Varicose veins in the legs are one of the most unpleasant and common diseases.This disease can cause great discomfort, damage the circulatory system and prematurely deprive the feet of their natural beauty.
To be fully armed and to maintain 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 have reached the age of 30-40 years.The disease is less common in men and teenagers.
Veins in the legs have special valves.With their help, the blood passes only inone way (up).Failure of these valves results inthe blood is allowed to flow downward (in the opposite direction to the normal direction), which prevents it from flowing out.
Over the years, blood vessels lose their tone, become more fragile, and venous valves lose their ability to effectively circulate blood.As a result, blood circulation throughout the body is interrupted.The appearance of delicate venous nets and stars becomes the first sign of the development of varicose veins.
Further, venous dilatation of the veins in the legs begins to progress.The veins increase in size, swell and take on an unhealthy bluish tint.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 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, with varicose veins, women are ashamed to wear dresses and skirts and are forced to give preference to men's clothing styles.
Interesting fact!The term "varicose vein" comes from Latin.The word varix is translated as "knot".The disease is associated with the characteristic formation of vascular nodes.
What causes varicose veins: the reasons
Many people are familiar with 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 appearance..Lack of proper 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 feet, the risk of developing the disease also increases.Standing for a long time puts unnecessary 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 appearance of symptoms of varicose veins.The causes of varicose veins of 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;
- wearing tight clothes and high-heeled shoes every day;
- taking hormonal contraceptives;
- changes in the female body during menopause or pregnancy.
The cause of vascular pathology in men can be heavy physical activity, excessive sports, excessive use of saunas and baths.
Symptoms
There are many signs of developing RVV.The first thing you should pay attention to is the appearance of pain in the leg.This is the first alarm call.The diagnosis of varicose veins is confirmed if the following manifestations appear:
- throbbing pain in places of blood vessels;
- burning sensation in the muscles of the legs and frequent night cramps;
- pain while walking;
- feeling tired when standing;
- "Clumping" on foot 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 greatly affects the development or control of the disease.
Varicose veins in the legs develop without being noticed.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 overlooked.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 skin changes can develop.The most dangerous consequences are the risk of gangrene or the rupture of a blood clot, which of course 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 has a rapid nature, develops and progresses quite quickly.Varicose veins in the legs become the beginning of "full" 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:
The first stagerepresents the initial stage of the development of the disease, during which there is increased fatigue, heaviness and swelling of the lower extremities by the end of the day and the development of a weak vascular network.Sometimes, already at this stage, cramps are felt in the calves.
First, the capillaries (small vessels) expand, then the problem ceases to be cosmetic, and the period itself can last more than a year.
The second phasecontributes to considerable discomfort.Enlarged 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 attention.
The third stagecharacterized 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 with the same comfort.These symptoms appear as a result of intense physical activity or, conversely, after a long period of limited mobility.
The fourth stageit is diagnosed if the metabolism of the skin is interrupted.With it, the skin is covered with brown-brown spots, mainly localized in the ankle area.The pigmented area of the skin thickens, and then trophic ulcers form on it.If there is a risk of blood clots, the patient is advisedimmediate surgical intervention.
The description of the first four stages helps to get a complete understanding of the development of varicose veins.
The fifth stagedetermined by the presence of keloid scars that arose after a course of treatment of trophic ulcers.Often the wound reopens in the same place.
The sixth stageit means just that (an open ulcer).In this case, urgent surgery is needed;skin grafting is often done.
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 at the right time, a qualified specialist will help solve the problem.The approach to treatment is always individual.
In the initial stage, you can change the lifestyle that led to the development of the disease.With pronounced signs of venous insufficiency, complex therapy with the prescription of systemic drugs, 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.