Varicose veins on 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 well equipped and stay healthy for many years, it is important to know everything about varicose veins.
What are varicose veins on the legs
Varicose veins (VV) affect one in three representatives of the fair sex who have reached the age of 30 to 40 years.The disease is less common in men and adolescents.
Leg veins have special valves.With their help, blood passes only intoone direction (up).Failure of these valves results inblood may move downward (in the opposite direction from the normal direction), which interferes with its flow.
Over the years, blood vessels lose their tone, become more fragile and venous valves lose their ability to circulate blood efficiently.As a result, blood circulation throughout the body is disrupted.The appearance of subtle vein networks and stars becomes the first sign of the development of varicose veins.
Additionally, venous expansion of the leg veins begins to progress.The veins enlarge, swell and acquire an unhealthy bluish tint.They often become inflamed and burst, causing severe discomfort, pain and burning.A common location for vascular formations is in the popliteal fossa and adjacent areas.
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, in cases of varicose veins, women are embarrassed to wear dresses and skirts and are forced to favor men's clothing styles.
Interesting fact!The term “varicose veins” comes from Latin.The word varicose vein is translated as “knot”.The disease is accompanied by the characteristic formation of vascular nodes.
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 on the legs?A sedentary lifestyle is the first reason for its appearance..Lack of proper activity negatively affects the condition of blood vessels.Blood circulation deteriorates, blood stagnates and the first vascular network appears.
With constant stress on the legs, the risk of developing the disease also increases.Standing for a long time puts excessive pressure on the lower limbs, causing blood to stagnate in them.
A sedentary lifestyle is no less harmful- it contributes to the weakening of blood vessels, and consequently, to the manifestation of symptoms of varicose veins.The causes of varicose veins of the lower limbs vary from person to person.
Among the most common are:
- hereditary predisposition;
- chronic stress and sedentary work;
- alcohol abuse, poor diet and excess weight;
- wearing tight clothing and high heels 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 should pay attention to is the appearance of pain in the legs.This is the first warning sign.The diagnosis of varicose veins is confirmed if the following manifestations are present:
- throbbing pain in the blood vessels;
- burning sensation in 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 their opinion, the internal state of a person 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 on adjacent areas of the legs.Spider veins and edema are often overlooked.It is these minor manifestations that become the first signs of vascular circulation disorders.
If treatment is neglected, trophic ulcers, thrombophlebitis, bleeding from varicose veins, muscle deformations and irreversible changes in the skin may develop.The most dangerous consequences are the risk of developing gangrene or blood clot rupture, naturally leading to death.
Important to know!The advanced stage of varicose veins often cannot be treated with medications and folk remedies and therefore requires compulsory surgical intervention.
How do varicose veins develop?
The disease is rapid in nature, develops and progresses quite quickly.Varicose veins of the foot become the beginning of “full-fledged” varicose veins.Venous insufficiency is systemic in nature, its characteristic manifestations are observed in various 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 steprepresents 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 are observed, as well as the development of a weak vascular network.Sometimes, already at this stage, cramps in the calves are felt.
The capillaries (small vessels) first expand, then the problem ceases to be aesthetic, and the periods themselves can last more than a year.
Second stepcontributes to significant discomfort.The dilated leg veins and vascular networks are very clearly visible, 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 stepcharacterized by the constant presence of pain, severe swelling and cramps in the lower extremities.The veins in the legs are enlarged and the swelling makes it impossible to wear shoes that provide the same comfort.These symptoms appear following intense physical activity or, conversely, after a long period of reduced mobility.
Step fourdiagnosed if the skin's metabolism is disturbed.With it, the skin becomes covered with brown-brown spots, mainly located at the ankle level.The pigmented area of the skin thickens and subsequently trophic ulcers form there.If there is a risk of a blood clot, the patient is advised toimmediate surgical intervention.
The description of the first four stages provides a complete understanding of the development of varicose veins.
Fifth stepdetermined by the presence of keloid scars that appeared after treatment of trophic ulcers.Often the wound reopens in the same place.
Sixth stepimplies exactly that (an open ulcer).In this case, urgent surgery is necessary;a skin graft is often performed.
Conclusion
Having information about what varicose veins are and how to treat them, you can confidently resist the insidious enemy.If you contact a medical institution in a timely manner, a qualified specialist will help you resolve the problem.The approach to treatment is always individual.
At the initial stage, you can simply change the lifestyle that led to the development of the disease.In case of pronounced signs of venous insufficiency, complex therapy is necessary with the prescription of systemic drugs, local agents and physiotherapy.
The use of traditional medicine recipes can also bring many benefits, but requires the approval of the attending physician.