Varicose veins.
Usually with these words people picture thick and twisted veins that entangle their feet. But this is only the most well-known sign of pathology. There are other people.
Sometimes varicose veins only cause cosmetic discomfort, but some symptoms of varicose veins directly affect quality of life. For example, many people experience pain in the veins in their legs. Basically, these sensations are mild, but in rare cases even a normal walk becomes painful.
Therefore, a little later we will talk about the pain of varicose veins. About the cause and solution.
But first, let's talk about the disease itself: about the mechanism of development, risk factors and complications.
So blood moves through the arteries from the heart to the organs and tissues, where it delivers oxygen and nutrients. Blood flow returns through the veins.
It is especially difficult for blood to flow through the venous system of the legs, because here the blood has to come up from the foot almost always vertically.
She obstructs gravity.
Some of the blood flows down and accumulates in the vessels. As a result, the veins dilate, and their walls stretch excessively. Overcrowded vessels are visible on the skin.
In healthy people, blood drainage is prevented by a protective mechanism - the venous valves. This is the name of the membranes in the vessels. They hold back the flowing blood and return it to the blood vessels. However, for many people, the system is malfunctioning.
For a variety of reasons, the valves are sometimes weakened or injured, increasing the likelihood of veins overflowing. This is how varicose veins appear.
The following factors increase the risk of varicose veins
- Genetic predisposition. . . Scientists have yet to figure out why some people are born with weakened venous valves. But this fact has been confirmed. If both parents have varicose veins, there is a 90% chance that their child will inherit the condition.
- Old person. . . The body slowly fades away. Poor vision, dry skin. Aging also affects the valve system to become more fragile and weak. . As a result, people over 60 often suffer from varicose veins - worn valves simply cannot withstand the load from the flowing blood.
- Over weight. . . The amount of blood in humans is not the same. First of all, it is influenced by body weight - the greater the mass, the greater the amount of blood in the body. Unfortunately, the increase in weight does not strengthen the valves. They are forced to endure the overwhelming pressure of an enormous amount of blood, which increases the possibility of overflowing through the veins.
- Pregnancy. . . The body of expectant mothers is under great pressure. For many reasons. Pressure on the valves increases due to increased blood volume, hormonal imbalances, and effects on large vessels. We have already talked about the effect of blood. Changes in hormone levels reduce the elasticity of the vein walls, making them more prone to dilation but slowly returning to their original state. The baby grows next to the great veins. Sometimes the fetus compresses them. In such cases, the lumen decreases, and the body increases the pressure in the veins to push the blood upward. As a result, the load on the valves increases.
- Prolonged immobility while sitting or standing. . . When walking, the muscles of the legs help blood vessels pump blood back to the heart. They constrict and constrict the veins. As a result, blood is pushed upwards. In the case of immobilization of the leg, the muscle pump does not work, which is why the entire load is poured on the veins and valve system.
As you can see, some factors are related to natural processes, while others are related to lifestyle. But the result is the same.
Varicose veins cause many symptoms:
- Fatigue and heaviness in the legs
- Spider-like or tree-like web of dilated veins tĩnh
- Burning and itching
- Convulsions
- Edema
- Pain when walking after being immobile for a long time
- Skin color change
- The ship is thick and twisted
Varicose veins develop slowly.
Doctors even distinguished stage 0 in him, in which external signs have not yet appeared, but problems with the venous valves have arisen.
Usually, the patient first has severe foot problems, then others add to the problem. The strength of the symptoms also varies. In the early stages, pathological signs intensify in the evening and disappear in the morning. With advanced disease, they last all day.
But persistent uncomfortable symptoms are not the main danger in the late stages of varicose veins.
Patients may experience the following complications:
- Bleeding. . . Breaks down swollen vessels under the skin. In rare cases, the fragile wall of the diseased vein cannot withstand the pressure and bleeding occurs. Such damage is difficult to repair. Therefore, urgent medical attention is needed.
- Thrombosis and embolism. . . Due to poor circulation, blood clots, thick, often accumulate in the dilated vessel lumen. They close the lumen. Sometimes clot fragments break off and enter the bloodstream, where they can then become lodged in the blood vessels of the lungs. This phenomenon is called embolism. Breathing sometimes stops during that time.
- Nutritional ulcers. . . Due to lack of oxygen, tissues near the diseased veins gradually die and non-healing wounds reappear in their place. It is very difficult to cure ulcers. They have a high risk of recurrence.
Fortunately, complications of varicose veins occur in only a few patients - trophic ulcers account for 6%, and bleeding and embolism are even less common.
As you can see, without treatment, the disease sometimes causes great inconvenience. And it can even destroy a person.
Therefore, for any of its symptoms, you should consult a phlebologist. Even if the veins hurt. In order to promptly respond to this threat, you should understand the reasons for the appearance of such a symptom.
What causes severe pain in varicose veins?
In most cases, people with varicose veins do not experience severe pain. Only with sudden movements. For example, when after a long period of immobility, they get up.
But severe pain constantly torments the patient, often in the later stages of the pathology. Simply because at this point, the symptoms of the disease increase and do not disappear even at night.
What causes the veins in your legs to hurt?
Mainly due to oxygen starvation. Dilated vessels don't supply nearby tissues well, which can lead to discomfort.
Another cause of pain is trophic ulcers. These non-healing wounds are painful to the touch, meaning that even light contact with clothing can cause severe discomfort.
Pain in the legs accompanied by varicose veins can be a sign of thrombophlebitis. This is the name of a condition where blood clots form in inflamed veins.
Summary.
If mild pain in the dilated vessels is a standard symptom, it is rarely more intense. In the later stages of the disease. With trophic ulcers and thrombophlebitis.
Therefore, when the veins are swollen and painful, it means that the disease is developing rapidly. In such a situation, you should immediately consult a doctor. Although many people have gone to the vascular specialist and tried to get rid of the symptoms on their own.
How to get rid of severe pain in the veins with varicose veins?
Heaviness in the legs, mild swelling and other mild symptoms of the disease can be alleviated by simple methods - a contrast shower, some type of massage. However, with varicose veins already developing, this won't help.
In addition, if the veins in the legs are very painful, delaying the visit to the phlebologist will only worsen the condition of the vessels. There's no point in having to endure such torment.
Timely treatment of varicose veins will eliminate unpleasant symptoms and prevent complications. Therefore, choose a reliable clinic and make an appointment with your doctor. An examination will help your veins with more than hundreds of folk recipes.
What treatment is indicated if you are concerned about the severe pain of varicose veins?
First, the doctor will examine the blood vessels. He will conduct an ultrasound of the veins and find out what is causing the pain. Only then will the doctor choose a treatment option.
For example, a certain procedure may be effective against varicose veins, but it does not address complications well.
When the veins in the legs are damaged, an accurate diagnosis is extremely important for proper treatment. Without it, the cause of the symptom cannot be eliminated.
But once a diagnosis is made, a phlebologist usually offers patients several treatments at once to choose from:
- Cut into piecs
- Endovasal laser coagulation
- Foam Therapy Mineral Spray
These methods are less traumatic - that is, they do not damage the skin and leave no scars.
Now let's summarize.
What to do if the veins in your legs hurt?
Go to your doctor right away.
Yes, some remedies and remedies can relieve the pain, but this is only a temporary measure. Sooner or later the disease must be treated.
And it is better to go early, because in this case you will get rid of the swelling of the veins before dangerous complications appear.
In addition, if the veins on the legs are very painful, then such a picture is not typical for venous insufficiency. Perhaps another pathology is to blame for the discomfort. The doctor will help identify her.
Which clinic should I go to?
Currently, diagnostic ultrasound of blood vessels is performed in many medical centers. But it is best to choose a clinic with experienced doctors.