Varicose veins of the legs is the most common among all types of this disease. It is connected with the vertical posture of man, as it creates a big load on the lower extremities.
What are varicose veins and why they occur?
Varicose veins disease is the expansion of the veins, superficial, in which there is the interruption of blood flow. The disease is the cause of the weakness of the wall of venous and increase the pressure of the blood in the vessels. During the expansion of the wall of the vein so as to interfere with the normal operation of the valve device.
The blood can't move properly to the heart, and stagnates in the lower extremities. So the development of varicose veins in the legs. The symptoms that are manifested in the appearance of spider veins and venous nodes in the area of the weakness of the veins.
Causes of varicose veins are very diverse. It is heredity, and obesity, and unhealthy lifestyle, and long-term exercise to his feet, and pregnancy. Very important the prevention of varicose veins, will help to prevent the development of diseases and strengthen the blood vessels.
Signs and symptoms of varicose veins in the legs
The symptoms of varicose veins of the lower limbs varied, it all depends on the stage of the disease. Initially, the patient does not see any external symptoms, may disturb only the tiredness after a days work, heaviness in the legs. The disease can manifest itself in the development of spider veins, later appear venous nodes and becomes visible dilation of the blood vessels.
The first manifestations of the disease should immediately contact doctor!
In the later stages of the disease, the symptoms of varicose veins in the legs are multiplied, there is pain in the muscles and in the feet, the bags, the pigmentation of the skin. In advanced cases, develop trophic ulcers and venous bleeding.
Manifestations of the disease in the different stages
In the first stage of the disease, the symptoms of varicose veins of the legs are negligible. Can have the feeling of heaviness and tiredness in some places on the skin shines through the vascular mesh or "thread" veins.
In the second phase of the disease can be distressing cramps in legs are the symptoms of varicose veins, the patient feels pain and heaviness after physical exercise.
The third stage of varicose veins is characterized by the appearance of pronounced venous nodes, the pigmentation of the skin, swelling of the lower extremities.
The fourth stage is manifested in the form of trophic ulcers on the skin that may bleed and heal the hurt. The patient feels pain and discomfort in the lower extremities.
But if it is not treated?
If you notice the symptoms of varicose veins in the legs, treatment should be initiated as soon as possible. The lack of action can lead to serious complications, such as thrombophlebitis, bleeding from varicose veins, thromboembolism.
Blood clots that form in the thrombophlebitis, interfere with the normal flow of blood, causing impairment of blood supply to the tissues. If nothing is done, there may be trophic ulcers – wounds in the skin, get wet and heal the hurt.
In this case, you should immediately contact a doctor?
If you notice any symptoms of varicose veins, consult your doctor. Pain in the legs, frequent cramps, the appearance of the pigmentation and the deterioration of the General condition should also be alerted.
Do not tighten the visit to the phlebologist, the timely treatment to the doctor will help to prevent complications and to deal with the disease.
Diagnosis of varicose veins of the legs
The most common and effective method of diagnosis of varicose veins in the legs is considered to be the ultrasound. This will help you to determine the exact location of the varicose veins, their type and stage of the disease.
When the first symptoms of varicose veins were permanent on their feet immediately to complete a full course examinations.
In addition, the doctor will prescribe common blood test that will show the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, leukocytes and platelets. This will help determine the predisposition to thrombophlebitis or indicate the presence of inflammatory process in Vienna.
To find out the stage of the disease can be used this method as rheovasography – definition of the insufficiency of the blood supply to the tissues. In a complex and difficult to diagnose cases, resort to surgical research (e.g., venography).
Treatment of varicose veins of the legs
There are several ways to treat varicose veins, the decision is made by the doctor and is that from the stage of the disease and its course.
- The use of venotonics angioprotectors and drugs – these are medications that normalize the structure of the walls of the blood vessels, improves the circulation of the blood.
- Stockings of compression – helps reduce pain, increases vascular tone.
- Treatment of varicose veins with leeches – hirudotherapy, hirudin, contained in the saliva of the leeches, reduces the viscosity of the blood and saturates it with useful substances.
- Surgical treatment – phlebectomy, laser coagulation, radiofrequency coagulation, sclerotherapy, help to cope with the problem of varicose veins and remove varicose veins.
Prevention of varicose veins
Prevention of varicose veins will help to reduce the risk of disease. The correct way of life and a suitable and varied range of physical activity during the day – the ability to permanently keep your veins healthy.
Don't forget about proper nutrition, because excess weight contributes to the development of varicose veins. After a hard day, let the legs relax. Avoid hot treatments and addictions (nicotine, contained in cigarettes, reduces vascular tone).
Useful tips
- At the first sign of varicose veins promptly contact your doctor.
- Be especially attentive to the veins of the legs during pregnancy.
- If you have the risk of varicose veins, for the prevention of the disease during long trips, travel and physical effort to wear a compression garment.
- Arrange the correct mode of work and rest.
- Quit Smoking, fatty and donation of food, prolonged sitting in one position, to reduce the risk of occurrence of varicose veins.