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 a disease that is already developed, even advanced.The early stages of the disease are virtually invisible to others and are often not taken seriously by the patients themselves.
But not reacting to emerging pain, swelling and even more so spider veins is extremely risky, because the disease is serious, does not go away on its own and threatens to develop dangerous complications.If the disease is neglected, ugly knots will appear not only on the legs.Disturbances in venous outflow will lead to 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 constantly deteriorate.This will lead to the fact that the tissues will no longer receive the required amount of oxygen and nutrients, since the vessels will be clogged, twisted and cease to perform their functions.This will result in serious problems, including tissue death and the development of gangrene.And that’s amputation and disability.Varicose veins therefore require special attention and a response as quickly as possible.Only if proper treatment is started early, it will be possible to avoid not only serious consequences, but also to get rid of unsightly and annoying protruding veins on the legs.
Causes of varicose veins of 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 development of the disease is driven by a variety of triggers such as working with constant standing, a hereditary predisposition or a love for uncomfortable high-heeled shoes.
The real reason for the formation of varicose veins is the disruption of venous flow.In the human body, blood circulates, that is, it constantly circulates in the circulatory system.Once in the lower limbs, the blood cannot rise on its own;he needs a “pump”.Its role is played by special venous valves.
If they begin to perform their duties poorly, then what is called reflux occurs - the reverse flow of blood due to valve failure.These disorders are caused by physiological balance problems between muscle cells, elastic fibers of the vascular walls and collagen.When blood returns, it seeps into the tissues, leading to the formation of chronic venous insufficiency.
In this case, swelling appears, then, as blood components seep into the tissues, stagnation of fluid (stasis) occurs and microcirculation is disrupted.The cells gradually die and a trophic ulcer appears at the site of blood accumulation.These are painful, long-term non-healing tissue defects, 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, 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 it is a little more common in the fair sex.The main reason for this difference is that women give birth, wear high heels and spend more time on their feet.
Varicose veins can develop in young people, often caused by pregnancy and childbirth, when the venous system is under high load 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 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 fatigue.The patient may complain of getting tired quickly and no longer being able to walk long distances as before.It is bothered by cramps, burning sensations, distension, often worsening at night;in the evening, swelling, a feeling of heaviness and “leady” legs appear.
Most 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 or even decades until it worsens to the point that blue veins protruding under the skin become visible 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 consult a doctor.
There are many methods for classifying the disease, but most often the division into stages is used:
- First of all– lesions of a small number of vessels, mainly in the lower part of the legs, with complaints of pain, fatigue, slight manifestation of the venous pattern.Treatment started at this stage is particularly effective.
- Second– symptoms of altered venous outflow are added: swelling, stagnation of fluids, appearance of slight pain in the calves and feet.A common sign is extreme fatigue 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 on the legs.
- Fourth– convex and convoluted blue veins under the skin, the formation of knots that make the skin of the extremities stand out, the presence of non-healing trophic ulcers.At this stage, only urgent surgery can help.
It is necessary to treat varicose veins as early as possible and not resort to amateur measures, but be sure to seek help from a specialist - a phlebologist.He will assess the condition of blood vessels, carry out diagnostics and prescribe the appropriate 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 by visual methods.The best method is considered to be duplex ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities.It allows you to obtain a complete picture of the condition of the leg veins, including deep veins, to assess 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.
Drug 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 this, the risk of thrombosis increases sharply and a blood clot poses a direct threat not only to health, but also to the patient's life.An “escaped” blood clot can travel through the bloodstream to vital organs and cause life-threatening conditions – pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction or stroke.
In the early stages of the disease, combined therapy is used, based mainly on the use of special drugs - venotonics and compression products.The main drugs 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 tights.
They are necessarily chosen by a doctor depending on the degree of progression of the disease.In the early stages, preventive compression stockings are most often used.High-quality medical products do not differ in appearance from special knitwear and therefore can be worn daily.They are especially recommended for women who are on their feet most of the day - saleswomen, 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 relieve inflammation, swelling of blood vessels and swelling.Unripe tomatoes cut into circles are applied to the sore spot overnight and removed in the morning.
- Horse chestnut dye.This herb 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.
- Ginkgo 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 your doctor first.
Surgery
The essence of the operation is to ligate and remove pathologically altered veins.
Surgical interventions for varicose veins are common, since the developed disease cannot be cured by conservative methods alone.
The most commonly used surgical techniques are:
- Phlebectomy,or removal of affected veins.
- Laser coagulation– a modern method of obliterating (blocking) 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, patient hospitalization and a long recovery period.The procedure gives an excellent cosmetic effect.
- Radiofrequency coagulation– a way to eliminate reflux in the greater or lesser saphenous vein.Its effectiveness is comparable to phlebectomy, but does not require a rehabilitation period and is more easily tolerated by patients.
- Sclerosis.Method in which a special medication is injected into a vein under the control of an ultrasound device, leading to sticking 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 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 penetrating vital organs and blocking a vessel can easily cause a stroke, heart attack or embolism.
Advanced varicose veins can lead to disability.
The second terrible threat posed by varicose veins is the deprivation of mobility and disability of a person.If the disease is not treated, it can lead to the development of complete blockage of the veins of the legs, in which gangrene will develop, and doctors will have no other option to save the patient's life than amputation of a limb or both legs.
Such disastrous consequences can only be avoided by promptly seeking medical help and strictly following medical prescriptions.Prompt 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 constantly ignore them until the vein problem affects them personally.
Preventive measures to prevent varicose veins are as follows:
- Moderate physical activity.Overload and passive sitting in immobile positions, which cause blood stagnation in the lower extremities, are also harmful to vascular health.
- Give up bad habits - smoking and drinking alcohol.They have an extremely negative effect on the condition of the veins.
- Wear comfortable shoes with medium heels, not exceeding 5 to 6 cm in height.
- Use of preventive compression stockings if necessary, during “standing” work or aggravated heredity, during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Fight excess weight.High body weight is one of the factors contributing to the development of varicose veins.
Following these simple rules will help you keep your veins strong and healthy, as well as your legs beautiful and slim.