Most people primarily associate varicose veins with the large, painful blue and purple nodules that disfigure the legs of both sexes.But what looks so ugly is a disease already developed, even advanced.The first stages of the disease are practically invisible to others and are often not taken seriously by the patients themselves.
But not responding to the appearing pains, swellings and even more so to spider veins is extremely dangerous, as the disease is serious, does not go away by itself and threatens to develop dangerous complications.If the disease is neglected, not only ugly joints will appear on the legs.Disorders in the venous outflow will cause irreversible consequences in the tissues, which will lead to the formation of trophic ulcers.This is a serious and painful disorder that is very difficult to cure.
If the disease progresses, the blood supply to the lower extremities will continue to 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 be blocked, distorted and will stop performing their functions.The result will be serious problems, including tissue death and the development of gangrene.And this is amputation and disability.So, varicose veins require careful attention and the fastest possible response.Only if the correct treatment starts early, it will be possible to avoid not only serious consequences, but also to get rid of ugly and annoying swollen veins on the legs.
Causes of varicose veins of the legs
There are many reasons and factors that can provoke 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 a series of factors such as work with constant standing, hereditary predisposition or love for uncomfortable shoes with high heels.
The real reason for the formation of varicose veins 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, the blood cannot return up by itself;she needs a "pump".Its role is played by special venous valves.
If they begin to cope poorly with their tasks, then the so-called reflux occurs - the reverse flow of blood due to valve failure.Such disorders are provoked by problems with the physiological balance between muscle cells, elastic fibers of blood vessel walls and collagen.When the blood returns, it flows into the tissues, leading to the formation of chronic venous insufficiency.
In this case, swelling appears and then, as the blood components flow into the tissues, stagnation (stasis) of fluids occurs and microcirculation is disrupted.The cells gradually die, and a trophic ulcer appears at the site of blood accumulation.These are long-term, painful, non-healing tissue defects, open doors to infections and even more dangerous health problems.
The first signs, their stages and symptoms
The symptoms of varicose veins are directly related to its stages.
Varicose veins can be considered one of the most common diseases in terms of prevalence.It has been known since ancient times, for which there is not only documentary but also material evidence.In Egypt, a mummy was found with traces of varicose veins and trophic ulcers clearly treated repeatedly.
The disease affects men and women, but it is somewhat more common among the fair sex.The main reason for the change is that women give birth and wear high heels, as well as spend more time on their feet.
Varicose veins can develop in youth, often provoked 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 and are difficult to distinguish from other problems.
The first thing to notice is the slight pain in the calves, especially after walking, which is often attributed to normal fatigue.The patient may complain that he gets tired quickly and cannot walk long distances as before.He is troubled by cramps, burning sensations, distention, often worsening at night;in the evening there is swelling, a feeling of heaviness and "leaden" legs.
Most often, at this stage, patients do not consult a doctor, attributing discomfort to uncomfortable shoes, heavy load on the feet, heat and fatigue.But the disease can progress for years or even decades until the condition worsens so much that blue veins protruding under the skin become visible or spider veins appear.And even the presence of such symptoms and pains, clearly directed along the veins, does not always force the patient to seek medical help.
There are many methods for classifying the disease, but the division into stages is most often used:
- First– damage to a small number of vessels, mainly in the lower part of the legs, with complaints of pain, fatigue, easy manifestation of the vein pattern.Treatment started at this stage is particularly effective.
- Secondly- increasing symptoms of impaired venous flow: swelling, fluid retention, the appearance of mild pain in the calves and feet.A common sign is extreme fatigue at the end of the workday.
- Thirdly– the development of incompetence of the venous valve.The formation of complex, twisted veins, severe swelling, changes in the color of the skin towards cyanosis, an emerging tendency to the formation of trophic ulcers.A characteristic symptom is the appearance of pain even with a slight physical strain on the leg.
- Fourthly– convex blue veins, complicated under the skin, the formation of nodes that make the skin of the extremities prominent, the presence of non-healing trophic ulcers are distinguished.At this stage, only urgent surgical intervention can help.
It is necessary to treat varicose veins as soon as possible, and not to use amateur measures, but be sure to seek help from a specialist - a phlebologist.He will assess the condition of the blood vessels, make the diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.More 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 sonography of the vessels of the lower extremities.This allows you to get a complete picture of the condition of the leg veins, including the deep ones, assess the level of blood flow, does not cause discomfort or pain to the patient, and also contributes to the correct choice and prescription of the optimal treatment method.
Drug treatment
Special creams, ointments and tablets are used to treat varicose veins in the early stages.
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 increases significantly, and a blood clot is a direct threat not only to the patient's health, but also to his life.A "breakaway" blood clot can travel through the bloodstream to vital organs and cause potentially fatal conditions - pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction 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, improve blood circulation.
Compression therapy involves the use of special elastic bandages and compression stockings - stockings, knee socks, stockings and tights.
They are necessarily selected by a doctor depending on the degree of development of the disease.In the initial stages, a preventive compression stocking is most often used.High-quality medical products do not differ in appearance from special knitted clothing, so they can be worn every day.They are especially recommended for women who are on their feet most of the day - salespeople, hairdressers, teachers.
Traditional methods of disease
Traditional medicine treats varicose veins in the legs in the following ways:
- Compress with green tomatoes.This medicine, strange at first glance, perfectly helps to relieve inflammation, swelling of blood vessels and swelling.Unripe tomatoes cut into circles are applied to the injured area at night and removed in the morning.
- Horse chestnut tincture.This plant is widely used to treat vein problems, so you can make it at home.Rubbing the legs with the tincture brings relief from pain and swelling, tones and strengthens the veins.
- Gingko biloba– an ancient tree with interesting triangular shaped leaves.Its leaves are used as a very effective medicine for improving blood circulation and strengthening the walls of blood vessels.
You can fight the manifestations of varicose veins with the help of various herbal preparations, but it is best to consult your doctor first.
Surgical intervention
The essence of the operation is the ligation and removal of pathologically changed veins.
Surgical procedures for varicose veins are a common occurrence, as the developed disease cannot be cured by conservative methods alone.
The most commonly used surgical techniques are:
- phlebectomy,or removal of the affected veins.
- Laser coagulation- a modern method of erasing (closing) diseased vessels using a directed laser beam.Over time, the vessel ceases to function, becomes sclerotic and disintegrates.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, leading to adhesion of the vein.
Treatment prognosis and possible complications
Varicose veins in the legs are a serious disease that can easily lead to very dangerous complications.The main risk is the development of thrombosis, which can cause damage throughout the body.The separation and migration of a blood clot threatens a person with sudden 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 pose 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 veins in the legs, in which gangrene will develop and doctors will have no other option to save the patient's life except to amputate a limb or both legs.
Such terrible consequences can be prevented only 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 problem with veins affects them personally.
Preventive measures to prevent varicose veins are as follows:
- Moderate physical activity.Both overload and passive sitting in stationary positions, which causes blood stagnation in the lower extremities, are equally harmful to the health of blood vessels.
- Giving up bad habits - smoking and drinking alcohol.They have an extremely negative effect on the condition of the veins.
- Wearing comfortable shoes with medium heels, no more than 5-6 cm in height.
- The use of preventive compression stockings if necessary, during "standing" work or heavy inheritance, 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.