Varicose veins of the legs are a pathology that causes thinning of the venous walls, deformation (expansion, elongation) of blood vessels, and disruption of blood flow.In the absence of timely treatment, the disease can cause a number of complications, disability and death.The following material describes in detail the stages of varicose veins of the legs, their symptoms and clinical signs, as well as the methods of treatment of the disease.
Reasons for appearance
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 reasons that promote the development of the disease.Key factors include:
- Hereditary predisposition.Genetically determined connective tissue defect is one of the most common causes of the disease.It is manifested by the weakness of the vascular walls.
- Gender (women are more susceptible to varicose veins).Experts associate the appearance of the disease with changes in the female body at different times.Conditions accompanied by pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, weight gain, changes in hormonal levels and deformation of blood vessels.
- Excess body weight, which prevents blood flow in the veins, is the reason that increases the risk of developing the disease 5 times in women of childbearing age.
- Nutritional characteristics.Lack of vitamins and plant fibers disrupts the natural regeneration of vascular walls.
- Limitation of physical activity.Blood stagnation in the lower extremities is often caused by lack of movement and prolonged sitting.Professions that involve working "on your feet" (surgeon, cook) are also a high risk factor.
- Pelvic inflammatory diseases, endocrine diseases, heart and central nervous system diseases, flat feet.
- Damage to the bones and soft tissues of the feet.
In addition to the above, there are also important factors: the age of a person (the 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 the above reasons can also cause the described disease.
Symptoms of varicose veins
The symptoms 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 veins, and the severity of the blood flow disorders.
Varicose veins of the 1st degree are often not visible in the early stages of development.Small discomfort in the limbs, mainly after physical exertion, passes quite quickly - the patient just needs to rest for a while.Gradually, in addition to increased fatigue, heaviness in the legs and other unpleasant sensations, itching, pain and a feeling of fullness are added along the veins affected by pathological changes.
Does the first stage of varicose veins develop in schoolchildren?The answer is yes.The medical literature of the last decades describes the manifestations of pathologies affecting 16-17-year-old teenagers.
The development of the disease and transition to the second stage is indicated by the increase in the intensity of symptoms.Edema and spider veins begin to appear in the affected area.The clinical picture is completed by local hyperthermia and night cramps in calf muscles.Varicose veins of the 2nd degree are also characterized by a decrease in the frequency of symptoms after (long-term) rest.
In the third stage, advanced forms of the disease are characterized by pain, swelling and constant cramps.In the affected area, the skin begins to peel, hair falls out and dries up.The color changes to brown.
In the future, rupture of blood vessels and the appearance of trophic ulcers are noted.
Diagnostics
Examination by a phlebologist is the first step in identifying varicose veins.In addition to mandatory tests to make a final diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe the following:
- Doppler ultrasound (a method that allows you to assess the patency of blood vessels and valves);
- Ultrasound angioscanning is used in the presence of complications.
In some cases, phlebography (x-ray contrast, three-dimensional computer) and phleboscintigraphy are also used to obtain information.The listed methods are used in certain cases that require additional surgical intervention.
Stages of varicose veins
According to the academic classification, there are 3 stages (degrees) of varicose veins of the lower extremities - compensation (1), subcompensation (2) and decompensation (3).
First stage: compensation
The first stage of varicose veins can develop over several years.The disease has no age and geographical limitations: the disease is detected in residents of different countries, regardless of the age of the patients.
Visible signs are often associated with 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: subcompensation
The length of the period can reach several years (its duration depends on the lifestyle, type of activity and general well-being of the patient).
Visual deformation of veins is noted with 2nd degree varicose veins;specific symptoms begin to appear more often, and reducing their intensity requires a long period of rest.
The subcompensation stage is detected in the majority of patients who consult a doctor.By visiting the clinic on time and performing all the necessary manipulations, the development of complications is stopped.
Third stage: decompensation
In the absence of therapy, varicose veins of the 3rd degree lead to the formation of eczema and trophic ulcers.The latter occur mainly on the inner surfaces of the legs (less so on the back, above the ankles) and are characterized by an irregular shape, a flat bottom and the presence of purulent contents.It is located alone.
The walls of the vessels affected by the disease lose their elasticity and strength and are often damaged.Tears are rarely accompanied by bleeding that 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 the following complications:
- vascular thrombosis;
- thrombophlebitis;
- lymphangitis.
In the 3rd stage of varicose veins, changes begin to affect the whole body: the immune system and musculoskeletal system are weakened, alopecia may occur.
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.
Treatment of varicose veins in the initial stage
Varicose veins of the first degree are suppressed using drugs, venotonics, creams, 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 traditional medicine recipes.
It is forbidden to use drugs, decoctions and infusions of medicinal plants independently (without consulting a doctor): unsystematic therapy will only worsen the condition.
Among the prescribed drugs:
- medical products that stimulate blood flow in the veins;
- agents that increase vascular tone.
The dosage is calculated individually depending on the condition of the patient.
Auxiliary methods of conservative treatment of varicose veins include 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 during the trip.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 vessel walls.
You can use cool foot baths at home to relieve fatigue and reduce anxiety.
Relief of the 2nd form of the disease
The principles of drug treatment for the 2nd stage of varicose veins are similar to the treatment of the first stage of the disease.This involves 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 to eliminate the vascular pattern and is used if patients have a history of asthma, ischemia and other serious diseases.
Radiofrequency obliteration under ultrasound control is performed when the trunks of the great and small saphenous veins are damaged and helps to eliminate varicose nodes.
The main prescription of traditional medicine is the use of compresses using blue clay.2 tbsp to get a medicinal mixture.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 additionally wrapped with a warm towel.The minimum treatment time is two hours.
Methods of suppressing the 3rd stage of the disease
Treatment of 3rd degree varicose veins involves surgical procedures.These include phlebectomy (removal of the affected vein), which is used in the presence of ulcers and blood clots.There are classical and laser (not accompanied by incisions) implementation methods.
At the end of the operation, drug treatment 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 clothes and uncomfortable shoes, and seeing a doctor in time.
To prevent the disease, pregnant women are advised to use properly selected bandages, compression stockings or socks.
During rehabilitation, you should follow a healthy diet, perform the recommended set of exercises, take a contrast shower and undergo regularly scheduled examinations.
And most importantly: at the first suspicion of the development of the disease, you should immediately seek help from a phlebologist.Varicose veins identified at the initial stage can be completely removed without harming health.