Most often, pain in the calf muscles, legs and joints is caused by inflammation of the veins. Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis can be included in this group. The development of varicose veins, which is accompanied by their expansion, is a typical symptom of this disease. Of course, many are interested in the question of why the veins on the legs hurt, what to do, how to treat this ailment, so let's first consider in more detail the causes of varicose veins.
Causes of pain in the veins in the arms and legs
Often, varicose veins on the legs appear in people who, due to their activity, have a lot of time to stand or sit. This condition may be accompanied by swelling, impaired function, expressed soreness.
The patient feels that the veins in his legs hurt . What to do, why is this happening? It is worth noting that such symptoms most often appear in women, which is associated with their predisposition to the disease.
Vascular thrombosis
If the patient, first of all, notes that the veins on the legs are sore, then, most likely, blood clotting has occurred. The outflow of blood is disturbed, and because of this, a large amount of it remains in the veins, contributing to the expansion and stretching of the walls of blood vessels. There are 2 networks of the leg vein system: superficial venous network and deep. The bulk of the blood flows through deep veins, and the superficial vein system draws blood from the skin.
Pain in the veins during thrombosis is observed due to pressure on the tissue of the dilated vessel. The patient feels pain of a dull nature, and this causes a feeling that he is “pulling” veins on his legs. People with dilated veins in their legs tend to get tired often. With prolonged walking or standing, they feel pain, numbness and tension in the legs in the veins, sometimes their feet swell. Due to circulatory disorders, ulcers often appear on the legs and are very difficult to treat.
Thrombophlebitis of the superficial vein system can also contribute to pain in the veins. Thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of the venous wall, with which a thrombus appears in it. The main thing that they complain about in this case is that the veins in the legs hurt. What to do, and how to overcome this problem, we will consider further.
Causes of disturbed normal functioning of the veins in the legs
Violations in the healthy functioning of the veins can also be caused by other reasons - an uncomfortable sitting position, a long sitting position, wearing and lifting weights, hormonal imbalances, uncomfortable shoes, and overweight. People of high stature are more prone to varicose veins. Young women also often wonder what to do if leg veins hurt during pregnancy. And this is not surprising, since women in position and young mothers are at risk. It is at the time of pregnancy that many women begin to show varicose veins.
Even if you constantly walk in compressor stockings, there is still a chance that the situation will worsen after childbirth. There are symptoms that you need to pay attention to: swelling and pain in the legs (especially in the second half of the day), night cramps, itching along the veins, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, manifestation of vascular veins on the legs (in advanced cases - nodes and trophic ulcers). With pain in the veins and heaviness in the legs for 2-3 days or the appearance of edema of the lower leg and feet, burning and tingling in the muscles, an urgent need to see a doctor.
Medical treatments for varicose veins
What to do if veins on the legs and arms hurt, how to treat? The most common method of treatment is sclerotherapy, which is the introduction through a tiny needle into a disturbing vein of a substance that turns off a given vessel from the bloodstream. When this procedure is performed by an experienced doctor, there are practically no complications, and if they arise, they disappear with time. Widely used sclerosing agents consist of sodium tetradecyl sulfate, hypertonic solution and polydocanol. After the operation is completed, a compression stocking is pulled on the leg for 24 hours. As a result of successful sclerotherapy, the disturbing vein disappears within 3-6 weeks.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is a more expensive solution and is best suited for the smallest vessels. As a result of short bright flashes directed at the vessel, it fades. This method of treatment is more painful, but some people like it more, since it goes without injections and needles. For a good cosmetic result, as a rule, from 2 to 5 treatment sessions are required.
Venous insufficiency may be the reason for the expansion of the veins , although they still cannot name the exact reasons. Examination of the patient includes ultrasound analysis of the veins and external examination.
Surgical intervention
Large vessels can be removed in the hospital by surgery. Developed in recent years, a method of treating intravenous ablation is performed by introducing a catheter into the vein, from which radiofrequency energy is emitted. As a result, the closure of the affected vein.
It should be noted that people who are predisposed to varicose veins of the legs always have to take preventive measures to prevent this disease in the daytime.
Veins on the legs hurt, what should I do?
Try not to be on your feet for long - this will reduce the pressure on the valves in the veins.
If your activity puts a lot of stress on your legs or you are pregnant, wear elastic compression stockings.
Tips
• In a standing position, stand on tiptoe, lifting your heels off the floor, then return to your previous position. Do this 20 times, relax for a few minutes, then repeat again. This exercise promotes blood circulation and strengthens your calf muscles.
• Your hobby or work can be a cause of illness. If you sit or stand in the same position for a very long time, this can disrupt blood circulation, while crossing your legs only exacerbates the problem, and after a while, your legs and veins already hurt. What to do with this ailment? Change working conditions, take small breaks, which were described in the previous paragraph (charging). Varicose veins do not happen overnight, and it will take some time to mitigate the symptoms of the disease.
• The vessel expands the heat, so after a hot bath or shower, the veins become more visible. Try a short cold shower after a hot shower. Cold water will temporarily hide veins. But you should know that hot baths with varicose veins are contraindicated.
• Veins in the legs hurt? What to do? Raise your legs as soon as possible, this will reduce pressure in the legs. Use a ottoman or armchair while watching TV or reading, or if you are in bed, place pillows under your feet.
Proper nutrition
Constipation is one of the main causes of varicose veins. It may be difficult at first to see the connection between constipation and varicose veins, so let’s explain in more detail. Constipation can cause a restriction in the flow of blood, which returns through the deep veins in the legs to the body. Straining closes the veins mentioned above, so blood chooses a different path - through the superficial veins, forming blue stripes on the legs .
Therefore, in order to avoid such problems and not think about what to do if the veins on the legs hurt, it is recommended to eat foods low in refined carbohydrates and fats, eat more fruits, whole grains and vegetables. Such nutrition promotes health, and a high fiber content leads to regular stool.
Eat garlic, onions and ginger. These products break down fibrin (a high molecular weight protein that is the final product of blood coagulation). People suffering from varicose veins have a reduced ability to break down this substance. Some advise you to drink only fruit or vegetable juices one day a week.
The nutrition system should promote weight loss, as weight loss can prevent varicose veins or reduce symptoms. Too much mass makes normal blood circulation difficult and creates an additional burden on the heart.
Physical exercise
What to do if leg veins hurt? Treatment at home, of course, can help you, you can perform physical exercises that improve muscle tone and increase blood circulation, contributing to the effective use of existing therapies for varicose veins. People with this ailment should apply small physical exertion, they do not need intense types of exercise, such as aerobics, cycling, jogging or other sports that increase blood pressure in the veins.
Walking, light aerobics, swimming - all this will help improve your condition, as blood circulation increases by moving from a static balance of the body in a standing or sitting position to a dynamic one. If you feel unwell, take breaks, stretch, calmly walk.
Folk remedies for the treatment of varicose veins
Many people wonder what to do if the veins in the legs hurt. Folk remedies, of course, can also be combated with this ailment. So, to alleviate itching, an aloe vera plant can be used. Apple cider vinegar is an old folk remedy; it has also been effective in treating varicose veins.
There are several more options for answering the question "What should I do if the veins in my legs hurt?" Reviews and advice of people who have encountered this ailment are given below:
• Twice a day, apply vinegar-wrapped bandages or pieces of gauze on your feet and keep for forty minutes. Do this while lying with your feet on the pillows.
• Apply vinegar to your feet with your hands in the morning and at night. To speed up the results, each time after applying vinegar to the feet, slowly drink a glass of warm water with 2 teaspoons of vinegar. Reduction in diseased veins will become noticeable in four to six weeks.
• Mix 3 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of vinegar and half a liter of warm water. Drink this mixture every day.
Daily intake of aspirin for varicose veins will reduce the feeling of pain due to blood thinning, facilitating its circulation.