Varicose Veins (Varices)

Varicose Veins (Varices) are constantly dilated, elongated and tortuous veins. The superficial (subcutaneous) veins of the legs are most often affected; varicose veins are also sometimes observed in the veins of the esophagus (see Varicose veins of the esophagus) and testicles (varicocele).

It has recently been established that there is a hereditary predisposition to the appearance of varicose veins in humans, but in some cases it can also develop as a result of impaired blood flow in a number of veins.

This condition can be complicated by the development of thrombosis or phlebitis of the affected veins, as well as the occurrence of bleeding from them. Sclerosing therapy is used to treat varicose veins; in addition, the patient is recommended to bandage his legs with elastic bandages. In some cases, it becomes necessary to perform avulsion (removal of a section of a vein) or phlebectomy (excision of a segment of a vein).

Medical name: varicose veins.

Varicose veins, or, as they are often called, varicose veins, are a pathology of the venous system, which is characterized by uneven expansion of the vessels of the lower extremities. In general, they represent a pathological venous pattern on the skin, accompanied by swelling, itching, pain and other unpleasant symptoms. This is not the most dangerous disease, but it greatly complicates life and does not allow a person to lead a normal lifestyle.

The main reasons for the development of varicose veins: congenital developmental anomalies, trauma, heredity.

There are four stages in the development of venous expansion: * **Superficial veins** in the legs have minimal tortuosity, and the valve system ensures efficient transportation of blood from the lower extremities and torso. If the pathology begins to develop from this moment, it practically does not cause pain or inconvenience. The disease manifests itself as a small vein that increases in size, becomes blue, stony in density and turns burgundy. In this case, the pathology, as a rule, affects both legs, and can be bilateral. * Stage when **veins are more tortuous and curved**. The color of the fabrics changes to whitish with spotted staining. * At the third stage of varicose veins, the structure of the venous vessel changes: it becomes like a cable due to significant tortuosity. The fabric takes on a blue-burgundy color, and a small network is observed on various parts of the legs. In some cases, skin lumps may form. The stage suggests recurrence of the pathology in the future. * Well, at the fourth stage **venous walls become less strong and dense.** This is accompanied by relapses of the disease, frequent appearance of inflammation in the vessels, a complication of the disease in the blood