What are the symptoms and hazards of varicose veins in the lower limbs? Varicose veins in the lower limbs can be divided into two major categories: primary and secondary. In the field of traditional Chinese medicine, varicose veins fall under the category of "tendon tumors." After the occurrence of varicose veins in the lower limbs, depending on the order of appearance of clinical symptoms, the following changes may occur:
1. Appearance changes. This includes the dilation, winding, and tortuosity of superficial veins in the lower limbs, which gradually worsen with an increasing number of affected veins. At this stage, there may be no obvious discomfort, mainly affecting aesthetics, especially among young women who have cosmetic concerns.
2. Aching discomfort and pain in the lower limbs. These often occur after prolonged standing or a day of fatigue. The symptoms are mild in the early stages but gradually worsen, alleviating after walking or lying down. People who are sensitive to sensations may experience pain. At this stage, patients will feel significant discomfort, preferring to place their legs flat or elevate them, which affects their work capacity.
3. Swelling. This occurs due to increased local pressure in the veins of the lower limbs, leading to blood stagnation and leakage of fluid components from the blood. Swelling tends to worsen after a day's work and reduces or disappears after a night's rest, impacting work capacity.
4. Thrombophlebitis of superficial veins. Sudden redness, swelling, heat, and pain can appear in locally dilated veins in the lower limbs. Palpation reveals a cord-like hard line with tenderness. Larger cases may be accompanied by fever. In some cases, blood clots can extend from superficial veins to deep veins, causing deep vein thrombosis, which has serious consequences.
5. Nutritional changes in the skin of the calf. These include skin atrophy and hardening, dark purple skin color, itching, flaking, and subcutaneous nodules. These changes occur due to slow blood return in the lower limbs after varicose veins, combined with incompetent perforating vein valves that cause blood reflux and stasis, reducing oxygen content in the blood and leading to degenerative skin changes, significantly impacting work capacity.
6. Ulcers and bleeding. In later stages, ulcers or bleeding may form due to scratching or injury. Ulcers commonly occur on the inner and outer sides of the ankle joint, once formed they are difficult to heal, often expanding over time, remaining unhealed for years, exuding large amounts of fluid, emitting foul odors, and causing great suffering to the patient. Bleeding is usually caused by injury or scratching, occurring suddenly with a large volume, serving as a dangerous warning signal requiring emergency treatment; otherwise, it could endanger life.
Varicose veins in the lower limbs are relatively common, often presenting without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. To prevent varicose veins, we can avoid prolonged standing, wear elastic stockings or use elastic bandages, maintain a balanced diet, and prevent injuries.
The above is a detailed introduction by experts on the symptoms and hazards of varicose veins in the lower limbs, hoping to assist you. For more questions, you can consult online with experts from Shanxi Yikang Peripheral Vascular Hospital. Finally, wishing you good health.
For more details, please visit the varicose veins section of Shanxi Yikang Peripheral Vascular Hospital: http://www.sxykmgy.com/jingmaiquzhang/ or consult the experts for free, who will provide detailed answers based on the specific conditions of the patient.
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