Varicose veins of the legs are a pathology that causes thinning of the venous walls, deformation (dilation, elongation) of the vessels, disruption of blood flow. If not treated in time, the disease can lead to a number of complications, disability and death. The following material describes in detail the stages, symptoms and clinical signs of varicose veins of the legs, as well as methods of treatment of the disease.
According to statistics, more than 60% of women and about 50% of patients of the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins of the extremities of varying severity.
There are many causes of the disease. Key factors include:
In addition to the above, important factors are: age (a decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels is genetically determined by the aging process), the presence of bad habits.
Narrow clothes, uncomfortable shoes with very high heels, regular weight lifting, taking hormonal medications - all of these causes can cause the described discomfort.
Symptoms of the disease vary depending on the degree of varicose veins, the location, the nature of pathological changes in the vessels, the stage of severity of circulatory disorders.
Grade 1 varicose veins are most often not seen in the early stages of development. Weak discomfort in the limbs usually passes quickly enough after physical exertion - the patient only needs to rest for a while. Gradually increasing fatigue is accompanied by heaviness in the legs and other unpleasant sensations caused by pathological changes in the arteries, itching, pain and a feeling of satiety.
Does the first stage of varicose veins develop in schoolchildren? The answer is yes. The medical literature of recent decades describes the manifestations of pathologies affecting adolescents aged 16-17 years.
An increase in the intensity of symptoms indicates the development of the disease and its transition to the second phase. Edema begins to appear in the area affected by spider veins. The clinical picture is complemented by hyperthermia, which has a local character, and nocturnal cramps in the calf muscles. Grade 2 varicose veins are also characterized by a decrease in the frequency of symptoms after rest (long-term).
In the third stage, neglected forms of the disease are characterized by the appearance of pain, swelling and convulsions of a permanent nature. The skin in the affected area begins to peel, hair falls out and dries. The color changes to brown.
In the future, there is a rupture of blood vessels, the formation of trophic ulcers.
Phlebologist examination is the first step in detecting varicose veins. For the final diagnosis, in addition to the mandatory tests, the doctor may prescribe the following:
Phlebography (radiopaque, three-dimensional computer) and phleboscintigraphy are also used to obtain information in a number of situations. These methods are used in certain cases that require more surgical procedures.
According to the academician's classification, there are 3 stages (degrees) of varicose veins of the lower extremities - compensation (1), subcompensator (2) and decompensator (3).
The first stage of varicose veins can develop over several years. The disease has no age or geographical restrictions: the disease is found in residents of different countries, regardless of the age of the patient.
The visible symptoms are often called the symptoms of other diseases. It is not possible to visually identify changes.
With the help of adequate therapy, the relief of the initial stage of varicose veins occurs in a relatively short time.
The length of the period can be several years (the duration depends on the patient's lifestyle, type of activity and general well-being).
With grade 2 varicose veins, there is a visible deformity of the veins; Specific symptoms begin to appear more often, and a decrease in intensity requires prolonged rest.
The subcompensatory stage is found in the majority of patients who see a doctor. The development of complications is suppressed by timely visits to the clinic and all the necessary manipulations.
In the absence of therapy, grade 3 varicose veins cause eczema and trophic ulcers. The second occurs mainly on the inner surfaces of the legs (less on the back, above the ankles) and is characterized by an irregular shape, an even bottom and a purulent composition. They are located alone.
The walls of blood vessels affected by the disease lose their elasticity and strength and are often damaged. Ruptures are rarely accompanied by spontaneous bleeding.
In the third stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities, erysipelas may develop in the affected areas. The disease is aggravated by the following complications:
In stage 3 of varicose veins, the changes begin to affect the whole body: the weakening of the immune system and musculoskeletal system, probably alopecia.
The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the pathological process. A neglected disease requires radical relief measures.
First-degree varicose veins are suppressed with the use of drugs, venotonics, creams, massage complexes, sclerotherapy (injection of a special substance into a vein) and ozone therapy (strengthening of blood vessels). In addition, you can use traditional medicine recipes.
It is forbidden to use drugs, mixtures and herbal infusions independently (without consulting a doctor): accidental therapy will aggravate the situation.
Prescription drugs:
Dosage is calculated individually depending on the patient's condition.
Auxiliary conservative therapies for varicose veins include the use of medical knitwear (socks, tights, golf) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter prevents the development of deformation, helps to reduce the load on the vessels of the affected area while walking. After sleep (at night), placed in a sleepless state; worn all day. It was shot only in the evening, before the rest.
Compression garments improve blood circulation and support weakened vascular walls.
Cool foot baths can be used at home to reduce fatigue and discomfort.
The principles of drug treatment for grade 2 varicose veins are similar to the first stage of the disease. Covers the use of antithrombotic agents, venotonics and compression underwear.
Popular drugs that reduce swelling include ointments and liniment.
Surgical manipulations include radiofrequency therapy, laser coagulation. The first of these methods allows you to remove the vascular pattern, which is used if you have a history of asthma, ischemia and other serious diseases.
Ultrasound-controlled radiofrequency obliteration helps to remove large and small sapenous vessels when the body is damaged and varicose veins.
The basic recipe for traditional medicine is to apply compresses using blue clay. To obtain a medicinal mixture 2 tbsp. l. sedimentary rock is grown in 1 cup of water. The resulting substance is applied to the damaged areas, fixed with a napkin. The affected area is additionally wrapped in a warm towel. The minimum duration of therapy is two hours.
Surgical procedures are used to treat grade 3 varicose veins. These include phlebectomy (removal of the affected vessel) used in the presence of ulcers, blood clots. Classic and laser (not accompanied by incisions) methods are available.
At the end of the operation, medication is prescribed and compression stockings are recommended.
There are three main points in the list of rules that prevent the development of varicose veins: follow the principles of a healthy lifestyle, avoid tight clothing, uncomfortable shoes and see a doctor in a timely manner.
To prevent the disease, pregnant women should use a properly selected bandage, compression tights or socks.
During rehabilitation, you should maintain a healthy diet, perform a number of recommended exercises, take a contrast shower and undergo regular examinations.
And most importantly: at the first suspicion of the development of a disease, you should immediately seek the help of a phlebologist. Varicose veins detected at an early stage can be completely stopped without harm to health.