Varicose veins on the legs are one of the most unpleasant and common diseases.This disease can cause immense discomfort, damage the circulatory system and prematurely deprive the feet of their natural beauty.
In order to be fully armed and to preserve our health for many years, it is important to know everything about varicose veins.
What are varicose veins on the legs
Varicose veins (VV) affect every third representative of the fair sex who have reached the age of 30-40.The disease is less common among men and adolescents.
The veins in the legs have special valves.With their help, the blood just gets inone direction (up).Failure of these valves results inthe blood moves downwards (opposite to the normal direction), which interferes with its outflow.
Over the years, the blood vessels lose their tone, become more fragile, and the venous valves lose their ability to circulate blood efficiently.As a result, blood flow throughout the body is interrupted.The appearance of fine venous networks and stars is the first sign of the development of varicose veins.
Furthermore, the venous dilatation of the veins of the legs begins to progress.The veins become enlarged, swollen and take on an unhealthy bluish tinge.They often become inflamed and burst, causing severe discomfort, pain and burning.A common site of vascular formations is the popliteal fossa and its adjacent areas.
In addition to the lower limbs, other areas of the body are also susceptible to the disease:
- different parts of the hands;
- pelvic veins;
- groin and genitals
Women with varicose veins are often embarrassed to wear dresses and skirts and are forced to prefer men's clothing styles.
Interesting fact!The term "varicose veins" is of Latin origin.The word varix is translated as "knot".The disease is accompanied by the characteristic formation of vascular nodes.
What causes varicose veins: causes
Many people know 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 occurrence..Lack of proper activity negatively affects the condition of blood vessels.Blood circulation deteriorates, blood stagnates, and the first vascular network appears.
In the case of constant stress on the feet, the risk of developing the disease also increases.Standing for long periods of time puts excessive pressure on the lower limbs, causing blood to stagnate in them.
A sedentary lifestyle is no less harmful- contributes to the weakening of the blood vessels, and consequently to the manifestation of the symptoms of varicose veins.The causes of varicose veins of the lower extremities vary from person to person.
The most common include:
- hereditary predisposition;
- chronic stress and sedentary work;
- alcohol abuse, poor diet and overweight;
- wearing tight clothes and high heels every day;
- taking hormonal contraceptives;
- changes in the female body during menopause or pregnancy.
Vascular pathology in men can be caused by heavy physical activity, excessive sports, and excessive use of saunas and baths.
Symptoms
There are many signs of the development of RVV.The first thing to pay attention to is the appearance of pain in the legs.This is the first warning.The diagnosis of varicose veins is confirmed if the following manifestations are present:
- throbbing pain at the site of blood vessels;
- burning sensation in the leg muscles and frequent night cramps;
- pain when walking;
- feeling tired while standing;
- "Buzzing" in the legs at the end of the day
Traditional healers add psychological reasons to the traditional causes of diseases.In their opinion, a person's internal state greatly influences the development or suppression of the disease.
Varicose veins on the legs develop unnoticed.The first changes most often appear in the back of the knee joint(the popliteal fossa) and the adjacent areas of the legs.Spider veins and edema are often overlooked.These minor manifestations become the initial signs of vascular circulation disorders.
If the treatment is neglected, trophic ulcers, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, muscle deformation and irreversible skin changes may develop.The most dangerous consequences are the risk of goiter or blood clot rupture, which of course leads to death.
It's important to know!The advanced stage of varicose veins often cannot be treated with drugs and folk remedies, and therefore requires mandatory surgical intervention.
How do varicose veins develop?
The disease is rapid in nature, develops and progresses rather quickly.Varicose veins on the legs become the beginning of "full-fledged" varicose veins.Venous insufficiency is systemic, its characteristic manifestations can be observed in different parts of the body and can be accompanied by hemorrhoids and other signs of the disease.
The following international classification is called CEAP (Clinical Etiology Anatomy Pathology).
Phlebologists distinguish 6 stages of varicose veins:
First stagerefers to the initial stage of the development of the disease, during which, by the end of the day, increased fatigue, heaviness and swelling of the lower limbs, as well as the formation of a weak vascular network, can be observed.Sometimes, already at this stage, cramps can be felt in the calves.
First, the capillaries (small blood vessels) expand, then the problem ceases to be cosmetic, and the period itself can last more than a year.
Second stagecontributes to significant discomfort.The enlarged veins on the legs and vascular networks are very 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 stagecharacterized by constant pain, severe swelling and cramps in the lower limbs.The veins on the legs are enlarged, and due to the swelling, it is not possible to wear the same comfortable shoes.These symptoms appear as a result of intense physical activity or, on the contrary, after prolonged immobility.
Fourth stageit is diagnosed when the metabolism of the skin is disturbed.With this, the skin is covered with brownish-brown spots, mainly in the area of the ankle.The pigmented area of the skin thickens and subsequently trophic ulcers form on it.If there is a risk of blood clot formation, it is recommended to the patientimmediate surgical intervention.
The description of the first four stages helps to fully understand the development of varicose veins.
Fifth stageit is determined by the presence of keloid scars, which were formed after the treatment of trophic ulcers.Often the wound reopens in the same place.
Sixth stagethat's exactly what it means (open ulcer).In this case, urgent surgery is required;skin grafts are often performed.
Conclusion
If you have information about what varicose veins are and how to treat them, you can confidently resist this insidious enemy.If you contact a medical facility in time, a qualified specialist will help you solve the problem.The treatment approach is always individual.
In the initial stage, it is possible to cope with changing the lifestyle that led to the development of the disease.In case of pronounced signs of venous insufficiency, complex therapy is required with the prescription of systemic drugs, local agents and physiotherapy.
Using the recipes of traditional medicine can also bring many benefits, but this requires the approval of the attending physician.