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

varicose veins orphlebeurism- it is a systemic pathological change of veins, which is accompanied by their expansion, elongation, bending and formation of nodules, due to which the work of venous valves is disturbed and blood flow is disturbed.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities caused by venous valve failure

A change in blood flow almost always leads to changes in the body. The movement of blood in the veins does not depend only on the condition of the vascular wall, but also on the condition of the venous valve, whose work 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 example,when the valve fails, blood flow slows down, a larger volume of fluid begins to accumulate in the veins, which increases the load on the walls, which then lose their elasticity and stretching. All these changes can lead to blood stagnation in the lower extremities, which can cause inflammation, pain and swelling due to tissue malnutrition.

Symptoms of varicose veins

Pain is one of the earliest symptoms that can occur at any age and needs to be addressed.

  • In phase 1: at the end of the working day there is discomfort, tingling and tingling in the legs may be present. This indicates an increased load on the venous system of the legs.
  • In phases 2 and 3:the appearance of traction pains and spasms of the leaf muscles.
  • In 4 phases:Severe pains of a tense and arched character that cause lameness.
Swelling of the legs with varicose veins

Edemaare also involved in the symptoms of this disease and can appear from the first stages. Usuallyedema varies in severity on different legs, because completely identical offenses are rare. Varicose edema of the legs should be distinguished from edema in heart failure.

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




Why do my legs itch with varicose veins?

toassociated with vascular wall expansion and nervous system response in tissues. Due to the expansion of the vein, it presses on the surrounding veins and capillaries, which can damage them, and the nerve endings transmit these feelings as itching or the effect on the nerves will be direct.

It is worth notingthe itching will be internaland usually will not bring relief when he tries to influence him by external means.

What do varicose veins on the legs look like?

Protruding veins on the legs are one of the symptoms of varicose veins.

You need to know the answer to this question and have some ideas about the disease, so that you do not panic ahead of time and do not start treatment for a non-existent disease.

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

  1. Fine blue net on the legsit is not a cause for panic, as it symbolizes the defeat of superficial vessels, but if it enlarges, becomes brighter, or begins to protrude, it is a direct path to specialist examination and lifestyle examination.
  2. Bruises and bruisesmay indicate vascular damage and subcutaneous bleeding from it, this is due to the sharp load on the veins. Usually this symptom indicates the progression of the disease.
  3. Appearance of red spots on the feet, peeling of the skin and its thinning speaks of atrophic processes characteristic of the last stages of the disease.

Prevention and treatment of varicose veins

Manifestations of advanced varicose veins of the lower extremities

Main actions and procedures for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins:

  • Recommendedmove activelyevery day. Walking, yoga and running will be very beneficial sports for the health of the veins of the lower extremities.
  • Prolonged standing increases stress on muscles and veins.
  • Avoid keeping your legs crossed, compresses the veins and impedes blood circulation.
  • Don’t get too carried away with hot bathsand saunas, prolonged exposure to high temperatures affects the tone of blood vessel walls.
  • Do not wear tight pants, give preference to loose clothing and comfortable underwear.
  • Bad habits, and especially smoking - negatively affect the tone of the walls of blood vessels.
  • Light foot massageis a good way to prevent it.
  • Permanentlyspecialist visitwith an existing problem is also necessary.

Prevention of varicose veins in the legs in women

  • Pay attention to the elements of socks in your wardrobe. Costsavoid socks and stockings with overly tight elastic bandswho pull the leg.
  • The choice of shoes should also be taken seriously:high heels should not be worn daily, also be careful when choosing shoes with straps and ropes, especially on the ankle.

Treatment of varicose veins

Treatment should 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, exercise therapy.

A phlebologist deals with the treatment of varicose veins on the legs

Medical therapy includes:

  • Anticoagulants (for thinning the blood);
  • Antiplatelet agents (prevention of thrombus formation and improvement of tissue nutrition);
  • Venotonics;
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for severe pain and inflammation.

The operation includes:

  • Laser coagulation method: eliminates surface defects in the form of surface networks and stars;
  • Sclerotherapy: "gluing veins" by introducing special substances and excluding them from the bloodstream;
  • Phlebectomy: surgical removal of a vein.

Exercises for varicose veins in the legs

Varicose veins in the legs require exercises, for example, lifting the toes


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

  1. Standing position, feet shoulder-width apart, arms placed next to the body.We get on our toes, hold in this position for 2 seconds and abruptly lower yourself to your heels.
  2. Standing position, rest your hands on the wall or back of a chair, roll from heel to toe and vice versa for 2 minutes.
  3. A useful exercise would bewalking in place, socks are not removed from the floor. Also usefulwalking on toes or heels.
  4. Lying down, lift your legs and perform"bicycle" movement.
  5. Sitting position: alternatingbend and bend the legs, then the feet.




Folk remedy for varicose veins on the legs

Treatment with herbal ingredientsmany doctors prescribe it in combination with the main drug or exercise therapy. It is also welcome in the first stages of the disease, when the course of the disease has not yet begun.

Folk remedies for varicose veins on the legs, contribute to rapid recovery

What foods are best for vein health?

  • Nutmeg. It is welcome as a dietary supplement, decoctions and tinctures.
  • Lemon: tinctures, lemonades, oils.
  • Ginger: very useful in combination with lemon, also decoction, tincture, compresses.
  • Compressionswith white cabbage, oils, honey in more painful places will alleviate the symptoms.
  • If aswollen legs due to varicose veins: aloe vera compress, burdock will help relieve swelling. In combination with this they give a good effect.decoctions of cranberry, wild rose, cumin, thyme, oregano.

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

The most important thing in treatment is to understand that in advanced cases folk remedies do not give a strong effect, thereforeconsultation with a specialist is requiredand do not choose the treatment yourself.

If this disease is present in an elderly person, then he will need help to properly conduct exercise therapy (which will be an integral part of the therapy), because the exercises may differ for the elderly.

Similarly, it is necessary to choose correctly and in a timely mannerdrug therapyto avoid additional complications on the body. For example,the outcome of improper treatment may be superficial and deep vein thrombosis, which can lead to the development of severe inflammation and even necrotic processes, trophic ulcers that heal for a long time.

To prevent dangerous complications, seek the advice and help of a specialist, especially if you cannot control the treatment yourself and follow all the necessary recommendations.