Varicose veins on the legs: symptoms and treatment. Causes of varicose veins

varicose veins orphlebeurysm- this is a systemic pathological change in the veins, which is accompanied by their expansion, elongation, bending and the formation of knots, due to which the work of the venous valves is disturbed and the flowblood is disturbed.

A change in blood flow almost always leads to changes in the body. The movement of blood through the veins depends not only on the state of the vascular wall, but also on the state of the venous valve, the work of which creates the movement of blood, regulates the direction and power of the flow.In healthy veins, there is a certain balance between venous thickness, venous tone and valvular activity.. When one of these elements changes, the load on the others increases. For instance,when the valve fails, blood flow slows, a greater volume of fluid begins to accumulate in the veins, which increases the load on the walls, which subsequently lose their elasticity and stretch. All these changes can lead to stagnation of blood in the lower extremities, as a result of which inflammation, pain and swelling may appear due to tissue malnutrition.

Symptoms of varicose veins

Pain is one of the first symptoms that can appear at any age and must be treated.

• At stage 1:discomfort occurs at the end of the working day, tingling and burning in the legs may be present. This indicates an increased load on the venous system of the legs.
• In steps 2 and 3:the appearance of pulling pains and cramps of the calf muscles.
• At 4 steps:Intense pains of a tense and arched character which cause lameness.

Edemaare also part of the symptoms of this disease and can appear in its early stages. Usuallyedema varies in severity on different legs, since absolutely identical violations are rare. Varicose edema of the legs should be distinguished from edema of heart failure.

Itching- one of the most common symptoms after pain. It can also appear in the early stages, but most often it is noticed in stages 2 and 3 of the disease.

Why do the legs itch with varicose veins?

thisassociated with vascular wall expansion and nervous system response in tissues. Due to the expansion of the vein, it presses on the surrounding vessels and capillaries, which can damage them, and the nerve endings transmit these sensations in the form of itching, or the effect on the nerves will be direct.

It is to highlight thatthe itching will be internaland more often than not will not bring relief by trying to influence it by external means.

What do varicose veins on the legs look like?

You need to know the answer to this question and have some ideas about the disease, so as not to panic in advance and start treatment for a disease that does not exist.

In addition to physical discomfort, the disease is also manifested by external signs:

1. Fine blue knit on the legsthis is not a reason to panic, because it symbolizes the defeat of superficial vessels, but if it increases in area, becomes brighter or begins to protrude, this is a direct path to an appointment with a specialistand a lifestyle review.
2. Bruises and contusionsmay indicate damage to the vessel and subcutaneous hemorrhage, this is due to a strong load on the veins. Usually this symptom indicates the progression of the disease.
3. The appearance of red spots on the legs, peeling of the skin and its thinning speak of atrophic processes characteristic of the later stages of the disease.

Prevention and treatment of varicose veins

The main actions and procedures for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins:

• Recommendedactively moveevery day. Walking, yoga and running will be very useful sports for the health of the veins of the lower limbs.
• Prolonged standing increases stress on muscles and veins.
• Avoid cross-legged posture, it compresses the veins and impairs blood circulation.
• Don't get too carried away with hot bathsand saunas, prolonged exposure to high temperatures affects the tone of the walls of blood vessels.
• Don't wear tight pants, prefer loose clothing and comfortable underwear.
• Bad habits, and especially smoking - negatively affect the tone of the walls of blood vessels.
• Light foot massageis a good way to prevent.
• Permanentspecialized visitwith an existing problem is also necessary.

Prevention of varicose veins in the legs in women

• Pay attention to the hosiery items in your wardrobe. Costsavoid socks and stockings with elastic bands that are too tightwhich pulls the leg.
• The choice of footwear should also be taken seriously:high heels should not be worn daily, be careful also to choose shoes with straps and cords, especially at the ankle.

Treatment of varicose veins

The treatment should beunder the supervision of a phlebologist. After laboratory and instrumental diagnostics, the specialist determines the degree of the disease and prescribes treatment.

There are several methods of treatment: drug therapy, surgery, exercise therapy.

Medical therapy includes:

• Anticoagulants (to thin the blood);
• Antiplatelet agents (prevention of thrombus formation and improvement of tissue nutrition);
• venotonics;
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories for severe pain and inflammation.

The surgery includes:

• Laser coagulation method: removes surface defects in the form of surface meshes and stars;
• Sclerotherapy: "sealing a vein" by introducing special substances and shutting it off from the bloodstream;
• Phlebectomy: surgical removal of a vein.

Exercises for varicose veins on the legs

Uniform physical activity and exercises help to cope with varicose veins.

1. Standing position, feet apart at shoulder width, hands placed along the body.We rise on tiptoe, hold this position for 2 seconds and drop sharply onto your heels.
2. Standing position, hands leaning against a wall or on the back of a chair, roll from heels to toes and vice versa for 2 minutes.
3. A useful exercise would bewalk in place, the socks do not come off the ground. Also usefulwalking on toes or heels.
4. Lying down, raise your legs and runmovement "bicycle".
5. Sitting position: Alternatebend and unbend the legs, then the feet.

Folk remedy for varicose veins on the legs

Treatment with herbal ingredientsmany doctors prescribe in combination with the main medication or exercise therapy. It is also welcome in the early stages of the disease, when the course of the disease has not yet begun.

What foods are best for vein health?

• Nutmeg. It is welcomed as a dietary supplement, decoctions and tinctures.
• Lemon: tinctures, lemonades, oils.
• Ginger: very useful in combination with lemon, also decoction, tincture, compresses.
• Compresswith white cabbage, oils, honey on more painful areas will relieve symptoms.
• If aswollen leg due to varicose veins: a compress of aloe, burdock will help relieve swelling. In combination with this, they give a good effect.decoctions of cranberries, wild rose, cumin, thyme, oregano.

Folk remedies for varicose veins in the legs contribute to a quick recovery and do not give complications that can lead to drug treatment.

The most important thing in the treatment is to understand that in advanced cases folk remedies do not give a strong effect, soneed to see a specialistand do not choose the treatment yourself.

If this disease is present in an older person, they will need help to perform exercise therapy correctly (which will be an integral part of the therapy), as the exercises may differ for older people.

Likewise, it is necessary to correctly and timely selectpharmacotherapyto avoid further complications on the body. For instance,the result of improper treatment can be thrombosis of superficial and deep veins, as a result of which severe inflammation and even necrotic processes, long-healing trophic ulcers may develop.

To prevent dangerous complications, seek advice and help from specialists, especially if you cannot independently control the treatment, and follow all the necessary recommendations.