Varicose veins of the legs is a pathology that causes thinning of the venous walls, deforming (dilating, lengthening) vessels, disrupting blood flow. In the absence of timely therapy, 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.
According to statistics, more than 60% of women and about 50% of patients-representatives of the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins of the extremities in varying degrees of severity.
There are many triggers for the disease. Key factors include:
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 clothes, uncomfortable shoes with very high heels, regular lifting of weights, taking hormonal drugs - all of these reasons can also cause the described ailment.
Signs of the disease vary depending on the degree of varicose veins, are determined by the site of localization, the nature of pathological changes in the vessels, the stage of severity of blood movement disorders.
Grade 1 varicose veins most often do not appear in the early stages of development. Slight discomfort that appears in the limbs mainly after physical exertion passes quickly enough - the patient only needs to rest for a while. Gradually to increased fatigue, heaviness in the legs and other unpleasant sensations arising along the pathological changes in the vessels, itching, aches, and a feeling of fullness are added.
Does the first stage of varicose veins develop in schoolchildren? The answer is yes. The medical literature of recent decades describes the manifestation of pathologies that affect adolescents 16-17 years old.
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, night cramps in the calf muscles. Varicose veins of the 2nd degree are also characterized by a decrease in the frequency of manifestations of symptoms after rest (prolonged).
The neglected forms of the disease in the third stage are characterized by the occurrence of pain, swelling and convulsions of a constant nature. The skin on the affected area begins to peel off, loses hair, becomes dry. The color changes to brown.
In the future, there are ruptures of blood vessels, the occurrence of trophic ulcers.
Examination by a phlebologist is the first step in detecting varicose veins. For the final diagnosis, in addition to the mandatory tests, the doctor may prescribe:
To obtain information in a number of situations, phlebography (radiopaque, three-dimensional computer), phleboscintigraphy are also used. The listed methods are used in certain cases requiring further surgical procedures.
According to the academician's classification, there are 3 stages (degrees) of varicose veins of the lower extremities - compensatory (1), subcompensatory (2) and decompensatory (3).
The first stage of varicose veins can develop over several years. The disease has no age and geographical restrictions: the disease is detected in residents of different countries, regardless of the age of the patients.
The symptoms that appear are often referred to as symptoms of other diseases. It is impossible to determine the changes visually.
With the help of adequate therapy, the relief of the initial stage of varicose veins occurs in a relatively short time.
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).
With grade 2 varicose veins, there is a visually pronounced deformation of the vessels; specific symptoms begin to appear much more often, and a decrease in their intensity requires prolonged rest.
The phase of subcompensation is detected in the majority of patients who see a doctor. With a 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 causes 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 are distinguished by an irregular shape, an even bottom, and the presence of purulent contents. They are located singly.
The walls of the vessels affected by the disease lose elasticity and strength, and are often damaged. The ruptures are accompanied by bleeding, which rarely stops on its own.
In the third stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities, erysipelas may develop on the affected areas. The disease is aggravated by such complications as:
At the 3rd stage of varicose veins, changes begin to affect the entire body: there is a weakening of the immune system and musculoskeletal skeleton, possibly alopecia.
The choice of a treatment method depends on the phase of the pathological process. A neglected disease requires radical relief measures.
Varicose veins of the first degree are suppressed by the use of medications, venotonics, creams, massage complex, sclerotherapy (injection of a special agent into a vein) and ozone therapy (strengthening the vessels). Additionally, you can use traditional medicine recipes.
It is forbidden to independently (without consulting a doctor) use medicines, decoctions and herbal infusions: haphazard therapy will only aggravate the condition.
Prescribed drugs:
The dosage is calculated individually, depending on the patient's condition.
Among the auxiliary methods of conservative therapy for varicose veins is the use of medical knitwear (stockings, tights, golf) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter prevents the development of deformity, helps to reduce the load on the vessels of the affected area when walking. They are superimposed after sleep (night), in the supine position; worn all day. Filmed only in the evening, before rest.
Compression garments improve blood circulation and support weakened vascular walls.
Cool 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 phase of the disease. It involves the use of antithrombotic agents, venotonics, and the wearing of compression underwear.
Among the popular drugs that reduce puffiness are ointments and liniment.
Surgical manipulations include radiofrequency therapy, laser coagulation. The first of these methods allows you to remove the vascular pattern, 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 the large, small saphenous veins are damaged, and helps to eliminate varicose nodes.
The main recipe for traditional medicine is the application of compresses using blue clay. To obtain a medicinal mixture 2 tbsp. l. sedimentary rock is bred in 1 glass of water. The resulting substance is applied to damaged areas, fixed with a napkin. The affected area is additionally wrapped in a warm towel. The minimum therapy time is two hours.
In the treatment of grade 3 varicose veins, surgical procedures are involved. Among them - phlebectomy (removal of the affected vessel), used in the presence of ulcers, blood clots. There are classical and laser (not accompanied by incisions) techniques.
At the end of the operation, drug therapy is prescribed, and compression hosiery is recommended.
There are three main points in the list of rules that prevent the possible development of varicose veins: following the principles of healthy lifestyle, refusal from tight clothes, uncomfortable shoes, and a timely visit to a doctor.
For the prevention of illness, pregnant women should use a properly selected bandage, compression tights or stockings.
During rehabilitation, you should adhere to a healthy diet, perform the recommended set of exercises, take a contrast shower and undergo regular examinations.
And the most important thing: at the first suspicion of the development of an ailment, you should immediately seek help from a phlebologist. Varicose veins detected at the initial stage can be completely stopped without harm to health.