How do varicose veins of the lower limbs form?

In summer, we wear less clothes, whether we wear shorts or skirts, our legs will be exposed. At this time, we will find that many people, especially the middle-aged and elderly, have tortuous lumps on their legs, like a ball of earthworms coiled there. This is varicose veins in the lower limbs. So, how do varicose veins in the lower limbs form?

Let's think about a question first: the heart is responsible for pumping blood to all parts of the body, bringing oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. In other words, the heart is an important "engine" in the blood transportation process. The question is, how does this blood return? You can't grow small hearts everywhere in your body.

Yes, in fact, we do have some small "hearts" in our bodies, which are muscles. Muscles are an important driving force in the process of blood returning to the heart.

For example, our calves have veins in the middle of the calves. When the calf muscles contract, the blood in these veins is squeezed back to the heart. So don't underestimate the muscles in the calves. In addition to walking, they have other jobs.

You must be asking, these are deep veins, what about the blood in the more superficial veins? This is a good question. The deep veins and superficial veins in the calf are interconnected. The area where they are connected is called the ankle area, which is near the ankle, where we wear socks.

Then the question is, if the calf muscles are not active enough, the blood in the veins cannot flow back up in time, and the blood in the superficial veins cannot easily flow into the deep veins. In this way, the blood circulation is poor, the superficial veins become thicker and thicker, and finally accumulate into lumps, which is called varicose veins of the lower limbs. If secondary infection ruptures, it will be very difficult to treat.

Now that you understand how varicose veins in the lower limbs are formed, you will know how to prevent them. In a simple sentence: Get your calves moving. For example, when riding a bicycle, the height must be adjusted appropriately. If you cannot stretch your legs and always use your heels to push against the pedals, it is easy for the thighs to drive the calves, and the calf muscles will not be able to exert their strength.

In this case, although the amount of exercise is quite large, the calf muscles are not fully activated, which will naturally affect blood return. For example, when walking, the toes must be exerted so that the calf muscles can exert force.

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Especially for some special professions, such as policemen and teachers, they often need to stand or sit for long periods of time. A teacher has to stand for 40 minutes during a class. At this time, the calves cannot get enough exercise. What should I do? When you have time, you should lift your calves vigorously, and swing them upwards and backwards. In this way, the muscles in the calf can exert force, and the blood in the lower limbs can be fully squeezed back to the heart, thus avoiding varicose veins in the lower limbs.

Another way is to wear a special elastic stocking, which can have a pressure effect and is also helpful in preventing varicose veins in the lower limbs. However, you need to consult the vascular surgery department in the hospital for more information on how to choose and what kind of elastic stocking is the most suitable.

Of course, the best way is to start with changing our living habits. Try to avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time, and move your legs from time to time. This is a healthy lifestyle.

The article is produced by Science Popularization China-Starry Sky Project (Creation and Cultivation). Please indicate the source when reprinting.

Author: Sun Yifei, Director of the Medical Education History Research Office, Hebei Medical University

Reviewer: Chen Gang, deputy chief physician, Peking Union Medical College Hospital