Varicose veins in the legs are a pathology that causes thinning of the venous walls, deforming (dilating, lengthening) the vessels, interrupting blood flow. In the absence of timely therapy, the disease can lead to a number of complications, disability and death. The material below describes in detail the stages of varicose veins of the legs, their clinical symptoms and signs, as well as methods of treating the disease.
According to statistics, more than 60% of women and approximately 50% of patients, representatives of the stronger sex, suffer from varicose veins in the extremities in varying degrees of severity.
There are many triggers for the disease. Key factors include:
In addition to the above, important factors are also: the person's age (a decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels is genetically determined by the aging process), the presence of bad habits.
Tight clothing, uncomfortable shoes with very high heels, lifting weights regularly, taking hormonal medications - all these reasons can also cause the ailment described.
The signs of the disease vary depending on the degree of varicose veins, they are determined by the location, the nature of pathological changes in the vessels, the stage of severity of blood movement disorders.
Grade 1 varicose veins do not usually appear in the early stages of development. Minor discomfort that appears in the extremities mainly after physical exertion passes quickly enough: the patient only needs to rest for a while. Gradually, to the increase in fatigue, heaviness in the legs and other unpleasant sensations are added that arise along the pathological changes in the vessels, itching, pains and a feeling of fullness.
Does the first stage of varicose veins develop in schoolchildren? The answer is yes. The medical literature of the last decades describes the manifestation of pathologies that affect adolescents aged 16 to 17 years.
An increase in the intensity of symptoms attests to the progression of the disease and its transition to the second phase. Edema, spider veins begin to appear in the affected area. The clinical picture is complemented by hyperthermia, which has a local character, night cramps in the calf muscles. Second-degree varicose veins are also characterized by a decrease in the frequency of symptom manifestations after (prolonged) rest.
Neglected forms of the disease in the third stage are characterized by the appearance of pain, swelling and seizures of a constant nature. The skin in the affected area begins to shed, lose hair and become dry. The color changes to brown.
In the future, there are ruptures of blood vessels, the appearance of trophic ulcers.
Examination by a phlebologist is the first step in detecting varicose veins. For the final diagnosis, in addition to the mandatory tests, the doctor may prescribe:
To obtain information in a number of situations, phlebography (radiopaque, three-dimensional computer), phleboscintigraphy are also used. The methods listed are used in certain cases that require additional surgical procedures.
According to the academic's classification, there are 3 stages (degrees) of varicose veins of the lower extremities: compensatory (1), subcompensatory (2) and decompensatory (3).
The first stage of varicose veins can develop over several years. The disease has no age and geographical restrictions: the disease is detected in residents of different countries, regardless of the age of the patients.
The symptoms that appear are often referred to as symptoms of other diseases. It is impossible to determine the changes visually.
With the help of proper therapy, relief of the early stage of varicose veins occurs in a relatively short time.
The duration of the period can reach several years (its duration depends on the lifestyle, the type of activity and the general well-being of the patient).
With grade 2 varicose veins, there is a visually pronounced deformation of the vessels; Specific symptoms begin to appear much more frequently and a decrease in intensity requires a long rest.
The undercompensation phase is detected in most patients who visit the doctor. With a timely visit to the clinic and the performance of all the necessary manipulations, the development of complications is suppressed.
Grade 3 varicose veins in the absence of therapy provoke the formation of eczema, trophic ulcers. The latter occur mainly on the inner surfaces of the legs (less often on the back, above the ankles) and are distinguished by an irregular shape, a uniform butt, and the presence of purulent content. They are individually located.
The walls of the vessels affected by the disease lose elasticity and strength, and are often damaged. The ruptures are accompanied by bleeding, which rarely stops on its own.
In the third stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities, erysipelas can develop in the affected areas. The disease is aggravated by complications such as:
In the 3rd stage of varicose veins, the changes begin to affect the whole body: there is a weakening of the immune system and the musculoskeletal skeleton, possibly alopecia.
The choice of treatment method depends on the developmental stage of the disease process. A neglected disease requires radical relief measures.
First degree varicose veins are suppressed through the use of medications, venotonics, creams, massage complexes, sclerotherapy (injection of a special agent into a vein), and ozone therapy (strengthening of the blood vessels). Also, you can use recipes of traditional medicine.
It is forbidden to use medicines, decoctions and herbal infusions independently (without consulting a doctor) - fortuitous therapy will only aggravate the condition.
Prescription Drugs:
The dose is calculated individually, depending on the patient's condition.
Among the auxiliary methods of conservative therapy for varicose veins is the use of knitted medical garments (stockings, stockings, golf) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter prevents the development of deformities, helps reduce the load on the vessels of the affected area when walking. They overlap after sleep (night), supine; used all day. Filmed only at night, before the break.
Compression garments improve blood circulation and support weakened vascular walls.
Cold foot baths can be used at home to reduce fatigue and discomfort.
The principles of pharmacological treatment of grade 2 varicose veins are similar to those of the first phase of the disease. It involves the use of antithrombotic and venotonic agents and the use of compression underwear.
Popular medications that reduce swelling include ointments and liniment.
Surgical manipulations include radio frequency therapy, laser coagulation. The first of these methods allows you to eliminate the vascular pattern, it is used if there is 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 the varicose ganglia.
The main recipe of traditional medicine is the application of compresses with blue clay. To obtain a medicinal mixture 2 tablespoons. l. Sedimentary rock is raised in 1 glass of water. The resulting substance is applied to the damaged areas, fixed with a napkin. The affected area is also wrapped in a warm towel. The minimum therapy time is two hours.
In the treatment of grade 3 varicose veins, surgical procedures are involved. Among them, phlebectomy (removal of the affected vessel), which is used in the presence of ulcers, blood clots. There are classical and laser techniques (not accompanied by incisions).
At the end of the operation, drug therapy is prescribed and compression stockings are recommended.
There are three main points on the list of rules that prevent the possible development of varicose veins: following the principles of a healthy lifestyle, refusing tight clothing, uncomfortable shoes, and a timely visit to a doctor.
For disease prevention, pregnant women should wear a properly selected bandage, compression stockings or compression stockings.
During rehabilitation, you should follow a healthy diet, perform the recommended series of exercises, take a contrast shower, and undergo regular examinations.
And most importantly: at the first suspicion of the development of an ailment, you should immediately seek the help of a phlebologist. Varicose veins detected in the initial stage can be completely stopped without harm to health.