What is a segmental varicose vein?
This is a form of venous leg disease in which there is no venous discharge. In this case, inflammation of deep or tributary veins with a diameter of 3 mm or more occurs.
The development of the disease begins with the fact that the work of the venous valves is disturbed. This leads to blood reflux. 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 develop only in the veins (vessels that carry blood from the organs to the heart). The reason for this is the difference in the structure of veins and arteries: the venous walls do not have enough muscle layer to contract and push blood through the bloodstream.
There are valves along the entire length of the veins that allow blood to flow in only one direction. With insufficient closing of the valve, part of the blood returns and creates excess pressure in the vessel, which is not able to further push the fluid.
After that, it leads to stretching of the walls and the development of inflammatory processes in the defective parts of the veins, increasing the pressure in the subcutaneous network.
All veins in the human body are divided into deep, superficial and perforated. Deep veins do almost all the work (90%) to transport blood to the heart, and perforated veins are a kind of bridge between the deep and the superficial.
The structure of the veins includes valves that direct and facilitate the outflow of blood only in the right direction. When the circulatory system fails, part of the blood accumulates at one point.
This leads to local expansion (extension) of the vessel. Deep veins (so-called internal varicose veins) suffer first, later superficial ones in the form of "spider veins and nodules".
For a complete perception of the severity of the disease, it is worth noting that its progression threatens the development of thrombophlebitis, pulmonary artery blockage by thrombus (or thromboembolism), as well as trophic ulcers on the leg, lymphostasis (edema of the lower extremities) and many other problems can lead to death.
It has already been established that risk factors that significantly increase the possibility of developing pathology are:
Varicose veins on the legs are enlarged for many reasons.
One of the main reasons for this type of varicose veins is the pathology in the development of blood vessels, when the muscular walls of the veins become denser and a so-called membrane is created inside. Arterial blood does not enter the capillary system, so the tissues do not receive the required amount of oxygen.
Varicose veins of the hands are rarely removed, conservative treatment is usually used:
Patients are also prescribed compression sleeves and gloves. It is not recommended to wear compression stockings all the time, but it is necessary during sports, strenuous physical activities and lifting weights.
These sleeves and gloves help relieve swelling, a feeling of heaviness and numbness in the hands. Exercising on a step simulator helps to improve blood circulation in the body, which is necessary for varicose veins.
One of the reasons for the development is heredity. Moreover, "familial" disease is transmitted mainly through the female line. Characteristics of the structure of blood vessels are transmitted through genes. By not following the basic rules of prevention, with weak vein walls, you can develop varicose veins.
Another reason is pregnancy. At this point, there is a large load on the veins, the tone of which decreases due to changes in the hormonal background. Strong pressure is exerted by the growing uterus and increasing weight. Childbirth has an even greater negative effect on veins. At that time, many women woke up with varicose veins.
Uncomfortable shoes and clothes are another reason. Tight jeans and shoes, high heels, heavy bags are conducive to serious illness. The heel should not exceed four inches. The sole of the boots is wide.
The fourth reason is bad habits and difficult working conditions. Waiters, hairdressers, salesmen are especially susceptible to such diseases. If you add the wrong diet, smoking, then varicose veins cannot be avoided. Even the harmless sitting of "crossed legs" can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Sports loads should be moderate. Varicose veins are common in weightlifters. Lifting the barbell and strength training is another reason. If we add a predisposition to this, then the result is not pleasant. It must always be borne in mind that fitness is not always beneficial.
The most common type of varicose veins are varicose veins on the legs, so many people think the problem is concentrated only on those parts of the body. But there are several types of this disease, which differ in the location of the pathology.
Such places are:
Varicose veins or varicose veins are a disease in which blood flow 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 stagnation in the extremities due to a sedentary lifestyle. First, unexpressed vascular "networks" and "stars" appear on the legs.
Then, if you do not start treatment, the veins become thicker, leak fluid, which slows down blood circulation and large bulging veins appear on the legs. There are different types of varicose veins, depending on how the disease progresses.
Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic defect, but also a serious disease with complications. Complications of varicose veins include: thrombophlebitis, bleeding, skin pigmentation in areas with varicose veins, lack of oxygen in the tissues.
This disease must be treated as soon as the first symptoms appear, then treatment is easier and faster. Before starting treatment you need a diagnosis of varicose veins, you need to donate blood for tests and undergo a general examination.
Diagnosis is necessary to determine the type of varicose veins and prescribe effective treatment to alleviate unpleasant symptoms, restore lightness and beauty to the legs.
Varicose vein types are classified according to the severity of the disease and the location of the varicose veins. The symptoms and treatment of each type of varicose vein also differ from each other. Let's take a closer look at what types of varicose veins exist, their symptoms and methods of treatment.
Varicose veins on the legs
There are more and more cases of varicose veins every year, especially among young people. But a few decades ago, varicose veins were considered a disorder of the elderly.
Therefore, modern experts have developed a system of classification of the main and most common types of diseases. The types of varicose veins on the legs vary in symptoms, location, and rate of progression.
The structure of the venous system is very complex and includes large, medium, small, reticular vessels, capillaries.
Deformation of veins in the lower extremities can be manifested in all parts of this system, as well as in some areas.
Based on which vessels have undergone changes, the following types of varicose veins in the legs are analyzed:
Each type of varicose veins of the lower extremities requires detailed consideration due to the peculiarities of the pathological process.
This type of disease is characterized by damage to reticular veins whose diameter 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 just under the skin.
The whole course of the disease is usually divided into four stages, each of which is characterized by certain signs:
Varicose veins have several stages. If treatment is not started on time, the disease cannot progress to the next stage.
Treatment of varicose vein stages is different. If in the first phase 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 needed to alleviate the symptoms of the next stages.
In 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 surgeries are performed in a hospital, do not require hospitalization of the patient and have no complications.
Patients whose work is associated with either strong physical effort or constant sitting in one place are at risk. Depending on the stage and type of varicose veins, the doctor prescribes treatment individually.
When varicose veins in the legs are diagnosed in the first stage, it responds very quickly to treatment, the doctor gives a positive prognosis. Therefore, it is very important when the first symptoms of discomfort appear in the legs, arms or other organs of the body, urgently consult a qualified specialist who will qualitatively diagnose the pathology and prescribe treatment that will suit your individual characteristics and body structure.
Stages 1 and 2 of varicose veins in the legs do not require radical therapy. Prescribed drug treatment, as well as recommended products that support the walls of blood vessels, these can be vitamins, trace elements, minerals and other beneficial substances that are missing in the body.
In addition to pharmacological treatment, sclerotherapy is often used - a medical method, during which the victim is injected with drugs into the affected vein for gluing on the affected areas.
It is also important to appoint 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, which is caused by an improper lifestyle and unhealthy diet. Daily moderate physical activity and the use of fortified foods will largely provide each 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 cannot find a comfortable position, discomfort is felt in the legs. This leads to sleep disorders. An increase in symptoms was noted in hot weather.
In grade 2 varicose veins, the symptoms are much more pronounced. They appear already in the middle of the working day, and by evening they reach their maximum. The pain is so severe that painkillers are needed.
This phase is characterized by the appearance of clinical signs:
There is increased pain and itching in these areas. At the end of the second phase of varicose veins of the lower extremities, the veins become visible under the skin in the form of blue spots and stripes.
Warning: At this stage the disease is still curable. A person can get rid of the disease if they seek medical help in a timely manner.
Grade 3 varicose veins are characterized by a pronounced deformation of the vascular wall - it thickens and the veins become clogged. The veins under the skin protrude noticeably and look like bunches of grapes.
The person is worried about severe leg pain, cramps, fatigue. Swelling occurs 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 phase, complications of the disease develop - thrombophlebitis and thromboembolism. Their appearance is associated with pronounced stagnation of blood in the vessels, resulting in the formation of blood clots. In thrombophlebitis, inflammation of the venous wall occurs, which is manifested by fever and severe pain in the legs.
Thromboembolism is a dangerous complication of varicose veins associated with the separation of a thrombus from the venous wall and entering the great veins. Blood clots from the veins of the legs usually enter the pulmonary artery. This causes pulmonary edema and death occurs within minutes.
This is an already neglected varicose vein in my legs. The veins are even more deformed, resembling garters or cords under the skin. Touching them is painful, they are almost always in the stage of inflammation. Lymphostasis develops - stagnation of lymph in the vessels. The legs are very swollen, and the swelling does not subside even at rest.
The world scientific community has systematized the manifestations of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
Given the due attention of the patient to the state of his own health, it is simply impossible not to notice the beginning of the development of the disease.
As the disease progresses, the patient will feel more and more pain, a constant feeling of withdrawal in the knee area.
If varicose veins of the 2nd esophagus are found, the person will not be able to eat normally, he will be constantly tormented by heartburn and chest pain. By the way, many blame the heart and intercostal neuralgia for that - rarely does anyone know about the existence of varicose veins of the esophagus.
Visually, the disease is becoming more and more pronounced: blue bulging veins are already visible to the naked eye, dark blue nodules may appear under the skin.
Do I need surgery for grade 2 varicose veins? It is still possible to prevent the development of the disease without surgery: you just need not to be lazy and take care of your feet regularly.
The disease most often occurs in men after the age of fifty. The cause of male infertility can be venous dilation of the seminal vesicle.
Varicose veins develop gradually. At the beginning, structural changes in the veins have no external manifestations, and the disease can be recognized only by the following signs:
One of these signs or their common appearance indicates the initial stage of venous insufficiency. Seeking medical help and taking timely action can prevent further structural changes in the circulatory system. Ignoring the signs of the disease leads to further development of the disease.
The next stage is characterized by the appearance of external signs: dilated veins become visible on the skin, in some areas of the lower extremities the pigmentation of the skin changes and peeling is noticed. Next, nodules and seals protrude above the skin, and when pressed, pain is felt.
Sometimes redness appears on the surface of the skin in these places. Protruding areas of blood vessels and nodules are clearly visible if the patient is in a standing position. After taking a lying position, the tension of the vessels decreases significantly and they become practically invisible. Prolonged walking can cause muscle pain of varying intensity.
The described clinical picture requires an urgent visit to a specialist and qualified help. Lack of necessary treatment in most cases leads to serious complications.
Pathology is diagnosed using diagnostic measures such as Doppler sonography and duplex scanning.
Doppler ultrasound detects reflux. Duplex scanning complements the information obtained during Doppler imaging and allows you to confirm the diagnosis.
In the early stages only an expert can identify varicose veins. If you suspect the disease, you should contact a vascular surgeon or phlebologist. After the initial examination and examination of the patient, additional studies were prescribed - ultrasound and contrast venography.
With the help of ultrasound examination, it is possible to confirm the presence of pathology, as well as to determine the presence of blood clots, neoplasms and to assess structural changes in the veins. The news for contrast is done by intravenous application of a special coloring composition, due to whose movements all violations of the structure and functioning of the vascular system are revealed.
Both methods are used in diagnostics, however, due to the less painful nature of the procedure, ultrasound is performed much more often.
The disease can be treated with medication as well as surgery.
In conservative therapy, ointments and creams are used for external use:
The duration of use of topical preparations depends on the severity of varicose veins and is determined by the attending physician. The effect is usually noticeable as early as 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 is one of the most common vascular pathologies and according to statistics, it is getting younger every year.