Varicose veins in the legs are one of the most unpleasant and common conditions.The disease causes tremendous discomfort, damages the circulatory system and prematurely robs the legs of their natural beauty.
To be well equipped and stay healthy for many years, it's important to know everything you can about varicose veins.
What is varicose veins in the legs?
One in three women aged 30-40 years has varicose veins (VV).The disease is less common in males and adolescents.
The veins in the legs have special valves.With their help, blood enters onlyone direction (upward).Failure of these valves can result inThe blood is allowed to move downward (in the opposite direction from normal), which interferes with its outflow.
Over the years, blood vessels lose tone and become more fragile, and vein valves lose their ability to circulate blood effectively.As a result, blood flow throughout the body is disrupted.The appearance of a delicate network of veins and stars become the first signs of the development of varicose veins.
Additionally, the veins in the legs begin to dilate.The veins become enlarged, swollen, and take on an unhealthy blue color.They often become inflamed and rupture, causing severe discomfort, pain, and burning.A common location for vascularization is the popliteal fossa and its adjacent areas.
In addition to the lower limbs, other parts of the body are also susceptible to this disease:
- different parts of the hand;
- pelvic veins;
- groin and genitals
Often, women with varicose veins are embarrassed to wear skirts and skirts and are forced to prefer men's clothing styles.
Fun fact!The word "varicose veins" comes from Latin.The word varix is translated as "knot."The disease is accompanied by the characteristic formation of vascular nodules.
Causes of varicose veins:
Many people are familiar with this saying: Movement is life.This is exactly what happens with venous disease.What causes varicose veins in the legs?A sedentary lifestyle is the number one reason why it occurs..Lack of appropriate activity can have a negative impact on the condition of your blood vessels.Circulation deteriorates, blood stagnates, and the first vascular network appears.
The risk of developing this condition also increases if there is ongoing pressure on the legs.Standing for long periods of time can put undue stress on the lower limbs, causing blood to stagnate.
A sedentary lifestyle is also harmful- It weakens blood vessels, causing symptoms of varicose veins.The causes of varicose veins in the lower limbs vary from person to person.
The most common of these are:
- genetic predisposition;
- chronic stress and sedentary work;
- Alcoholism, poor diet, and being overweight;
- Wear tight clothing and high heels every day;
- taking hormonal contraceptives;
- Changes in a woman's body during menopause or pregnancy.
The causes of vasculopathy in men may be strenuous physical activity, excessive exercise, excessive use of saunas and baths.
symptom
There are many signs of RVV development.The first thing you need to notice is the onset of leg pain.This was the first call to the police.Varicose veins can be diagnosed if the following symptoms occur:
- Throbbing pain in vascular sites;
- Burning sensation in leg muscles and frequent nighttime cramps;
- pain when walking;
- Feeling tired when standing;
- Legs “buzzing” at the end of the day
Traditional healers added psychological causes to the traditional causes of illness.They believe that a person's internal state largely affects the development or containment of disease.
Varicose veins in the legs develop unconsciously.The first lesion most commonly occurs in the posterior region of the knee joint(in the popliteal fossa) and adjacent areas of the legs.Spider veins and edema are often overlooked.It is these minor manifestations that become the first symptoms of vascular circulation disorders.
If treatment is ignored, trophic ulcers, thrombophlebitis, variceal bleeding, muscle deformations, and irreversible changes in the skin may develop.The most dangerous consequence is the risk of gangrene or a ruptured blood clot, which can naturally lead to death.
It's important to know!Advanced varicose veins often cannot be treated with medications and folk remedies, so forced surgical intervention is required.
How varicose veins develop
The disease has a rapid onset and develops and progresses quite rapidly.Varicose veins in the feet are the beginning of what may become "full-blown" varicose veins.Venous insufficiency is systemic in nature, whose characteristic manifestations can be seen in various parts of the body and can coexist with hemorrhoids and other signs of disease.
The following international classification is called CEAP (Clinical Etiology Anatomic Pathology).
Phlebologists divide varicose veins into 6 stages:
first stageRepresents the initial stage of disease development, during which, by the end of the day, fatigue, heaviness and swelling of the lower limbs increase, and a weakening of the vascular network is observed.Sometimes, during this stage, calf cramps are felt.
The capillaries (small blood vessels) first dilate, then the problem ceases to be cosmetic, and the period itself can last for more than a year.
second stageCauses significant discomfort.The thick veins and blood vessel network in the legs were clearly visible, and the swelling and pain were getting worse.The vein valves lose the ability to perform their functions.The second stage of the disease requires qualified medical care.
The third stageIt is characterized by persistent pain, severe swelling, and cramping in the lower limbs.The veins in the legs are enlarged and swollen, making it impossible to wear shoes that are equally comfortable.These symptoms occur due to strenuous physical activity or long-term activity restriction.
Stage 4Diagnose whether the skin's metabolism is disturbed.Subsequently, the skin is covered with tan spots, mainly concentrated in the ankle area.Pigmented areas of skin thicken and subsequently trophic ulcers form over them.If there is a risk of blood clots, advise patientsImmediate surgical intervention.
The description of the first four stages helps to provide a comprehensive understanding of the development of varicose veins.
The fifth stageDetermined by the presence of keloid scars that appear after one course of treatment for trophic ulcers.The wound often reopens in the same place.
Stage sixExactly what is suggested (an open ulcer).This condition requires emergency surgery; skin grafting is often performed.
in conclusion
By understanding what varicose veins are and how to treat them, you can confidently defend yourself against an insidious enemy.If you contact a medical institution promptly, qualified specialists will help solve the problem.Treatment always varies from person to person.
In the initial stages, you can get through it by making lifestyle changes that contribute to the development of the disease.Because the symptoms of venous insufficiency are significant, comprehensive treatment with systemic medications, topical medications, and physical therapy is required.
The use of traditional medicine remedies can also bring many benefits, but they need to be approved by the attending physician.