Most people associate varicose veins primarily with large, painful blue and purple nodules that disfigure the legs of both sexes.But what seems so bad 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 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 knots will appear on the legs.Venous outflow disorders will cause irreversible consequences in the tissues, which will lead to the formation of trophic ulcers.It is a serious and painful disorder, very difficult to treat.
If the disease progresses, the blood supply to the lower extremities will steadily decrease.This will lead to the fact that the tissues will no longer receive the necessary amount of oxygen and nutrients, since the vessels will be clogged, twisted and 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.So varicose veins require special attention and the quickest possible response.Only if adequate treatment is started promptly will it be possible to avoid not only serious consequences, but also eliminate the unsightly and annoying swollen veins on the legs.
Causes of varicose veins in 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 number of triggers such as work with constant position, hereditary predisposition or love of uncomfortable shoes with high heels.
The real reason for the formation of varicose veins is the interruption of venous outflow.In the human body, blood circulates, that is, it constantly moves through the circulatory system.Once it reaches the lower limbs, the blood cannot go back up on its own;it needs a “pump”.Its role is played by special venous valves.
If they begin to inadequately cope with their tasks, the so-called reflux occurs - the reverse flow of blood due to valve failure.Such disorders are caused by problems with the physiological balance between muscle cells, elastic fibers of the vessel walls and collagen.When the blood returns, it spills into the tissues, leading to the formation of chronic venous insufficiency.
In this case, swelling appears and then, when the blood components penetrate the tissues, fluid stagnation (stasis) occurs and microcirculation is interrupted.The cells gradually die, and a trophic ulcer appears at the site of blood accumulation.These are painful and long-term non-healable tissue defects, open doors for infections and even more dangerous health problems.
First signs, stages and their symptoms
The symptoms of varicose veins are directly related to its stages.
Varicose veins in terms of prevalence can be considered one of the most common diseases.It has been known since ancient times, of which there is not only documentary, but also material evidence.In Egypt, a mummy was found with traces of varicose veins and clearly repeatedly treated trophic ulcers.
The disease affects both men and women, but is somewhat 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 provoked by pregnancy and childbirth, when the venous system is subjected to a high load due to the growth and pressure of the fetus, and then after the stress of childbirth.
Initially, the symptoms of the disease are difficult to distinguish and difficult to differentiate from other problems.
The first to be noticed is a slight pain in the calves, especially after walking, which is often attributed to normal tiredness.The patient may complain of getting tired quickly and not being able to walk long distances as before.He is disturbed by cramps, burning, distension, often worse at night;in the evening swelling, a sense of heaviness and legs "full of lead" appear.
Very often, at this stage, patients do not consult a doctor, attributing 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 protruding under the skin become noticeable 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 of classifying the disease, but most often the division into stages is used:
- First– damage to a small number of vessels, especially in the lower legs, with complaints of pain, fatigue, mild manifestation of vein drawing.Treatment started at this stage is particularly effective.
- Second– symptoms of impaired venous outflow are added: swelling, fluid stagnation, appearance of mild pain in the calves and feet.A common sign is extreme tiredness at the end of the workday.
- Third– development of venous valve incompetence.Formation of twisted and twisted veins, severe swelling, changes in skin color towards cyanosis, emerging tendency to the formation of trophic ulcers.A characteristic symptom is the appearance of pain even with minor physical effort on the legs.
- Fourth– evident convex and twisted blue veins under the skin, formation of knots that highlight the skin of the extremities, presence of unhealed trophic ulcers.At this stage, only urgent surgery can help.
It is necessary to treat varicose veins as soon as possible and not to resort to amateur measures, but be sure to seek help from a specialist, a phlebologist.He will evaluate the condition of the blood vessels, conduct diagnostics and prescribe the correct treatment.Most often it is combined, including several 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 duplex ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities.It allows you to have a complete picture of the state of the veins of the legs, including the deep ones, to evaluate the level of blood flow, does not cause discomfort or pain to the patient, and also contributes to the correct selection and prescription of the optimal treatment method.
Pharmacological treatment
For the treatment of varicose veins in the early stages, special creams, ointments and compresses 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 increases significantly, and a blood clot poses a direct threat not only to health, but also to the patient's life.A “dislodged” 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 compressive products.The main drugs are drugs that thin the blood and prevent the formation of blood clots, tone and strengthen blood vessels, improving blood circulation.
Compression therapy involves the use of special elastic bandages and compression stockings: socks, knee-highs, stay-up stockings and tights.
They are necessarily selected by a doctor based on the degree of development of the disease.In the initial stages, preventive compression hosiery is often used.High-quality medical products do not differ in appearance from special knitwear, so they can be worn on a daily basis.They are particularly recommended for women who spend most of the day on their feet: salespeople, hairdressers, teachers.
Traditional methods for the disease
Traditional medicine treats varicose veins in the legs in the following ways:
- Green tomato compresses.This remedy, strange at first glance, perfectly helps to relieve inflammation, swelling of blood vessels and swelling.Unripe tomatoes cut into circles are applied to the sore spot at night 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 provides relief from pain and swelling, tones and strengthens the veins.
- Ginkgo biloba– a centuries-old tree with an 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 fight the manifestations of varicose veins with the help of various herbal preparations, but it is better to consult your doctor first.
Surgery
The essence of the operation is to tie and remove pathologically changed veins.
Surgical procedures for varicose veins are a common occurrence, since the developed disease cannot be cured only by conservative methods.
The most commonly used surgical techniques are:
- Phlebectomy,or removal of affected veins.
- Laser coagulation– a modern method of obliteration (clogging) of diseased vessels using a direct laser beam.Over time, the vessel ceases to function, becomes sclerotic and dissolves.The technique is considered delicate, since 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 more easily tolerated by patients.
- Sclerosis.A method in which a special drug is injected into a vein under the control of an ultrasound device, leading to gluing of the vein.
Treatment prognosis and possible complications
Varicose veins of the legs are a serious disease that can easily lead to very dangerous complications.The main danger is the development of thrombosis, which can cause damage to 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 bring with them is the deprivation of mobility and disability of a person.If the disease is not treated, it can lead to the development of a complete blockage of the veins in the legs, resulting in gangrene, and doctors will have no choice to save the patient's life other than amputation of a limb or both legs.
Such terrible consequences can be prevented only by promptly seeking medical help 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 the disease.Doctors constantly repeat these simple rules, but most people constantly 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 causes blood to pool in the lower extremities, are equally harmful to vascular health.
- Abandon 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 higher than 5–6 cm.
- Use of preventive compression stockings if necessary, during “standing” work or aggravated heredity, during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Fight overweight.Significant body weight is one of the factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins.
Following these simple rules will help keep your veins strong and healthy and your legs beautiful and slim.