What are segmental varicose veins?
This is a form of venous leg disease in which there is no venous discharge. In this case, inflammation of the deep or secondary veins with a diameter of 3 mm or more occurs.
The development of the disease begins with the fact that the function of the venous valves is impaired. This causes blood to flow back. This is called reflux. The violations that appear later become the cause of inflammation and pathological expansion of the walls of the secondary veins.
Varicose veins only develop in the veins (vessels that carry blood from the organs to the heart). This is because of the difference in the structure of the veins and arteries: the venous walls do not have enough muscle to contract and force blood to circulate through the bloodstream.
There are valves along the entire length of the veins, through which blood can only flow in one direction. If the valves do not close properly, some of the blood returns and creates overpressure in the vessel that cannot push the liquid any further.
This subsequently leads to an expansion of the walls and the development of inflammatory processes in the defective 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 of the work (90%) of transporting blood to the heart, and perforated vessels act as a bridge between deep and superficial.
The structure of the veins provides valves that only direct and promote the flow of blood in the right direction. When the circulatory system fails, some of the blood accumulates at one point.
This leads to a local expansion (lengthening) of the vessel. The first to suffer are deep veins (called internal varicose veins), which later appear superficially in the form of "spider veins and lumps".
For a full appreciation of the severity of the disease, it should be noted that its progression is 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 othersThreatened problems that could lead to patient death.
It has already been established that the following risk factors significantly increase the likelihood of pathology development:
Expansion of the veins in the legs leading to varicose veins occurs 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 is formed inside. Arterial blood does not get into the capillary system, so 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 stockings all the time, but it is necessary when exercising, engaging in vigorous physical activity, and lifting weights.
These sleeves and gloves relieve swelling, heaviness and numbness in the hands. Exercising with the stepper simulator will help improve blood flow to the body, which is required for varicose veins.
One of the reasons for development is inheritance. In addition, the "family" disease is mainly transmitted through the female line. Features of the structure of blood vessels are transmitted through genes. If you do not follow the elementary rules of prevention and have weak vein walls, you can get varicose veins.
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 weight. Childbirth has an even more negative effect on the veins. This is the time when varicose veins wake up in many women.
Uncomfortable shoes and clothes are another reason. Skinny jeans and shoes, high heels and heavy bags all contribute to a serious illness. The heel shouldn't exceed four centimeters. The sole of the boots is wide.
The fourth reason is bad habits and difficult working conditions. Waiters, hairdressers and salespeople are particularly susceptible to such diseases. If you add the wrong diet, smoke, then dilation of the veins cannot be avoided. Even harmless cross-legged sitting can have disastrous consequences.
Sports loads should be in moderation. Varicose veins are common in weightlifters. Barbell lifts and weight training are another reason. If we add a predisposition to this, the result will not be pleasant. It must always be remembered that fitness is not always beneficial.
The most common type of varicose veins are varicose veins in the legs. Many people believe that the problem is only focused on these parts of the body. However, there are several types of this disease, which differ in 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 in the vein walls. This disease does not appear suddenly, but many factors precede it.
The main thing is blood stagnation in the extremities due to a sedentary lifestyle. Initially, unspoken vascular "webs" and "stars" appear on the legs.
If you do not start the treatment, the veins will become denser and let fluid through. As a result, blood flow slows 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 illness with complications. Complications of varicose veins are: thrombophlebitis, bleeding, skin pigmentation in areas with varicose veins, lack of oxygen in the tissues.
This disease requires treatment as soon as symptoms appear. Then the treatment is easier and faster. Before starting treatment, you need to have a diagnosis of varicose veins, donate blood for tests and have a general exam.
A diagnosis is needed to determine the nature of the varicose veins and to prescribe an 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. The symptoms and treatment of each type of varicose vein also differ from one another. Let's take a closer look at what types of varicose veins exist, what symptoms they have and how they are treated.
Varicose veins on the legs
Every year more and more cases of varicose veins are recorded, especially among young people. However, a few decades ago, varicose veins were considered a disease of the elderly.
Therefore, modern experts have developed a classification system for the most important and common types of diseases. 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 and capillaries.
Deformation of the veins on the lower extremities can manifest itself in all parts of this system, as well as in some of its areas.
Based on which vessels have undergone changes, the following types of varicose veins on the legs are analyzed:
Any type of varicose veins of the lower extremities requires detailed consideration due to the peculiarities of the pathological process.
This type of disease 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, and stars. They are located just under the skin.
The entire course of the disease is usually divided into four stages, each of which is characterized by specific signs:
Varicose veins have several stages. If treatment is not started on time, then the passage of the disease to the next stage cannot be avoided.
Treatment of the stages of varicose veins is different. If the patient can be helped at the first stage through drug therapy, ointments, vitamins, and exercises on a simulator such as a stepper, it will take more time and effort to relieve symptoms of the next stages.
In the last stage, only surgery can help. Right, 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 the patient to be hospitalized and have no complications.
At risk are patients whose work involves either intense physical exertion or constant sitting in one place. Depending on the stage and type of varicose veins, the doctor will prescribe the treatment individually.
If varicose veins on the legs were diagnosed in the first stage, this responds very quickly to the treatment, the doctor gives a positive prognosis. Therefore, when the first symptoms of discomfort appear in the legs, arms or other organs of the body, it is very important to urgently contact a qualified specialist who will qualitatively diagnose the pathology and prescribe treatment that will suit 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 recommended products that support the walls of blood vessels can be vitamins, trace elements, minerals and other useful substances that are absent in the body.
In addition to pharmacological treatment, very often sclerotherapy is used - a medical method in which the victim is injected with drugs into the affected vein to glue the affected areas together.
It is also important to appoint special physical exercises that stimulate the work of muscles, metabolism in blood cells and artificially increase the tone of the vessels of the legs.
Regardless of the type and type of varicose veins, it is a pathology of the veins caused by an improper lifestyle and an unhealthy diet. Daily moderate physical activity and the use of fortified foods provide every person with qualified prevention of this disease.
Varicose veins of the 1st degree are characterized by the absence of external manifestations. The onset of the disease can be suspected 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 insomnia. Symptoms increase in hot weather.
With varicose veins of the 2nd degree the symptoms are much more pronounced. They appear already at the height of the working day and reach their maximum in the evening. The pain is so severe that pain medication is required.
This stage is characterized by the appearance of clinical symptoms:
In these areas there is increased pain and itching. At the end of the second stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities, the veins under the skin become visible in the form of bruises and stripes.
Warning: At this point the disease is still curable. A person can get rid of the disease if they seek medical help in a timely manner.
3rd degree varicose veins are characterized by a pronounced deformation of the vascular wall - it thickens and the vessels become tortuous. Veins protrude noticeably under the skin and resemble grapes in their appearance.
A person is concerned about severe pain in the legs, cramps, and fatigue. Swelling occurs 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 gets overly dry and flaky. These manifestations are particularly pronounced in the area of deformed veins.
Symptoms of the third stage of varicose veins in the legs
In the third stage, complications of the disease develop - thrombophlebitis and thromboembolism. Their appearance is associated with a pronounced stagnation of blood in the vessels, as a result of which blood clots are formed. With thrombophlebitis, inflammation of the wall of the veins occurs, which is manifested by an increase in temperature and severe pain in the legs.
Thromboembolism is a dangerous complication of varicose veins, which is associated with the separation of a thrombus from the vein wall and penetration into large vessels. Most often, blood clots enter the pulmonary artery from the leg veins. This leads to pulmonary edema and death occurs within minutes.
This is already neglected leg varicose veins. The veins are even more deformed and resemble tourniquets or ropes under the skin. Touching them is painful, they are almost always at the inflammatory stage. Lymphostasis develops - stagnation of lymph in the vessels. The legs are very swollen and the swelling does not subside even when you are resting.
The scientific community of the world has systematized the manifestations of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
Given the patient's due attention to the state of health, it is simply impossible not to notice the onset of disease development.
As the disease progresses, the patient will feel more pain, a constant feeling of tension in the knee area.
If grade 2 varicose veins of the esophagus are found, a person cannot eat normally, he is constantly bothered with heartburn and chest pain. By the way, many blame it on the heart and intercostal neuralgia - rarely someone knows about the existence of varicose veins of the esophagus.
The disease manifests itself more and more visually: blue protruding veins are already visible to the naked eye, dark blue nodules can appear under the skin.
Do you need an operation for 2nd degree varicose veins? It is still possible to prevent the development of the disease without surgical intervention: you just don't need to be lazy and regularly take care of your legs.
Most often, the disease occurs in men after fifty years. The cause of male infertility can be a venous expansion of the spermatic cord.
Varicose veins develop gradually. To begin with, structural changes in the veins have no external manifestations, and the disease can only be identified by the following signs:
One of the signs listed or their joint appearance indicates the initial stage of venous insufficiency. If you consult a doctor and take measures in a timely manner, you can prevent further structural changes in the circulatory system. Ignoring the signs of the disease leads to the progression 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, knots and seals protruding from the skin appear, and pain is felt when pressed.
Sometimes reddening occurs on the surface of the skin in these areas. The protruding areas of blood vessels and nodes are clearly visible when the patient is in a standing position. After a lying position, the tension in the vessels decreases significantly and they become practically invisible. Long-term walking can cause muscle pain of varying intensity.
The clinical picture described requires an immediate visit to a specialist and qualified support. The lack of the necessary treatment, in most cases, leads to serious complications.
The pathology is diagnosed using diagnostic measures such as Doppler sonography and duplex scanning.
Doppler sonography detects the reflux. Duplex scanning supplements 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 consult a vascular surgeon or phlebologist. After the initial interview and examination of the patient, further 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 determine the presence of blood clots and neoplasms, as well as assess the structural changes in the veins. Contrast venography is carried out by intravenous administration of a special staining composition, due to the movement of which, all violations of the structure and function of the circulatory system are revealed.
Both methods are used in diagnosis. However, due to the lower painfulness of the procedure, ultrasound is done much more often.
The disease can be treated with drugs as well as surgically.
Ointments and creams for external use are used in conservative therapy:
The duration of the application of topical preparations depends on the severity of the varicose veins and is determined by the attending physician. The effect is usually noticeable in the second week of use.
In addition to medication, the patient is prescribed to wear compression underwear (grade 1-2).
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are one of the most common vascular diseases and, according to statistical data, are getting younger and younger from year to year.