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Thick legs due to venous disease
contents
- Circulatory disorders and the venous system
- venous insufficiency
- varicose veins
- phlebitis
- venous thrombosis
Circulatory disorders and the venous system
By far the most common causes of fat legs and swollen feet include circulatory disorders. Often these are caused by a venous insufficiency, which causes a backflow of blood and other body fluids in the legs. The pressure conditions in the human organism, which ensure that the body fluids in the cell interstices, cells and vessels are in harmony, get out of balance. The blood coming from the heart supplies all areas with the required substances, such as nutrients or oxygen, and takes over the disposal of the used substances on the way back to the heart. The residual products of the metabolism, such as carbon dioxide or so-called slags, are taken up via the venous system (through the so-called venous capillaries) and then transported away with the blood. For example, if the function of the venous valves is impaired, the blood builds up and the vessels begin to expand. The pollutants and used substances can no longer be sufficiently removed and the pressure conditions of the body fluids get out of balance. It forms fluid deposits in the tissue (edema).
Varicose veins, which cause thick legs, include varicose veins, but also phlebitis, which often occurs as a result of a varicose vein, can be the cause of swollen legs. In the worst case, so-called venous thrombosis (phlebothrombosis, closure of the vein by a blood clot) underlies the swelling of the leg. Here is also a so-called vena vein or vein thrombosis speech. The major venous disorders that can cause swelling of the legs are accordingly vein weaknesses, varicose veins, phlebitis and venous thrombosis.
venous insufficiency
The chronic venous insufficiency (chronic venous insufficiency) is characterized by a permanent functional impairment of the venous valves. As a rule, venous insufficiency is due to hypertension, which results in a change in the vessel walls, which in turn leads to impairment of venous valve function. Since the veins in the leg are most affected by gravity, the venous weakness mainly occurs here. For example, long sitting or standing alone can cause a build-up of blood in the leg veins. The veins can not pump enough blood against gravity to the heart and the pressure conditions of the body fluids in the legs get out of balance. The support of the muscles is no longer sufficient for the removal of the blood and so fluid accumulates in the legs. The affected legs usually swell in the area of the feet and / or ankles, but in some patients the lower legs are also affected. In the initial stage, the swelling will go back as soon as the legs are stored for a long time (such as when sleeping). However, later on swelling of the legs is permanent, which may be accompanied by dark blue skin changes in the area of the outer foot or ankle. The skin in the area of the lower leg also changes color during the course of the disease. In addition, inflammatory ulcers due to impaired wound healing and fat accumulation. The legs begin to itch more and more often allergic reactions are observed. To avoid more serious health problems, therapeutic support should be sought immediately after the onset of the first symptoms.
Also varicose veins can lead to significant swelling of the legs. (Image: hriana / fotolia.com) varicose veins
Varicose veins are the pathological enlargement of the superficial leg veins. An often innate weakness of the vein wall has the consequence that the vessel walls expand and so the venous valves can not close properly. The consequence is the backflow of the blood already described under the point venous insufficiency and the increased blood pressure. Varicose veins are more common in women, as they are more susceptible to varicose veins than men because of their weaker connective tissue and hormonal influences. The main risk factors for varicose veins are lack of exercise, obesity, and activities in which the sufferer is standing or sitting for long periods. The varicose veins are not difficult to recognize as such. The morbidly enlarged leg veins retract net-like or individually tortuous as bulges over the legs. As a rule, the varicose veins are bluish in color. In the further course of the disease, in addition to the usually unilateral leg swelling, there is increased itching and sometimes nocturnal calf cramps. Scarring of the skin, eczema and (venous) inflammation may be further consequences of untreated varicose veins. Also threatening the person affected the development of ulcers, which in the worst case as an open, weeping wound on the lower leg pull (so-called "open leg" ulcus cruris).
phlebitis
A phlebitis (thrombophlebitis) is often an immediate consequence of varicose veins. The inflammation of the superficial veins often results in the formation of blood clots, which in turn can then trigger the dreaded thrombosis. It can be seen a phlebitis on the red, swollen venous strands, which usually respond to pressure sensitive and can be felt as hardening. The complaints are local but can cause significant leg swelling in the affected area. Due to the high risk of subsequent venous thrombosis, a doctor should be consulted immediately if the typical signs appear.
venous thrombosis
Venous thrombosis is one of the most serious causes of swollen legs. They are triggered by a blood clot (usually in the area of the calves), which leads to blockage or closure of the deep veins. For the formation of the blood clot, numerous factors can be considered triggers, with phlebitis being among the more common causes. Surgeries can also increase the risk of thrombosis. Long periods of sitting, bed-restedness, and general physical inactivity slow down blood flow, increasing blood clotting, and may also cause thrombosis. In addition, certain liver diseases and medications (such as the contraceptive pill) are considered as possible triggers of thrombosis. Diseases that have an influence on blood clotting and tumors are mentioned in the literature as further risk factors for thrombosis. Usually, the blood clots resolve themselves, but in some patients more and more platelets are deposited on the blood clot until the affected vein segment is blocked.
This causes a massive impairment of the blood flow and an increase in blood pressure, which in turn can lead to the development of varicose veins and phlebitis. In a thrombosis, the affected leg swells to the lower leg or even completely, is warm and shows a bluish discoloration of the skin. The patients suffer from pulling pain and a feeling of tension or pressure in the leg. Pressure or bending of the foot usually increases the pain. Thrombosis is often accompanied by fever. If all veins in one area are closed (phlegmasia coerulea dolens) and the blood can no longer flow back towards the heart, the supply of fresh blood via the arteries is also stopped. The result is a dying of the affected leg that can have life-threatening consequences for the patient. Immediate medical care is essential in this medical emergency. Even with the background that the blood clots dissolve and can migrate in the direction of the lungs, so that a life-threatening pulmonary embolism is imminent, in any case medical help is required in the case of a thrombosis.
Continue reading:
Infections, diseases of the lymphatic vessels and organs
Other causes of swollen legs
Diagnosis of swollen legs
Treatment of fat legs