The name varicose veins, like so many things in the medical name, is inaccurate. The so-called varicose veins are dilated vein strands as a result of sagging connective tissue. Mostly they are visible externally, but they can also be hidden to the eye more in depth. This guide will help them identify and treat the causes of varicose veins.
Causes
Because the return flow of venous blood to the heart can be disturbed in varicose veins, swelling of the feet and legs easily occurs under certain influences. Varicose veins are mostly caused by hereditary disposition. Of course, the triggering cause plays a decisive role. It can be: Overweight, a more standing way of life, as it is inherent in many professions, overexertion and in women the consequence of pregnancy. The cause of cramps in the legs should not be the so-called varicose veins in most cases. In any case, the number of people with varicose veins who suffer from cramps is no greater than that of healthy people. Varicose veins are not a life-threatening disease, because you can grow old with them. Some people deal with varicose veins at a young age. Nevertheless, they can grow very old without any noticeable disability from the varicose veins. Nevertheless, in many cases the accompanying circumstances can become very unpleasant. Some women suffer psychologically when their legs are riddled with overlying strands of veins or, as it often happens, discolorations appear, which can be from red to blue and brownish color, so-called pigmentation. Since in varicose veins the return flow of venous blood to the heart can be disturbed, swelling of the feet and legs easily occurs under certain influences. These triggering moments can be: standing a lot and for a long time, strenuous travel in a train, car or plane, hot weather. The legs are felt as leaden and heavy, often painful. At night in a horizontal position or after elevating the legs, they quickly swell up again. In severe cases, insufficient metabolic supply can also lead to varicose vein ulcers, so-called open legs. The consequences are usually long-lasting and unpleasant.
Diseases with this symptom
- Phlebitis
- Obesity
- Erysipelas
- Weakness of veins
- Liver cancer
- Foot ulcer and leg ulcer
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Esophageal varices
- Varicocele (varicose vein hernia)
Complications
Varicose veins are often associated with phlebitis. A blood clot may form and the vessel may close. The affected area is red, overheated, and painful. Pain while walking is also possible. Superficial or even deep vein thrombosis may occur. In deep vein thrombosis, the blood clots damage the valves in the veins. As a result, vein function is often impaired. Consequently, chronic leg problems or even acute pulmonary embolism can occur.Pulmonary embolism occurs when a clot forming the thrombosis breaks loose from the leg or pelvic veins and is swept with the blood into the heart and pulmonary circulation. Blood vessels in the lungs become blocked. Chest pain, shortness of breath, pulse acceleration, cough and fever may occur. Pulmonary embolism can also be fatal. Varicose veins can also progress to chronic venous failure – chronic venous insufficiency. This is usually the case when varicose veins have existed for many years. Consequently, stasis-related skin damage and stiffening of the upper ankle joint can occur. In connection with varicose veins and pronounced circulatory disorders, painful and protracted leg ulcers can also occur in severe cases. Lipodermatofibrosis, a severe skin damage of the leg, can also not be excluded in the context of varicose veins.
When should you go to the doctor?
Varicose veins are a natural phenomenon and are generally harmless. Spider veins and varicose veins that have not caused any major discomfort so far do not necessarily need to be treated. A visit to the doctor is advisable if bleeding occurs or the veins become inflamed. Professional help must also be sought immediately in the event of prolonged pain in the legs or throbbing and itching varicose veins. Complaints such as severe fatigue and feelings of tension in the legs indicate complications and should be discussed with the family doctor.Varicose veins of the large truncal veins should be treated as early as possible to avoid secondary damage such as an open leg. Purely cosmetic therapy is also possible. If the varicose veins burst open and are accompanied by bleeding, an emergency doctor should be called immediately. The same applies to suspected thrombosis, which manifests itself among other things by swelling in the area of the varicose veins and cold sensations in the limbs. In addition to the general practitioner or emergency physician, phlebologists and dermatologists are also suitable contacts. Vein specialists can provide a clear diagnosis and outlook for varicose veins and spider veins, thereby facilitating subsequent therapy.
Treatment and therapy
If a person with varicose veins is confined to bed, whether by accident or illness, he is more vulnerable than another person in terms of phlebitis or thrombosis. Preventive behaviors are therefore very indicated here. For this purpose, the following recommendations:
- Avoid excess weight, reduce if necessary.
- Always ensure good digestion.
- Where just possible, avoid standing.
- Do not wear tight garters or rubber bands, tight waistbands, waistbands and waistbands that hinder the return of venous blood and cause congestion in the legs.
- No heat applications for legs such as heating pads, hot water bottles or hot baths, but cold casts (Kneipp casts) from the feet to above the thighs.
- More often elevate the legs and shake out.
- At night, raise the foot end of the bed or head wedge to the foot end.
- If possible, do not sit in deep, soft chairs, better on hard chairs.
- Possibly wrap legs or wear support stockings.
- Rubs with special gels for decongestion.
- In all inflammatory conditions, immediately see the doctor, who may have to decide whether to sclerotherapy or surgical varicose vein removal. We hope they have helped this little guide to the causes and bandlung of varicose veins.
Outlook and prognosis
If varicose veins persist for a long period of time, ulcers may appear on the ankle or lower leg in advanced stages, which is also called “open” leg. In some cases, these areas heal very poorly. Because blood transport in the veins is disrupted, the flow rate of blood also decreases, which can cause blood clots. If a clot enters the pulmonary circulation, it can lead to vascular occlusion (embolism), which can be life-threatening. Over time, varicose veins can also strain the deeper venous system, in which case varicosis can potentially occur in the deep conducting veins. Complications also occur when larger varicose veins rupture, as significant blood loss can occur in this case. On the other hand, complications from varicose vein surgery are very rare. Here it is possible that hematomas or bleeding occur or muscles or vessels are injured. When sclerosing varicose veins, there is also the risk that the varicose vein is not hit exactly, which can cause the surrounding tissue to die.
What you can do yourself
Varicose veins are more than just a blemish; they can permanently damage your health. Left untreated, the condition worsens. However, numerous tricks and self-help measures can prevent this. Smoking is particularly critical for vein problems and should be avoided altogether if possible. A good measure is to elevate the legs. People with varicose veins should avoid crossing their legs when sitting. Sitting alone impedes the return flow of blood. Exercise and sports are excellent for strengthening veins. Swimming, walking and cycling are particularly beneficial. Alternating showers and Kneipp applications such as knee and thigh watering stabilize the blood vessels and can prevent varicose veins. Special vein exercises promote blood flow and also prevent varicose veins. Frequent tiptoeing is one of many effective exercises. Ideally, the toe stand is done first thing in the morning after getting up. It is best combined with a stretching exercise. To do this, the patient raises his arms far above his head, stretches and takes a deep breath.In the swimming pool, a sufferer should tread water as often as possible. Support stockings are useful for treating varicose veins, as tissue compression improves blood flow. With compression stockings, the pressure is slightly higher than with support stockings. Some plants also help against vein weakness. Horse chestnut extract and vine leaves are worth mentioning here. They are ingredients of numerous medicines for taking and rubbing in.
