Many people mistakenly believe that varicose veins are only a threat to the appearance of the legs. In fact, everything is more serious - this disease is often complicated by thrombosis and inflammation of deep veins, and in advanced cases - chronic venous insufficiency, which is manifested by pronounced trophic changes in tissues. Therefore, it is necessary to diagnose this pathology at the initial stages in order to prevent the development of dangerous conditions.
Varicose veins is a pathological change in the walls of venous vessels that occurs under the influence of blood accumulated in them. Most often this process develops in the veins of the legs and small pelvis. Normally, blood is carried through the veins only to the heart, which is facilitated by venous valves and muscles, which appear to "drive" blood through the vessels with their contractions. In varicose veins, abnormal blood flow develops for a variety of reasons. It starts deep down firstVeins to stagnate, and then in the superficial ones, which increase and form varicose veins under the skin.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities
The first signs of this disease are non-specific (they are also found in other diseases), they are summarized under the term "heavy legs syndrome". It is characterized by increasing and progressive fatigue of the lower extremities, pain in the legs, feeling of heaviness, Burning and bursting in the calves, night spasms of the calf muscles. These symptoms appear at the end of the day, especially if a person has been standing or sitting for a long time, subsequently, with the development of the pathology, evening swelling of the dorsum of the feet and ankles becomes those describedAdded manifestations of the disease After rest, the condition of the sore legs usually improves.
Visual changes in the early stages of the disease are not always noticeable, since varicose veins in the legs begin with deeper vessels. Vascular networks may be the only outward sign of a problem that has started. Of course, they do not always indicate varicose veins, but when they appear, it is better to consult a phlebologist, a specialist in diseases of the veins.
But in the later stages of varicose veins, cyanotic subcutaneous veins and varicose veins already appear - these are enlarged and tortuous superficial veins resembling grapes. They are usually located on the inside of the lower leg and thigh.
In addition, as the pathology progresses, the legs begin to swell more. Chronic venous insufficiency gradually develops, in which the venous drainage and microcirculation in the tissue are disturbed. All this is reflected in the condition of the skin of the legs: it darkens, flakes off, itches, then trophic ulcers appear, which heal very poorly. This is how varicose veins develop. A similar result of varicose veins can be prevented with timely treatment. Therefore, if even slight, but systematic discomfort appears in the legs and vascular networks or "stars" on the skin, you should consult a doctor.
Symptoms of pelvic varicose veins
Varicose veins are less common in the pelvis than on the legs and mostly in young women. The trigger for the development of this pathology is pregnancy (both hormonal and mechanical factors play a role here). After childbirth, the signs of the disease usually disappear, and only about 10% of women notice a periodic recurrence of unpleasant symptoms after prolonged standing, hypothermia and physical exertion.
Pelvic varicose veins are manifested by chronic pelvic pain, as well as the expansion of superficial venous formations in the perineum and vulva. Such patients often unsuccessfully treat inflammatory diseases of the reproductive organs, since pain in the lower abdomen, characteristic of pelvic varicose veins, is sometimes mistakenly associated with chronic oophoritis, salpingitis, endometriosis, etc.
How are varicose veins diagnosed?
If varicose veins are clearly visible on the patient's legs, the doctor can diagnose "varicose veins" even without the results of instrumental studies. If the pathology is just beginning to develop or is localized in the small pelvis, a detailed examination is essential.
The main method for diagnosing varicose veins is Doppler ultrasound. This study is informative for lesions of veins in any part of the body. With the help of ultrasound, the doctor can examine the condition of the walls and anatomy of deep and superficial veins, valves, assess the flow of blood in the vessels, detect blood reflux, etc. The classification of varicose veins and, accordingly, the choice of treatment method is based strictly on the results of theultrasounds.
Another diagnostic method used in this pathology is rheovasography. Its implementation allows you to determine how well the tissues of the lower extremities are filled with blood, and therefore nutrients. This information will help the doctor determine what stage the disease is at: at the stage of compensation, undercompensation, etc.
Less commonly, venography is used for varicose veins - this is an X-ray examination of the veins using a contrast medium.
In addition, a comprehensive examination of patients with varicose veins usually includes various blood tests: doctors are particularly interested in the level of hemoglobin, erythrocytes, platelets and parameters of coagulation. These data make it possible to assess the density of the blood and the tendency of the patient's body to form blood clots.