What is varicose veins and how does it manifest itself? What happens if you do not treat varicose veins and how to prevent it? We talk about the complications of varicose veins, explain in detail why trophic ulcers occur and why compression stockings are needed.
What is varicose veins and how does it manifest itself?
The veins have special valves that prevent blood from flowing down the vessels. But with varicose veins, these valves do not close completely - blood accumulates in the vein and stretches it.
Symptoms of varicose veins in the early stages:
- The veins of the legs become brighter, more visible;
- Dilated nodules begin to appear on the inner surface of the legs and thighs;
- If you stand, sit or walk for a long time, there is heaviness in the legs, a feeling of fullness (most often in the evening, in the calves);
- In places of varicose veins appear pain or sharp pain, in the evening and at night - cramps in the calf muscles;
- The legs are very swollen by the end of the day, but in the morning the swelling disappears.
Important!
At this stage it is necessary to consult a doctor.
With progression, varicose veins become chronic (chronic venous insufficiency). symptoms:
- Strongly curved dark blue intradermal veins appear: protrude above the surface of the legs and feet, look like bunches of overripe red grapes;
- There is writhing pain in the legs and calves, a feeling of warmth in the legs, night cramps in the calf muscles, severe swelling;
- The skin becomes dry, pigmentation appears, darkens, brown spots appear.
Important!
Don't start the disease! In varicose veins, tissue nutrition is disrupted. There is not enough food for the vessels and the skin - wounds, eczema and even ulcers appear, which heal very poorly.
Treatment of varicose veins
There are two ways to treat varicose veins: conservative and surgical.
- Conservative: compression therapy. Compression underwear compresses the affected leg - the diameter of the superficial veins decreases, the correct pressure in the vein is restored. The return of blood decreases, the walls of the vessels remain in good shape, the valves close, the blood does not stagnate and circulates well, the speed of blood flow through the deep veins increases. The volume of stagnant blood decreases, lymph outflow improves.
- In advanced cases, when conservative treatment does not help, the doctor will suggest a surgical route: the dilated nodes are removed, the affected veins are cut. To restore the functions, shunts are placed or the mobility of the valve is restored so that its leaves close.
Compression jersey for varicose veins and ulcers
Compression socks are special socks that fit snugly to the lower leg and become looser when raised to the thigh. This improves blood circulation and stimulates blood flow from the lower extremities to the heart.
Compression socks are chosen individually, so first consult a phlebologist: you can not choose socks yourself.
The phlebologist will examine the tone of the vein in which the valve has a problem with not closing the valves. The problem may be in the thigh, for example: then you have to wear compression stockings. If there is a problem with closing the valve below the knee, then socks or stockings are chosen.
Important!
For maximum effectiveness, compression stockings should be worn at all times - removed only at bedtime.
How to wear compression socks?
- When you wake up, put your feet on the wall and lie down for a while - so that the blood flows as much as possible to the hips;
- Without getting up, wear compression stockings.
In this position (lying down, legs raised) blood flow is equalized, the blood does not stagnate. When the compression stockings are on the legs, the veins are in good shape and the valves close well and push the blood further through the vessels.
What happens if varicose veins are not treated?
If you do not start treatment for varicose veins in time, life-threatening complications can occur:
Thrombophlebitis- inflammation of the vein due to the formation of blood clots in it. symptoms:
- redness;
- the place where the thrombus is located becomes hot;
- inflamed vein hurts a lot.
If timely treatment is started, the blood clot will stop growing. Residual blood clots can go away for a long time - sometimes months. If left untreated or improperly treated, the clot may grow.
Pulmonary embolism.The thrombus, which occurs in thrombophlebitis, separates from the vascular wall of the leg and exits the bloodstream. Clogging the pulmonary artery or its branches - this is fatal. Unfortunately, even in time to suspect this complication, doctors can not do anything about it.
symptoms:
- chest pain;
- rapid heartbeat;
- dyspnea;
- unreasonable anxiety and unwarranted fear.
Deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities. This is a serious and dangerous complication of varicose veins. The internal veins are blocked, so the bleeding almost completely stops - all the tissues of the legs do not receive nutrition and turn blue.
Venous gangrene of the limbs- severe deep vein thrombosis, in which there is no nutrition of the limb, arterial blood flow is impaired. Due to the fact that the blood does not flow, gangrene is formed: the foot actually dies - starting with the toes.
Trophic ulcers- long-term non-healing ulcers that occur due to tissue malnutrition. The lymph stagnates in the lymph vessels, they are under heavy load and can not cope with the amount of lymph. As a result, lymph droplets begin to stand out through the skin. Therefore, the epidermis begins to exfoliate - an ulcer is formed with torn thick edges. Every touch to him causes severe pain.
Bacteria quickly develop into ulcers: infection joins, bleeding ulcer begins to fester. This can lead to very serious complications, including blood poisoning.
Trophic ulcers are of two types:
- venous, when the subcutaneous and deep veins of the limb are affected;
- arterial, when the arteries of the legs are affected and the natural nutrition of the limbs is disturbed.
Treatment of trophic ulcers
Trophic ulcers are treated with elastic compression, medication, physiotherapy and surgery.
The care of the trophic ulcer includes four stages.
The first stage - antiseptics
- Antiseptic solution for wound healing. It is applied on the surface of a trophic ulcer, if cavities have formed under the skin, they are also filled with gel.
- The gel, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, improves microcirculation, reduces redness and swelling of the skin, reduces pain, relieves itching and flaking of the skin, blocks the spread of infection and prevents scarring.
- Aqueous solution of a halogen antiseptic or benzyldimethyl-myristoylamino-propylammonium.
The second stage - gels to soften dead tissue
Dead tissue is necrosis: black hardened tissue on the surface of the ulcer. If it is not removed, the ulcer will not heal. To do this, the necrosis is first softened. This is done with the help of special gels.
The third stage is the formation of an optimal environment for wound healing
Healing is facilitated by creating a moist environment in the wound. If there is no necrosis, use bandages for quick healing. Here are some dressings that will fit:
Alginate dressings:
- Alginate dressing, which turns into a soft gel in contact with wound secretions, providing optimal conditions for moist wound healing;
- A bandage that fills the wound cavity and creates a microenvironment that promotes rapid healing;
- Sponge bandage with hydrogel layer. Its structure absorbs secretions and maintains a moist environment in the wound;
- Alginate sponge dressing consisting of calcium alginate and hydrocolloid;
- Self-explanatory sterile coating based on sodium alginate, which is very suitable for wounds and burns, accelerates healing;
- Hydroactive dressing for deep wounds. Cleans the wound, accelerates its healing, maintains an optimal environment in the wound for up to three days without changing the bandage.
Mushroom dressings:
- Double-sided foam bandage. It protects the wound, absorbs the discharge from the wound, creates optimal water balance in the wound;
- Hydrophilic polyurethane sponge bandage;
- Dressing with a complex of enzymes and chitosan is suitable for infected wounds (if there is pus in the wound);
- Antimicrobial sponge, breathable bandage consisting of a polyurethane sponge layer and a silver alginate matrix.
Fourth stage - wound healing
When the wound is cleaned and an optimal environment is formed in it, it begins to heal, the edges of the wound shrink. Use special bandages for safe and quick healing.
Mesh dressings with ointment:
- Ointment dressing with Peruvian balm, which is applied when fresh skin appears on the wound;
- Triglyceride-based ointment dressing that promotes healing and cares for the edges of the wound;
- The bandage, which looks like a wax square, is soft and quite thick. It can be on the wound for up to seven days;
Film dressings that can be used to fix dressings on wounds:
- Film (but breathable) water-repellent dressing, protects the wound from microorganisms. It can be used to fix previous bandages and as a stand-alone bandage.
- Transparent film polyurethane bandage, the skin under it does not sweat, breathes.
Important!
These bandages are suitable for healing not only trophic ulcers, but also any long-term healing wounds.
Prevention of varicose veins
- Move as much as possible: the more you move, the better the blood circulates in the veins;
- Give up bad habits;
- Contact a phlebologist in time at the first symptoms of the disease;
- Periodically do an ultrasound of the vessels - the doctor will notice the first changes;
- After a working day, go home and lie on your feet on the wall for about 15 minutes.
Prevention of trophic ulcers
- Monitor your weight: it puts pressure on your legs, puts pressure on the vascular and lymphatic systems. If necessary, follow the diet;
- Walk as often as possible;
- If possible, raise your legs, keep them in an elevated position as often as possible. In the evening you can lie on the couch and lift your legs by placing them on the wall: you should lie like this for at least 15 minutes;
- Treat the veins of the lower extremities in time;
- Quit smoking - significantly reduces blood supply to tissues and contributes to the development of trophic ulcers;
- Take care of your feet: wear appropriate shoes so as not to sting or rub;
- Examine your feet regularly: check the color of the skin on your feet. If your legs turn blue in the evening and veins are visible on your legs, contact a phlebologist;
- Moisturize the skin with emollient, moisturizing, nourishing creams;
- Keep your feet warm, dress for the weather;
- Try not to hurt the skin.