Most people primarily associate varicose veins with the large, painful blue and purple nodules that cause deformities in the legs of both men and women.But what looks so ugly is a disease that is already advanced, even terminal.The first stages of the disease are virtually invisible to others and are often not taken seriously by sufferers themselves.
But not reacting to the pain, swelling, and especially spider veins that appear is extremely dangerous because the disease is serious, will not go away on its own, and dangerous complications can arise.If the disease is ignored, not only will unsightly nodules appear on the legs.Impairment of venous outflow will have irreversible consequences for the tissue, leading to the formation of trophic ulcers.This is a serious and painful disease that is difficult to treat.
If the disease progresses, the blood supply to the lower limbs will continue to deteriorate.This will result in the tissues no longer receiving the required amounts of oxygen and nutrients as the blood vessels will become clogged, twisted and stop performing their functions.The results can lead to serious problems, including tissue death and the development of gangrene.This is amputation and disability.Therefore, varicose veins require careful attention and the fastest response.Only by starting appropriate treatment early can you not only avoid serious consequences but also eliminate unsightly and annoying bulging veins in your legs.
Causes of varicose veins in legs
There are many causes and factors that cause varicose veins.
There are many causes of varicose veins in the legs.But basically, the disease is driven by a variety of triggers, such as a job that involves frequent standing, a genetic predisposition, or a preference for uncomfortable high heels.
The real cause of varicose veins is obstruction of venous outflow.In the human body, blood is circulatory, that is, it is constantly moving through the circulatory system.Once it reaches the lower limbs, blood cannot return up on its own; it needs a "pump."Its function is performed by special vein valves.
If they begin not to perform their duties well, what's called regurgitation - a reverse flow of blood due to valve failure - can occur.These diseases are caused by problems with the physiological balance between muscle cells, elastic fibers and collagen in blood vessel walls.When blood backs up, it leaks into the tissues, leading to the development of chronic venous insufficiency.
In this case, swelling occurs, and then, as blood components leak into the tissues, fluid stagnation (stasis) occurs and microcirculation is disrupted.Cells gradually die, and trophic ulcers appear in areas where blood accumulates.These are long-term, untreatable, painful tissue defects that open the door to infection and even more dangerous health problems.
Initial signs, stages and symptoms
The symptoms of varicose veins are directly related to their stage.
In terms of prevalence, varicose veins can be considered one of the most common diseases.It has been around since ancient times and is not only recorded in literature but also has physical evidence.In Egypt, a mummy was found to have traces of varicose veins and apparent trophic ulcers that had been treated repeatedly.
This disease affects both men and women, but is more common in women.The main reasons for this difference are women giving birth and wearing high heels and spending more time on their feet.
Varicose veins can occur in adolescence and are usually 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 distinguish them from other problems.
The first thing noticed is mild pain in the lower legs, especially after walking, which is often attributed to normal fatigue.The patient may complain that he tires quickly and is unable to walk long distances as before.He suffered from cramps, burning sensations, and bloating that often worsened at night; at night, he suffered from swelling, heaviness, and "lead-filled" legs.
Most often, at this stage, patients do not see a doctor, blaming their discomfort on uncomfortable shoes, excessive load on the legs, heat and fatigue.But the disease can persist for years or even decades until it worsens significantly, causing protruding blue veins under the skin to become apparent or spider-like veins to appear.Even the presence of these symptoms and pain, evident along veins, does not always compel patients to seek medical help.
There are many ways to classify diseases, but the most commonly used is stage classification:
- First– Damage to a few blood vessels, mainly in the lower part of the legs, with complaints of pain, fatigue, and slight venous lines.Treatment started during this stage is particularly effective.
- second– Increased symptoms of impaired venous outflow: swelling, fluid stagnation, mild pain in the calves and feet.A common sign is extreme fatigue at the end of the workday.
- third– Development of venous valve insufficiency.The veins form tortuous and twisted veins, become severely swollen, the skin becomes cyanotic, and there is a tendency for trophic ulcers to form.A typical symptom is pain with even light physical activity in the legs.
- fourth– There are obviously protruding and tortuous blue veins under the skin, forming nodules that make the skin of the limbs protrude, and there are non-healing trophic ulcers.At this stage, only urgent surgical intervention can help.
It is necessary to treat varicose veins as early as possible, do not resort to amateur measures, but definitely seek the help of a specialist - a phlebologist.He will evaluate the condition of the blood vessels, make a diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment plan.Most often it is a combination of different influencing methods.
Diagnosis of disease
In the early stages, varicose veins in the legs may not be detected using visual methods.The best method is considered to be duplex ultrasonography of the lower extremity vessels.It gives you a comprehensive view of the condition of the leg veins (including deep veins), assesses blood flow levels without causing discomfort or pain to the patient, and also helps to correctly select and prescribe the best treatment.
drug treatment
Treating varicose veins in the first stage requires the use of special creams, ointments and tablets.
The main threat posed by varicose veins is thrombophlebitis, an inflammatory process of the blood vessel walls.What follows is a sharp increase in the risk of thrombosis, which not only directly threatens health, but also threatens the patient's life.A "detached" 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, mainly based on the use of special drugs - venotonics and compressed products.The main drugs are drugs that thin the blood, prevent thrombosis, regulate and strengthen blood vessels, and improve blood circulation.
Compression therapy involves the use of special elastic bandages and compression stockings - socks, knee socks, stockings and tights.
They must be chosen by a doctor based on the extent of the disease.In the initial phase, preventive compression stockings are most often used.High-quality medical products are no different in appearance from specialty knitwear and can therefore be worn on a daily basis.Especially recommended for women who need to be on their feet most of the day - sellers, hairdressers, teachers.
Traditional approach to the disease
Traditional medicine treats varicose veins in the legs in the following ways:
- Green tomato compress.This treatment may seem strange at first, but it works perfectly to help relieve inflammation, dilated blood vessels, and swelling.Cut unripe tomatoes into circles, apply on the sore area overnight and remove in the morning.
- Horse chestnut tincture.This plant is widely used to treat vein problems, so you can do it at home.Rubbing the tincture into your legs can relieve pain and swelling, and tone and strengthen your veins.
- Ginkgo biloba– An old tree with interesting triangular leaves.Its leaves are used as a very effective remedy for improving blood circulation and strengthening the walls of blood vessels.
You can combat the symptoms of varicose veins with the help of various herbal preparations, but it is best to consult your doctor first.
surgical intervention
The essence of the surgery is to ligate and remove the pathologically changed veins.
Surgical procedures for varicose veins are common because conservative methods alone cannot cure the disease that has developed.
The most commonly used surgical techniques are:
- phlebectomy,or remove the affected vein.
- laser coagulation– Modern method of eliminating (blocking) diseased blood vessels using directed laser beams.Over time, blood vessels stop functioning, become hardened, and dissolve.The technique is considered gentle because it does not require incisions, patient hospitalization and a long recovery period.The surgery has excellent cosmetic results.
- radiofrequency coagulation– A method of eliminating reflux in the great or small saphenous vein.It is as effective as phlebectomy, but does not require a recovery period and is more easily tolerated by patients.
- hardening.A method in which special drugs are injected into the veins under the control of an ultrasound device to bond the veins.
Treatment prognosis and possible complications
Varicose veins in the legs are a serious condition that can easily lead to very dangerous complications.The main danger is the formation of blood clots, which can cause damage throughout the body.The detachment and migration of blood clots poses the threat of unexpected death, as clots that travel to vital organs and block blood vessels can easily lead to strokes, heart attacks, or embolisms.
Advanced varicose veins can lead to disability.
The second dire threat posed by varicose veins is the loss of mobility and disability.If left untreated, the disease can lead to complete blockage of the veins in the legs, leading to gangrene, leaving doctors with no choice but to amputate or amputate the patient's life.
Only by seeking medical advice promptly and strictly following medical advice can such dire consequences be avoided.Prompt treatment can avoid terrible complications and keep your feet healthy and beautiful.
Prevention is important to prevent this disease.Doctors repeat these simple rules over and over, but most people ignore them until vein problems affect them personally.
Measures to prevent varicose veins include:
- Moderate physical activity.Overload and passive sitting can cause blood stagnation in the lower limbs, which is also harmful to vascular health.
- Quit bad habits – smoking and drinking.They have an extremely negative impact on vein conditions.
- Wear comfortable mid-heeled shoes, no higher than 5-6 cm.
- If necessary, preventive compression stockings are used during "standing" work or during genetic exacerbations, pregnancy and childbirth.
- Fight excess weight.Excessive weight is one of the factors that lead to the development of varicose veins.
Following these simple rules will help keep your veins strong and healthy, and your legs beautiful and slim.