Varicose veins of the legs are pathologies that cause thinning of the vein walls, deformation (widening, lengthening) of blood vessels, disrupting blood flow.If there is no timely treatment, this disease can lead to several 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.
Because of appearance
According to statistics, more than 60% of women and about 50% of patients of the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins on the legs in various degrees of severity.
There are many reasons that trigger the development of this disease.Key factors include:
- Hereditary tendency.Genetically determined connective tissue defects are one of the most common causes of disease.Manifested by weakness of the vascular wall.
- Gender (women are more susceptible to varicose veins).Experts associate the appearance of the disease with the changes that occur in a woman's body at different periods.Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause are conditions accompanied by weight gain, changes in hormone levels, and deformation of blood vessels.
- Excess body weight, which prevents blood flow in the veins, is the reason that increases the risk of this disease in women of childbearing age by 5 times.
- Nutritional characteristics.Lack of vitamins and plant fiber interferes with the natural regeneration of vein walls.
- Limit physical activity.Blood pooling in the lower legs is often caused by lack of movement and prolonged sitting.Professions that involve working "on your feet" (surgeons, cooks) are also high risk factors.
- Inflammatory diseases arising in the pelvic organs, endocrine disorders, heart and central nervous system diseases, flat feet.
- Injury to the bones and soft tissues of the foot.
In addition to the above, important factors are also: a person's age (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, frequent heavy lifting, taking hormonal drugs - all the above reasons can also cause the described disease.
Symptoms of varicose veins
Signs of the disease vary depending on the degree of varicose veins and are determined by the location, the nature of the pathological changes in the vessel, and the severity of the blood flow disorder.
Varicose veins of the 1st degree most often do not appear in the early stages of development.Minor discomfort, which appears in the limbs especially after physical exercise, disappears quickly - the patient just needs to rest for a while.Gradually, in addition to increased fatigue, heaviness in the legs and other unpleasant sensations that arise along the channels affected by pathological changes, 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 recent decades describes pathological manifestations that affect adolescents aged 16-17 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 accompanied by hyperthermia, which is local, and nocturnal cramps in the calf muscles.Varicose veins of the 2nd degree are also characterized by a decrease in the frequency of symptoms after rest (long term).
The advanced form of the disease in the third stage is characterized by the occurrence of constant pain, swelling and spasms.The skin in the affected area begins to peel, lose hair, and become dry.The color changes to brown.
In the future, rupture of blood vessels and the appearance of trophic ulcers are noted.
Diagnostics
Examination by a phlebologist is the first step in identifying varicose veins.To make a final diagnosis, in addition to mandatory tests, the doctor may prescribe:
- Doppler ultrasound (a method that allows you to assess the patency of blood vessels and valves);
- Ultrasound angioscanning, used in case of complications.
To obtain information in some situations, phlebography (x-ray contrast, three-dimensional computer), and phleboscintigraphy are also used.The methods listed are used in certain cases that require further surgical procedures.
Stages of varicose veins
According to the classification of academics, there are 3 levels (degrees) of varicose veins on the lower legs - compensation (1), subcompensation (2) and decompensation (3).
Initial stage: compensation
The first stage of varicose veins can develop over several years.The disease has no age or geographic restrictions: the disease is detected in the population of different countries, regardless of the patient's age.
The signs that appear are often associated with symptoms of other diseases.Changes cannot be determined visually.
With the help of adequate therapy, the relief of the initial stages of varicose veins occurs in a relatively short time.
Second stage: subcompensation
The duration of the period can reach several years (the duration depends on the lifestyle, type of activity and general well-being of the patient).
With varicose veins of the 2nd degree, a clear deformation of the vessels is observed;certain symptoms begin to appear more often, and reducing their intensity requires prolonged rest.
The subcompensation 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 in the absence of therapy cause the formation of eczema and trophic ulcers.The latter occurs mainly on the inner surface of the leg (less often on the back, above the ankle) and is 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 elasticity and strength and are often damaged.Rupture is accompanied by bleeding, which rarely stops on its own.
In the third stage of varicose veins on the lower leg, erysipelas may develop in the affected area.The disease is aggravated by complications such as:
- vein thrombosis;
- thrombophlebitis;
- lymphangitis.
At stage 3 of varicose veins, changes begin to affect the whole body: weakness of the immune system and the musculoskeletal system is observed, and alopecia may occur.
Treatment of varicose veins depends on the stage
The choice of treatment method depends on the phase of development of the pathological process.Advanced disease requires radical relief measures.
Varicose vein therapy in the early phase
Varicose veins of the first degree are suppressed by using drugs, venotonics, creams, massage complexes, sclerotherapy (injection of special agents into the veins) and ozone therapy (a method that strengthens blood vessels).In addition, you can use traditional medicine recipes.
It is forbidden to use medicines, decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs independently (without consulting a doctor): unsystematic therapy will only worsen the condition.
Among the drugs prescribed:
- medicinal products that stimulate blood flow in veins;
- agents that increase vascular tone.
The dose is calculated individually, depending on the patient's condition.
Among the additional methods of conservative treatment of varicose veins is the use of medical knitwear (socks, tights, golf) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter prevents the development of defects and helps to reduce the load on the vessels of the affected area when walking.They are used after sleep (at night), in a lying position;wear all day.They are released only in the evening, before resting.
Compression garments improve blood circulation and support weak vascular walls.
At home, you can use a cold foot bath to relieve fatigue and reduce discomfort.
Relieves level 2 disease
The principle of drug treatment for stage 2 varicose veins is similar to the treatment of the first phase of the disease.It involves the use of antithrombotic agents, venotonics, and wearing compression garments.
Popular remedies that reduce swelling include ointments and liniments.
Surgical procedures include radiofrequency therapy and laser coagulation.This first method allows you to remove the vascular pattern and is used if the patient has a history of asthma, ischemia and other serious diseases.
Radiofrequency destruction under ultrasound control is performed when the trunk of the great and small saphenous veins is damaged and helps to eliminate varicose nodes.
The main recipe of traditional medicine is the use of compresses using blue clay.To get a medicinal mixture, 2 tbsp.l.sedimentary rock dissolved in 1 glass of water.The resulting material is applied to the damaged area and repaired with a napkin.The affected area is also wrapped with a warm towel.The minimum treatment time is two hours.
Methods of suppressing the 3rd stage of the disease
Treatment of grade 3 varicose veins involves surgical procedures.This includes phlebectomy (removal of affected vessels), used in the presence of ulcers and blood clots.There are classical and laser implementation methods (not accompanied by incisions).
At the end of the operation, drug therapy is prescribed, and wearing compression stockings is recommended.
Disease prevention
The list of rules that prevent the possible development of varicose veins includes three main things: following the principles of a healthy lifestyle, avoiding tight clothes and uncomfortable shoes, and visiting the doctor on time.
To prevent this disease, pregnant women are advised to use properly selected bandages, compression tights or stockings.
During recovery, you should adhere to a healthy diet, do the recommended set of exercises, take a contrast bath and regularly undergo prescribed examinations.
And the most important thing: at the first suspicion of the development of the disease, you should immediately seek help from a phlebologist.Varicose veins, identified at an early stage, can be completely eliminated without harming health.