Varicose veins.
In general, with these words, people imagine thick-wrapped dishes that move around their feet. But this is only the most common sign of pathology. There are others.
Sometimes varicose veins cause only cosmetic discomfort, but some symptoms of varicose veins directly affect the quality of life. For example, many people have pain in their legs. Basically, the feelings are mild, but rarely, even a simple walk is so painful.
Therefore, we will talk a little later about the pain with varicose veins. About the reasons for this and ways to deal with it.
But first let's talk about the disease itself: the mechanism of development, risk factors and complications.
Thus, the blood moves from the arteries of the heart to the organs and tissues, where it provides oxygen and nutrients. Blood flow returns from the arteries.
It is especially difficult for blood to flow through the venous system of the legs, as it must almost always rise straight from the legs.
He hindered the force of gravity.
Some of the blood flows down and collects in the arteries. As a result, the veins dilate and the walls become very elongated. Excessive vessels appear on the skin.
In healthy people, venous valves are a protective mechanism that prevents blood drainage. This is the name of the membranes in ships. They trap the flowing blood and return it to the bloodstream. But for many people, this system fails.
For a variety of reasons, valves are sometimes weakened or injured, which increases the likelihood of vascular overflow. This is what varicose veins look like.
The following factors increase the risk of varicose veins
- Genetic predisposition. . . Scientists have not yet determined the cause of some people being born with weak venous valves. But this fact is confirmed. If both parents suffer from swelling of the blood vessels, then there is a 90% chance that the child will have this pathological heir.
- Old age. . . The body gradually disappears. Eyes see worse, skin dries. Aging also affects the valve system, which is more fragile and weak. . Therefore, people over the age of 60 often develop varicose veins - worn valves can not withstand the load of blood flowing.
- Excess weight. . . The amount of blood in humans is not the same. First of all, it is affected by body weight - the greater the mass, the greater the volume of blood in the body. Unfortunately, weight gain does not strengthen the valves. They have to withstand the pressure of a huge amount of blood, which increases the likelihood of stroke.
- Pregnancy. . . The bodies of expectant mothers are exposed to great stress. For many reasons. The pressure in the valves increases due to the increase in blood volume, hormonal imbalance and its effect on the large arteries. We have already talked about the effects of blood. Changes in hormone levels disrupt the elasticity of the venous walls, which makes them easier to stretch, but slowly return to their previous state. The baby grows next to the large arteries. Sometimes the fetus squeezes them. In such cases, the lumen of the arteries decreases and the body increases the pressure in the arteries to push the blood upwards. Therefore, the load on the valves increases.
- Prolonged inactivity while sitting or standing. . . During walking, the muscles of the legs help the blood vessels to pump blood to the heart. They narrow and narrow the veins. As a result, the blood pushes upwards. In immobile legs, the muscle pump does not work, so all the load falls on the vascular and valve system.
As you can see, some factors are related to natural processes, while others are related to lifestyle. But the results are the same.
Varicose veins cause many symptoms:
- Fatigue and heaviness in the legs
- Dilated veins like a spider or a tree
- Burning and itching
- Convulsions
- Edema
- Pain when walking after prolonged inactivity
- Skin discoloration
- Wrapped thick containers
Varicose veins develop slowly.
Doctors also distinguish zero in it, during which time no external symptoms have appeared, but the problem with venous valves has already appeared.
In general, patients first gain weight in their legs, and then others are added to the problem. The severity of symptoms also varies. In the early stages, the pathological symptoms intensify in the evening and disappear by morning. With an advanced disease, they persist all day.
However, persistent irritating symptoms are not the main danger in the later stages of varicose veins.
Patients may experience complications:
- Bleeding. . . Development of swollen subcutaneous vessels. In rare cases, the fragile walls of the diseased vessels can not withstand the pressure and bleeding ulcers occur. Such damage is difficult to repair. Therefore, emergency medical care is required.
- Thrombosis and embolism. . . Blood clots and dense blood clots accumulate in the dilated vessels due to poor blood circulation. They close the lumen of the blood vessels. Sometimes blood clots break down and enter the bloodstream and then stick to the pulmonary arteries. This phenomenon is called embolism. Breathing sometimes stops during this time.
- Trophic ulcers. . . Due to oxygen starvation, the tissues near the diseased arteries gradually die and incurable wounds appear in their places. Ulcers are very difficult to treat. The risk of recurrence is high.
Fortunately, complications of varicose veins occur only in some patients - trophic ulcers and bleeding and embolism are less common in 6%.
As you can see, without treatment, the pathology sometimes causes great concern. And it can even destroy a person.
It is therefore recommended to consult a phlebologist for any of the symptoms. When the veins hurt. To respond to this danger in a timely manner, it is advisable to understand the causes of such symptoms.
What causes severe pain with varicose veins?
In most cases, people with varicose veins do not feel severe pain. Only with sudden movements. For example, when you get up after a long period of inactivity.
However, persistent severe pain afflicts patients, usually in the later stages of the pathology. Just because by this time all the symptoms of the disease intensify and do not disappear at night.
What causes pain in the arteries in your legs?
Mainly due to oxygen starvation. Dilated veins do not supply the adjacent tissues well, which can lead to unpleasant sensations.
Another cause of pain is trophic ulcers. It is painful to touch these incurable wounds, ie light contact with clothing will also cause serious discomfort.
Pain in the leg with varicose veins may be a sign of thrombophlebitis. This is the name of a pathology in which blood clots form in inflamed blood vessels.
Summarize.
Mild pain in dilated arteries is a standard symptom, but rarely worsens. In the later stages of pathology. With trophic ulcers and thrombophlebitis.
Therefore, when swollen veins are very painful, it indicates the rapid development of the disease. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor. However, many people try to get rid of the symptoms on their own by delaying a visit to a vascular specialist.
How to get rid of severe pain in the veins with varicose veins?
Weight, slight swelling and other mild pathological symptoms in the legs can be relieved by simple methods - a contrast shower, some types of massage. But with advanced varicose veins, this will not help.
In addition, if the veins in the legs are too painful, a phlebologist will worsen the condition of a delayed vessel. There is no point in enduring such suffering.
Timely treatment of varicose veins will eliminate irritating symptoms and prevent complications. Therefore, choose a reliable clinic and consult a doctor. One examination will help your veins with more than a hundred folk recipes.
If you are worried about severe pain with varicose veins, what treatment is prescribed?
First, the doctor will examine the blood vessels. He will perform an ultrasound examination of the veins and find out the cause of the pain. Only then will the doctor choose the therapy option.
For example, a certain procedure may be effective against varicose veins, but is not well received with complications.
When there is pain in the veins in the legs, a correct diagnosis is extremely important for proper treatment. Without this, the cause of the symptom cannot be eliminated.
However, after diagnosis, phlebologists often offer patients several treatment options at once to choose from:
- Miniflebectomy
- Endovasal laser coagulation
- Foam sclerotherapy
These methods are less traumatic - that is, they do not damage the skin and do not leave scars.
Let's summarize now.
What to do if the veins in your legs hurt?
See your doctor immediately.
Yes, some medications and methods can reduce pain, but this is only a temporary measure. Sooner or later the disease must be treated.
And early is better, because in this case you will get rid of swollen veins without dangerous complications.
In addition, if the veins in the legs hurt very badly, such a picture is not typical for varicose veins. Perhaps another pathological culprit for anxiety. The doctor will help to identify him.
Which clinic should I go to?
Ultrasound diagnosis of blood vessels is now performed in many medical centers. But it is best to choose a clinic with the participation of experienced doctors.