What does the appearance of green veins on the legs indicate?
The most common reason that blood vessels can be seen with the naked eye on the skin of the legs is varicose veins.
Varicose veins are associated with an increase in the diameter of blood vessels and a change in the structure of the venous wall. At advanced stages of varicose veins development, green veins can not only be seen, but also palpated. Normally, venous vessels are located more superficial to the skin than arterial vessels. But subcutaneous fat and skin usually do not “see through” the vessels.
If a person’s skin is thin and the fat layer is poorly expressed, then vessels throughout the body may be visible: veins on the arms, legs, as well as capillaries on the face, etc. In this case, the vessels cannot be palpated, since they are of normal diameter and are simply located too close to the skin.
In addition, sometimes a person can see that green veins have appeared in some area after active physical activity. In cases where they go away on their own after rest, this symptom can be considered physiological. In this regard, visible green veins on the legs do not always indicate pathology.
But if visible vessels appear suddenly and do not go away even after rest, you should make an appointment with a phlebologist.
Classification of venous diseases
Pathologies that cause pain in the lower extremities include several types of diseases.
Varicose veins
This is the most common problem. The venous wall becomes inelastic, blood stagnates, and protruding tubercles appear under the skin due to dilated veins. The vessels become inflamed and appear bluish, dark blue or purple. In affected areas, the skin thickens and pigmentation appears.
At the initial stage, varicose veins, in addition to a cosmetic defect, are manifested by swelling of the lower extremities by the end of the day. As the pathology progresses, the leg constantly hurts very much and aches .
Pain often occurs under the knee, since this part is most vulnerable during intense physical exertion. A vascular network appears, dry skin accompanied by itching. A person feels like the large saphenous vein has come out and hurts.
If the problem is neglected, the vessels become thinner. There are situations when the venous wall bursts and bleeding occurs. A doctor's help is needed here.
An ulcer forms at the site of the burst vessel. If treatment is not started in time, the disease will develop, leading to disability.
But there are cases when you should consult a doctor
Above, we recalled the most common reasons for the appearance of visible veins, which are not dangerous to human health and should not bother him. But sometimes this sign may indicate the presence of serious illnesses and is a reason to immediately visit a doctor. The first thing to remember: in such cases, the appearance of visible veins on the body is not the only warning symptom. The patient may also experience chest pain, shortness of breath, ulcers near the veins or swelling of the veins.
Under no circumstances should unpleasant symptoms be left unattended, as they may be associated with health problems: varicose veins, thrombophlebitis and other venous diseases. An experienced specialist will conduct a diagnosis and help determine the exact cause of the problem, and then prescribe treatment that can get rid of the disease.
Veins become more noticeable during pregnancy
Visible veins are a problem that many pregnant women face. But, as in previous cases, there is nothing to worry about. The blood volume of a pregnant woman is higher than that of a non-pregnant woman. Veins have to adapt to the changed operating conditions of the body. During this period of time, the blood vessels need to work at an increased pace in order to transport an increased volume of blood throughout the woman’s body and, in addition, to the fetus growing inside her. If visible veins appeared during pregnancy, although they were not so visible before, they will most likely “disappear” soon after childbirth, that is, they will become less noticeable.
A few more words about the mechanism of pathology development
Varicose veins appear not only due to the weakness of the vascular walls and insufficiency of the venous valves. The third active link in the system of blood movement from bottom to top (from the limbs to the heart) is the muscle contractions of the legs and thighs, or the muscle pump.
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Normally, these contractions lightly compress the vessels, allowing blood to move through the vessels from the lower leg and thigh upward into the pelvis.
When muscles weaken or relax (physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle), the muscle pump does not work effectively enough, the flow of blood into the pelvis slows down, the pressure in the deep vessels increases, and under its influence, blood enters the superficial venous system.
In combination with valve insufficiency and weakness of the vascular walls, the weakening of the muscle pump creates favorable conditions for the development of varicose veins.
How can green veins on the legs be dangerous?
If you can see large, tortuous, green veins on the skin, this means that they are not fulfilling their function. Enlarged varicose veins are unable to adequately move blood from the legs to the heart.
In addition to the cosmetic defect, the situation is complicated by many other symptoms of venous insufficiency: fatigue, heaviness, swelling and pain in the legs. Heaviness in the legs is especially pronounced in the evening. These symptoms gradually intensify and bring great discomfort.
Often, fatigue and pain in the legs are so severe that they significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life. And complications of varicose veins (thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis, etc.) are potentially fatal conditions. Therefore, you should not postpone treatment of the disease until later.
Complications and prognosis
Pain in the vessels often signals varicose veins. An undetected, advanced disease in time is fraught with the occurrence of thrombosis and thrombophlebitis, and can provoke serious circulatory disorders, organ ischemia, myocardial infarction, and lead to the death of the patient. The situation is especially concerning when black veins begin to appear through the skin.
With timely diagnosis and adequate treatment, the disease is successfully eliminated without leaving any consequences.
Prevention
To ensure that the veins do not come out on the leg, but remain in their place, it is necessary to engage in prevention.
This becomes especially relevant for those people in whose lives there are certain provoking factors. Especially if it is not possible to eliminate them for certain reasons (for example, sedentary work).
Prevention of varicose veins involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- quitting smoking and alcohol;
- forget the habit of crossing your legs;
- regular walking;
- passion for any kind of sport (swimming and cycling are welcome);
- refusal to visit the bathhouse;
- choosing comfortable shoes;
- arrange a contrast shower for your feet;
- start eating right;
- in the evening, try to lie down for a while so that your legs are on a slight elevation.
Such simple rules will help preserve the beauty of your legs and avoid various pathological conditions associated with the vascular system.
Treatment
A condition in which the veins in the legs hurt requires complex treatment. The essence of the approach is to take medications prescribed by a doctor, eat rationally and nutritiously, regularly perform physical activity, and undergo physical procedures.
If therapeutic methods are ineffective, and the patient’s well-being continues to deteriorate, surgical intervention is indicated. An additional treatment option for diseased leg vessels are alternative medicine methods.
Proper nutrition
To balance your diet, you should:
- eat dishes rich in vitamins (vitamins A, B, C, E, P), containing copper, calcium, selenium;
- limit the consumption of cholesterol, fats, (fried, spicy, salty foods);
- introduce bread, dairy dishes, cereals, fresh vegetables into the menu,
- fruits, fruit and berry juices, clean water (observing the correct drinking regime);
- exclude soda, alcohol, energy drinks.
To achieve a positive effect, such a diet must be followed constantly.
Physical exercise
Exercise therapy is used to treat pain in the veins of the legs. Exercises help strengthen the musculoskeletal system, normalize blood circulation and tissue nutrition, and restore normal muscle tone.
You can train on your own. The patient is recommended to perform the following set of simple exercises.
- Imitate walking with your feet while standing or sitting on a chair.
- Alternately lift your limbs up while lying on the floor or sofa (15 techniques for each leg).
- Move around the room first on your toes, then on your heels; on the outside and inside of the feet.
- Perform the “Bicycle” exercise.
How to cure green veins on legs?
If the cause of the appearance of visible blood vessels on the skin is varicose veins, then it is worth starting treatment as early as possible. Varicose veins can be cured using Laser and Radiofrequency technology, as well as Miniphlebectomy.
Laser and radiofrequency techniques affect the vessel from the inside. To do this, a catheter is inserted into the vein cavity. Through it, the doctor exerts a thermal effect on the veins of the legs. Miniphlebectomy is based on the removal of green veins on the legs through small accesses.
In cases where green veins are small in diameter, doctors may recommend Sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical method for removing minor vascular pathologies (for example: varicose veins on the legs). All of these methods comply with European safety standards and are carried out without anesthesia or skin incisions.
What to do?
Based on the results of the examination, the doctor decides on further treatment. Treatment for bulging veins can be medication or surgery. It is carried out both in the hospital and on an outpatient basis. If veins are visible in the legs, you cannot self-medicate; only a doctor will determine the causes of the pathology and select the necessary therapeutic method.
Traditional way
A protruding venous network cannot be removed using conservative methods. They give a positive result when minor violations appear. If veins come out, then the pathological process has started. In this case, the task of traditional treatment is to reduce discomfort. The effect can be achieved by the following means:
- Painkillers. Medicines reduce painful symptoms, but due to addiction to them and the possible development of side effects, you should not get carried away.
- Angioprotectors. Improves blood flow in the lower extremities. These include: Venoruton, Detralex, Phlebodia.
- Products for external use. Gels, ointments and creams help relieve pain, reduce swelling and a feeling of heaviness.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs. Used when venous vessels are inflamed. As a rule, Diclofenac is prescribed in injections or tablets.
- Special underwear. Wearing clothing made from compression knitwear supports the blood vessels in the legs in the desired position, which reduces the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms. If you have varicose veins during pregnancy, you need to use elastic bandages.
Taking warm baths when veins have popped out is strictly prohibited. High temperature will cause the blood vessels to expand more and the pain will increase.
Surgical treatment of protruding veins in the legs
If drug treatment does not bring a positive result, the condition begins to worsen, and surgical intervention cannot be avoided. Operations are divided into 2 types:
- Radical (remove large lesions): phlebectomy is an old method of surgically removing a vein that has come out.
- sclerotherapy - to narrow blood vessels, they are exposed to a chemical substance, injected into a vein,
Traditional methods
The use of decoctions and lotions in combination with medications increases the effectiveness of therapy. Treatment with folk remedies facilitates the course of the pathology. The following drugs are available at home:
- Hop. The crushed plant is poured with boiling water and left for 15 minutes. The cooled infusion is ready for use. It removes blockages in blood vessels and reduces pain.
- Apple vinegar. The affected areas should be wiped with the product for 1 month.
- Green tomato pulp. It is applied to a sore spot; it is indispensable if there is a blockage or a bulging vein in the leg.
- Nettle. A prepared herbal decoction in the proportion of 1 tablespoon per 250 ml of water, taken 1/3 cup 3 times a day before meals.
- Sour milk with wormwood. The compress is applied to the area where the veins are visible for 7 days.
Cosmetic phlebology - addresses and prices
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Hair and nails
Hair and nails are formed from skin cells, and therefore you also need to pay attention to them. Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) occurs due to hormonal disorders caused by diseases (including cancer) of the glands that produce sex hormones
Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) occurs due to hormonal disorders caused by diseases (including cancer) of the glands that produce sex hormones.
Reduced hair growth is also a sign of hormonal disorders, such as a decrease in the amount of thyroid hormones in the body. In addition, hair grows much worse with cirrhosis of the liver.
Hair loss (alopecia) can begin with age (more often in men), after treatment with anticancer drugs, or radiation. Sometimes the causes of hair loss can be severe stress, as well as skin diseases.
Hair may also become dry and brittle. This is a sign of metabolic disorders in the body and a lack of vitamins.
Nails can also change due to various diseases. So, with metabolic disorders or a lack of vitamins, they become brittle and begin to exfoliate. Wide and thick nails are characteristic of acromegaly, a disease caused by an increase in the amount of growth hormone.
With heart and lung diseases, nails may become rounded and convex, resembling watch glasses.
On the chest
Enlarged veins on the chest are considered one of the normal variants, and in most cases they do not pose any danger. Since the structural features of the breast imply the presence of a large number of vessels in it, some translucency of them is normal - this only indicates that the veins are very close to the skin. However, the protruding vessels on the chest should not protrude.
Veins on the breasts very often protrude in women during the period of preparation of the body for breastfeeding. Milk ducts usually begin to form at the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, with the nipples enlarging and the vessels becoming more visible.
In this case, the veins will become visible much less after the end of the lactation period, or even completely return to their previous state. In order to maintain a beautiful breast shape, you need to wear a special bra and do strengthening exercises.
