Varicose veins of the legs are a pathology that causes thinning of the vein walls, deformation (dilation, lengthening) of blood vessels, disruption of blood circulation.If not treated promptly, 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 clinical symptoms and 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 of the extremities of varying degrees of severity.
Many reasons trigger the development of the disease.Key factors include:
- Hereditary predisposition.A genetically caused connective tissue abnormality 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 occurring in a woman's body in different periods.Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause are conditions accompanied by weight gain, changes in hormonal levels and deformation of blood vessels.
- Excess body weight, which hinders the circulation of blood in 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 disrupts the natural regeneration of vein walls.
- Limit physical activity.Blood stagnation in the lower extremities is often caused by lack of movement and prolonged sitting.Jobs that involve working “standing” (surgeon, cook) also constitute a high-risk factor.
- Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, endocrine disorders, diseases of the heart and central nervous system, flat feet.
- Injuries to the bones and soft tissues of the legs.
In addition to the above, important factors are also: a 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 very high heels, regular lifting of weights, taking hormonal drugs - all of the above reasons can also provoke the described disease.
Symptoms of varicose veins
Signs of the disease vary depending on the degree of varicose veins and are determined by the localization, the nature of pathological changes in the vessels and the stage of severity of blood circulation disorders.
1st degree varicose veins most often do not appear in the early stages of development.Minor discomfort, which appears in the limbs mainly after physical exertion, disappears quite quickly - the patient just needs to rest for a while.Gradually, in addition to increased fatigue, heaviness in the legs and other unpleasant sensations appearing along the vessels affected by pathological changes, itching, pain and a feeling of fullness are added.
Does the first stage of varicose veins develop in schoolchildren?The answer is yes.Medical literature from 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 is indicated by an increase in the intensity of symptoms.Edema and spider veins begin to appear in the affected area.The clinical picture is completed by hyperthermia, of a local nature, and nocturnal cramps in the calf muscles.2nd 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 appearance of constant pain, swelling and cramps.The skin in the affected area begins to peel, lose 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
An examination by a phlebologist is the first step in identifying varicose veins.To make a definitive diagnosis, in addition to the obligatory examinations, the doctor may prescribe:
- Doppler ultrasound (a method that allows you to assess the permeability of blood vessels and valves);
- Ultrasound angioscanner, used in the presence of complications.
To obtain information in a number of situations, phlebography (radiographic contrast, three-dimensional computer) and phleboscintigraphy are also used.The listed methods are used in some cases requiring additional surgical interventions.
Stages of varicose veins
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).
Initial stage: compensation
The first stage of varicose veins can develop over several years.The disease has no age restrictions or geographical 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 treatment, relief from the initial stage of varicose veins occurs in a relatively short time.
Second step: undercompensation
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, a visually pronounced deformation of the vessels is noted;specific symptoms begin to appear much more often and reducing their intensity requires prolonged rest.
The undercompensation phase is detected in the majority of 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, if left untreated, cause the formation of eczema and trophic ulcers.The latter occur mainly on the inner side 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.Located alone.
The walls of blood vessels affected by the disease lose their elasticity and strength 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 develop in the affected areas.The disease is aggravated by complications such as:
- venous thrombosis;
- thrombophlebitis;
- lymphangitis.
At stage 3 of varicose veins, changes begin to affect the whole body: a weakening of the immune system and the musculoskeletal system is observed, and alopecia may occur.
Treatment of varicose veins according to stage
The choice of treatment method depends on the phase of development of the pathological process.Advanced illness requires radical relief measures.
Varicose vein therapy in the initial phase
Varicose veins of the first degree are removed using medications, venotonics, creams, a massage complex, sclerotherapy (injection of a special agent into a vein) and ozone therapy (a method that strengthens blood vessels).Additionally, you can use traditional medicine recipes.
It is forbidden to use drugs, decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs independently (without consulting a doctor): non-systematic treatment will only aggravate the situation.
Among the medications prescribed:
- medical products that stimulate blood circulation in the veins;
- agents that increase vascular tone.
The dosage is calculated individually, depending on the patient's condition.
Among the auxiliary methods of conservative treatment of varicose veins is the use of medical knitwear (stockings, tights, golf) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter prevents the development of deformities and helps to reduce the load on the vessels of the affected area when walking.They are applied after sleep (at night), while lying down;wear all day.They are only removed in the evening, before rest.
Compression garments improve blood circulation and support weakened vessel walls.
At home, you can use cool foot baths to relieve fatigue and reduce discomfort.
Form 2 Disease Relief
The principles of drug treatment of stage 2 varicose veins are similar to those of treatment of the first phase of the disease.This involves the use of antithrombotic agents, venotonics and wearing 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 diseases.
Radiofrequency obliteration under ultrasound control is carried out when the trunks of the large and small saphenous veins are damaged and allows varicose lymph nodes to be eliminated.
The main recipe of traditional medicine is the use of compresses based on blue clay.To obtain a medicinal mixture, 2 tbsp.L.sedimentary rock is diluted in 1 glass of water.The resulting substance is applied to damaged areas and fixed with a napkin.The affected area is additionally wrapped in a warm towel.The minimum treatment duration is two hours.
Methods for removing stage 3 of the disease
Treatment for grade 3 varicose veins involves surgical interventions.These include phlebectomy (removal of the affected vessel), used in the presence of ulcers and blood clots.There are classic and laser methods of implementation (not accompanied by incisions).
At the end of the procedure, medication is prescribed and the wearing 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.
In order to prevent the disease, pregnant women are advised to use a properly selected compression bandage, tights or stockings.
During rehabilitation, you must follow a healthy diet, perform the recommended set of exercises, take a contrast shower and regularly undergo the 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.