Many people mistakenly believe that varicose veins are just a threat to the appearance of the legs. In fact, everything is more serious - this disease is often complicated by thrombosis and inflammation of the deep veins, and in advanced cases, chronic venous insufficiency, which is manifested by pronounced trophic changes in the tissues. Therefore, it is necessary to diagnose this pathology in the early stages to avoid the development of dangerous conditions.
Varicose veins are a pathological change in the walls of venous vessels, which occurs under the influence of blood accumulated in them. Most often, this process develops in the veins of the legs and small pelvis. Normally, blood in the veins is directed only to the heart, this is facilitated by venous valves and muscles, which, with their contractions, seem to "drive" blood through the vessels. With varicose veins, for various reasons, abnormal blood flow forms. It begins to stagnate first in the deep veins and then in the superficial ones, which increase, forming varicose veins under the skin.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities
The first signs of this disease are nonspecific (they are also found in other diseases), they are combined under the term "heavy legs syndrome". It is characterized by increased and progressive fatigue of the lower extremities, pain in the legs, feeling of heaviness, burning and bursting in the calves, night cramps of the calf muscles. These symptoms appear later in the day, especially if the person has been standing or sitting for a long time during the day. Later, with the development of the pathology, nocturnal swelling of the back of the foot and ankles is added to the described manifestations of the disease. After rest, the condition of sore legs usually improves.
Visual changes in the early stages of the disease are not always noticeable, as varicose veins in the legs start with deeper vessels. The only external sign of a problem that has started may be the vascular networks. They, of course, do not always indicate varicose veins, but it is better to consult a phlebologist, a specialist in venous diseases, when they appear.
But in the later stages of varicose veins, cyanotic subcutaneous veins and varicose nodules already appear - these are dilated and tortuous superficial veins that resemble grapes. They are usually located on the inner leg and thigh.
In addition, with the progression of the pathology, the legs begin to swell more. Gradually, chronic venous insufficiency is formed, in which venous flow and microcirculation in tissues are disturbed. All this is reflected in the condition of the skin on the legs: it darkens, flakes, itches, then trophic ulcers appear, which heal very poorly. This is how varicose veins develop. A similar result of varicose veins can be avoided by timely treatment; therefore, if mild but systematic discomfort appears in the legs, and vascular networks or "stars" on the skin, you should consult a doctor.
Symptoms of pelvic varicose veins
In the pelvis, varicose veins are less common than in the legs and predominantly in young women. The trigger for the development of this pathology is pregnancy (both hormonal and mechanical factors play a role here). After childbirth, the signs of the disease usually disappear and only about 10% of women notice a periodic resumption of unpleasant symptoms after prolonged position, hypothermia and physical exertion.
Small pelvis varicose veins are manifested by chronic pelvic pain as well as expansion of superficial venous formations in the perineum and vulva. These patients often unsuccessfully treat inflammatory diseases of Organs reproductive organs, since the pain in the lower abdomen, characteristic of pelvic varicose veins, is sometimes mistakenly associated with chronic oophoritis, salpingitis, endometriosis, etc.
How are varicose veins diagnosed?
When varicose nodules become clearly visible on the patient's legs, the doctor can make a diagnosis of "varicose disease" even without the results of instrumental studies. If the pathology is just beginning to develop or is located in the small pelvis, a thorough examination is indispensable.
The main method for diagnosing varicose veins is Doppler ultrasound. This study is informative for injuries to veins anywhere in the body. With the help of ultrasound, the doctor can study the condition of the walls and anatomy of the deep and superficial veins, valves, assess the blood flow in the vessels, detect backflows of blood, etc. The classification of varicose veins and, consequently, the choice of treatment method is based precisely on the results of ultrasound.
Another diagnostic method used in this pathology is rheovasography. Its implementation makes it possible to determine how well the tissues of the lower extremities are filled with blood and nutrients. This information helps the doctor determine what stage the disease is at: in the compensation phase, undercompensation, etc.
Less often, phlebography is used for varicose veins - this is an X-ray examination of the veins using contrast.
In addition, a comprehensive examination of patients with varicose veins often includes several blood tests: doctors are especially interested in the level of hemoglobin, erythrocytes, platelets and coagulogram parameters. This data allows you to assess the density of blood and the tendency of the patient's body to form blood clots.