Varicose veins on the legs are one of the most unpleasant and common diseases.This disease can cause enormous discomfort, harm the circulatory system and prematurely deprive the legs of their natural beauty.
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) afflict every third representative of the fair sex who have reached the age of 30-40 years.The disease is less common in men and adolescents.
The veins in the legs have special valves.With their help, blood is passed only intoone direction (up).Failure of these valves results inthe blood is allowed to move downward (in the opposite direction of the normal direction), which interferes with its outflow.
Over the years, blood vessels lose their tone, become more fragile, and venous valves lose their ability to effectively circulate blood.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.
Further, venous expansion of the veins in the legs begins to progress.The veins increase in size, swell, and acquire an unhealthy bluish tint.They often become inflamed and burst, which causes severe discomfort, pain and burning.A common location for vascular formations is in the popliteal fossa and in areas adjacent to it.
In addition to the lower extremities, other areas of the body are susceptible to the disease:
- different parts of the hands;
- pelvic veins;
- groin and genitals
Often, with varicose veins, women are embarrassed 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 is translated as “knot”.The disease is accompanied by the characteristic formation of vascular nodes.
What causes varicose veins: reasons
Many people are familiar with the expression: movement is life.This is exactly the case with venous diseases.What causes varicose veins on the legs?A sedentary lifestyle is the first reason for its occurrence..Lack of proper activity negatively affects the condition of blood vessels.Blood circulation deteriorates, blood stagnates and the first vascular web appears.
In case of constant stress on the legs, the risk of developing the disease also increases.Standing for a long time puts undue pressure on the lower limbs, causing blood to stagnate in them.
A sedentary lifestyle is no less harmful- it 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 are:
- hereditary predisposition;
- chronic stress and sedentary work;
- alcohol abuse, poor diet and excess weight;
- wearing tight clothes and high-heeled shoes 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 the development of RVV.The first thing you need to 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 manifestations are present:
- throbbing pain in the locations 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 largely influences the development or containment of the disease.
Varicose veins in the legs develop unnoticed.The first lesions most often appear in the posterior region of the knee joint(in the popliteal fossa) and on adjacent areas of the legs.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 changes in the skin may develop.The most dangerous consequences are the risk of developing gangrene or blood clot rupture, which naturally leads to death.
Important to know!The advanced stage of varicose veins often cannot be treated with medications and folk remedies, and therefore requires mandatory surgical intervention.
How varicose veins develop
The disease is rapid in nature, develops and progresses quite quickly.Varicose veins on the foot become the beginning of “full-fledged” varicose veins.Venous insufficiency is systemic in nature, its characteristic manifestations are observed in various 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:
First stagerepresents the initial stage of the development of the disease, during which increased fatigue, heaviness and swelling of the lower extremities by the end of the day, and the development of a weak vascular network are observed.Sometimes, already at this stage, cramps in the calves are felt.
The capillaries (small vessels) dilate first, then the problem ceases to be cosmetic, and the period itself can last more than one year.
Second stagecontributes to significant discomfort.Enlarged veins in the legs and vascular networks are visible very clearly, and swelling and pain become increasingly intense.Venous valves lose their ability to perform their function.The second stage of the disease requires qualified medical care.
Third stagecharacterized by the constant presence of pain, severe swelling and cramps in the lower extremities.The veins in the legs are enlarged, and 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 stagediagnosed if the skin's metabolism is disrupted.With it, the skin becomes covered with brownish-brown spots, mainly localized in the ankle area.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 obtain a complete understanding of the development of varicose veins.
Fifth stagedetermined by the presence of keloid scars that arose after a course of treatment of trophic ulcers.Often the wound reopens in the same place.
Sixth stageimplies exactly this (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 facility in a timely manner, a qualified specialist will help solve the problem.The approach to treatment is always individual.
In the initial stage, you can get by with changing 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.
The use of traditional medicine recipes can also bring a lot of benefits, but requires the approval of the attending physician.