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

varicose veins orphlebeurism- this is a systemic pathological change in the veins, which is accompanied by their expansion, lengthening, bending and formation of nodes, as a result of which the work of the venous valves is disturbed and the blood flow is disturbed.

A change in blood flow almost always leads to changes in the body. The movement of blood in 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 strength of the flow.In healthy veins, there is a certain balance between vein thickness, vein tone, and valve activity.. When one of these elements changes, the load on the others increases. For instance,when the valve fails, blood flow slows down, an increased volume of liquid begins to accumulate in the veins, as a result of which the load on the walls increases, which subsequently lose their elasticity and stretch. All these changes can lead to stagnation of blood in the lower limbs, as a result of which inflammation, pain and swelling may appear due to malnutrition of the tissues.

Symptoms of varicose veins

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

• In phase 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 stages 2 and 3:the appearance of pulling pain and cramps in the calf muscles.
• 4-phase:Severe tense and arching pains that cause lameness.

Edemathey are also included in the symptoms of this disease and can manifest themselves from its earliest stages. Usuallyedema varies in severity on different legs, since absolutely identical violations are rare. Varicose leg edema should be distinguished from edema in heart failure.

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

Why do my legs itch with varicose veins?

itassociated with the expansion of the vascular wall and the response of the nervous system in the 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 as itching, or the effect on the nerves will be direct.

It is worth noting thatthe itching will be internaland very often it will not bring relief when trying to influence it by external means.

What do varicose veins on the legs look like?

It is necessary to know the answer to this question and have some ideas about the disease, so as not to panic in advance and not to start treatment for a nonexistent disease.

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

1. Fine blue net on the legsthis is not a cause for panic, as it symbolizes the defeat of the superficial vessels, but if it increases in area, becomes brighter or begins to protrude, this is a direct route to an appointment with a specialist and a lifestyle review.
2. Bruises and bruisesmay indicate damage to the vessel and subcutaneous hemorrhage from it, 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 last stages of the disease.

Prevention and treatment of varicose veins

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

• Recommendedmove activelyeveryday. Walking, yoga and running will be very useful sports for the health of the veins of the lower limbs.
• Prolonged standing increases stress on the muscles and veins.
• Avoid the cross-legged posture, compresses the veins and impairs blood circulation.
• Don't get carried away by hot bathsand saunas, prolonged exposure to high temperatures affects the tone of the blood vessel walls.
• Do not wear tight pants, give preference to loose clothing and comfortable underwear.
• Bad habits, and especially smoking - negatively affects the tone of the walls of blood vessels.
• Light foot massageit is a good way to prevent.
• Permanentspecialistwith an existing problem it 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 excessively tight elastic bandsthat pull the leg.
• The choice of shoes should also be taken seriously:high heels shouldn't be worn every day, also be careful to choose shoes with straps and cords, especially at the ankle.

Treatment of varicose veins

Treatment must 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, physical therapy.

Medical therapy includes:

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

Surgery includes:

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

Exercises for varicose veins on the legs

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

1. Standing position, feet shoulder-width apart, hands placed along the body.We stand up on tiptoe, hold this position for 2 seconds and drop sharply on your heels.
2. Standing position, hands resting against a wall or on the back of a chair, roll from heels to feet and vice versa for 2 minutes.
3. A useful exercise would bewalking on the spot, the socks do not come off the floor. Also usefulwalking on your toes or heels.
4. Lying position, raise your legs and perform"bicycle" movement.
5. Sitting position: alternativebend and straighten the legs, then feet.

Folk remedy for varicose veins on the legs

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

What are the best foods for vein health?

• Nutmeg. It is welcomed as a food supplement, decoctions and tinctures.
• Lemon: tinctures, lemonades, oils.
• Ginger: very useful in combination with lemon, also decoction, tincture, packs.
• Tabletswith white cabbage, oils, honey on the most painful areas relieves symptoms.
• If oneswollen 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, rose hips, cumin, thyme, oregano.

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

The most important thing in treatment is the understanding that in advanced cases, folk remedies do not give a strong effect, thereforeneed to consult a specialistand don't choose the treatment yourself.

If this disease is present in an elderly person, he will need help to carry out physical therapy correctly (which will be an integral part of the therapy), as exercises can differ for older people.

Likewise, it is necessary to select correctly and in a timely mannerpharmacological therapyto avoid further complications on the body. For instance,the result of improper treatment can be thrombosis of the superficial and deep veins, as a result of which severe inflammation and even necrotic processes can develop, trophic ulcers that heal for a long time.

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