Varicose veins in 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 your health for many years, it is important to know everything about varicose veins.
What are varicose veins in the legs
Varicose veins (VV) affect every third representative of the fair sex who has 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 toone direction (up).Failure of these valves results inthe blood may move downward (in the opposite direction to its normal direction), which interferes with its flow.
Over the years, blood vessels lose tone, become more fragile and venous valves lose their ability to circulate blood effectively.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 expansion of the leg veins begins to progress.The veins increase in size, swell and take on an unhealthy bluish hue.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 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 nodules.
What causes varicose veins: reasons
Many people know the expression: movement is life.This is exactly the case with venous diseases.What causes varicose veins in the legs?A sedentary lifestyle is the first reason for its occurrence..Lack of adequate activity negatively affects the condition of blood vessels.Blood circulation worsens, blood stagnates and the first vascular network 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- contributes to the weakening of blood vessels and, consequently, to the manifestation of varicose vein symptoms.The causes of varicose veins in 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;
- wear tight clothes and high-heeled shoes every day;
- take hormonal contraceptives;
- changes in the female body during menopause or pregnancy.
The cause of vascular pathology in men can be intense 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 location of blood vessels;
- burning sensation in the leg muscles and frequent nighttime 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 his opinion, a person's internal state 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 in the adjacent areas of the legs.Spider veins and edema are often ignored.It is these small 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 occur.The most dangerous consequences are the risk of developing gangrene or rupture of blood clots, 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 quickly.Varicose veins in the foot become the beginning of “complete” varicose veins.Venous insufficiency is systemic in nature, its characteristic manifestations are observed in 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:
First stagerepresents the initial stage of the development of the disease, during which increased fatigue, heaviness and swelling of the lower extremities at the end of the day and the development of a weak vascular network are observed.Sometimes, already at this stage, cramps are felt in the calves.
The capillaries (small vessels) dilate first, then the problem is no longer cosmetic and the period itself can last more than a year.
Second stagecontributes to significant discomfort.The dilated veins in the legs and vascular networks are visible very clearly, and the swelling and pain become more and more 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, intense swelling and cramps in the lower extremities.The veins in the legs are dilated 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 difficulty moving.
Fourth stagediagnosed if skin metabolism is disturbed.With it, the skin is covered with brownish-brown spots, located mainly in the ankle area.The pigmented area of the skin thickens and trophic ulcers subsequently form.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 appeared after a course of treatment of trophic ulcers.The wound often reopens in the same location.
Sixth stageimplies exactly 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 safely resist the insidious enemy.If you contact a medical facility in a timely manner, a qualified specialist will help resolve the issue.The treatment approach is always individual.
In the initial stage, it is possible to live with the change in lifestyle that led to the development of the disease.With pronounced signs of venous insufficiency, complex therapy with the prescription of systemic medications, local agents and physiotherapy is required.
The use of traditional medicine recipes can also bring many benefits, but requires the approval of the attending physician.