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Fighting excess weight.Significant body weight is one of the factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins.
Following these simple rules will help you keep your veins strong and healthy, and your legs beautiful and slim.