Varicose veins or varicose veins are a pathological process that many people face. In most cases, the disease affects the vessels of the legs, leading to their lengthening, deformation, thinning of the vascular walls. In addition, the valves located inside the veins stop performing their functions completely, which disrupts the systemic circulation and the blood stagnates in the veins.
Under the influence of the described factors, the veins increase in size, appear on the surface, visible through the skin. As a result, the entire vascular network is visible on the surface of the skin, often with nodules and trophic ulcers. However, in addition to aesthetic disturbances, the problem is much deeper and is often accompanied by painful sensations.
Nature hurts with varicose veins
First of all, it is important to understand that the concept of "very common" does not mean that pain accompanies 100% of varicose vein cases. Much depends on a number of factors, the individual characteristics of the patient's body, and even in the later stages of the progression of the pathological process, there may be no pain.
If we classify painful sensations, we will first consider their localization:
- In most cases, the pain syndrome is localized directly at the site of vascular lesions, their deformation.
- In second place in the frequency of localization is the area of the gastrocnemius muscle, while the pain itself is localized closer to the popliteal region of the leg.
- The lowest probability of localizing the pain syndrome is in the area of the ankle joint.
Of course, the likelihood of developing leg pain increases as the pathological process progresses. This is due to the deterioration of the condition of blood vessels, their increase, the progression of stagnant processes and, accordingly, the increase in vascular pressure. Ultimately, the pressure can increase so much that the walls of the vessel will not withstand, which threatens internal bleeding, the formation of hematomas and trophic ulcers.
Accordingly, the nature of pain depends on the stage of development of the disease:
- In the initial stages, painful or rather uncomfortable feelings of withdrawal or tightness are caused by swelling of the legs. It is important to understand that with the disturbance of blood flow, fluid is retained in the legs, which causes swelling. In the initial stages, edema is periodic, it occurs more often in the evening, and the discomfort is caused by fatigue, walking in shoes during the day, and in extreme cases, skin tension.
- The fact of fatigue deserves special attention. With varicose veins, the legs get tired faster. Initially, this is expressed during prolonged physical exertion during the day (if the patient stands for a long time, walks a lot, etc. ). However, as the disease progresses, fatigue is felt more often and more intensely, which is why the characteristic painful sensations are felt. In this case, the pain is dull in nature, also pulling or hurting.
- Approximately in the second stage of the disease, with the worsening of the condition of the veins, their more serious deformation and dysfunction of the valves of moderate weight, patients complain of the effects of weight. In this case, the pain is characterized as shooting, in some cases it is also called acute. This is due to the increasing pressure in the blood vessels, and if at first it is enough to lie down and put your feet on the hill to relieve the pain, in the future you will have to deal with them with medication.
- The most probable development is the pain syndrome, as well as its increased intensity in the case of progression of varicose veins in the final, fourth phase. At this stage, vascular deformation and vascular pressure peak.
It is difficult to describe more precisely the characteristics of painful sensations in varicose veins on the legs. This is due to the individual characteristics of the organism of each patient, as well as the characteristics of the course of the disease. However, pain can be felt as:
- Stupid.
- Withdrawal.
- Aching.
- Shooting.
- Compressive.
- Sharp.
- Similar to cuts.
In the second, and even more often in the third phase of the development of the pathology, the pain is accompanied by muscle cramps, which disturb patients mainly during night sleep.
Causes of painful sensations
Understanding where varicose veins come from can help you deal with this problem more effectively or prevent pain. Thus, pain occurs under the influence of the following reasons:
- Pathological changes in the vascular bed slow down blood circulation in certain areas of the veins. This leads to a reduction in blood flow, which causes a lack of oxygen and pain.
- Blood circulation promotes the elimination of waste products, which the body constantly produces in small quantities. Due to the reduction of blood flow and its stagnation, the decomposition products are slowly removed, which leads to the appearance of toxins that poison living cells, and this process also causes painful sensations.
- The appearance of pain is also contributed by trophic disorders that occur in the late stages of the development of varicose veins and with the progression of the disease only intensify, causing more and more acute pain.
The pain intensifies with physical exertion, leg fatigue, and in most cases they become especially intense in the afternoon or evening.
Methods of dealing with pathology
To completely eliminate the pain, it is necessary to focus all efforts on the treatment of the pathological process. To do this, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will make a diagnosis, on the basis of which he will prescribe the treatment that is most appropriate for a particular patient.
The treatment will last for a certain period of time, during which the patient will suffer from pain. Therefore, it is important to understand not only how to deal with varicose veins, but also to know the methods of pain relief.
First aid in the fight against pain
Pain removal is only a symptomatic part of the treatment, in most cases it does not affect the solution of the main problem - varicose veins.
However, it is very important to remove the pain, consider the main methods of resolving unpleasant and painful sensations:
- In the initial stages of the disease, the pain is unstable, their intensity is quite low and they occur mainly in the evening. In such cases, it is enough to take a lying position and place your feet on a pillow or simply lean them against the wall so that your feet are above body level. This position facilitates blood flow, which reduces pain and swelling.
- It is also very useful to do a light massage, by kneading the lower limbs with massaging and rubbing movements. Remember, you can stretch your legs during the day, which is very useful in the later stages of the disease.
Traditional methods of pain relief
In case of severe pain that constantly torments you, as well as in cases when there is no way to massage or relax, you should resort to the help of medication. Of course, only a doctor should prescribe the drug, but in most cases the following drugs are used:
- Special agents in the form of gels - we are mainly talking about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that effectively relieve pain, as well as have a pronounced anti-inflammatory and moderate antipyretic effect.
- In some cases, you can resort to painkillers, but in varicose veins their effect is insignificant and short-lived. These are mainly analgesics and antispasmodics.
- If painful sensations are accompanied or aggravated by convulsions, it is worth talking to your doctor about the use of muscle relaxants, which help reduce muscle cramps.
- Also, traditional methods of dealing with painful sensations with varicose veins on the legs include wearing special compression stockings, socks or tights. This method is considered the most effective in terms of pain relief, and its effect is the longest. You must buy these underwear only in pharmacies, and since it has a different degree of compression, first consult your doctor.
Folk remedies
In folk medicine, there are also many ways to eliminate or prevent pain caused by varicose veins. Consider some of the most effective methods and recipes:
- Wild chestnut - from the fruit of this tree must be prepared alcoholic tincture. To do this, grind 100 grams of peeled chestnuts, put in a glass jar and pour with 500 milliliters of vodka. Place the dish in a dark place and leave for 7-8 days at room temperature, stirring once a day. After that, the tincture is strained and rubbed on the feet before going to bed or even during the day if the pain hurts during the day.
- Products based on beeswax or propolis show high efficiency in the fight against pain in varicose veins. To prepare the medicine, take 80-90 grams of propolis, grind it and pour 300 milliliters of medical alcohol into a glass jar. The agent is infused for 30 days or until the propolis is completely dissolved, all this time also kept in a dark place, shaking occasionally. When the medicine is ready, you can rub your feet or apply lotions.
Pain prevention
It is also important to understand that in the initial stages of the disease, when the pain is not intense or rarely bothers, but treatment is started, it is enough to follow the recommendations that reduce the likelihood of painful sensations:
- Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes.
- Make sure your shoes are comfortable.
- In the cold season, when you work indoors, it is important to switch from boots to lighter and more comfortable shoes.
- Try to reduce stress on your legs.
- It is impossible to maintain a static position for a long time. If you stand a lot, try to sit more, but if you sit a lot, it is important to take occasional walks or at least warm up.
- During the day, try to massage the lower extremities, 5 minutes of light massage will protect you from pain during the day.
- It is also important to lead a healthy lifestyle, start playing light sports, eat properly, give up bad habits, etc.