Varicose veins on the legs is the most common among all types of this disease. This is associated with the upright posture of man, because this is a big load on the lower extremities.
What are varicose veins and why does it occur?
Varicose disease is enlargement of the superficial veins, in which there is disruption of blood flow. The disease is caused by the weakness of the venous walls and increases the pressure of the blood in the veins. During the expansion of the vein wall, which disrupts the normal operation of the valve device.
The blood cannot be properly moved up to the heart, and stagnates in the lower extremities. So the development of varicose veins in the legs. Symptoms are manifested in the appearance of spider veins, and venous nodes in the area of the weakened veins.
Causes of varicose veins are very diverse. It is heredity, obesity, and an unhealthy lifestyle, and long-term exercise to his feet, and pregnancy. Very important the prevention of varicose veins, it will help to prevent the development of disease and strengthen blood vessels.
Symptoms and signs of varicose veins on the legs
Symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities may vary, it all depends on the degree of disease. Initially, the patient does not see any external symptoms, can be disturbed only by the fatigue after a working day, the weight in the legs. The disease can be evident in the development of spider veins, later appear venous nodes and become visibly enlarged veins.
The first manifestations of the disease, should immediately contact your doctor!
In later stages of the disease the symptoms of varicose veins on the legs are multiplied, the pain in the muscles and feet, puffiness, pigmentation of the skin. In more extreme cases, the development of trophic venous ulcers and bleeding.
Manifestations of disease in various stages
In the first stage of the disease, the symptoms of varicose veins on the legs are negligible. You can feel the weight and fatigue, and in some places on the skin shines through the vascular network or "thread" veins.
In the second stage of the disease can be painful cramps in the legs occur the symptoms, of varicose veins, the patient feels pain and heaviness after physical exercise.
In the third stage of varicose veins is characterized by the appearance of a pronounced venous node, the pigmentation on 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 poorly. The patient feels severe pain and discomfort in the lower extremities.
But, if not treated?
If you notice the symptoms of, varicose veins of the feet, treatment should start as soon as possible. Lack of action can lead to serious complications, such as thrombophlebitis, bleeding from varicose veins, thromboembolism.
Blood clots that are formed in the thrombophlebitis, impede the normal flow of blood, causing impaired blood supply to the tissue. If nothing is done, it can be trophic ulcers – sores on the skin, get wet and heal poorly.
In this case, you must immediately inform the doctor?
If you notice any symptoms of varicose veins, consult your doctor. Pain in the legs, frequent cramps, the formation of pigmentation and impairment of the General condition must also be informed.
Do not tighten the visit to the phlebologist, timely treatment to the doctor will help you to avoid any complications and to deal with the disease.
The diagnosis of varicose veins on the legs
The most common and effective method for the diagnosis of varicose veins on the legs, it is considered an ultrasound. This will help you to determine the exact location of the varicose veins, its type and stage of the disease.
When the first symptoms of varicose van standing on their feet immediately completed the examinations.
In addition, the doctor will prescribe common blood test, which will show the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, leukocytes and platelets. This will help you to identify, predisposition to thrombophlebitis, or indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in Vienna.
If you want to learn the stage of the disease you can use this method as rheovasography – definition of inadequate blood supply to tissues. In a complex and difficult to diagnose cases, a means for surgical research (e.g., venography).
Treatment of varicose veins on the legs
There are several ways to treat varicose veins, is a decision for the doctor and is 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 blood vessels, improving blood circulation.
- Compression socks – helps reduce pain, increases vascular tone.
- Treatment of varicose veins with leeches – hirudotherapy, hirudin, which are in the saliva of leeches, to reduce the viscosity of blood and saturated fatty acids with useful substances.
- Surgical treatment – phlebectomy, laser coagulation, radiofrequency coagulation, sclerotherapy, help to cope with the problem of varicose veins and remove varicose veins.
The prevention of varicose veins
The prevention of varicose veins will help reduce the risk of disease. The correct way of life and the adequate, varied physical activity during the day, – the ability to permanently keep your veins healthy.
Do not forget the proper diet due to excess body weight contributes to the development of varicose veins. After a busy day, let the legs relax. Avoid hot and treatment of addiction (nicotine, in cigarettes, reduces vascular tone).
Useful tips
- At the first sign of varicose veins, immediately contact your doctor.
- Should pay special attention to the veins in the legs during pregnancy.
- If you have the risk of varicose veins, for the prevention of disease during long trips, travel and physical exertion, wear a compression garment.
- Arrange the correct mode of work and rest.
- Quitting Smoking, fatty and donation of food, prolonged sitting in one position, to reduce the risk of varicose veins.