Varicose veins of the legs are a pathology that causes the thinning of the venous walls, the deformation (expansion, lengthening) of the blood vessels, the disruption of blood circulation.In the absence of timely treatment, the disease can lead to a number of complications, disability and death.The material below describes in detail the stages of varicose veins of the legs, their symptoms and clinical signs, as well as methods of treating the disease.
Reasons for submission
According to statistics, more than 60% of women and about 50% of patients of the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins of the extremities in various degrees of severity.
There are many reasons that trigger the development of the disease.Key factors include:
- Hereditary predisposition.A genetically determined connective tissue defect is one of the most common causes of the disease.Manifested by weakness of the vascular walls.
- Gender (ladies are more susceptible to varicose veins).Experts associate the appearance of the disease with the changes that occur in a woman's body at different times.Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause are conditions associated with weight gain, changes in hormonal levels and deformation of blood vessels.
- Excess body weight, which hinders blood circulation in the veins, is a reason that increases the risk of the disease in women of childbearing age by 5 times.
- Nutritional characteristics.The lack of vitamins and plant fibers disrupts the natural regeneration of vein walls.
- Limitation of physical activity.Blood stagnation in the lower extremities is often caused by lack of movement and prolonged sitting.Professions that involve work "on your feet" (surgeon, cook) are also a high-risk factor.
- Inflammatory diseases arising in the pelvic organs, endocrine disorders, diseases of the heart and central nervous system, flat feet.
- Damage to the bones and soft tissues of the feet.
In addition to the above, important factors are also: the age of a person (the decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels is determined genetically by the aging process), the presence of bad habits.
Tight clothing, uncomfortable shoes with very high heels, regular weight lifting, taking hormonal medications - all the above reasons can also cause the described disease.
Symptoms of varicose veins
Signs of the disease vary depending on the degree of varicose veins and are determined by the location, the nature of the pathological changes in the vessels and the severity stage of blood flow disorders.
Varicose veins of the first degree most often do not appear in the early stages of development.Small discomfort, which appears in the limb mainly after physical exercises, goes away quite quickly - the patient just needs to rest for a while.Gradually, in addition to the increase in fatigue, heaviness in the legs and other unpleasant sensations arise along the vessels affected by the pathological changes, itching, pain and feeling of fullness.
Does the first stage of varicose veins develop in schoolchildren?The answer is yes.The medical literature of the last decades describes the manifestation of pathologies that affect adolescents aged 16-17 years.
The progression of the disease and its transition to the second stage is indicated by an increase in the intensity of symptoms.Edema and spider veins begin to appear in the affected area.The clinical picture is complemented by hyperthermia, which is local in nature, and night cramps in the calf muscles.Varicose veins of the 2nd degree are also characterized by a decrease in the frequency of symptoms after rest (long term).
Advanced forms of the disease in the third stage are characterized by the appearance of pain, swelling and constant cramps.The skin in the affected area begins to peel, lose hair and become dry.The color changes to brown.
In the future, rupture of blood vessels and the appearance of trophic ulcers are observed.
Diagnosing
An examination by a phlebologist is the first step in identifying varicose veins.To make a final diagnosis, in addition to mandatory tests, the doctor may prescribe:
- Doppler ultrasound (a method that allows you to assess the patency of blood vessels and valves);
- Ultrasound angioscan, used in the presence of complications.
To obtain information in a variety of situations, phlebography (X-ray contrast, three-dimensional computer) and phleboscintigraphy are also used.The listed methods are used in certain cases that require further surgical procedures.
Stages of varicose veins
According to the academic classification, there are 3 stages (grades) of varicose veins of the lower extremities - compensatory (1), subcompensatory (2) and decompensatory (3).
Initial stage: compensation
The first stage of varicose veins can develop over several years.The disease has no age or geographical limitations: the disease is detected in residents of different countries, regardless of the age of the patients.
The signs that appear are often attributed to the symptoms of other diseases.Changes cannot be determined visually.
With the help of adequate therapy, the relief of the initial stage of varicose veins occurs in a relatively short time.
Second stage: undercompensation
The duration of the period can reach several years (its duration depends on the lifestyle, type of activity and general well-being of the patient).
With varicose veins of the 2nd degree, pronounced visual deformation of the vessels is observed;specific symptoms begin to appear much more often and reducing their intensity requires prolonged rest.
The stage of subcompensation is detected in most patients who consult a doctor.With a timely visit to the clinic and performing all the necessary manipulations, the development of complications is stopped.
The third stage: decompensation
Varicose veins of the 3rd degree in the absence of therapy cause the formation of eczema and trophic ulcers.The latter occur mainly on the inner surfaces of the legs (less often on the back, above the ankles) and are characterized by an irregular shape, a flat bottom and the presence of purulent contents.Set apart.
The walls of blood vessels affected by the disease lose elasticity and strength and are often damaged.Ruptures are accompanied by bleeding, which rarely stops on its own.
In the third stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities, erysipelas may develop in the affected areas.The disease is aggravated by complications such as:
- vein thrombosis;
- thrombophlebitis;
- lymphangitis.
In stage 3 of varicose veins, the changes begin to affect the whole body: a weakening of the immune system and the musculoskeletal system is observed, and alopecia may appear.
Treatment of varicose veins depending on the stage
The choice of treatment method depends on the stage of development of the pathological process.An advanced disease requires radical relief measures.
Varicose veins therapy in the initial stage
Varicose veins of the first degree are suppressed using medications, venotonics, creams, a massage complex, sclerotherapy (injection of a special agent into the vein) and ozone therapy (a method that strengthens blood vessels).In addition, you can use recipes of traditional medicine.
It is forbidden to use medications, decoctions and infusions of medicinal plants independently (without consulting a doctor): unsystematic therapy will only worsen the condition.
Among the drugs prescribed:
- medical products that stimulate blood flow in the veins;
- agents that increase vascular tone.
The dose is calculated individually, depending on the patient's condition.
Among the auxiliary methods of conservative treatment of varicose veins is the use of medical knitwear (socks, tights, golf) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter prevents the development of deformation and helps to reduce the load on the vessels of the affected area while walking.They are applied after sleep (at night), in a lying position;wear all day.They are removed only in the evening, before rest.
Compression garments improve blood circulation and support weakened blood vessel walls.
At home, you can use cold foot baths to relieve fatigue and reduce discomfort.
Relief of form 2 disease
The principles of drug treatment for stage 2 varicose veins are similar to the treatment of the first stage of the disease.It includes the use of antithrombotic agents, venotonics and the wearing of compression garments.
Popular medications that reduce swelling include ointments and liniments.
Surgical procedures include radiofrequency therapy and laser coagulation.The first of these methods allows you to remove the vascular pattern and is used if patients have a history of asthma, ischemia and other serious diseases.
Radiofrequency ablation under ultrasound control is performed when the trunk of the great and small saphenous veins are damaged and helps eliminate varicose veins.
The main prescription of traditional medicine is the use of compresses using blue clay.To get a medicinal mixture, 2 tbsp.l.sedimentary rock is diluted in 1 glass of water.The resulting substance is applied to the damaged areas and fixed with a napkin.The affected area is also wrapped with a warm towel.The minimum treatment time is two hours.
Methods of suppressing stage 3 of the disease
Treatment of grade 3 varicose veins involves surgical procedures.These include phlebectomy (removal of the affected vessel), used in the presence of ulcers and blood clots.There are classical and laser application methods (not accompanied by incisions).
At the end of the operation, drug therapy is prescribed and it is recommended to wear compression stockings.
Disease prevention
The list of rules that prevent the possible development of varicose veins includes three main points: following the principles of a healthy lifestyle, avoiding tight clothing and uncomfortable shoes, and timely visits to the doctor.
To prevent the disease, pregnant women are advised to use a properly selected bandage, compression tights or stockings.
During rehabilitation, you must adhere to a healthy diet, perform the recommended set of exercises, take a contrast shower and regularly undergo prescribed examinations.
And the most important thing: at the first suspicion of the development of the disease, you should immediately seek help from a phlebologist.Varicose veins, identified in the initial stage, can be completely eliminated without harming health.