Varicose veins of the legs are a pathology that leads to thinning of the venous walls, deformation (dilation, lengthening) of blood vessels and disruption of blood flow.Without timely treatment, the disease can lead to a number of complications, disability and death.The following material 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 appearing
According to statistics, more than 60% of women and about 50% of patients of the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins of the extremities of varying degrees of severity.
There are many reasons that trigger the development of the disease.Key factors include:
- Hereditary predisposition.A genetic connective tissue defect is one of the most common causes of the disease.Manifested by weakness of the vascular walls.
- Gender (women are more prone to varicose veins).Experts associate the occurrence of the disease with changes that occur in a woman's body at different times.Pregnancy, childbirth and menopause are conditions associated with weight gain, changes in hormone levels and deformation of blood vessels.
- Excessive body weight, which obstructs blood flow in the veins, is a reason that increases the risk of disease by five times in women of fertile age.
- Nutritional featuresA lack of vitamins and plant fibers disrupts the natural regeneration of the vein walls.
- Restriction of physical activity.Blood congestion in the lower extremities is often caused by lack of exercise and prolonged sitting.Professions where you work “on your feet” (surgeon, cook) are also a high risk factor.
- Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, endocrine disorders, diseases of the heart and central nervous system, flat feet.
- Injuries to the bones and soft tissues of the legs.
In addition, a person's age (a decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels is genetically determined by the aging process) and the presence of bad habits are also important factors.
Tight clothing, uncomfortable shoes with very high heels, regular weight lifting, taking hormonal medications - all of the above reasons can also lead to the described disease.
Symptoms of varicose veins
The symptoms of the disease vary depending on the degree of varicose veins and are determined by the location, the nature of pathological changes in the vessels and the severity of circulatory disorders.
Grade 1 varicose veins usually only appear in the early stages of development.Mild discomfort that occurs in the limbs, especially after physical exertion, disappears quite quickly - the patient just needs to rest for a while.Gradually, in addition to increased fatigue, a feeling of 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 schoolchildren develop the first stage of varicose veins?The answer is yes.The medical literature of the last decades describes the manifestation of pathologies affecting adolescents aged 16-17 years.
The progression of the disease and its transition to the second phase are indicated by an increase in the intensity of symptoms.Edema and spider veins appear in the affected area.The clinical picture is complemented by local hyperthermia 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 persistent cramps.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.
diagnosis
Examination by a phlebologist is the first step in detecting 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 is used for complications.
To obtain information in various situations, phlebography (X-ray contrast, three-dimensional computer) and phleboscintigraphy are also used.The listed methods are used in certain cases that require further surgical intervention.
Stages of varicose veins
According to the academician's classification, there are three stages (degrees) of varicose veins of the lower extremities: compensatory (1), subcompensatory (2) and decompensatory (3).
Initial phase: compensation
The first stage of varicose veins can develop over several years.The disease has no age or geographical 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 detected visually.
With the help of adequate therapy, the initial stage of varicose veins can be relieved in a relatively short time.
Second stage: undercompensation
The duration of the period can be several years (the duration depends on the lifestyle, type of activity and general well-being of the patient).
In grade 2 varicose veins, a visually pronounced vascular deformation can be seen;Specific symptoms occur much more often and a reduction in their intensity requires a longer period of rest.
The subcompensation phase is detected in the majority of patients who see a doctor.A timely visit to the clinic and carrying out all the necessary manipulations will stop the development of complications.
Third stage: decompensation
Grade 3 varicose veins cause the formation of eczema and trophic ulcers without treatment.The latter occur predominantly 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.Set up individually.
The walls of the blood vessels affected by the disease lose elasticity and strength and are often damaged.Ruptures are accompanied by bleeding that 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.
In stage 3 of varicose veins, changes begin to affect the entire body: there is a weakening of the immune system and the musculoskeletal system, and alopecia can occur.
Treatment of varicose veins depending on the stage
The choice of treatment method depends on the phase of development of the pathological process.An advanced disease requires radical palliative measures.
Therapy of varicose veins in the initial phase
Varicose veins of the first degree are suppressed through the use of medications, venotonics, creams, a massage complex, sclerotherapy (injection of a special agent into a vein) and ozone therapy (a method of strengthening 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 only worsens the condition.
Medications prescribed include:
- medical products that stimulate blood circulation in the veins;
- Active ingredients that increase vascular tone.
The dosage is calculated individually depending on the patient's condition.
Auxiliary methods of conservative treatment of varicose veins include the use of medical knitwear (stockings, tights, golf) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter prevents the development of deformities and helps to reduce the strain on the vessels in the affected area when walking.They are applied after sleeping (at night) while lying down;wear all day.They are removed only in the evening before the rest period.
Compression clothing improves blood circulation and supports weakened vascular walls.
At home, you can relieve fatigue and relieve discomfort with cool foot baths.
Alleviation of form 2 disease
The principles of drug treatment of stage 2 varicose veins are similar to the treatment of the first phase of the disease.This includes the use of antithrombotic drugs, venotonics and wearing compression clothing.
Popular medications that reduce swelling include ointments and rubs.
Surgical procedures include radiofrequency therapy and laser photocoagulation.The first of these methods allows the removal of the vascular pattern and is used when patients have a history of asthma, ischemia and other serious diseases.
Radiofrequency obliteration under ultrasound control is performed when the trunks of large and small saphenous veins are damaged and helps to eliminate varicose veins.
The main recipe of traditional medicine is the use of blue clay compresses.To obtain a medicinal mixture, 2 tbsp.l.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 also wrapped in a warm towel.The minimum treatment time is two hours.
Methods for suppressing stage 3 of the disease
Treatment of grade 3 varicose veins includes surgical intervention.This includes phlebectomy (removal of the affected vessel), which is used for ulcers and blood clots.There are classic and laser methods (without 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 points: follow the principles of a healthy lifestyle, avoid tight clothing and uncomfortable shoes and consult a doctor in a timely manner.
To prevent the disease, it is advisable for pregnant women to use a properly selected bandage, compression tights or stockings.
During rehabilitation, you should eat a healthy diet, perform the recommended exercises, take a contrast shower and regularly undergo the prescribed examinations.
And most importantly: at the first suspicion of the development of the disease, you should immediately consult a phlebologist.Varicose veins detected in the initial stages can be completely eliminated without harm to health.