What are veins with asterisks? With varicose veins, "stars" first bloom, and then dark blue bloated veins appear on the surface of the skin. Most often, this disease occurs in women. According to statistics, almost every third representative of the weaker sex suffers due to varicose veins.
Vein function
The heart muscles constantly pump blood in a closed circulatory system. The heart is two pumps that turn on one after the other. The membrane covers it, from the right ventricle venous blood through the pulmonary artery enters the capillaries of the lungs. They exchange gas. Further from them in the veins already arterial blood returns to the atrium, which is located to the left. It ends with a small circle of blood circulation. And from the left - the blood goes into the left ventricle, and there begins a large circle of blood circulation. So veins, as well as arteries make up a single circulatory system.
Varicose veins, or Why does varicose veins appear on the legs?
Varicose veins are found in both women and men. The causes of venous expansion can be many:
- Dramatic weight gain. Most women during pregnancy gain extra pounds that "do not go away" even after childbirth. Obesity and rapid weight gain leads to varicose veins.
- Malfunctions of a hormonal nature. Often the cause of varicose veins become hormonal disruptions that occur in the female body during pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause. An excess of hormones leads to a decrease in vascular tone and an increase in blood coagulation. This, in turn, provokes the formation of blood clots and deformation of the veins.
- The presence of a hereditary predisposition. Many people have a hereditary predisposition to varicose veins. With varicose veins, the genes responsible for the strength of blood vessels and veins mutate, and then descend to the descendants in an altered form.
- Hard physical labor. Due to severe overvoltage or physical overload, varicose veins can also develop. Usually, because of this reason, the disease appears in men working at a construction site or engaged in unloading and loading operations.
- Regular load on the legs. In some cases, varicose veins are found in people who spend most of the day on their feet, that is, teachers, postmen, and athletes. This is due to the fact that with a long stay in an upright position, intra-abdominal pressure increases and muscle tone decreases. As a result, blood circulation is difficult, and the veins in the legs expand.
- High sugar. Diabetes can cause damage to the venous walls and valves.
- Poor blood coagulation. Blood clotting can lead to blood clots.
- Constipation Chronic constipation contributes to an increase in venous and intra-abdominal pressure. This leads to difficulty in blood circulation in the legs.
- Alcohol addiction. Alcohol abuse leads to dehydration. This, in turn, contributes to the deterioration of the outflow, as well as blood thickening. Over time, this state of affairs leads to the appearance of blood clots and blockage of blood vessels.
- Close uncomfortable clothes. Close clothing worn on the body impedes the movement of blood flow and, as a result, leads to compression of the lower extremities.
- Unbalanced menu. Ascorbic acid, as well as some vitamins, are necessary to strengthen the venous walls.
- Congenital diseases. Some heart disease as well as kidney disease can cause varicose veins.
- Dehydration. Lack of fluid in the body leads to the formation of clots and thickening of the blood.
- Shoes with high wedges or heels. When using shoes with a high lift, the leg muscles are practically not involved. The constant wearing of such shoes provokes stagnation of blood.
- Overdose with drugs that increase blood coagulation. Due to the regular use or overdose of this kind of funds, blood vessels may become clogged.
- Strong constriction of blood vessels. Loss of blood or uncomfortable posture during surgery can also lead to varicose veins.
Most often, in humans, the first signs of varicose veins appear after 30-35 years. Usually, citizens do not pay much attention to the initial symptoms of the disease and begin to sound the alarm only when “stars” appear on their feet. So what are veins with asterisks? And how are such signs manifested? Timely detection of the disease will help stop its spread. Therefore, experts recommend that at the first sign of varicose veins seek medical help.
Varicose veins on the legs: the first signs of the disease
At the initial stage, varicose veins do not cause people much concern. Therefore, many go to the doctor only when the disease leads to significant discomfort.
What are veins with asterisks? And what are the symptoms? The following symptoms are characteristic of the initial stage of varicose veins:
- Spider veins.
- Swelling in the ankles.
- Leg pain and fatigue.
- Feeling of heaviness.
In the second stage, patients feel:
- Fullness and pronounced feeling of heaviness in the lower limbs.
- Soreness increases, varicose veins swell.
- Even after a short walk, the legs get tired.
- Goosebumps are running around the legs. Vienna, a photo of which can be seen in the doctor’s office, is directly swollen.
- Enlarged veins appear in some places on the legs.
- The calf muscles suffer from cramps at night.
The third stage of varicose veins is characterized by:
- The presence of saccular extensions and nodules.
- The development of dermatitis.
- Severe swelling.
- The veins become convoluted and convex.
- Pigmentation appears.
- Pain syndrome prevents movement.
- Hair falls out, nails break.
- Convulsions become more frequent.
In the last fourth stage of varicose veins, all signs of the disease are amplified. Over time, a number of life-threatening complications develop.
How to cure varicose veins in the legs?
Depending on the stage of the disease, for the treatment of varicose veins, doctors recommend using the following methods and tools:
- Gels, ointments and creams. At the initial stage, when veins are visible, these external remedies will help to cope with the disease, but with the advanced form of varicose veins they are almost useless.
- Compression underwear. Pantyhose, stockings and knee-high socks made of special fabric are considered an excellent preventive measure against varicose veins.
- Hydrotherapy. Temperature differences contribute to the expansion and contraction of veins. This leads to an increase in their elasticity. The temperature in the therapeutic baths varies from 20 to 40 degrees. Due to this, at the initial stages of the disease, varicose veins disappear almost without a trace.
- Medications The treatment of varicose veins should be comprehensive, because only in this case it will lead to a positive result. The use of medications helps not only to alleviate the symptoms of the disease, but also to get rid of a protruding limb vein.
- Laser. Blood absorbs laser waves and generates heat, due to which the healing of damaged vessels occurs. Laser waves act on the target, so they do not harm healthy skin around areas damaged by varicose veins.
- Surgical treatment. As a rule, surgery is mainly required only for patients with advanced forms of varicose veins. An operation called phlebectomy lasts a little less than 2 hours. After it is carried out, small scars remain on the patient's body.
Alternative methods for combating varicose veins
You can fight varicose veins with the help of internal or external means. However, one should not forget that folk remedies can help cope with this disease only in the early stages of the disease.
What are veins with asterisks? And what treatment is needed? Folk remedies for external use:
- Apple vinegar. It is believed that apple cider vinegar not only excellently removes puffiness, but also helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels. Daily rubbing of the affected areas with a cotton pad dipped in vinegar can prevent the further development of varicose veins and eliminate the initial symptoms of the disease.
- Honey wrap. Honey is evenly applied to natural tissue and then legs are wrapped around it. The compress is fixed with a bandage and held for 2 hours. The procedure is repeated 4 consecutive days. At the same time, the treatment time gradually increases, and for 4 days the compress is left overnight.
- Peanut butter. In order to get rid of varicose veins, protruding veins are regularly lubricated with peanut butter. You can prepare such a therapeutic drug yourself. To do this, finely chopped unripe walnuts are poured with olive oil and heated to 40 ° C. The resulting liquid is poured into a glass dish and insisted for 1 month.
Internal remedies for treatment:
- Apple infusion. Three Antonovka need to be cut into 8 parts and, shifting into a pan, pour a liter of boiling water. After this, the pan must be closed with a lid, wrapped and set aside for 4 hours. Then the apples need to be shredded and allowed to brew for another 1 hour. The resulting composition must be filtered and drunk 2 times a day, 200 ml.
- Garlic-honey mixture. 700 g mashed garlic should be mixed with 1 kg of honey. The resulting composition should be infused for 5 days. The medicine is taken 30 minutes before a meal. At one time, a patient with varicose veins should eat 1 teaspoon. The course of treatment lasts until the remedy is over.
Summarizing
Varicose veins on the legs are a chronic type of disease. During the disease, blood outflow occurs and because of this, venous pressure rises. Most often, this unpleasant disease affects people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, that is, those who spend a lot of time driving a car or working at a computer all day.