Most people primarily associate varicose veins with large, painful blue and purple nodules that disfigure the legs of both sexes.But what looks so ugly is an already developed, even advanced disease.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 emerging pain, swelling, and even more so to spider veins is extremely risky, since the disease is severe, does not go away on its own, and threatens to develop dangerous complications.If the disease is neglected, not only ugly nodes will appear on the legs.Disturbances in 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, which 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, as the vessels will be clogged, twisted and cease to perform their functions.The result will be severe 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 proper treatment is started early, it will be possible to avoid not only serious consequences, but also to get rid of unsightly and annoying bulging 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 variety of triggers such as work with constant standing, hereditary predisposition or love for uncomfortable high-heeled shoes.
The true reason for the formation of varicose veins is the disruption of venous outflow.In the human body, blood circulates, that is, it constantly moves through the circulatory system.Once in the lower extremities, the blood cannot return upward on its own; it needs a “pump.”Its role is played by special venous valves.
If they begin to cope poorly with their duties, then 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 vessel walls and collagen.When the blood returns, it leaks into the tissues, leading to the formation of chronic venous insufficiency.
In this case, swelling appears, and then, as blood components leak into the tissue, fluid stagnation (stasis) occurs and microcirculation is disrupted.Cells gradually die, and a trophic ulcer appears at the site of blood accumulation.These are long-term non-healing, painful tissue defects, open gates for infection 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, 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 is somewhat more common among the fair sex.The main reason for the difference 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 high 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 differentiate from other problems.
The first to be noticed is minor 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 bothered by cramps, burning sensations, distension, often worsening at night; in the evening, swelling, a feeling of heaviness, and “lead-filled” legs appear.
Most often, at this stage, patients do not consult a doctor, attributing the 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 worsens so much 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 for classifying the disease, but most often the division into stages is used:
- First– damage to a small number of vessels, mainly in the lower part of the legs, with complaints of pain, fatigue, slight manifestation of the vein pattern.Treatment started at this stage is especially effective.
- Second– adding symptoms of impaired venous outflow: swelling, fluid stagnation, the appearance of mild pain in the calves and feet.A common sign is extreme fatigue at the end of the working day.
- Third– development of venous valve incompetence.The formation of convoluted, 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– noticeable convex, convoluted blue veins under the skin, the formation of nodes that make the skin of the extremities prominent, the presence of non-healing trophic ulcers.At this stage, only urgent surgical intervention 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 the blood vessels, conduct diagnostics and prescribe the correct 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 using visual methods.The best way is considered to be duplex sonography of the vessels of the lower extremities.It allows you to get a complete picture of the condition of the leg veins, including deep ones, 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 first stages, special creams, ointments and tablets are used.
The main threat that varicose veins pose is thrombophlebitis, that is, an inflammatory process in the walls of blood vessels.With it, the risk of thrombosis sharply increases, and a blood clot is a direct threat not only to the health, but also to the life of the patient.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, combination 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, toning and strengthening blood vessels, improving blood circulation.
Compression therapy includes the use of special elastic bandages and compression hosiery - socks, 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, preventive compression hosiery is most often used.High-quality medical products are no different in appearance from special knitwear, so they can be worn daily.They are especially recommended for women who are on their feet most of the day - sellers, 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 relieve inflammation, bulging blood vessels and swelling.Unripe tomatoes cut into circles are applied to the sore spot overnight 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 brings relief from pain and swelling, tones and strengthens the veins.
- Gingko biloba– an ancient tree with interesting triangular-shaped foliage.Its leaves are used as a very effective remedy for improving blood circulation and strengthening the walls of blood vessels.
You can combat the manifestations of varicose veins with the help of various herbal preparations, but it is best to first consult with your doctor.
Surgical intervention
The essence of the operation is to ligate and remove pathologically altered veins.
Surgical procedures for varicose veins are a common occurrence, 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 obliteration (clogging) of diseased vessels using a directed laser beam.Over time, the vessel ceases to function, becomes sclerotic and dissolves.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 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 gluing 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 entering vital organs and blocking 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 it is 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 other than amputation of a limb or both legs.
Such dire consequences can only be prevented by timely 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 persistently ignore them until the problem with veins affects them personally.
Preventive measures to prevent varicose veins are the following:
- Moderate physical activity.Both overload and passive sitting in motionless positions, which causes blood stagnation in the lower extremities, are equally harmful to vascular health.
- Quitting 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.
- Use of preventive compression hosiery if necessary, during “standing” work or aggravated heredity, during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Fighting excess weight.Significant body weight is one of the factors contributing to the development of varicose veins.
Following these simple rules will help keep your veins strong and healthy, and your legs beautiful and slender.