Varicose veins of the legs are a pathology that causes thinning of the vein walls, deforms (dilates, elongates) vessels and disrupts blood flow. Without timely therapy, the disease can lead to a number of complications, disabilities, and death. The following material describes in detail the stages of varicose veins of the legs, their symptoms and clinical symptoms, and methods of treating the disease.
According to statistics, more than 60% of women and around 50% of patient representatives of the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins of the extremities in varying degrees of severity.
There are many triggers for the disease. The key factors are:
In addition to the above factors, important factors are: the age of a person (a decrease in vascular elasticity is genetically determined by the aging process), the presence of bad habits.
Tight clothing, uncomfortable shoes with very high heels, regular lifting of weights, taking hormonal medication - all these reasons can also cause the disease described.
The signs of the disease vary depending on the degree of varicose veins. They are determined by the place of localization, the nature of the pathological changes in the vessels and the severity of blood movement disorders.
Grade 1 varicose veins usually do not appear in the early stages of development. Mild discomfort, which occurs mainly after physical exertion in the limbs, goes away quickly enough - the patient only needs to rest for a while. Gradually, to increased fatigue, heaviness in the legs and other unpleasant sensations that appear along the pathological changes in the vessels, itching, pain and a feeling of fullness are added.
Does the first stage of varicose veins develop in school children? The answer is yes. The medical literature of the past few decades describes the manifestation of pathologies that affect adolescents aged 16-17 years.
An increase in the intensity of the symptoms indicates the progression of the disease and its transition to the second phase. Edema, spider veins appear in the affected area. The clinical picture is supplemented by hyperthermia, which has a local character, night cramps in the calf muscles. Second degree varicose veins are also characterized by a decrease in the frequency of manifestations of symptoms after rest (longer).
The neglected forms of the disease in the third stage are characterized by the appearance of pain, swelling and spasms of a constant nature. The skin on the affected area will begin to peel off, lose hair and become dry. The color changes to brown.
In the future, blood vessel ruptures and trophic ulcers occur.
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 range of situations, phlebography (radiopaque, three-dimensional computer) and phleboscintigraphy are also used. The methods listed are used in specific cases that require further surgical intervention.
According to the classification of the academic, 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 is not subject to any age or geographic restrictions: the disease is diagnosed in residents of different countries regardless of the age of the patients.
The symptoms that occur are often referred to as symptoms of other diseases. It is impossible to visually determine the changes.
With the help of adequate therapy, the initial stage of varicose veins can be alleviated in a relatively short time.
The duration of the period can be 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 there is a visually pronounced deformation of the vessels. Specific symptoms are much more common, and a decrease in their intensity requires a longer period of rest.
The phase of subcompensation is found in the majority of patients who see a doctor. Timely visit to the clinic and performing all the necessary manipulations suppresses the development of complications.
Grade 3 varicose veins without therapy lead to the formation of eczema and trophic ulcers. The latter appear mainly on the inner surfaces of the legs (less often on the back above the ankles) and are characterized by an irregular shape, a flat bottom and the presence of purulent contents. They are single.
The walls of the vessels affected by the disease lose their elasticity and strength and are often damaged. The cracks are accompanied by bleeding that rarely stops on its own.
In the third stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities, erysipelas can develop in the affected areas. The disease is caused by complications such as:
aggravatesIn the 3rd stage of varicose veins, changes affect the entire body: the immune system and the skeleton of the musculoskeletal system are weakened, possibly alopecia.
The choice of a method of treatment depends on the stage of the pathological process. A neglected disease requires radical relief.
First-degree varicose veins are suppressed by medication, venotonics, creams, massage complex, sclerotherapy (injection of a special agent into a vein) and ozone therapy (strengthening of blood vessels). In addition, you can use traditional medicine recipes.
it is forbidden to independently (without consulting a doctor) use drugs, decoctions and herbal teas: random therapy will only worsen the condition.
Prescribed medication:
The dosage is calculated individually depending on the patient's condition.
The auxiliary methods of conservative therapy for varicose veins include the use of medical knitwear (stockings, tights, golf) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter prevents the development of deformities and helps reduce the load on the vessels of the affected area when walking. They are superimposed after sleeping (night) in the supine position; worn all day. Filmed only in the evening before the rest.
Compression clothing improves blood circulation and supports weakened blood vessel walls.
Cool foot baths can be used at home to reduce fatigue and discomfort.
The principles of drug treatment of 2nd degree varicose veins are similar to the first phase of the disease. It involves the use of antithrombotic drugs, venotonics, and the wearing of compression underwear.
Popular drugs that reduce swelling include ointments and liniments.
Surgical manipulations include radiofrequency therapy and laser coagulation. The first of these methods allows you to remove the vascular pattern. It is used when you have a history of asthma, ischemia and other serious illnesses.
High frequency obliteration under ultrasound guidance is performed when the trunks of the large, small saphenous veins are damaged and helps clear varicose veins.
The main recipe for traditional medicine is the use of compresses with blue clay. To get a medicinal mixture, 2 tbsp. l. Sedimentary rock is grown in 1 glass of water. The resulting substance is applied to damaged areas and fixed with a napkin. The affected area is also wrapped in a warm towel. The minimum therapy time is two hours.
Surgical procedures are used in the treatment of grade 3 varicose veins. Among them - phlebectomy (removal of the affected vessel), used for ulcers, blood clots. There are classic and laser techniques (not accompanied by incisions).
At the end of the operation, drug therapy is prescribed and compression stockings are recommended.
The list of rules includes three main points that prevent the possible development of varicose veins: following the principles of a healthy lifestyle, refusing to wear tight clothes, uncomfortable shoes, and seeing a doctor in good time.
To prevent disease, pregnant women should use a properly selected bandage, compression tights or stockings.
During rehabilitation, you should eat healthily, do the recommended exercises, take a contrast shower, and have regular checkups.
And most importantly: if you first suspect the development of a disease, you should immediately seek help from a phlebologist. Varicose veins detected in the early stages can be completely stopped without harm to health.