Varicose veins in the legs are a pathology that causes thinning of the venous walls, deforming (dilating, lengthening) the blood vessels and interrupting 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.
Reasons for the appearance
According to statistics, more than 60% of women and about 50% of patients of the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins in the extremities of varying degrees of severity.
There are many reasons that trigger the development of the disease.Key factors include:
- Hereditary predisposition.A genetically determined connective tissue defect is one of the most common causes of the disease.Manifested by weakness of the vascular walls.
- Gender (women are more susceptible to varicose veins).Experts associate the onset of the disease with changes that occur in a woman's body at different periods.Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause are conditions accompanied by weight gain, changes in hormonal levels and deformation of blood vessels.
- Excess body weight, which impedes the flow of blood through the veins, is a reason that increases the risk of developing the disease in women of childbearing age by 5 times.
- Nutritional characteristics.The lack of vitamins and plant fibers hinders the natural regeneration of the vein walls.
- Limit physical activity.Blood stagnation in the lower extremities is often caused by lack of movement and prolonged sitting.Professions that involve working “standing up” (surgeon, cook) are also a high-risk factor.
- Inflammatory diseases arising in the pelvic organs, endocrine disorders, heart and central nervous system diseases, flat feet.
- Injuries to the bones and soft tissues of the legs.
In addition to the above, significant factors are also: the person's age (a decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels is genetically determined by the aging process), the presence of bad habits.
Tight clothing, uncomfortable shoes with too high heels, regular weight lifting, taking hormonal medications - all of the above reasons can also cause the described disease.
Symptoms of varicose veins
Signs of the disease vary depending on the degree of varicose veins and are determined by the location, the nature of pathological changes in the vessels and the stage of severity of blood flow disorders.
1st degree varicose veins usually do not appear in the early stages of development.A small discomfort, which appears in the limbs mainly after physical exertion, passes quickly - the patient just needs to rest a little.Gradually, in addition to increasing fatigue, heaviness in the legs and other unpleasant sensations appear along the vessels affected by pathological changes, itching, pain and a feeling of satiety.
Does the first stage of varicose veins develop in school-age children?The answer is yes.The medical literature of recent decades describes the manifestation of pathologies that affect adolescents aged 16 to 17 years.
The progression of the disease and its transition to the second phase are indicated by an increase in the intensity of symptoms.Edema and spider veins begin to appear in the affected area.The clinical picture is complemented by hyperthermia, of a local nature, and nocturnal cramps in the calf muscles.Second-degree varicose veins are also characterized by a decrease in the frequency of symptoms after rest (long term).
Advanced forms of the disease in the third stage are characterized by the occurrence of constant pain, swelling and cramping.The skin in the affected area begins to peel, loses hair and becomes dry.The color changes to brown.
In the future, ruptures of blood vessels and the appearance of trophic ulcers are noted.
Diagnosis
Examination by a phlebologist is the first step in identifying varicose veins.To make the final diagnosis, in addition to the mandatory tests, the doctor may prescribe:
- Doppler ultrasound (a method that allows you to assess the patency of blood vessels and valves);
- Ultrasound angioscanning, used in the presence of complications.
To obtain information in various situations, phlebography (X-ray contrast, three-dimensional computer) and phleboscintigraphy are also used.The listed methods are used in certain cases that require additional surgical procedures.
Stages of varicose veins
According to the academic's classification, there are 3 stages (degrees) of lower limb varicose veins - compensatory (1), subcompensatory (2) and decompensatory (3).
Initial stage: compensation
The first stage of varicose veins can develop over several years.The disease has no age or geographic restrictions: the disease is detected in residents of different countries, regardless of the age of the patients.
The signs that appear are often attributed to symptoms of other diseases.Changes cannot be determined visually.
With the help of adequate therapy, relief from the initial stage of varicose veins occurs in a relatively short time.
Second stage: subcompensation
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).
With varicose veins of the 2nd degree, visually pronounced deformation of the vessels is noted;Specific symptoms begin to appear much more frequently and reducing their intensity requires prolonged rest.
The subcompensation phase is detected in most patients who consult a doctor.With a timely visit to the clinic and carrying out all the necessary manipulations, the development of complications is stopped.
Third stage: decompensation
Grade 3 varicose veins, in the absence of therapy, cause the formation of eczema and trophic ulcers.The latter occur predominantly on the inner surfaces of the legs (less frequently on the back, above the ankles) and are characterized by an irregular shape, flat bottom and the presence of purulent contents.Individually situated.
The walls of blood vessels affected by the disease lose elasticity and resistance 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 occur in the affected areas.The disease is aggravated by complications such as:
- venous thrombosis;
- thrombophlebitis;
- lymphangitis.
In stage 3 of varicose veins, changes begin to affect the entire body: a weakening of the immune system and the musculoskeletal system is observed, and 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 illness requires radical relief measures.
Varicose vein therapy at the initial stage
First-degree varicose veins are suppressed with the use of medications, venotonics, creams, massage complexes, sclerotherapy (injection of a special agent into the vein) and ozone therapy (a method that strengthens blood vessels).Additionally, you can use traditional medicine recipes.
It is forbidden to use medicines, decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs independently (without consulting a doctor): unsystematic therapy will only worsen the condition.
Among the prescribed medications:
- medical products that stimulate blood flow in the veins;
- agents that increase vascular tone.
The dosage is calculated individually depending on the patient's condition.
Among the auxiliary methods in the conservative treatment of varicose veins is the use of medical knitwear (stockings, tights, golfs) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter prevents the development of deformities and helps to reduce the load on the vessels in the affected area when walking.They are applied after sleeping (at night), in the supine position;use all day.They are removed only at night, before rest.
Compression garments improve blood circulation and support weakened vascular walls.
At home, you can use cold foot baths to relieve tiredness and reduce discomfort.
Relief from form 2 disease
The principles of drug treatment for stage 2 varicose veins are similar to those for treating the first stage of the disease.It involves the use of antithrombosis agents, venotonics and the use 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 you to remove the vascular pattern and is used if patients have a history of asthma, ischemia and other serious illnesses.
Radiofrequency obliteration under ultrasound control is performed when the trunks of the great and small saphenous veins are damaged and helps to eliminate varicose nodules.
The main recipe of traditional medicine is the use of blue clay compresses.To obtain a medicinal mixture, 2 tbsp.I.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 also wrapped in a warm towel.The minimum treatment time is two hours.
Methods for suppressing stage 3 of the disease
The treatment of grade 3 varicose veins involves surgical procedures.These include phlebectomy (removal of the affected vessel), used in the presence of ulcers and blood clots.There are classical and laser implementation methods (not accompanied by incisions).
At the end of the operation, drug therapy is prescribed and the use of compression stockings is recommended.
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 clothing and uncomfortable shoes, and consulting a doctor in a timely manner.
To prevent the disease, it is advisable for pregnant women to wear a properly selected bandage, pantyhose or compression stockings.
During rehabilitation, you must follow a healthy diet, perform the recommended series of exercises, take a contrast shower and regularly undergo prescribed 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 eliminated without harm to health.