What are segmental varicose veins?
This is a form of venous disease of the leg in which there is no venous flow. In this case, inflammation of the deep or tributary veins with a diameter of 3 mm or more occurs.
The development of the disease begins with the fact that the functioning of the venous valves is impaired. This leads to backflow of blood. This is called reflux. Violations that occur later become the cause of inflammation and pathological expansion of the walls of the tributary veins.
Varicose veins only develop on the veins (vessels that carry blood from organs to the heart). The reason for this is the difference in the structure of the veins and arteries: the venous walls do not have a sufficient muscle layer to contract and push blood through the bloodstream.
There are valves running the length of the veins that allow blood to flow in one direction only. With insufficient closing of the valves, some of the blood returns and creates excessive pressure in the vessel, which is unable to push the fluid further.
Subsequently, this leads to stretching of the walls and the development of inflammatory processes in the defective parts of the veins, an increase in pressure in the subcutaneous network.
All the veins in the human body are divided into deep, superficial and perforated. The deep vessels do almost all the work (90%) of transporting blood to the heart, and the perforated vessels are a kind of bridge between the deep and the superficial.
The structure of the veins provides valves that direct and promote the outflow of blood only in the right direction. When the circulatory system breaks down, part of the blood accumulates at some point.
This leads to local expansion (lengthening) of the ship. The first to suffer are the deep veins (called internal varicose veins), later superficial in the form of "spider veins and nodes".
For a full perception of the severity of the disease, it should be noted that its progression threatens the development of thrombophlebitis, blockage of the pulmonary artery with a thrombus (or thromboembolism), as well as trophic ulcers ofleg, lymphostasis (edema of the lower limbs) and many other problems that can lead to death of the patient.
It has already been established that the risk factors which considerably increase the possibility of developing a pathology are:
Distension of the veins in the legs, leading to varicose veins, occurs for many reasons.
One of the main reasons for this type of varicose veins is the pathology of the development of blood vessels, when the muscle walls of the veins become more dense, and a so-called membrane is formed inside. Arterial blood does not enter the capillary system, so the tissues do not receive the required amount of oxygen.
Dilated veins in the arm are rarely removed, conservative treatment is usually used:
Compression sleeves and gloves are also prescribed for patients. It is not recommended to wear compression stockings all the time, but during sports, intense physical activity and lifting weights, it is necessary.
These sleeves and gloves help relieve swelling, heaviness and numbness in the hands. Exercise on the step-by-step simulator helps to improve blood circulation throughout the body, which is necessary for varicose veins.
One of the reasons for development is heredity. In addition, the "familial" disease is transmitted mainly through the female line. The characteristics of the structure of blood vessels are transmitted by genes. Without respecting the basic rules of prevention, with weak venous walls, you can get varicose veins.
The second reason is pregnancy. At this stage, a significant load on the veins, the tone of which decreases due to changes in the hormonal background. Strong pressure is exerted by the growth of the uterus and the increase in weight. Childbirth has an even greater negative effect on the veins. It is at this time that varicose veins wake up in many women.
Uncomfortable shoes and clothing is another reason. Jeans and skinny shoes, high heels, heavy bags are conducive to serious illness. The heel should not exceed four centimeters. The sole of the boots is wide.
The fourth reason is bad habits and difficult working conditions. Waiters, hairdressers and salespeople are particularly susceptible to these diseases. If you add the wrong diet, smoking, the expansion of veins can not be avoided. Even harmless "cross-legged" sitting can have disastrous consequences.
Sports loads must be moderate. Varicose veins are common among weightlifters. Another reason is barbell lifting and strength training. If we add a predisposition to this, the result is not pleasant. Remember, fitness isn't always good.
The most common type of varicose veins is varicose veins in the legs, so many people think that the problem is concentrated only in these parts of the body. But there are several types of this disease, which are distinguished by the location of the pathology.
These places are:
Varicose veins or varicose veins is a disease in which the blood circulation is impaired due to thinning and loss of elasticity of the venous walls. This disease does not appear suddenly, it is preceded by many factors.
The main thing is blood congestion in the extremities due to a sedentary lifestyle. First, unexpressed vascular "threads" and "stars" appear on the legs.
Then, if you do not start the treatment, the veins become denser, let the liquid pass, because of this, the blood circulation slows down and large protruding veins appear on the legs. There are different types of varicose veins, depending on the course of the disease.
Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic defect, but also a serious disease with complications. Complications of varicose veins include: thrombophlebitis, bleeding, pigmentation of the skin in areas with varicose veins, lack of oxygen in the tissues.
This disease should be treated as soon as the first symptoms appear, then the treatment is easier and faster. Before starting treatment, you need a diagnosis of varicose veins, donate blood for tests and undergo a general examination.
Diagnosis is necessary in order to determine the type of varicose veins and to prescribe effective treatment to relieve unpleasant symptoms, restore lightness and beauty to the legs.
The types of varicose veins are classified according to the severity of the disease and the location of the varicose veins. The symptoms and treatment for each type of varicose veins also differ from each other. Let's take a closer look at what types of varicose veins exist, their symptoms, and treatment methods.
Varicose veins on the legs
Every year, more and more cases of varicose veins are recorded, especially among young people. But a few decades ago, varicose veins were considered a disorder of the elderly.
Therefore, modern specialists have developed a classification system for the main and most common types of diseases. The types of varicose veins on the legs differ in symptoms, location, and rate of progression.
The structure of the venous system is very complex and includes large, medium, small reticular vessels and capillaries.
The deformation of the veins of the lower extremities can manifest itself both in all parts of this system and in some of its areas.
Depending on the vessels that have undergone changes, the following types of varicose veins on the legs are analyzed:
Each type of varicose veins of the lower extremities requires detailed examination due to the peculiarities of the pathological process.
This type of disease is characterized by lesions of the reticular veins, the diameter of which does not exceed 2 mm. These vessels are blue or green in color and are often intertwined in the form of nets, lines, stars. They are located immediately under the skin.
The complete course of the disease is usually divided into four stages, each characterized by certain signs:
Varicose veins have several stages. If treatment is not started in time, the progression of the disease to the next stage cannot be avoided.
Treatment for stages of varicose veins is different. If at the first stage the patient can be helped by drug therapy, ointments, vitamins and exercises on a simulator such as a stepper, then more time and effort will be required to relieve the symptoms of the following stages.
At the last stage, only surgery can help. True, modern methods of treating varicose veins are very effective, painless and do not require long-term rehabilitation.
Such operations are carried out in a hospital, do not require hospitalization of the patient and have no complications.
Patients whose labor is associated with either intense physical exertion or constant sitting in the same place are at risk. Depending on the stage and type of varicose veins, the doctor individually prescribes treatment.
When varicose veins on the legs were diagnosed at the first stage, they respond very quickly to treatment, the doctor gives a positive prognosis. Therefore, when the first symptoms of discomfort appear in the legs, arms or other organs of the body, it is very important to urgently contact a qualified specialist who will qualitatively diagnose the pathology and prescribe a suitable treatment for you. depending on your individual characteristics and body structure.
1 and 2 stages of varicose veins in the legs do not require radical therapy. Drug treatment prescribed with drugs, as well as recommended products that support the walls of blood vessels, these can be vitamins, trace elements, minerals and other useful substances that are lacking in the body.
In addition to pharmacological treatment, sclerotherapy is very often used - a medical method, during which the victim is injected with drugs into the affected vein to stick in the affected areas.
Also important is the appointment of special physical exercises that stimulate the work of the muscular system, metabolism in blood cells and artificially increase the tone of the vessels of the legs.
Regardless of the type and type of varicose veins, it is a pathology of the veins, caused by improper lifestyle and unhealthy diet. Moderate daily physical activity and the use of fortified products will largely provide any person with qualified prevention of this disease.
Grade 1 varicose veins are characterized by the absence of external manifestations. You can suspect the onset of the disease by the following signs:
Some patients have restless legs syndrome - lying in bed, a person can not find a comfortable position, there is a feeling of discomfort in the legs. This leads to sleep disturbances. An increase in symptoms is noted in hot weather.
With grade 2 varicose veins, the symptoms are much more pronounced. They already appear at the height of the working day, and in the evening they reach their maximum. The pain is so severe that pain relievers are needed.
This stage is characterized by the appearance of clinical signs:
In these areas the pain and itching increase. At the end of the second stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities, the veins become visible under the skin in the form of spots and blue stripes.
Warning: At this stage, the disease is still curable. A person can get rid of the disease if they seek timely medical help.
Grade 3 varicose veins are characterized by a pronounced deformation of the vessel wall - it thickens and the vessels become convoluted. The veins protrude noticeably under the skin, resembling bunches of grapes in their appearance.
A person is worried about severe pain in the legs, cramps, fatigue. Swelling appears both in the evening and in the morning. This stage of varicose veins is characterized by a change in the condition of the skin. It becomes excessively dry and flaky. These manifestations are especially pronounced in the area of deformed veins.
Symptoms of the third stage of varicose veins in the legs
In the third stage, complications of the disease develop - thrombophlebitis and thromboembolism. Their appearance is associated with a pronounced stagnation of blood in the vessels, as a result of which blood clots are formed. With thrombophlebitis, inflammation of the venous wall occurs, which is manifested by an increase in temperature and severe pain in the legs.
Thromboembolism is a dangerous complication of varicose veins associated with the detachment of a thrombus from the venous wall and the penetration of large vessels. Most often, blood clots from the veins in the legs enter the pulmonary artery. This causes pulmonary edema and death occurs within minutes.
These are already neglected leg varicose veins. The veins are even more deformed, resembling tourniquets or ropes under the skin. Touching them is painful, they are almost always at the stage of inflammation. Lymphostasis develops - stagnation of lymph in the vessels. The legs are very swollen and the swelling does not go away even with rest.
The scientific community of the world has systematized the manifestations of varicose veins of the lower limbs.
Given the patient's attention to his or her state of health, it is simply impossible not to notice the onset of the development of the disease.
As the disease progresses, the patient feels more and more pain, a feeling of constant pulling in the knee area.
If 2nd degree varicose veins of the esophagus are found, the person will not be able to eat normally, they will be constantly embarrassed by heartburn and chest pain. By the way, many blame it on the heart and intercostal neuralgia - rarely does anyone know about the existence of esophageal varicose veins.
Visually, the disease manifests itself more and more: protruding blue veins are already visible to the naked eye, dark blue nodules may appear under the skin.
Do you need surgery for grade 2 varicose veins? It is still possible to prevent the development of the disease without surgery: it is enough not to be lazy and regularly take care of your legs.
Most often the disease appears in humans after fifty years. The cause of male infertility can be the venous expansion of the spermatic cord.
Varicose veins develop gradually. At first, structural changes in the veins have no external manifestations, and the disease can be determined only by the following signs:
Any of the signs listed or their joint appearance indicates the initial stage of venous insufficiency. Getting medical attention and taking timely action can prevent further structural changes in the circulatory system. Ignoring the signs of the disease leads to the further development of the disease.
The next stage is characterized by the appearance of external signs: dilated vessels become visible on the skin, in some areas of the lower extremities, the pigmentation of the skin changes, and peeling is noted. In addition, knots and joints protruding above the skin appear, and when squeezed, pain is felt.
Sometimes redness appears on the surface of the skin in these places, the protruding parts of the blood vessels and lymph nodes are clearly visible if the patient is standing. After taking a lying position, the tension of the vessels decreases significantly, and they become practically invisible. Long-term walking can cause muscle pain of varying intensity.
The clinical picture described requires an immediate visit to a specialist and qualified assistance. Lack of necessary treatment in most cases leads to serious complications.
Pathology is diagnosed using diagnostic measures such as Doppler ultrasound and two-sided scanning.
Doppler ultrasound detects reflux. Double-sided scanning complements the information obtained during Doppler imaging and allows you to confirm the diagnosis.
In the early stages, only a specialist can identify varicose veins. If you suspect a disease, you should contact a vascular surgeon or a phlebologist. After the initial survey and examination of the patient, additional studies are prescribed - ultrasound and contrast venography.
With the help of ultrasound, it is possible to confirm the presence of pathology, as well as to establish the presence of blood clots, neoplasms and assess structural changes in the veins. Contrast venography is carried out by intravenous administration of a special staining composition, due to the movement of which all violations of the structure and function of the circulatory system are revealed.
Both methods are used in diagnosis, however, due to the less pain of the procedure, ultrasound is performed much more often.
The disease can be treated with medication, as well as surgery.
Ointments and creams for external use are used in conservative therapy:
The duration of use of topical preparations depends on the severity of varicose veins and is determined by the attending physician. Usually, the effect is noticeable from the second week of use.
In addition to medication, the patient is prescribed to wear compression underwear (grade 1-2).
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are one of the most common vascular pathologies and, according to statistical data, they are steadily rejuvenating from year to year.