Varicose veins in the legs: symptoms and treatmentCauses of varicose veins

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

Varicose veins of the lower extremities caused by venous valve malfunction

A change in blood flow almost always leads to changes in the body. The movement of blood in the veins depends not only on the state of the vascular wall, but also on the state of the venous valve, the work of which creates the movement of blood, regulates the direction and power 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, an increased volume of fluid begins to accumulate in the veins, due to which the load on the walls increases, which subsequently lose their elasticity and stretch. All these changes can lead to stagnation of blood in the lower extremities, as a result of which inflammation, pain and swelling may appear due to malnutrition of the tissues.

Symptoms of varicose veins

Pain is one of the first symptoms that can appear at any age and should be treated.

  • In stage 1:discomfort occurs at the end of the working day, there may be tingling and burning in the legs. This indicates an increased load on the venous system of the legs.
  • In stages 2 and 3:the appearance of pain pulling and cramping of the calf muscles.
  • In 4 stages:Severe pains of tense and arching character that cause lameness.
Swelling in the legs with varicose veins.

EdemaThey are also included in the symptoms of this disease and can appear from its early stages. Usuallyedema varies in severity in different legs, since absolutely identical violations are rare. Varicose edema in the legs must be distinguished from edema in heart failure.

itching- one of the most common symptoms after pain. It can also appear in the early stages, but is most often noticed in stages 2 and 3 of the disease.




Why do legs itch with varicose veins?

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

It should be noted thatthe itching will be internaland most of the time it will not bring relief when you try to influence it by external means.

What do varicose veins look like on the legs?

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 as not to panic ahead of time and start treatment for a non-existent disease.

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

  1. Fine blue mesh on the legsthis is not a reason to panic, since it symbolizes the defeat of the superficial vessels, but if it increases in area, becomes brighter or begins to stand out, this is a direct path to an appointment with a specialist and a review of lifestyle .
  2. bruises and bruisesmay indicate damage to the vessel and subcutaneous hemorrhage from it, this is due to a strong load on the veins. Usually this symptom indicates the progression of the disease.
  3. The appearance of red spots on the legs. , peeling of the skin and its thinning speaks of atrophic processes characteristic of the later stages of the disease.

Prevention and treatment of varicose veins

Manifestations of advanced varicose veins of the lower extremities

The main actions and procedures for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins:

  • Recommendedactively moveevery day. Walking, yoga and running will be very useful sports for the health of the veins of the lower extremities.
  • Standing for a long time increases the tension in the muscles and veins.
  • Avoid cross-legged posture, compresses the veins and impairs blood circulation.
  • Don't get carried away by hot bathsand saunas, prolonged exposure to high temperatures affects the tone of the blood vessel walls.
  • Don't 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 massageIt is a good way to prevent.
  • Permanentspecialist visitwith an existing problem is also necessary.

Prevention of varicose veins in the legs in women.

  • Pay attention to the hosiery items in your wardrobe. costsavoid socks and stockings with excessively tight elasticsthat pulls the leg
  • The choice of shoes should also be taken seriously:high heels should not be worn every dayAlso be careful to choose shoes with straps and strings, especially at the ankle.

Varicose vein treatment

The treatment needs to 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.

The phlebologist deals with the treatment of varicose veins in the legs.

Medical therapy includes:

  • anticoagulants (to thin the blood);
  • Antiplatelet agents (prevention of thrombus formation and improvement of tissue nutrition);
  • venotonics;
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for severe pain and inflammation.

Surgery includes:

  • Laser coagulation method - removes surface defects in the form of surface meshes and stars;
  • Sclerotherapy - "glue a vein" by introducing special substances and disconnecting it from the bloodstream;
  • Phlebectomy: Surgical removal of a vein.

Exercises for varicose veins in the legs.

With varicose veins on the legs, exercises are necessary, for example, raising the toes.


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

  1. Standing position, feet shoulder-width apart, hands placed along the body.We stand up on tiptoe, hold this position for 2 seconds and drop sharply on your heels.
  2. Standing position, hands resting against a wall or on the back of a chair, roll from heels to toes and vice versa for 2 minutes.
  3. A useful exercise would bewalking in place, the socks do not rise from the ground. also usefulwalking on your toes or heels.
  4. Lying position, raise the legs and perform"bicycle" movement.
  5. Sitting position: Alternativebend and unbend legs, then feet.




Folk remedy for varicose veins on the legs.

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

Home remedies for varicose veins in the legs, which contribute to a speedy recovery.

What foods are best for vein health?

  • Nutmeg. It is welcome as a food supplement, decoctions and tinctures.
  • Lemon: tinctures, lemonades, oils.
  • Ginger: very useful in combination with lemon, also decoction, tincture, compresses.
  • compresseswith white cabbage, oils, honey on the most painful areas will relieve symptoms.
  • if aswollen leg due to varicose veins: a compress of aloe, burdock will help relieve swelling. In combination with this, they give a good effect.decoctions of cranberries, wild rose, cumin, thyme, oregano.

Folk remedies for varicose veins in the legs contribute to a quick recovery and do not present complications that could lead to drug treatment.

The most important thing in treatment is the understanding that in advanced cases folk remedies do not give a strong effect, thereforeyou need to consult a specialistand don't choose the treatment yourself.

If this disease is present in an older person, you will need help to properly perform exercise therapy (which will be an integral part of the therapy), as exercises may differ for older people.

In the same way, it is necessary to select correctly and opportunelydrug therapyto avoid further complications in the body. For example,the result of inadequate treatment can be thrombosis of the superficial and deep veins, as a result of which severe inflammations and even necrotic processes can develop, trophic ulcers that heal for a long time.

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