Varicose veins in the legs are one of the most unpleasant and common diseases.This disease can cause enormous discomfort, damage the circulatory system and prematurely deprive the legs of their natural beauty.
To be fully armed and 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 one in three representatives of the fair sex who have reached the age of 30-40 years.The disease is less common in men and adolescents.
The veins in the legs have special valves.With its help, blood passes only toone direction (up).Failure of these valves results inBlood is allowed to move downward (in the opposite direction to normal), which interferes with its outflow.
As we age, blood vessels lose their tone, become more fragile, and venous valves lose their ability to circulate blood effectively.As a result, blood flow throughout the body is disturbed.The appearance of subtle venous networks and stars becomes the first sign of the development of varicose veins.
In addition, venous expansion of the leg veins begins to progress.The veins increase in size, swell and acquire an unhealthy bluish tint.They often become inflamed and burst, causing severe discomfort, pain and burning.A common location of vascular formations is the popliteal fossa and the areas adjacent to it.
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.
An interesting fact!The term "varicose veins" comes from Latin.The word varix translates 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 in the legs?A sedentary lifestyle is the first reason for its appearance..Lack of proper activity negatively affects the state of blood vessels.Blood circulation deteriorates, blood stagnates and the first vascular network appears.
In case of constant stress on the legs, the risk of developing the disease also increases.Standing for a long time puts undue pressure on the lower extremities, causing blood to pool in them.
A sedentary lifestyle is no less harmful- contributes to the weakening of blood vessels and, as a result, the manifestation 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 clothing and high heels every day;
- taking 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 to pay attention to is the appearance of pain in the legs.This is the first alarm call.The diagnosis of varicose veins is confirmed if the following manifestations occur:
- stabbing pain in the location of blood vessels;
- burning sensation in the leg muscles and frequent night 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 his opinion, the internal state of a person greatly influences the development or containment of the disease.
Varicose veins in the legs go unnoticed.The first lesions appear most frequently in the posterior region of the knee joint.(in the popliteal fossa) and in adjacent areas of the legs.Spider veins and edema are often overlooked.It is these minor manifestations that become the initial signs of vascular circulation disorders.
If treatment is neglected, trophic ulcers, thrombophlebitis, bleeding from varicose veins, muscle deformations and irreversible skin changes may develop.The most dangerous consequences are the risk of gangrene or rupture of a blood clot, which naturally causes 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 is rapid in nature, develops and progresses quite quickly.Varicose veins in the foot become the beginning of "full-blown" 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 stagerepresents 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 and the development of a weak vascular network are observed.Sometimes, already at this stage, cramps are felt in the calves.
The capillaries (small vessels) first dilate, then the problem ceases to be cosmetic and the period itself can last more than a year.
Second stagecontributes to significant discomfort.The enlarged leg veins and vascular networks are visible very clearly, and the swelling and pain become more and more intense.The venous valves lose their ability to perform their function.The second stage of the disease requires qualified medical attention.
Third stageIt is characterized by the constant presence of pain, intense swelling and cramps in the lower extremities.The veins in the legs enlarge and the swelling makes it impossible to wear shoes with the same comfort.These symptoms appear as a consequence of intense physical activity or, conversely, after a long period of limited mobility.
Fourth stagediagnosed if the skin metabolism is altered.With it, the skin is covered with brownish-brown spots, located mainly in the ankle area.The pigmented area of the skin thickens and subsequently trophic ulcers form.If there is a risk of blood clot formation, the patient is recommended toImmediate surgical intervention.
The description of the first four stages helps to obtain a complete understanding of the development of varicose veins.
Fifth stagedetermined by the presence of keloid scars that arose after treatment of trophic ulcers.Often the wound reopens in the same place.
Sixth stageIt implies exactly this (an open ulcer).In this case, there is a need for urgent surgery;Skin grafts are often performed.
Conclusion
By having information about what varicose veins are and how to treat them, you will be able to confidently resist the insidious enemy.If you contact a medical center in a timely manner, a qualified specialist will help you solve the problem.The treatment approach is always individual.
At the initial stage, you can cope by changing the lifestyle that led to the development of the disease.With pronounced signs of venous insufficiency, complex therapy is required with the prescription of systemic medications, local agents and physiotherapy.
The use of traditional medicine recipes can also provide many benefits, but requires the approval of the treating doctor.