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 patients themselves.
But not responding to pain, swelling and even more so to spider veins is extremely risky, as the disease is serious, does not go away on its own and threatens to develop dangerous complications.If the disease is neglected, not only ugly lumps appear on the legs.Disturbances in venous outflow lead to irreversible consequences in the tissue, leading to the formation of trophic ulcers.This is a serious and painful disease that is very difficult to cure.
As the disease progresses, there is a constant deterioration in the blood supply to the lower extremities.This leads to the fact that the tissue no longer receives the required amount of oxygen and nutrients, as the vessels become clogged, twisted and no longer fulfill their functions.This results in serious problems, including tissue death and the development of gangrene.And that is amputation and disability.Therefore, varicose veins require careful attention and the fastest possible response.Only if the right treatment is started early can not only serious consequences be avoided, but unsightly and annoying bulging veins on the legs can also be eliminated.
Causes of varicose veins in the legs
There are many reasons and factors that can cause varicose veins to develop.
There are many reasons why varicose veins develop on the legs.But basically, a variety of triggers such as work that requires constant standing, hereditary predisposition or the love of uncomfortable high-heeled shoes are the trigger for the development of the disease.
The real reason for the development of varicose veins is the disruption of venous drainage.In the human body, blood circulates, that is, it constantly moves through the circulatory system.Once the blood reaches the lower extremities, it can no longer return upwards on its own;it needs a “pump”.Special venous valves play its role.
When they no longer cope with their tasks, what is known as reflux occurs - the backflow of blood due to valve failure.Such disorders are caused by problems with the physiological balance between muscle cells, elastic fibers of the vessel walls and collagen.When the blood flows back, it enters the tissue and leads to the development of chronic venous insufficiency.
In this case, swelling occurs, and when blood components enter the tissue, fluid stagnation (stasis) and disruption of microcirculation occur.The cells gradually die and a trophic ulcer appears at the site of blood accumulation.These are painful tissue defects that do not heal in the long term and open the door to infections 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 can be considered one of the most common diseases in terms of their prevalence.It has been known since ancient times, for which there is not only documentary but also material evidence.A mummy was found in Egypt with traces of varicose veins and apparently repeatedly treated trophic ulcers.
The disease affects both men and women, but is slightly more common among the fairer sex.The main reason for the difference is that women wear high heels and spend more time on their feet when giving birth to their children.
Varicose veins can develop in adolescence, often brought on by pregnancy and childbirth, when the venous system is under severe strain due to the growth and pressure of the fetus, and then after the stress of childbirth.
The symptoms of the disease are initially difficult to distinguish and are difficult to distinguish from other problems.
At first you notice slight pain in the calves, especially after walking, which is often due to normal fatigue.The patient may complain that he gets tired quickly and is no longer able to walk long distances as before.He suffers from cramping, burning and bloating, which often worsens at night;In the evening, swelling, a feeling of heaviness and “lead-filled” legs occur.
Most often, patients do not consult a doctor at this stage because they attribute the symptoms to uncomfortable shoes, heavy strain on the legs, heat and fatigue.But the disease can progress over years and even decades until the situation worsens so much that blue veins protrude under the skin 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 the most commonly used is its division into stages:
- First– Damage to a small number of vessels, mainly in the lower part of the legs, with complaints of pain, fatigue and slight manifestation of the venous pattern.Treatment started at this stage is particularly effective.
- Second– There are also symptoms of impaired venous drainage: swelling, fluid retention, mild pain in the calves and feet.A common sign is extreme tiredness at the end of the work day.
- Third– Development of venous valve insufficiency.The formation of tortuous, 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 in the legs even with minimal physical exertion.
- Fourth– noticeable convex, tortuous blue veins under the skin, the formation of nodules that highlight the skin of the extremities, 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, carry out a diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.Most often it is combined, including various 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 option is 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 blood flow, does not cause discomfort or pain to the patient, and also contributes to the correct selection and prescription of the optimal method of treatment.
Drug treatment
To treat varicose veins in the initial stages, special creams, ointments and tablets are used.
The main danger that varicose veins pose is thrombophlebitis, which is an inflammatory process in the walls of blood vessels.This greatly increases the risk of thrombosis and a blood clot poses an immediate threat not only to the health but also to the life of the patient. A “detached” blood clot can travel through the bloodstream to vital organs and cause potentially fatal diseases – pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction or stroke.
At the initial stage of the disease, combination 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, tighten and strengthen blood vessels, and improve blood circulation.
Compression therapy includes the use of special elastic bandages and compression stockings – socks, knee-highs, 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 stockings are most often used.High-quality medical products do not differ visually from special knitwear and can therefore be worn every day.They are especially recommended for women who are on their feet most of the day - saleswomen, hairdressers, teachers.
Traditional methods of treating 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, swollen 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 often used to treat vein problems, so you can use it at home.Rubbing the legs with the tincture relieves pain and swelling, tightens and strengthens the veins.
- Gingko biloba– an old tree with interesting triangular foliage.Its leaves are used as a very effective remedy for improving blood circulation and strengthening blood vessel walls.
You can combat the manifestations of varicose veins with the help of various herbal preparations, but it is best to consult your doctor first.
Surgical intervention
The core of the operation is to suspend and remove pathologically altered veins.
Surgical interventions for varicose veins are common because the resulting disease cannot be cured with conservative methods alone.
The most commonly used surgical techniques are:
- phlebectomy,or removal of affected veins.
- Laser coagulation– a modern method for obliterating (clogging) diseased vessels using a directed laser beam.Over time, the vessel stops functioning, becomes sclerotic and dissolves.The technique is considered gentle because it does not require any cuts, no hospitalization of the patient and no long recovery time.The procedure gives an excellent cosmetic effect.
- Radiofrequency coagulation– a way to eliminate reflux in the large or small saphenous vein.Its effectiveness is comparable to phlebectomy, but does not require a rehabilitation period and is better tolerated by patients.
- Sclerosis.A method in which a special drug is injected into a vein under the control of an ultrasound machine, causing the vein to stick together.
Treatment prognosis and possible complications
Varicose veins on the legs are a serious condition that can easily lead to very dangerous complications.The main danger is the development of thrombosis, which can lead to damage to the entire body.The detachment and migration of a blood clot threatens a person with unexpected death, since a blood clot that enters vital organs and clogs a vessel can easily cause a stroke, heart attack or embolism.
Advanced varicose veins can lead to disability.
The second terrible threat that varicose veins pose is affecting a person's mobility and disability.If the disease is not treated, complete blockage of the veins in the legs can occur, as a result of which gangrene develops, and doctors have no other option to save the patient's life than to amputate a limb or both legs.
Such dire consequences can only be prevented by seeking medical attention in a timely manner and strictly following doctor's 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 stubbornly ignore them until the vein problem affects them personally.
Preventive measures to prevent varicose veins are as follows:
- Moderate physical activity.Both overload and passive sitting in a motionless position, which leads to stagnation of blood in the lower extremities, are equally 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 a medium heel and a height of no more than 5-6 cm.
- Use of preventive compression stockings when necessary, during “standing” work or with aggravated heredity, during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Fight obesity.Significant body weight is one of the factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins.
If you follow these simple rules, your veins will remain strong and healthy, and your legs will remain beautiful and slim.