Varicose veins of the legs are a pathology that causes thinning of the venous walls, a deformation (dilation, lengthening) of the vessels, a disturbance of blood flow. 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.
According to statistics, more than 60% of women and about 50% of patients-representatives of the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins of the extremities of varying degrees of severity.
There are many triggers for the disease. Key factors include:
In addition to the above, important factors are also: the age of the person (a decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels is genetically determined by the aging process), the presence of bad habits.
Tight clothes, uncomfortable shoes with very high heels, regular weight lifting, taking hormonal drugs - all these reasons can also cause the described disease.
Signs of the disease vary depending on the degree of varicose veins, are determined by the site of localization, the nature of pathological changes in the vessels, the stage of severity of blood circulation disorders.
Grade 1 varicose veins most often do not appear in the early stages of development. Insignificant discomfort that appears in the limbs mainly after the physical exertion passes quickly enough - the patient only needs to rest for some time. Gradually, with increased fatigue, heaviness in the legs and other unpleasant sensations that arise along the pathological changes in the vessels, itching, stiffness and a feeling of fullness are added.
Does the first stage of varicose veins develop in schoolchildren? The answer is yes. The medical literature of recent decades describes the manifestation of pathologies that affect adolescents from 16 to 17 years old.
An increase in the intensity of symptoms indicates the progression of the disease and its passage into the second phase. Edema, spider veins begin to appear in the affected area. The clinical picture is supplemented by hyperthermia, which has a local character, nocturnal cramps in the calf muscles. Varicose veins of the 2nd degree are also characterized by a decrease in the frequency of manifestations of symptoms after (prolonged) rest.
Neglected forms of the disease in the third stage are characterized by the appearance of pain, swelling and convulsions of a constant nature. The skin in the affected area begins to peel, loses hair, becomes dry. The color turns brown.
In the future, there are ruptures of blood vessels, the appearance of trophic ulcers.
Examination by a phlebologist is the first step in the detection of varicose veins. For the final diagnosis, in addition to mandatory tests, the doctor may prescribe:
To obtain information in a number of situations, phlebography (radiopaque, three-dimensional computer), phleboscintigraphy are also used. The listed methods are used in some cases requiring additional surgical interventions.
According to the classification of the academician, there are 3 stages (degrees) of varicose veins of the lower extremities - compensatory (1), subcompensatory (2) and decompensatory (3).
The first stage of varicose veins can develop over several years. The disease has no age and geographical restrictions: the disease is detected in residents of different countries, regardless of the age of patients.
Symptoms that appear are often referred to as symptoms of other illnesses. It is impossible to visually determine the changes.
With the help of adequate therapy, relief of the initial stage of varicose veins occurs in a relatively short time.
The duration of the period can reach several years (its length depends on the lifestyle, type of activity and general well-being of the patient).
With grade 2 varicose veins, there is a visually pronounced deformation of the vessels; specific symptoms begin to appear much more often, and a decrease in their intensity requires prolonged rest.
The undercompensation phase is detected in the majority of patients who see a doctor. With a timely visit to the clinic and performing all the necessary manipulations, the development of complications is suppressed.
Grade 3 varicose veins in the absence of treatment cause the formation of eczema, trophic ulcers. The latter occur mainly on the internal surfaces of the legs (less often on the back, above the ankles) and are distinguished by an irregular shape, a uniform background and the presence of purulent contents. They are located individually.
The walls of the vessels affected by the disease lose their 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 on the affected areas. The disease is aggravated by complications such as:
In the 3rd stage of varicose veins, the changes begin to affect the whole body: there is a weakening of the immune system and the musculoskeletal skeleton, possibly alopecia.
The choice of method of treatment depends on the stage of development of the pathological process. A neglected disease requires drastic relief measures.
Varicose veins of the first degree are removed with the use of drugs, venotonics, creams, massage complex, sclerotherapy (injection of a special agent into a vein) and ozone treatment (strengthening of blood vessels). In addition, you can use traditional medicine recipes.
It is forbidden to use herbal medicines, decoctions and infusions independently (without consulting a doctor): random treatment will only worsen the condition.
Prescription drugs:
The dosage is calculated individually, depending on the patient's condition.
Among the auxiliary methods of conservative therapy for varicose veins - the use of medical knitwear (stockings, tights, golf) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter prevents the development of deformities, helps reduce the load on the vessels in the affected area when walking. They are superimposed after sleep (night), in the supine position; worn all day. Filmed only in the evening, before 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 of grade 2 varicose veins are similar to those of the first phase of the disease. This involves the use of antithrombotic agents, venotonics and the wearing of compression underwear.
Popular medicines that reduce puffiness include ointments and liniments.
Surgical manipulations include radiofrequency, laser coagulation. The first of these methods allows you to remove the vascular model, is used if there is a history of asthma, ischemia and other serious diseases.
Ultrasonic controlled radiofrequency obliteration is performed when the trunks of the large and small saphenous veins are damaged and helps to remove varicose nodes.
The main recipe of traditional medicine is the application of compresses based on blue clay. To obtain a medicinal mixture 2 tbsp. l. the sedimentary rock is raised in 1 glass of water. The resulting substance is applied to the damaged areas, fixed with a napkin. The affected area is further wrapped in a warm towel. The minimum processing time is two hours.
Surgical procedures are used in the treatment of grade 3 varicose veins. Among them - phlebectomy (removal of the affected vessel), used in the presence of ulcers, blood clots. There are classical and laser techniques (not accompanied by incisions).
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 possible development of varicose veins: follow the principles of a healthy lifestyle, refuse tight clothes, uncomfortable shoes and a quick visit to adoctor.
To prevent illness, pregnant women should use a properly selected bandage, compression tights or stockings.
During rehabilitation, you should follow a healthy diet, perform the recommended exercises, take a contrast shower and undergo regular check-ups.
And most importantly: at the first suspicion of the development of a disease, you should immediately seek help from a phlebologist. Varicose veins detected at the initial stage can be completely stopped without harm to health.