Varicose veins in the legs are a pathology that causes narrowing of the venous walls, deforming (dilating, stretching) the vessels, interrupting blood flow. In the absence of timely therapy, the disease can lead to a number of complications, disability and death. The following material describes in detail the stages of varicose veins in the legs, their symptoms and clinical signs, as well as the ways of treating the disease.
According to statistics, more than 60% of women and about 50% of patients-representatives of the strong sex suffer from varicose veins in the extremities in varying degrees of severity.
There are many triggers for the disease. The main factors include:
In addition to the above, significant factors are also: the person's age (the decrease in blood vessel elasticity is genetically determined by the aging process), the presence of bad habits.
Tight clothing, uncomfortable shoes with very high heels, regular weight lifting, use of hormonal medications - all of these reasons can also cause the disease described.
The signs of the disease vary depending on the degree of varicose veins, are determined by the location of the disease, the nature of pathological changes in the vessels, the stage of severity of blood movement disorders.
Grade 1 varicose veins generally do not appear in the early stages of development. A slight discomfort that appears in the limbs mainly after physical exertion passes quickly enough - the patient only needs to rest a little. Gradually, with increased fatigue, weight in the legs and other unpleasant sensations that appear along the pathological changes in the vessels, itching, pain and fullness are added.
Does the first stage of varicose veins develop in school-aged children? The answer is yes. The medical literature of the last decades describes the manifestation of pathologies that affect adolescents aged 16 to 17 years.
An increase in the intensity of symptoms attests to the progression of the disease and its transition to the second stage. Edema, spider veins start to appear in the affected area. The clinical picture is complemented by hyperthermia, which has a local character, nocturnal cramps in the calf muscles. 2nd degree varicose veins are also characterized by a decrease in the frequency of symptom manifestations after rest (prolonged).
Neglected forms of the disease in the third stage are characterized by the occurrence of pain, swelling and seizures of a constant nature. The skin in the affected area starts to peel, lose hair and become dry. The color changes to brown.
In the future, there will be rupture of blood vessels, occurrence of trophic ulcers.
Examination by a phlebologist is the first step to detect varicose veins. For the final diagnosis, in addition to the mandatory tests, the doctor may prescribe:
For information in different situations, phlebography (radiopaque, three-dimensional computerized), phleboscintigraphy is also used. The methods listed are used in certain cases that require additional surgical procedures.
According to the academic's classification, there are 3 stages (degrees) of varicose veins of the lower limbs - 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 called symptoms of other diseases. It is impossible to determine the changes visually.
With the help of appropriate therapy, relief from the initial stage of varicose veins occurs in a relatively short time.
The length of the period can reach several years (the duration depends on the patient's lifestyle, type of activity and general well-being).
With grade 2 varicose veins, there is a visually pronounced deformation of the vessels; specific symptoms begin to appear much more frequently and a decrease in their intensity requires prolonged rest.
The undercompensation phase is detected in most 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 cause the formation of eczema, trophic ulcers. The latter occur mainly on the inner surfaces of the legs (less frequently on the back, above the ankles) and are distinguished by an irregular shape, a flat bottom and the presence of purulent content. They are located individually.
The vessel walls affected by the disease lose elasticity and resistance and are usually damaged. The ruptures are accompanied by bleeding, which rarely stops on its own.
In the third stage of the varicose veins of the lower extremities, erysipelas may occur in the affected areas. The disease is aggravated by complications such as:
In the third stage of varicose veins, the changes begin to affect the whole body: a weakening of the immune system and the musculoskeletal skeleton occurs, possibly alopecia.
The choice of treatment method depends on the stage of the pathological process. A neglected disease requires radical relief measures.
First degree varicose veins are suppressed by the use of medications, venotonics, creams, massage complexes, 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 use independently (without consulting a doctor) medicines, decoctions and herbal infusions: random 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 varicose vein therapy is the use of medical fabrics (socks, tights, golf) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter prevents the development of deformities, helps to reduce the load on the vessels of the affected area when walking. They are superimposed after sleep (night), in the supine position; used all day. Filmed only at night, before resting.
Compression garments improve blood circulation and support weakened vascular walls.
Cold 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 those of the first stage of the disease. It involves the use of antithrombotic, venotonic agents and the use of compression underwear.
Among the popular medicines that reduce swelling are ointments and liniments.
Surgical manipulations include radiofrequency therapy and laser coagulation. The first of these methods allows to remove the vascular pattern, it 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 great and small saphenous veins are damaged and helps to eliminate varicose ganglia.
The main recipe of traditional medicine is the application of compresses with blue clay. To obtain a medicinal mixture 2 tbsp. I. sedimentary rock is produced in 1 glass of water. The resulting substance is applied to damaged areas, 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 to treat grade 3 varicose veins. Among them - phlebectomy (removal of the affected vessel), used in the presence of 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.
There are three main points on the list of rules that prevent the possible development of varicose veins: follow the principles of healthy lifestyle, refusal of tight clothing, uncomfortable shoes and a timely visit to the doctor.
For disease prevention, pregnant women should wear suitably selected dressings, tights or compression stockings.
During rehabilitation, you must adhere to a healthy diet, perform the recommended series of exercises, take a contrast bath and have regular exams.
And the most important: when you first suspect the development of a disease, seek the help of a phlebologist immediately. Varicose veins detected in the initial phase can be completely stopped without damage to health.