Varicose veins in the legs are a pathology that causes thinning of vein walls, deformation (dilatation, lengthening) of blood vessels, and disruption of blood flow.If left untreated, the disease can lead to numerous complications, disability, and death.The following material details the stages, symptoms and clinical signs of varicose veins in the legs, as well as methods of treating the disease.
Reason for occurrence
According to statistics, more than 60% of female patients and about 50% of male patients suffer from varying degrees of varicose veins in the limbs.
There are many causes of this disease.Key factors include:
- Genetic predisposition.Genetically determined connective tissue defects are one of the most common causes of the disease.Symptoms include weakening of blood vessel walls.
- Gender (women are more likely to develop varicose veins).Experts link the appearance of the disease to changes that occur in women's bodies at different times.Pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause are conditions that are accompanied by weight gain, changes in hormonal levels, and deformation of blood vessels.
- Excess weight, which blocks blood flow in the veins, is one reason women of childbearing age are five times more likely to develop the disease.
- Nutritional characteristics.A lack of vitamins and plant fibers disrupts the natural regeneration of vein walls.
- Limit physical activity.Blood stasis in the lower extremities is often caused by lack of exercise and prolonged sitting.Occupations that require "down to earth" work (surgeons, chefs) are also a high risk factor.
- Inflammatory diseases arising from the pelvic organs, endocrine disorders, diseases of the heart and central nervous system, flat feet.
- Injuries to the bones and soft tissues of the legs.
In addition to the above factors, important factors include: the person's age (the decrease in blood vessel elasticity is genetically determined by the aging process) and the existence of bad habits.
Tight clothes, uncomfortable high heels, frequent lifting of heavy weights, taking hormonal medications - all the above-mentioned causes may also contribute to the disorder.
Symptoms of varicose veins
Symptoms of the disease vary according to the degree of varicose veins and are determined by the location and nature of the vascular lesions and the severity of the blood flow disorder.
Degree 1 varicose veins usually do not appear in the early stages of development.Mild discomfort occurs mainly in the limbs after physical exertion and disappears quickly - the patient only needs to rest for a while.Gradually, in addition to an increase in fatigue, heaviness in the legs and other unpleasant sensations along the blood vessels affected by the disease, as well as itching, pain and fullness appear.
Will primary school students develop stage 1 varicose veins?The answer is yes.The medical literature in recent decades describes pathological manifestations affecting adolescents aged 16-17 years.
An increase in the intensity of symptoms indicates the progression of the disease and its transition to the second stage.Edema and spider veins begin to appear in the affected area.The clinical manifestations are also accompanied by local high fever and nocturnal spasms of the calf muscles.Second-degree varicose veins are also characterized by a decrease in the frequency of symptoms after rest (long-term).
The advanced form of stage III disease is characterized by pain, swelling, and persistent cramping.The skin in the affected area begins to peel, lose hair, and become dry.The color changes to brown.
In the future, ruptured blood vessels and the appearance of trophic ulcers will be noted.
diagnosis
An examination by a phlebologist is the first step in identifying varicose veins.To make a final diagnosis, in addition to mandatory examinations, the doctor may also prescribe:
- Doppler ultrasound (a method that can assess the patency of blood vessels and valves);
- Ultrasound vascular scan, used in cases of complications.
To obtain information in a variety of situations, venography (X-ray contrast, three-dimensional computer) and venoscintigraphy are also used.The methods listed are used in certain situations where further surgical intervention is required.
stages of varicose veins
According to the classification of academicians, varicose veins of the lower limbs are divided into 3 stages (degrees) - compensatory (1), subcompensated (2) and decompensated (3).
Initial Phase: Compensation
The first stage of varicose veins may last for several years.The disease has no age or geographical limitations: it is found in residents of different countries, regardless of the age of the patient.
The symptoms that occur are often attributed to symptoms of other illnesses.Changes cannot be determined visually.
With the help of appropriate treatment, initial relief of varicose veins can occur within a relatively short period of time.
The second stage: sub-compensation
The length of this period can be up to several years (its duration depends on the patient's lifestyle, type of activity, and overall health).
With second-degree varicose veins, a visually noticeable deformation of the blood vessels can be noticed; specific symptoms begin to appear more frequently, and long periods of rest are required to reduce their intensity.
Subcompensation is found in most patients who consult their doctors.By promptly visiting the clinic and performing all necessary procedures, the development of complications can be prevented.
The third stage: decompensation period
If left untreated, grade 3 varicose veins can lead to the development of eczema and trophic ulcers.The latter occurs mainly on the inner surface of the legs (less often on the back, above the ankles) and is characterized by an irregular shape, a flat base and the presence of purulent contents.Separate placement.
The walls of blood vessels affected by the disease lose elasticity and strength and are often damaged.Rupture is accompanied by bleeding and rarely stops on its own.
In the third stage of varicose veins of the lower limbs, erysipelas may appear in the affected area.The disease can be worsened by the following complications:
- venous thrombosis;
- Thrombophlebitis;
- Lymphangitis.
In the third stage of varicose veins, changes begin to affect the entire body: a weakening of the immune and musculoskeletal systems is observed, and hair loss may occur.
Treatment of varicose veins depends on the stage
The choice of treatment depends on the stage of development of the pathological process.Advanced disease requires radical palliative measures.
Early treatment of varicose veins
Grade 1 varicose veins can be suppressed with medications, IVs, creams, comprehensive massage, sclerotherapy (injection of special agents into the veins), and ozone therapy (a method of strengthening blood vessels).Additionally, you can use traditional medicine recipes.
Self-medication, decoction, and infusion of medicine (without consulting a doctor) are prohibited: unsystematic treatment will only aggravate the condition.
Among prescription medications:
- Medical products that stimulate venous blood flow;
- Drugs that increase blood vessel tone.
Dosage is calculated individually based on the patient's condition.
One of the adjuncts to the conservative treatment of varicose veins is the use of medical hosiery (stockings, tights, golf balls) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter prevents the development of deformities and helps to reduce the load on the blood vessels in the affected area during walking.Use in a lying position after going to bed (at night); wear throughout the day.Only remove it before retiring for the evening.
Compression garments improve circulation and support fragile blood vessel walls.
At home, you can use a cool foot bath to relieve fatigue and reduce discomfort.
Type 2 disease remission
The principles of medical treatment for stage 2 varicose veins are similar to those for stage 1 varicose veins.It involves the use of anti-thrombotic medications, intravenous fluids, and wearing a compression garment.
Popular anti-swelling medications include ointments and liniments.
Surgical procedures include radiofrequency treatment and laser coagulation.The first method can remove blood vessel patterns and can be used if the patient has a history of asthma, ischemia, and other serious conditions.
When the great saphenous vein trunk and the small saphenous vein trunk are damaged, radiofrequency occlusion performed under ultrasound control can help eliminate varicose nodules.
The main recipe of traditional medicine is the use of blue clay for compresses.To obtain a medicinal mixture, 2 tbsp.Lake sedimentary rock diluted in 1 cup water.Apply the resulting substance to the damaged area and secure it with a napkin.Also, wrap the affected area with a warm towel.The minimum treatment time is two hours.
Ways to Suppress Stage 3 of the Disease
Treatment for grade 3 varicose veins involves surgery.These include phlebectomy (removal of affected blood vessels) in cases where ulcers and blood clots are present.There are classical and laser (without accompanying incision) methods of implementation.
After the surgery, medication is given and compression stockings are recommended.
disease prevention
The list of rules for preventing varicose veins includes three key points: follow a healthy lifestyle, avoid wearing tight clothes and uncomfortable shoes, and seek prompt medical attention.
To prevent this disease, pregnant women are advised to use appropriately selected bandages, compression pants or stockings.
During recovery, you should maintain a healthy diet, perform recommended exercises, take contrast showers, and receive regular prescribed checkups.
The bottom line is: as soon as you suspect the progression of the condition, you should seek help from a phlebologist immediately.Varicose veins discovered in the initial stages can be completely eliminated without harming health.