What are segmental varicose veins?
This is a form of venous leg disease in which there is no venous discharge. In this case, inflammation of the deep or tributary veins with a diameter of 3 mm or more occurs.
The development of the disease begins with the fact that the functioning of the venous valves is affected. This leads to a backflow of blood. This is called reflux. Violations that occur later become the cause of inflammation and pathological expansion of the walls of the tributary veins.
Varicose veins develop only in veins (vessels that carry blood from organs to the heart). The reason for this is the difference in the structure of the veins and arteries: the venous walls do not have enough layer of muscle to contract and push the blood through the bloodstream.
There are valves along the entire length of the veins that allow blood to flow in only one direction. With insufficient closing of the valves, some of the blood backs up and creates excess pressure in the vessel, which cannot push the fluid further.
Subsequently, this leads to stretching of the walls and the development of inflammatory processes in the defective parts of the veins, an increase in pressure in the subcutaneous network.
All veins in the human body are divided into deep, superficial and perforated. Deep vessels do most of the work (90%) of transporting blood to the heart, and perforated vessels are a kind of bridge between the deep and the superficial.
The structure of the veins includes valves that direct and facilitate the exit of blood only in the correct direction. When the circulatory system fails, some of the blood collects at one point.
This leads to local expansion (elongation) of the vessel. The first to suffer are the deep veins (the so-called internal varicose veins), then superficial in the form of "spider veins and ganglia".
For a full perception of the severity of the disease, it is worth noting that its progression threatens the development of thrombophlebitis, blockage of the pulmonary artery with a thrombus (or thromboembolism), as well as trophic ulcers of the leg, lymphostasis (edema of the lower extremities) and many other problems that can lead to the death of the patient.
It has already been established that the risk factors that significantly increase the possibility of developing pathology are:
Leg vein distention, which leads to varicose veins, occurs for many reasons.
One of the main reasons for this type of varicose vein is the pathology in the development of blood vessels, when the muscular walls of the veins become more dense and a so-called membrane forms inside. Arterial blood does not enter the capillary system, so the tissues do not receive the required amount of oxygen.
Dilated arm veins are rarely removed, usually conservative treatment is used:
Compression sleeves and gloves are also prescribed for patients. Wearing compression stockings all the time is not recommended, but during sports, strenuous physical activity, and weight lifting, it is necessary.
These sleeves and gloves help relieve swelling, heavy feeling and numbness in the hands. Exercising on the simulator step by step helps improve blood circulation throughout the body, which is necessary for varicose veins.
One of the reasons for development is inheritance. Furthermore, the "familial" disease is transmitted mainly through the female line. The characteristics of the structure of the blood vessels are transmitted through genes. Without observing the elementary rules of prevention, with weak venous walls, varicose veins can be gained.
The second reason is pregnancy. At this time, a large load on the veins, the tone of which decreases due to changes in the hormonal background. The growing uterus and weight gain exert strong pressure. Childbirth has an even greater negative effect on the veins. It was at this time that varicose veins wake up in many women.
Uncomfortable shoes and clothes are another reason. Tight jeans and shoes, high heels, and heavy bags are conducive to serious illness. The heel should not exceed four centimeters. The sole of the boots is wide.
The fourth reason is bad habits and difficult working conditions. Waiters, hairdressers, vendors are especially susceptible to these diseases. If you add the wrong diet, smoking, then the expansion of the veins cannot be avoided. Even a harmless "cross-legged" sitting can have disastrous consequences.
Sports loads should be moderate. Varicose veins are common in weightlifters. Weight lifting and strength training is another reason. If we add predisposition to this, then the result is not pleasant. It must always be remembered that fitness is not always beneficial.
The most common type of varicose veins are varicose veins on the legs, so many people think that the problem is concentrated only in these parts of the body. But there are several types of this disease, which are distinguished by the location of the pathology.
These places are:
Varicose veins or varicose veins are a disease in which the blood flow is affected due to the thinning and loss of elasticity of the venous walls. This disease does not appear suddenly, it is preceded by many factors.
The main thing is stagnation of blood in the extremities due to a sedentary lifestyle. First, unexpressed vascular "webs" and "stars" appear on the legs.
Then, if you do not start the treatment, the veins become thicker, let the fluid pass, because of this, the blood circulation slows down and large, bulging veins appear on the legs. There are different types of varicose veins, depending on how the disease progresses.
Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic defect, but also a serious disease with complications. Complications of varicose veins include: thrombophlebitis, bleeding, pigmentation of the skin in areas with varicose veins, lack of oxygen in the tissues.
This disease should be treated as soon as the first symptoms appear, then the treatment is easier and faster. Before starting treatment, you need a diagnosis of varicose veins, you need to donate blood for analysis and undergo a general examination.
Diagnosis is necessary to determine the type of varicose veins and prescribe an effective treatment to relieve unpleasant symptoms, restore radiance and beauty to the legs.
The types of varicose veins are classified according to the severity of the disease and the location of the varicose veins. The symptoms and treatment of each type of varicose vein also differ from each other. Let's take a closer look at what types of varicose veins exist, their symptoms and treatment methods.
Varicose veins on the legs
Every year there are more and more cases of varicose veins, especially among young people. But a few decades ago, varicose veins were considered a disorder of the elderly.
Therefore, modern experts have developed a classification system for the main and most common types of diseases. The types of varicose veins in the legs differ in symptoms, location, and speed of progression.
The structure of the venous system is very complex and includes large, medium, small, and capillary reticular vessels.
Deformation of the veins of the lower extremities can appear both in all parts of this system and in some of its areas.
Depending on the vessels that have undergone changes, the following types of varicose veins in the legs are analyzed:
Each type of varicose vein of the lower extremities requires detailed consideration due to the peculiarities of the pathological process.
This type of ailment is characterized by damage to the reticular veins, the diameter of which does not exceed 2 mm. These vessels are blue or green in color and are often intertwined in the form of webs, lines, stars. They are found immediately under the skin.
The entire course of the disease course is generally divided into four stages, each of which is characterized by certain signs:
Varicose veins have several stages. If treatment is not started in time, the transition of the disease to the next stage cannot be prevented.
Treatment of varicose veins stages is different. If in the first stage the patient can be helped with drug therapy, ointments, vitamins and exercises on a simulator such as a stepper, then more time and effort will be needed to relieve the symptoms of the following stages.
In the last stage, only surgery can help. It is true that modern methods of treating varicose veins are very effective, painless and do not require long-term rehabilitation.
These operations are performed in a hospital, do not require hospitalization of the patient and do not present complications.
Patients whose work is associated with intense physical exertion or with constantly sitting in one place are at risk. Depending on the stage and type of varicose veins, the doctor prescribes the treatment individually.
When varicose veins in the legs were diagnosed in the first stage, it responds to treatment very quickly, the doctor gives a positive prognosis. Therefore, when the first symptoms of discomfort appear in the legs, arms or other organs of the body, it is very important to urgently contact a qualified specialist who will qualitatively diagnose the pathology and prescribe a treatment that is tailored to you according to its characteristics. individual and body structure.
1 and 2 stages of varicose veins in the legs do not require radical therapy. Treatment of prescription drugs with drugs and also recommended products that support the walls of blood vessels, these can be vitamins, trace elements, minerals and other useful substances that are missing from the body.
In addition to drug treatment, sclerotherapy is used very often, a medical method, during which the victim is injected with drugs into the affected vein to stick to the affected areas.
It is also important to appoint special physical exercises that stimulate the work of the muscular system, metabolism in blood cells and artificially increase the tone of the vessels of the legs.
Regardless of the type and type of varicose veins, it is a pathology of the veins, which is caused by an improper lifestyle and an unhealthy diet. Daily moderate physical activity and the use of fortified foods will greatly provide anyone with a qualified prevention of this ailment.
Grade 1 varicose veins are characterized by the absence of external manifestations. You can suspect the onset of the disease by the following signs:
Some patients have restless legs syndrome: lying in bed, a person cannot find a comfortable position, there is a feeling of discomfort in the legs. This leads to sleep disturbances. An increase in symptoms is observed in hot weather.
With grade 2 varicose veins, the symptoms are much more pronounced. They appear already in full working day, and in the afternoon they reach their maximum. The pain is so severe that pain relievers are required.
This stage is characterized by the appearance of clinical signs:
These areas show increased pain and itching. At the end of the second stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities, the veins become visible under the skin in the form of blue spots and stripes.
Warning: At this stage, the disease is still curable. A person can get rid of the disease if he seeks medical help in a timely manner.
Grade 3 varicose veins are characterized by a pronounced deformation of the vascular wall: it thickens and the vessels contort. The veins protrude noticeably under the skin, resembling bunches of grapes in appearance.
A person is worried about severe leg pain, cramps, and fatigue. The swelling appears both at night and in the morning. This stage of varicose veins is characterized by a change in the condition of the skin. It becomes excessively dry and flaky. These manifestations are especially pronounced in the area of deformed veins.
Symptoms of the third stage of varicose veins in the legs
In the third stage, complications of the disease develop: thrombophlebitis and thromboembolism. Its appearance is associated with a pronounced stagnation of blood in the vessels, as a result of which blood clots are formed. With thrombophlebitis, inflammation of the venous wall occurs, which is manifested by an increase in temperature and severe pain in the legs.
Thromboembolism is a dangerous complication of varicose veins, associated with the separation of a thrombus from the venous wall and its entry into large vessels. Most often, blood clots from the veins in the legs enter the pulmonary artery. This causes pulmonary edema and death occurs within minutes.
This is already varicose leg veins. The veins are even more deformed, resembling tourniquets or ropes under the skin. Touching them is painful, they are almost always in the inflammation stage. Lymphostasis develops - stagnation of lymph in the vessels. The legs are very swollen and the swelling does not go away even at rest.
The scientific community of the world has systematized the manifestations of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
As the disease progresses, the patient will experience more and more pain, a constant pulling sensation in the knee area.
If varicose veins of the second degree of the esophagus are found, a person will not be able to eat normally, he will constantly bother him with heartburn and pain in the chest area. By the way, many blame the heart and intercostal neuralgia for this; rarely does anyone know about the existence of varicose veins of the esophagus.
Visually, the disease manifests itself more and more: veins that protrude blue are already visible to the naked eye and dark blue nodules may appear under the skin.
Do you need surgery for grade 2 varicose veins? It is still possible to prevent the development of the disease without surgical intervention: you just need not to be lazy and regularly take care of your legs.
Most often, the disease appears in men after fifty years. The cause of male infertility can be venous expansion of the spermatic cord.
Varicose veins develop gradually. At first, structural changes in the veins have no external manifestations and the disease can only be identified by the following signs:
One of the listed signs or its joint appearance indicates the initial stage of venous insufficiency. Seeking medical attention and taking appropriate action can prevent further structural changes in the circulatory system. Ignoring the signs of the disease leads to further development of the disease.
The next stage is characterized by the appearance of external signs: dilated vessels become visible on the skin, in some areas of the lower extremities, the pigmentation of the skin changes and peeling is noted. In addition, nodes and seals appear protruding above the skin, and when pressed, pain is felt.
Sometimes redness appears on the surface of the skin in these places. The protruding parts of the vessels and nodes are clearly visible if the patient is standing. After adopting a reclined position, the tension of the vessels decreases significantly and they become practically invisible. Walking for a long time can cause muscle aches of varying intensity.
The clinical picture described requires an immediate visit to a specialist and qualified assistance. Lack of necessary treatment in most cases leads to serious complications.
Pathology is diagnosed using diagnostic measures such as Doppler ultrasound and duplex scanning.
Doppler ultrasound detects reflux. The duplex scan complements the information obtained during the Doppler image and allows you to confirm the diagnosis.
In the early stages, only a specialist can identify varicose veins. If you suspect a disease, you should contact a vascular surgeon or phlebologist. After the initial survey and examination of the patient, additional studies are prescribed: ultrasound and contrast venography.
With the help of an ultrasound examination, it is possible to confirm the presence of pathology, as well as to establish the presence of blood clots, neoplasms and to evaluate the structural changes of the veins. Contrast venography is carried out by intravenous administration of a special staining composition, due to the movement of which all violations of the structure and functioning of the circulatory system are revealed.
Both methods are used in diagnosis, however, because the procedure is less painful, ultrasound is performed much more frequently.
The disease can be treated with medication, as well as surgery.
Ointments and creams for external use are used in conservative therapy:
The duration of use of topical preparations depends on the severity of the varicose veins and is determined by the treating physician. In general, the effect is noticeable from the second week of use.
In addition to medications, the patient is prescribed compression underwear (grade 1-2).
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are one of the most frequent vascular pathologies and, according to statistical data, they are getting younger and younger from year to year.