Varicose veins of the legs are a pathology that causes thinning of the vein walls, deformation (expansion, lengthening) of blood vessels, and obstruction of blood flow.In the absence of timely treatment, the disease can lead to numerous 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 occurrence
According to statistics, more than 60% of women and about 50% of patients of the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins of the extremities in varying degrees of severity.
There are many reasons that trigger 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 is manifested by the weakness of the vascular walls.
- Gender (women are more susceptible to varicose veins).Experts associate the appearance of the disease with the changes that occur in a woman's body in different periods.Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause are conditions accompanied by weight gain, changes in hormonal levels and deformation of blood vessels.
- Excess body weight, which hinders blood flow in the veins, is the reason that increases the risk of developing the disease in women of childbearing age by 5 times.
- Nutritional characteristics.The lack of vitamins and plant fibers disrupts the natural regeneration of vein walls.
- Limiting physical activity.Blood stagnation in the lower extremities is often caused by lack of movement and prolonged sitting.Professions that involve working "on your feet" (surgeon, cook) are also a high risk factor.
- Inflammatory diseases that occur in 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 to the above, important factors are: a person's age (the decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels is genetically conditioned 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
Signs of the disease vary depending on the degree of varicose veins and are determined by localization, the nature of pathological changes in the vessels and the degree of severity of blood flow disorders.
Varicose veins of the 1st degree usually do not appear in the early stages of development.Minor discomfort, which occurs in the limbs mainly after physical exertion, disappears quite quickly - the patient just needs to rest for a while.Gradually, along with increased fatigue, heaviness in the legs and other unpleasant sensations that arise along the blood vessels affected by pathological changes, itching, pain and a feeling of satiety are added.
Do schoolchildren develop the first stage of varicose veins?The answer is yes.The medical literature of recent decades describes the manifestations of pathologies that affect adolescents aged 16-17 years.
Progression of the disease and its transition to the second stage indicates an increase in the intensity of symptoms.Edema and spider veins begin to appear in the affected area.The clinical picture is completed by hyperthermia of a local nature and night 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 pain, swelling and constant cramps.The skin on 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 observed.
Diagnostics
Examination by a phlebologist is the first stage in the identification of varicose veins.For the 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 in the presence of complications.
Phlebography (X-ray contrast, three-dimensional computer) and phleboscintigraphy are used to obtain information in numerous situations.The mentioned methods are used in certain cases that require further surgical procedures.
Stages of varicose veins
According to the academic 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 geographical limitations: 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, relief of the initial phase 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 blood vessels is observed;specific symptoms begin to appear much more often, and reducing their intensity requires a longer rest.
The phase of subcompensation is detected in most patients who consult a doctor.A timely visit to the clinic and carrying out all the necessary manipulations stops the development of complications.
The third stage: decompensation
Varicose veins of the 3rd degree in the absence of therapy cause the formation of eczema and trophic ulcers.The latter mostly appear 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 individually.
The walls of blood vessels affected by the disease lose elasticity and firmness 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 worsens with complications such as:
- venous thrombosis;
- thrombophlebitis;
- lymphangitis.
In the 3rd stage of varicose veins, the changes begin to affect the entire body: a weakening of the immune and musculoskeletal systems is observed, and alopecia may also occur.
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.
Varicose veins therapy in the initial phase
Varicose veins of the first degree are treated with drugs, venotonics, creams, massage complex, sclerotherapy (injection of a special agent into the vein) and ozone therapy (a method of strengthening blood vessels).In addition, you can use recipes of traditional medicine.
It is forbidden to use medicines, decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs on your own (without consulting a doctor): unsystematic therapy will only worsen the condition.
Among the prescribed drugs:
- medical products that stimulate blood flow in the veins;
- agents that increase vascular tone.
The dosage is calculated individually, depending on the patient's condition.
Among the auxiliary methods of conservative treatment of varicose veins is the use of medical knitwear (socks, tights, golf) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter prevents the development of deformities and helps reduce the load on the vessels of the affected area when walking.They are applied after sleeping (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 cold foot baths to relieve fatigue and reduce discomfort.
Alleviation of form 2 of the disease
The principles of treatment of stage 2 varicose veins are similar to the treatment of stage 1 of the disease.It includes the use of antithrombotic agents, venotonics and wearing compression garments.
Popular remedies to reduce swelling include ointments and liniments.
Surgical procedures include radiofrequency therapy and laser coagulation.The first of these methods allows you to remove the vascular pattern 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 large and small saphenous veins are damaged and helps to remove varicose nodes.
The main prescription of traditional medicine is the use of blue clay poultices.To get a healing 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 additionally wrapped in a warm towel.The minimum treatment time is two hours.
Methods of suppressing stage 3 of the disease
Treatment of stage 3 varicose veins involves surgical procedures.This includes phlebectomy (removal of the affected vessel), which is used in the presence of ulcers and blood clots.There are classic and laser (no incision) implementation methods.
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: respecting the principles of a healthy lifestyle, avoiding tight clothes and uncomfortable shoes, and going to the doctor in a timely manner.
In order to prevent the disease, pregnant women are advised to use a properly selected bandage, compression tights or socks.
During rehabilitation, you should follow a healthy diet, perform the recommended set of exercises, take a contrast shower and undergo regular check-ups.
And most importantly: at the first suspicion of the development of the disease, immediately seek help from a phlebologist.Varicose veins, identified in the initial stage, can be completely eliminated without harm to health.