What is segmental varicose veins?
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 functioning of the venous valves is impaired. This leads to a reflux of blood. This is called reflux. The violations that occur later become the cause of inflammation and pathological expansion of the walls of the tributary veins.
Varicose veins develop only on the veins (vessels that carry blood from organs to the heart). The reason for this is the difference in the structure of the veins and arteries: the venous walls do not have enough muscle layer in order 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 closure of the valves, part of the blood returns back and creates excess pressure in the vessel, which is unable to push the fluid further.
Subsequently, this leads to stretching of the walls and the development of inflammatory processes in the malfunctioning parts of the veins, an increase in pressure in the subcutaneous network.
All veins in the human body are divided into deep, superficial and perforated. Deep vessels do almost all the work (90%) of transporting blood to the heart, and perforated vessels are a kind of bridge between deep and superficial.
The structure of the veins provides for valves that direct and promote the outflow of blood only in the right direction. When the circulatory system fails, some of the blood accumulates at one point.
This leads to local expansion (lengthening) of the vessel. The first to suffer are deep veins (the so-called internal varicose veins), later superficial in the form of "spider veins and nodes".
For a complete perception of the severity of the disease, it is worth noting that its progression threatens the development of thrombophlebitis, blockage of the pulmonary artery with a thrombus (or thromboembolism), as well as trophic ulcers of the leg, lymphostasis (edema of the lower extremities) and many other problems that can lead to the death of the patient.
It has already been established that risk factors that significantly increase the possibility of developing pathology are:
The varicose veins in 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 muscle walls of the veins become denser and a so-called membrane forms inside. Arterial blood does not enter the capillary system, thus the tissues do not receive the required amount of oxygen.
Dilated arm veins are rarely removed, usually conservative treatment is used:
Compression sleeves and gloves are also prescribed for patients. It is not recommended to wear compression hosiery all the time, but during sports, strenuous physical activity and weightlifting, it is necessary.
These sleeves and gloves help relieve swelling, feeling of heaviness and numbness in the hands. Exercising on the stepper simulator helps to improve blood circulation throughout the body, which is necessary for varicose veins.
One of the reasons for development is heredity. Moreover, the "family" disease is transmitted mainly through the female line. Features of the structure of blood vessels are transmitted through genes. Without observing the elementary rules of prevention, with weak vein walls, varicose veins can be earned.
The second reason is pregnancy. At this time, 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 the veins. It was at this time that varicose veins wake up in many women.
Uncomfortable shoes and clothes are another reason. Skinny jeans and shoes, high heels, heavy bags are conducive to a serious illness. The heel should not exceed four centimeters. The sole of the boots is wide.
The fourth reason is bad habits and difficult working conditions. Waiters, hairdressers, salespeople are especially susceptible to such diseases. If you add the wrong diet, smoking, then the expansion of the veins can not be avoided. Even a harmless sitting "cross-legged" can lead to disastrous consequences.
Sports loads should be in moderation. Varicose veins are common in weightlifters. Barbell lifting and strength training is another reason. If we add predisposition to this, then the result is not pleasant. It must always be remembered that fitness is not always beneficial.
The most common type of varicose veins is varicose veins in the legs, so many people think that the problem is concentrated only in these parts of the body. But there are several types of this disease, which are distinguished by 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 "nets" and "stars" appear on the legs.
Then, if you do not start treatment, the veins become denser, allow fluid to pass through, because of this, blood circulation slows down and large, protruding 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 the 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.
Diagnostics is necessary in order to determine the type of varicose veins and prescribe effective treatment to relieve unpleasant symptoms, restore lightness and beauty to the legs.
Types of varicose veins are classified according to the severity of the disease and the location of the varicose veins. Symptoms and treatment of each type of varicose veins 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
Every year, more and more cases of varicose veins are recorded, especially among young people. But a few decades ago, varicose veins were considered a disorder of the elderly.
Therefore, modern specialists have developed a classification system for the main and most common types of disease. Types of varicose veins on the legs differ 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 the veins on the lower extremities can manifest itself both in all parts of this system, and in some of its areas.
Based on which vessels have undergone changes, the following types of varicose veins on 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 ailment is characterized by damage to the reticular veins, the diameter of which is no more than 2 mm. These vessels are blue or green in color and are often intertwined in the form of nets, lines, stars. They are located immediately under the skin.
The entire course of the 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, then the transition of the disease to the next stage cannot be avoided.
Treatment of the stages of varicose veins is different. If at the first stage the patient can be helped by drug therapy, ointments, vitamins and exercises on a simulator such as a stepper, then it will take more time and effort to relieve the symptoms of the next stages.
At 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 operations are performed in a hospital, do not require hospitalization of the patient and have no complications.
At risk are patients whose work is associated either with intense physical exertion or with constant sitting in one place. Depending on the stage and type of varicose veins, the doctor individually prescribes treatment.
When varicose veins on the legs were diagnosed at the first stage, it responds to treatment very quickly, the doctor gives a positive prognosis. Therefore, it is very important, when the first symptoms of discomfort in the legs, arms or other organs of the body appear, urgently contact a qualified specialist who will qualitatively diagnose the pathology and prescribe a treatment that will suit you according to your individual characteristics and body structure.
1 and 2 stages of varicose veins in the legs do not require radical therapy. Prescribed drug treatment with drugs, and also recommended products that support the walls of blood vessels, these can be vitamins, trace elements, minerals and other useful substances that are lacking in the body.
In addition to pharmacological treatment, sclerotherapy is very often used - a medical method, during which the victim is injected with drugs into the affected vein for gluing in the affected areas.
The appointment of 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 is also important.
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 any person with qualified prevention of this ailment.
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, there is a feeling of discomfort in the legs. This leads to sleep disturbance. Increased symptoms are noted in hot weather.
With grade 2 varicose veins, the symptoms are much more pronounced. They appear already at the height of the working day, and by the evening they reach their maximum. The pain is so severe that pain medications are required.
This stage is characterized by the appearance of clinical signs:
In these areas, there is increased soreness and itching. By the end of the second stage 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 pronounced deformation of the vascular wall - it thickens, and the vessels become convoluted. Veins protrude noticeably under the skin, resembling bunches of grapes in their appearance.
A person is worried about severe pain in the legs, cramps, fatigue. Swelling appears 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
At the third stage, complications of the disease develop - thrombophlebitis and thromboembolism. Their appearance is associated with pronounced stagnation of blood in the vessels, as a result of which blood clots are formed. With thrombophlebitis, inflammation of the venous wall occurs, which is manifested by an increase in temperature 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 getting into large vessels. Most often, blood clots from the veins of the legs enter the pulmonary artery. This causes pulmonary edema and death occurs within minutes.
This is already neglected leg varicose veins. The veins are even more deformed, resembling tourniquets or ropes 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 community of scientists of the world has systematized the manifestations of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
Given the patient's due attention 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 experience more and more pain, a constant pulling sensation in the knee area.
If varicose veins of the 2nd degree of the esophagus are found - a person will not be able to eat normally, he will constantly pester with heartburn and pain in the chest area. By the way, many blame the heart and intercostal neuralgia for this - rarely does anyone know about the existence of varicose veins of the esophagus.
Visually, the disease manifests itself more and more: blue protruding veins are already visible to the naked eye, the appearance of dark blue nodules under the skin is possible.
Do you need surgery for grade 2 varicose veins? It is still possible to prevent the development of the disease without surgical intervention: you just need to not be lazy and regularly take care of your legs.
Most often, the disease appears in men after fifty years. The cause of male infertility can be a venous expansion of the spermatic cord.
Varicose veins develop gradually. At the beginning, structural changes in the veins have no external manifestations, and the disease can only be determined by the following signs:
One of the listed signs or their joint appearance indicates the initial stage of venous insufficiency. Seeking medical attention and taking timely measures can prevent further structural changes in the circulatory system. Ignoring the signs of the disease leads to the further development of the disease.
The next stage is characterized by the appearance of external signs: dilated vessels become visible on the skin, in some areas of the lower extremities, the pigmentation of the skin changes, and peeling is noted. Further, nodes and seals protruding above the skin appear, and when pressed, pain is felt.
Sometimes redness appears on the surface of the skin in these places. The protruding areas of blood vessels and nodes are clearly visible if the patient is in a standing position. After taking the recumbent position, the tension of the vessels decreases significantly and they become practically invisible. Long-term walking can cause muscle pain of varying intensity.
The described clinical picture requires an immediate visit to a specialist and qualified assistance. Lack of the necessary treatment in most cases leads to serious complications.
Pathology is diagnosed using diagnostic measures such as Doppler ultrasonography and duplex scanning.
Doppler ultrasonography detects reflux. Duplex scanning complements the information obtained during Doppler imaging and allows you to confirm the diagnosis.
In the early stages, only a specialist can identify varicose veins. If you suspect a disease, you should contact a vascular surgeon or phlebologist. After the initial survey and examination of the patient, additional studies are prescribed - ultrasound and contrast venography.
With the help of ultrasound examination, it is possible to confirm the presence of pathology, as well as to establish the presence of blood clots, neoplasms and to assess the structural changes in the veins. Contrast venography is performed by intravenous administration of a special staining composition, due to the movement of which all violations of the structure and functioning of the circulatory system are revealed.
Both methods are used in the diagnosis, however, due to the less painfulness of the procedure, ultrasound is much more often performed.
Disease can be treated with medication, as well as with surgery.
Ointments and creams for external use are used in conservative therapy:
The duration of the use of topical preparations depends on the severity of varicose veins and is determined by the attending physician. Usually the effect is noticeable as early as the second week of use.
In addition to drugs, the patient is prescribed the wearing of compression underwear (grade 1-2).
Varicose veins of the lower extremities is one of the most common vascular pathology and according to statistical data, it is steadily getting younger from year to year.