Varicose veins on the legs is a pathology that causes thinning of the venous walls, deformation (expansion, lengthening) of blood vessels, disruption of blood flow. In the absence of timely therapy, the disease can lead to numerous 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 the methods of treating the disease.
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 varying degrees of severity.
There are many triggers of the disease. Key factors include:
In addition to the above, significant factors are: age of the person (decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels is genetically determined by the aging process), the presence of bad habits.
Tight clothing, uncomfortable shoes with very high heels, regular weight lifting, taking hormonal medications - 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 place of localization, the nature of pathological changes in the vessels, the degree of severity of blood flow disorders.
Grade 1 varicose veins most often do not appear in the early stages of development. Mild discomfort that appears in the limbs usually passes quickly enough after physical exertion - the patient only needs to rest for a while. Gradually, increased fatigue, weight in the legs and other unpleasant sensations that occur along the pathological changes in the vessels, itching, pain and a feeling of satiety are added.
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 from 16 to 17 years of age.
An increase in the intensity of symptoms testifies to the progression of the disease and its transition to the second phase. Edema, spider veins begin to appear in the affected area. The clinical picture is complemented by hyperthermia, which has a local character, nocturnal cramps in the muscle leaves. Grade 2 varicose veins are also characterized by a decrease in the frequency of symptoms after rest (long-term).
Neglected forms of the disease in the third phase 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 changes to brown.
In the future, there will be rupture of blood vessels, the appearance of trophic ulcers.
Examination by a phlebologist is the first step in detecting varicose veins. For the final diagnosis, in addition to the mandatory testing, the doctor may prescribe:
Phlebography (X-ray contrast, three-dimensional computer), phleboscintigraphy are also used to obtain information in many situations. These methods are used in certain cases that require further surgery.
According to the academic classification, there are 3 degrees (degrees) of varicose veins of the lower extremities - compensatory (1), subcompensating (2) and decompensating (3).
The first stage of varicose veins can develop over several years. The disease has no age or geographical restrictions: the disease is detected in residents of different countries, regardless of the age of the patient.
The symptoms that occur are often called symptoms of other diseases. It is visually impossible to detect changes.
With the help of adequate therapy, the relief of the initial phase of varicose veins occurs in a relatively short time.
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).
In stage 2 varicose veins, there is a visually pronounced deformation of blood vessels; specific symptoms begin to appear much more frequently, and a decrease in their intensity requires a longer rest.
The subcompensation phase is detected in most patients who visit a doctor. By timely visit to the clinic and carrying out all the necessary manipulations, the development of complications is suppressed.
Grade 3 varicose veins in the absence of therapy cause the formation of eczema, trophic ulcers. The latter occur mainly on the inner surfaces of the legs (less often on the back, above the ankles) and differ in irregular shape, even bottom and the presence of purulent contents. They are located individually.
The walls of blood vessels affected by the disease lose elasticity and strength and are often damaged. Cracks are accompanied by bleeding, which rarely stops on its own.
In the third stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities, erysipelas can develop in the affected areas. The disease is exacerbated 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 musculoskeletal system, possible alopecia.
The choice of treatment method depends on the stage of development of the pathological process. A neglected disease requires radical relief measures.
First-degree varicose veins are suppressed by the use of drugs, venotonics, creams, massage complex, sclerotherapy (injection of a special agent into a vein) and ozone therapy (strengthening of blood vessels). In addition, you can use recipes of traditional medicine.
It is forbidden to use medicines, decoctions and herbal infusions on your own (without consulting a doctor): accidental therapy will only worsen the condition.
Prescription drugs:
Dosage is calculated individually, depending on the patient's condition.
Among the auxiliary methods of conservative therapy of varicose veins - the use of medical knitwear (socks, leggings, golf) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter prevents the development of deformations, helps to reduce the load on the vessels of the affected area when walking. They cover themselves after sleeping (at night), in a supine position; worn all day. Recorded only in the evening, before the break.
Compression garments improve blood circulation and support weakened vascular walls.
Cold foot baths can be used at home to reduce fatigue and discomfort.
The principles of drug treatment for grade 2 varicose veins are similar to the first stage of the disease. It includes the use of antithrombotic agents, venotonics and wearing compression underwear.
Among the popular medications that reduce swelling are ointments and liniment.
Surgical manipulations include radiofrequency therapy, laser coagulation. The first of these methods allows you to remove a vascular sample, it is used if there is a history of asthma, ischemia and other serious diseases.
Radiofrequency obliteration under ultrasound control is performed when the trunks of large, small saphenous veins are damaged and helps to remove varicose nodes.
The main recipe for traditional medicine is to apply a coating using blue clay. To get a medicinal mixture of 2 tbsp. l. sedimentary rock is grown in 1 cup of water. The resulting substance is applied to the damaged areas, fixed with a napkin. The affected area is additionally wrapped in a warm towel. The minimum therapy time is two hours.
Surgery is used to treat grade 3 varicose veins. Among them - phlebectomy (removal of the affected vessel), which is used in the presence of ulcers, blood clots. There are classic and laser techniques (which are not accompanied by cuts).
At the end of the operation, drug therapy is prescribed and a compression stocking is recommended.
There are three main points on the list of rules that prevent the possible development of varicose veins: adherence to the principles of a healthy lifestyle, refusal of tight clothing, uncomfortable shoes and a timely visit to the doctor.
To prevent the disease, pregnant women should use a properly selected bandage, compression leggings or socks.
During rehabilitation, you should adhere to a healthy diet, perform the recommended set of exercises, take a contrast shower and undergo regular check-ups.
And the most important thing: at the first suspicion of the development of a disease, you should immediately seek help from a phlebologist. Varicose veins detected in the initial phase can be completely stopped without damaging health.