Varicose veins of the legs are a pathology that causes thinning of the venous walls, deformation (expansion, lengthening) of blood vessels, disruption of blood flow.In the absence of timely treatment, 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 symptoms and clinical 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 limbs in varying degrees of severity.
There are many reasons that are a key factor in the development of the disease.Key factors include:
- Hereditary predisposition.A genetically determined connective tissue defect is one of the most common causes of the disease.It manifests itself with weakness of the vascular walls.
- Gender (ladies are more prone to varicose veins).Experts associate the onset of the disease with changes occurring in a woman's body at different times.Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause are conditions accompanied by weight gain, changes in hormonal levels and deformation of blood vessels.
- Excess body weight, which makes it difficult for blood circulation in the veins, is a reason that increases the risk of developing the disease 5 times in women of childbearing age.
- Nutritional characteristics.The lack of vitamins and vegetable fibers disrupts the natural regeneration of the vein walls.
- Limiting physical activity.Blood stagnation in the lower extremities is often caused by lack of movement and prolonged sitting.Occupations that involve work "on your feet" (surgeon, cook) are also a high-risk factor.
- Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, endocrine diseases, diseases of the heart and the central nervous system, flat feet.
- Injuries to the bones and soft tissues of the legs.
In addition to the above, important factors are also: the age of a person (the 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, regular weight lifting, taking hormonal drugs - all the above reasons can also cause the described disease.
Symptoms of varicose veins
The 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 vessels and the severity of the blood flow disorders.
Varicose veins of the 1st degree most often do not appear in the early stages of development.The slight discomfort that 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 that arise 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 students?The answer is yes.The medical literature of the last decades describes the manifestation of pathologies that affect adolescents aged 16-17 years.
The progression of the disease and its transition to the second phase is characterized by an increase in the intensity of symptoms.Swelling and spider webs begin to appear in the affected area.The clinical picture is complemented by hyperthermia, which has a local character, 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).
Advanced forms of the disease in the third stage are characterized by the appearance of pain, swelling and constant spasms.The skin of the affected area begins to peel, lose hair and become dry.The color changes to brown.
In the future, ruptures of blood vessels and the appearance of trophic ulcers are noted.
Diagnosis
Examination by a phlebologist is the first stage of identifying varicose veins.In order 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 the presence of complications.
Phlebography (x-ray contrast, three-dimensional computer) and phleboscintigraphy are also used to obtain information in a number of situations.The listed methods are used in certain cases that require additional surgical procedures.
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 or geographic 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 therapy, the relief of the initial stage of varicose veins occurs in a relatively short time.
Second stage: subcompensation
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;the specific symptoms begin to appear much more often and the reduction of their intensity requires a long rest.
The phase of subcompensation is detected in most patients who consult a doctor.With a timely visit to the clinic and performing all the necessary manipulations, the development of complications is stopped.
Third stage: decompensation
Varicose veins of the 3rd degree in the absence of therapy cause 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.Located singly.
The walls of blood vessels affected by the disease lose elasticity and strength and are often damaged.Tears 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 in the whole body begin to affect: the immune system and the musculoskeletal system are weakened, alopecia may appear.
Treatment of varicose veins depending on the stage
The choice of treatment method depends on the stage of development of the pathological process.Advanced disease requires radical palliative measures.
Treatment of varicose veins in the initial phase
Varicose veins of the first degree are suppressed with the help of drugs, venotonics, creams, massage complex, sclerotherapy (injection of a special agent into the vein) and ozone therapy (method of strengthening blood vessels).In addition, you can use recipes from traditional medicine.
The independent use of drugs, decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs (without consulting a doctor) is prohibited: non-systemic therapy will only worsen the condition.
Among the prescribed drugs:
- medicinal products that stimulate blood flow in the veins;
- means that increase vascular tone.
The dosage is calculated individually, depending on the patient's condition.
Among the auxiliary methods for conservative treatment of varicose veins is the use of medical hosiery (socks, tights, golf) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter prevents the development of deformation and helps reduce the load on the vessels of the affected area when walking.They are applied after sleep (at night), in a lying position;wear all day.They are removed only in the evening, before rest.
Compression garments improve blood circulation and support weakened vascular walls.
At home, you can use cool foot baths to relieve fatigue and reduce discomfort.
Alleviation of disease form 2
The principles of medical treatment of varicose veins in stage 2 are similar to the treatment of the first phase of the disease.This includes the use of antithrombotics, venotonics and wearing compression garments.
Popular medications that reduce swelling include ointments and salves.
Surgical procedures include radiofrequency therapy and laser coagulation.The first of these methods allows you to remove the vascular model and is used if patients have 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 enlarged nodes.
The main recipe of traditional medicine is the use of compresses with blue clay.To get a medicinal mixture, 2 tbsp.l. of sedimentary rock is diluted in 1 glass of water.The resulting substance is applied to the damaged areas and fixed with a napkin.The affected area is additionally wrapped with a warm towel.The minimum treatment time is two hours.
Methods to suppress the 3rd stage of the disease
Treatment of stage 3 varicose veins involves surgical procedures.These include phlebectomy (removal of the affected vessel) used in the presence of ulcers and blood clots.There are classical and laser (not accompanied by incisions) methods of execution.
At the end of the operation, drug therapy 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 clothes and uncomfortable shoes and visiting a doctor in a timely manner.
To prevent the disease, it is recommended that pregnant women use a properly selected bandage, compression tights or socks.
During rehabilitation, you must adhere to a healthy diet, perform the recommended set of exercises, take a contrast shower and regularly undergo 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 in the initial stage can be completely eliminated without harm to health.