Varicose veins of the lower extremities is persistent and irreversible elongation and the extension of the affected veins. And if in the first noticeable veins only cause psychological distress, with time the disease progresses and causes thrombophlebitis and venous ulcers. As not to lose the first signs of the disease?
Begins varicose veins
Two circulation to supply our body with the oxygen and the necessary nutrients. The circulation of the blood provides the heart. From top to bottom oxygen-rich blood moves with more ease, thanks to the force of gravity.
When he reached the foot of the blood has to ascend through the veins of the heart. In order to realize this movement in the veins there are valves. It is located opposite to the other folds in the interior of the shell of the veins. Its function is the fixing of the raised part of the blood until the next heart beat.
The muscles of the legs under load is Contracting and shrinking, are also involved in the mechanism of promotion of the blood up. This happens in healthy people. What happens in the early stages of the disease the varicose veins?
Prolonged sitting and standing in one place leads to stagnation of the blood in the veins. The reason — the muscles do not contract, venous pressure increases. The blood cannot climb through the veins. In people predisposed to varicose veins, this situation will not cause a pathological change of blood vessels in function of the venous valves. Venous elastic wall is able to stretch, taking large volumes of blood back to decrease.
As soon as the valves cease to perform his work, begin with the phenomena of congestion venous. Increase of the venous pressure. Reduce the number of muscle fibres, which maintain the wall in good shape. The light of the veins increases rapidly, and the valves can't fully close. The largest of Vienna, more progress varicose phenomena.
The first important symptoms
In order to stop the varicose veins in the early stages, you should know the symptoms of the disease.
- Heaviness in the legs.
- The tiredness of the legs.
- Swelling.
- Cramps in the night.
- Constantly cold feet.
- Dilation of the veins in the area of the tibia and popliteal Cup.
The most obvious sign of varicose veins — veins — may not be the first symptom. Tired legs, swelling and cramps should be alerted much earlier. Especially if the disease is already known to other members of the family.
How to identify a pathology of veins in the early stages, if externally, the feet look perfectly healthy?
Methods of diagnosis
Efficiently affect pathological changes in the vessels of the lower limbs only in the early stages. Perfectly, up to the appearance of clinical symptoms.
The difficulty of diagnosis lies in the fact that half of the patients do not feel the symptoms of the disease.
If your family, especially the mother, was suffering from varicose veins, the financial statements, examinations of the modern equipment will help you to identify varicose veins in the early stages. Currently, the clinic can offer the following methods:
- Ultrasonic dopplerography.
- Venography.
- etc.
The decision on the need for this type of exam is done the doctor. The research allows to assess the condition of the blood and lymphoid systems, in order to identify the degree of disease development and determine the appropriateness of surgical or conservative treatment.
Stage of development of varicose veins in the legs
The disease develops over a long period. From the first symptoms of clinical manifestations may take a decade.
Stage 1: Aesthetic violations
The initial phase of the disease already exhibit a slight tendency to congestion, but the valves in the vessels are still capable of doing its function.
Start of varicose veins is manifested in the form of spider veins, large veins and dry skin on the feet. You can change the keys to be too thick or thin.
Interestingly, according to statistics, the majority of the varicose veins to develop in my left foot. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the left leg and the region of the popliteal fossa.
Stage 2: Clinical symptoms
Venous mesh emerges with more clarity. The veins are obvious, and form nodes. During this period, there is a feeling of heaviness in the legs, especially after prolonged standing.
Another symptom unpleasant is the inflammation. If the first stage is accompanied by inflammation only when wearing clothing with tight bands of elastic (socks, tights), then your feet swell right after a walk or sitting in front of the computer.
These are all signs of varicose veins and oxygen starvation of tissues. After all, stagnates in the extremities, venous, oxygen-depleted blood, which can not provide normal tissue nutrition. The appearance of night cramps — extreme oxygen starvation.
If the first stage of this pathology affects the valves in your veins, then, in the second phase of development of the disease that have already proven to be ineffective.
Step 3: venous knots and the spots of color
It looks like the veins in the third stage? If you start varicose veins small spider veins, then, in the third stage is already a big venous knots. The veins are twisted weaves. The skin hotter to the touch and fi. Damage to these sites is accompanied by numerous bleeding. Increase of symptoms such as pain and heaviness in the legs and the inflammation.
Stage 4: Complications
At this stage of varicose veins may develop complications.
- The appearance of venous ulcers.
- The rupture of varicose nodes.
- Thrombophlebitis.
They are all significantly worsen the quality of life of the patient and require careful monitoring and prompt intervention.
Varicose veins can be cured by minimally invasive means only in the early stages. The more advanced the disease, the more difficult it will be to cope without surgery.
How to stop the disease at an initial stage
Varicose veins may begin to manifest itself in any person. It is especially important to monitor the state of the feet of the women, the mothers and grandmothers who suffered from varicose veins. There are a number of preventive measures and recommendations.
- Swimming and walking are beneficial for the blood vessels.
- All the thermal treatments, sauna, sauna, jacuzzis, the Solarium lead to increased filling of the blood vessels and their overload.
- The shoes should be low heel not above 5 see
- During the work should be done to avoid long sitting and standing.
- Using compression underwear during pregnancy is a good means of prevention.
Truth and myths about the treatment of the incipient appearance of varicose veins
The prevalence of the disease has led to speculation that unscrupulous of the pharmaceutical companies on this issue. Treatment of varicose veins has acquired a mass of myths about the miraculous ointments and pills that will solve the problem permanently.
Myth 1. Pills can get rid of varicose veins
In fact, the fund can only reduce the clinical symptoms of the disease — edema, heaviness in legs and cramping. Start of varicose vein that won't stop. The process of increasing the volume and length of the veins is irreversible.
Myth 2. Ointments and creams to help varicose veins
This is not so. Many ointments consist of menthol and its derivatives, which have a weak effect tonic. Of use can actually contribute to the circulation of the blood and eliminate the stasis. However, varicose veins in the legs disappear, because she can't change the situation with broken valves and weak venous wall.
Myth 3. Treatment with leeches
In the initial phase is completely useless. This treatment is based on the ability of special funds in the composition of the saliva of the leech to the blood thinners.
However, even if you don't pay attention to the risk of bleeding of the wounds and the risk of allergic reactions, the effect of this treatment is doubtful.
Myth 4. A compression garment will cure varicose veins
Using compression underwear, in some cases, it can be used as a preventive measure. Thus, during pregnancy can protect your feet from the varicose veins before you start the first signs of the disease.
But you need to understand that these stockings do not cure the disease, and thus reduce their symptoms.
The truth is that the mechanical compression compresses the vein and redistribute the blood flow of patients external veins deeper. So eliminate the phenomena of congestion venous, which reduces the speed of disease development and eliminate unpleasant symptoms.
Varicose veins is the most common vascular disease that affects significantly the quality of life. Approximately half of the patients do not notice symptoms of the disease, which greatly complicates diagnosis and timely treatment. Take care of your health, don't miss the start of the disease.