What are varicose veins and how do they manifest? 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 appear and why compression stockings are needed.
What are varicose veins and how do they manifest?
The veins have special valves that prevent blood from flowing through 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 initial stages:
- The veins in the legs become brighter, more visible;
- Varicose 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 satiety (usually in the evening, in the leaves);
- Painful or sharp pain appears in the places of varicose veins, in the evening and at night - cramps in the muscles of the lower leg;
- The legs are very swollen by the end of the day, but in the morning the swelling disappears.
Bitan!
Already at this stage, a consultation with a doctor is necessary.
As varicose veins progress, they become chronic (chronic venous insufficiency). Symptoms:
- Strongly winding dark blue intradermal veins appear: they protrude above the surface of the legs and feet, they look like bunches of overripe red grapes;
- There are pains in the form of onions in the legs and leaves, a feeling of heat in the legs, night cramps in the muscles of the leaves, severe swelling;
- The skin becomes dry, pigmentation appears, it becomes darker, brown spots appear.
Bitan!
Do not cause disease! In varicose veins, tissue nutrition is disturbed. There is not enough food for blood vessels and skin - wounds, eczema, and even ulcers that heal very poorly appear.
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 is reduced, the correct pressure in the vein is restored. The return of blood decreases, the walls of blood vessels remain in good condition, the valves close, the blood does not stagnate and circulates well, the speed of blood movement through deep veins increases. Reduces the volume of stagnant blood, improves lymph outflow.
- In advanced cases, when conservative treatment does not help, the doctor will suggest a surgical route: remove the dilated nodules, cut out the affected veins. To restore the functions, shunts are placed or the mobility of the valve is restored so that its wings are closed.
Compression stockings for varicose veins and ulcers
Compression socks are special socks that fit well to the lower leg and become looser as they rise 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 look at the tone of the vein, in which the valves have a problem with not closing the valves. The problem may be, for example, in the thigh: then you have to wear compression stockings. If there is a problem with closing the valve below the knee, socks or stockings are chosen.
Bitan!
For maximum efficiency, compression stockings should be worn constantly - take off only before bedtime.
How to wear compression socks?
- After waking up, put your feet on the wall and lie down for a while - so that the blood flows as much as possible into the hips;
- Without getting up, wear compression stockings.
In this position (lying down, legs raised), the blood flow is uniform, the blood does not stagnate. When compression stockings are on the legs, the veins are in good condition, 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 veins due to the formation of blood clots in it. Symptoms:
- redness;
- the place where the thrombus is located becomes hot;
- an inflamed vein hurts a lot.
If timely treatment is started, the blood clot will stop growing. The remaining blood clots can last for a long time - sometimes months. If left untreated or done improperly, a clot can grow.
Pulmonary emboli.The thrombus that appeared in thrombophlebitis separates from the vessel wall in the leg and leaves with the bloodstream. It clogs the pulmonary artery or its branches - it is fatal. Unfortunately, even when they suspect this complication in time, doctors can do nothing.
Symptoms:
- chest pain;
- rapid heart rate;
- dyspnea;
- unreasonable anxiety and an unreasonable feeling of fear.
Deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities. This is a serious and dangerous complication of varicose veins. The internal veins are clogged, which stops the outflow of blood almost completely - all the tissues of the leg do not receive nutrition and it turns blue.
Venous gangrene of the extremities- severe deep vein thrombosis, in which there is no nutrition of the extremities, arterial blood flow is disturbed. Due to the fact that the blood does not flow, gangrene develops: the foot, in fact, dies - starting with the toes.
Trophic ulcers- long-term incurable ulcers caused by tissue malnutrition. Lymph stagnates in the lymphatic vessels, experiences a heavy load and cannot cope with the amount of lymph. As a result, lymph droplets begin to separate through the skin. As a result, the epidermis begins to peel - an ulcer with uneven thick edges is formed. Every touch causes severe pain.
Bacteria grow rapidly in ulcers: join the infection, the bleeding ulcer begins to fester. This can lead to very serious complications, including blood poisoning.
Trophic ulcers are of two types:
- venous, when subcutaneous and deep extremity veins are affected;
- arterial, when the arteries in the leg 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.
Treatment of a trophic ulcer involves four stages.
The first stage - antiseptics
- Antiseptic solution for wound treatment. It is applied to the surface of the 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 peeling of the skin, blocks the spread of infection and prevents scarring.
- Aqueous halogen antiseptic solution or benzyldimethyl-myristoylamino-propylammonium.
Second stage - gels to soften dead tissue
Dead tissue is necrosis: black hardened tissue on the surface of an ulcer. If it is not removed, the ulcer will not heal. To do this, the necrosis first softens. This is done using special gels.
The third phase 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 bends that will suit you:
Alginate bandages:
- Alginate bandage that turns into a soft gel in contact with wound secretion, 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 bandage consisting of calcium alginate and hydrocolloids;
- Self-absorbing sterile coating based on sodium alginate, which is suitable for wounds and burns, accelerates healing;
- Hydroactive bandage for deep wounds. It cleans the wound, accelerates its healing, maintains the optimal environment in the wound for up to three days without changing the bandage.
Sponge bandages:
- Double-sided foam bandage. Protects the wound, absorbs the discharge from the wound, creates an optimal balance of water in the wound;
- Hydrophilic polyurethane sponge coating;
- A bandage with a complex of enzymes and chitosan is suitable for infected wounds (if there is pus in the wound);
- Antimicrobial spongy breathable coating consisting of a spongy polyurethane layer and a matrix of silver alginate.
Fourth stage - wound healing
When the wound is cleaned and an optimal environment is created in it, it begins to heal, the edges of the wound shrink. Use special dressings for safe and fast healing.
Grease mesh bandages:
- Ointment bandage with Peruvian balm to be applied when fresh skin appears on the wound;
- Triglyceride-based ointment bandage, which promotes healing and nourishes wound edges;
- The bandage, which looks like a square of wax, is soft and quite thick. It can be on the wound for up to seven days;
Film bandages that can be used to fix bandages on wounds:
- Film (but breathable) water-repellent bandage, protects the wound from microorganisms. It can be used to fix previous bends and as a stand-alone bandage.
- Transparent film polyurethane bandage, the skin under it does not sweat, breathes.
Bitan!
These bandages are suitable for healing not only trophic ulcers, but also all long-lasting 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;
- Consult a phlebologist in time at the first symptoms of the disease;
- Occasionally do an ultrasound of the blood vessels - the doctor will notice the first changes;
- After a day at work, come home and lie with your feet on the wall for about 15 minutes.
Prevention of trophic ulcers
- Pay attention to your weight: it puts pressure on your legs, burdens the vascular and lymphatic system. If necessary, follow a 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 sofa and raise your legs, placing them on the wall: you must lie like this for at least 15 minutes;
- Treat the veins of the lower extremities in time;
- Quit smoking - greatly reduces blood flow to tissues and contributes to the development of trophic ulcers;
- Take care of your feet: wear appropriate shoes so that they do not sting or rub;
- Examine your feet regularly: check the color of the skin on your feet. If in the evening the feet are flooded and veins are seen on the feet, consult a phlebologist;
- Moisturize the skin with creams for softening, hydration and care;
- Keep your feet warm, dress for the weather;
- Try not to hurt your skin.