Varicose veins in the legs are one of the most unpleasant and common diseases.This disease can cause great discomfort, harm the circulatory system and take away the natural beauty of the feet.
To be fully equipped 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 every third representative of the fair sex who has reached the age of 30-40.The disease is less common in men and adolescents.
The veins in the legs have special valves.With their help, blood is simply transfusedone direction (up).Failure of these valves resultsblood is allowed to move downward (opposite to the normal direction), which impedes its outflow.
Over the years, blood vessels lose tone, become more fragile, and venous valves lose their ability to circulate blood effectively.As a result, blood flow throughout the body is interrupted.The appearance of a delicate network of veins and stars becomes the first sign of the development of varicose veins.
Furthermore, venous dilatation of the veins in the legs begins to progress.The veins increase in size, swell and have a bluish color which is not good for health.They often become inflamed and rupture, causing severe discomfort, pain, and burning.The common site of angiogenesis is in 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 hand;
- pelvic veins;
- groin and genitals
Often, when suffering from varicose veins, women are afraid to wear dresses and skirts and are forced to give preference to men's clothing styles.
Fun fact!The term "varicose veins" comes from Latin.The word varix is translated as “knot”.The disease is accompanied by the characteristic formation of vascular nodes.
Causes of varicose veins: causes
Many people are familiar with the saying: movement is life.This is exactly the case with venous disease.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 network of blood vessels appears.
In cases where the legs are under constant stress, the risk of developing the disease also increases.Standing for a long time puts excessive pressure on the lower limbs, causing blood to stagnate in the lower limbs.
A sedentary lifestyle is no less harmful- it contributes to the weakening of blood vessels and, as a result, to the manifestation of symptoms of varicose veins.The causes of varicose veins in the lower limbs are different for each person.
Among the most popular are:
- genetic predisposition;
- chronic stress and sedentary work;
- alcohol abuse, poor diet, and being overweight;
- wearing tight clothes and high heels every day;
- take hormonal contraceptives;
- changes in a woman's body during menopause or pregnancy.
The cause of vascular disease in men can be heavy physical activity, excessive sports, saunas and too many baths.
Symptom
There are many signs that indicate the development of RVV.The first thing you need 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 symptoms are present:
- sharp pain at the site of blood vessels;
- burning sensation in leg muscles and frequent cramps at night;
- 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.According to them, a person's internal state greatly influences the development or prevention of disease.
Varicose veins in the legs develop unnoticed.The first damage often appears in the area behind the knee joint(in the popliteal fossa) and adjacent areas of the leg.Spider veins and edema are often overlooked.It is these small manifestations that will become the initial signs of vascular circulatory disorders.
If treatment is ignored, trophic ulcers, thrombophlebitis, variceal bleeding, muscle deformities and irreversible changes in the skin may develop.The most dangerous consequence is the risk of necrosis or rupture of a blood clot, which of course leads to death.
Important to know!Advanced stages of varicose veins often cannot be treated with drugs and folk remedies, therefore mandatory surgical intervention is required.
How do varicose veins develop?
The disease has a rapid nature, develops and progresses quite quickly.Varicose veins on the feet become the beginning of “complete” varicose veins.Varicose veins are 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 Etiological Anatomical Pathology).
Phlebologists distinguish 6 stages of varicose veins:
First stagerepresents the early stages of the disease's development, during which there is increasing fatigue, heaviness and swelling in the lower limbs towards the end of the day and the development of a weak vascular network.Sometimes, at this stage, people feel cramps in their calves.
Capillaries (small vessels) first dilate, then the problem ceases to be cosmetic and menstruation can last more than a year.
Second stagecontributes to significant discomfort.The enlarged veins and blood vessel network in the legs are clearly visible, the swelling and pain are increasingly intense.Venous valves lose the ability to perform their function.The second stage of the disease requires qualified medical care.
Third stageCharacterized by the constant presence of pain, severe swelling and cramps in the lower limbs.The veins in your legs are swollen and swollen, making it impossible to wear shoes as comfortably as before.These symptoms appear due to intense physical activity or, conversely, after a long period of limited movement.
Fourth stageDiagnosed if skin metabolism is disrupted.When suffering from this disease, the skin will be covered with brown spots, mainly concentrated 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 shouldimmediate surgical intervention.
The description of the first four stages provides a complete understanding of the development of varicose veins.
Fifth stageidentified by the presence of keloid scars arising after a course of treatment for trophic ulcers.Often the wound will recur in the same place.
Sixth stageimplies exactly this (an open ulcer).In this case, emergency surgery is required;Skin grafting is often performed.
Conclude
Having information about what varicose veins are and how to treat them, you can confidently fight the insidious enemy.If you contact a medical facility in time, a qualified specialist will help solve the problem.The treatment approach is always individual.
In the early stages, you can overcome it by changing the lifestyle that leads to the development of the disease.With pronounced signs of venous insufficiency, complex treatment is required with the prescription of systemic drugs, local drugs and physiotherapy.
The use of traditional medicine remedies can also bring many benefits but requires the approval of a physician.