Normally, the blood flows through the veins up to the heart and lungs, because she helps the muscle contraction. But gravity has not been canceled, it is logical that liquid will somehow work its way back down. To avoid this and blood go where it should, in veins there are valves. They open in the direction of blood flow and closed to keep her back.
When the valves do not work and do not close until the end, the blood still flows down my veins. Vessels can't accommodate all the blood, stretch and act on the skin bumps.
How to detect varicose veins
Symptoms of varicose veins usually visible to the naked eye. These are large, swollen veins which are visible under the skin and resemble nodules.
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Not every vein, which is seen — sick. Despite the fact that the disease is prevalent, sometimes visible veins — this is just a feature of the body.
Have varicose veins, except for the external signs, there are other symptoms: pain and feeling of heaviness in the legs.
When the disease progresses and becomes more severe stage, added:
- Swelling of the feet or ankles.
- The discoloration of the skin over the affected vein.
- Infection of the skin.
- Ulcers. Appear where the veins are overloaded the most. Heal with difficulty.
The doctor (and veins phlebologist deals) examines the blood vessels and assigns patients ultrasound: using ultrasound to determine which valves do not work, whether in veins of blood clots.
What are the dangers of varicose veins
But pain and ulcers are not the main problem. There is another danger, which the naked eye cannot detect. Due to stagnation of blood in the vessels clots — dense blood clots. They can "stick" to the vessel wall and narrowing of its lumen, and can break away and go with the flow in other vessels, increasing the risk of blockage. This condition is called embolism. It is very dangerous and can even lead to death.
Why do I get varicose veins
There is no single cause that would result in varicose veins. But there are several factors that increase the risks:
- Genetic predisposition. No genetics there, and if the parents suffered from varicose veins, there is a possibility to get it inherited.
- Paul. Women suffer from varicose veins much than men. In one of the studies varicose veins found in 63% women and 37% of men in Russia.
- Injury and surgery. They may interfere with the operation of the valves of the vessels.
- Weight. Because it increases the load on the legs, and this causes problems.
- Great exercise. Especially dangerous static loads. For example, sit or stand a lot harmful. Better to move, to change body position to get to work different muscles.
- Age. The older you are, the weaker the walls of blood vessels.
- Pregnancy. Additional load and changes in the body increase the risk of varicose veins.
How to treat varicose veins
In General, the treatment is to reduce the load on the veins and restore blood flow. If the unpleasant symptoms and threats of blood clots does not, then the treatment may not be required.
Physical activity
Light exercise, especially walking, is a good way to get my legs to work as they should. Muscles that are constantly shrinking when walking helps to pump blood up to the heart, and reduce congestion.
Moderate exercise is still the best (and only proven) way of preventing varicose veins.
From the manifestations of varicose veins helps self-massage (with it you can use the creams or ointments). The simplest exercise does not require movement — you just need to lie down and lift the leg to decrease swelling.
Compression
Compression stockings that compress the legs a little bit, not physically allow the veins to swell, and this is one of the main methods of treatment of varicose veins. Wear them with a light form of the disease, and with severe.
Linen varies in strength compression, form. So before purchasing it is better to consult a doctor and consider his recommendations.
Remember: compression is gradually stretched, so it needs to be thrown away after a few months of wear and buy new.
Medicines
Any medications prescribed by a doctor. Sometimes you need tools that prevent blood clots, sometimes requires antibiotics to treat infections or creams that will help soothe irritated skin.
Operation
In some cases, the operation is most effective. Modern operations are carried out using a laser, radiofrequency or sclerotherapy method, performed under local anesthesia.
The meaning of these methods is to close the affected vein. When she's not working, blood will find a workaround: go to heart healthy deep vessels, which are very rarely prone to varicose veins (they are thicker and stronger, not just stretch).
Remove the vessels today are extremely rare and only in severe cases.
When to see a doctor
Always, if you notice a spider, bulging veins or swelling in the legs. It is necessary not to self-medicate. Only the survey will help to determine whether or not to go to the pharmacy for compression underwear and drink blood-thinning medications.