Varicose veins in the legs are a pathology that causes thinning of the venous walls, deforming (dilating, lengthening) the blood vessels and altering blood flow.In the absence of timely treatment, the disease can lead to a series of 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 treatment of the disease.
Reasons for appearance
According to statistics, more than 60% of women and about 50% of patients of the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins in the extremities of 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 weakness of the vascular walls.
- Gender (women are more susceptible to varicose veins).Experts associate the onset of the disease with changes that occur in a woman's body at different periods.Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause are conditions accompanied by weight gain, changes in hormonal levels and deformation of blood vessels.
- Excess body weight, which impedes blood flow in the veins, is a reason that increases the risk of developing the disease five times in women of childbearing age.
- Nutritional characteristics.The lack of vitamins and plant fibers alters the natural regeneration of the walls of the veins.
- Limit physical activity.Stagnation of blood 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 arising in the pelvic organs, endocrine disorders, diseases of the heart and central nervous system, flat feet.
- Injuries to bones and soft tissues of the legs.
In addition to the above, the following factors are also important: a person's age (the 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, regular lifting of weights, taking hormonal medications - all of 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 the location, the nature of pathological changes in the vessels and the severity of blood flow disorders.
First degree varicose veins often do not appear in the early stages of development.Minor discomfort that appears in the extremities mainly after physical exertion disappears quite quickly;the patient just needs to rest for a while.Gradually, in addition to increased fatigue, heaviness in the legs and other unpleasant sensations arise along the affected vessels due to pathological changes, itching, pain and a feeling of satiety.
Does the first stage of varicose veins develop in schoolchildren?The answer is yes.The medical literature of recent decades describes the manifestation of pathologies that affect adolescents between 16 and 17 years of age.
The progression of the disease and its transition to the second phase is indicated by an increase in the intensity of symptoms.Edema and spider veins begin to appear in the affected area.The clinical picture is complemented by hyperthermia, of a local nature, and nocturnal cramps in the calf muscles.Second degree varicose veins 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 constant pain, swelling and cramps.The skin in 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.
Diagnosis
An examination by a phlebologist is the first step in identifying varicose veins.To make a definitive 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);
- Ultrasonic angioscanning, used in the presence of complications.
To obtain information in a number of situations, phlebography (X-ray contrast, three-dimensional computer) and phleboscintigraphy are also used.The listed methods are used in certain cases that require additional surgical procedures.
Stages of varicose veins
According to academic classification, there are 3 stages (grades) 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 restrictions: the disease is detected in residents of different countries, regardless of the age of the patients.
The signs that appear are usually attributed to symptoms of other diseases.The changes cannot be determined visually.
With the help of adequate therapy, relief from the initial stage 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 second degree, a visually pronounced deformation of the vessels is observed;Specific symptoms begin to appear much more frequently and reducing their intensity requires prolonged rest.
The subcompensation phase is detected in the majority of patients who consult the doctor.With a timely visit to the clinic and carrying out all the necessary manipulations, the development of complications is stopped.
Third stage: decompensation
Varicose veins of grade 3 in the absence of treatment provoke the formation of eczema and trophic ulcers.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.Individually located.
The walls of blood vessels affected by the disease lose elasticity and strength and are often damaged.Ruptures are accompanied by bleeding, which 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: a weakening of the immune system and the musculoskeletal system is observed, and alopecia may appear.
Treatment of varicose veins according to stage.
The choice of treatment method depends on the phase of development of the pathological process.An advanced disease requires radical relief measures.
Varicose vein therapy 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 that strengthens blood vessels).Additionally, you can use traditional medicine recipes.
It is prohibited to use medications, decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs independently (without consulting a doctor) - unsystematic therapy will only worsen the condition.
Among the prescribed medications:
- medical products that stimulate blood flow in the veins;
- Agents that increase vascular tone.
The dose 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 (stockings, pantyhose, 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 at night, 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.
Form 2 disease relief.
The principles of drug treatment for stage 2 varicose veins are similar to the treatment of the first phase of the disease.It involves the use of antithrombosis agents, venotonics, and the use of compression garments.
Popular medications that reduce swelling include ointments and liniments.
Surgical procedures include radiofrequency therapy and laser coagulation.The first of these methods allows you to eliminate the vascular pattern and is used if patients have a history of asthma, ischemia and other serious diseases.
Radiofrequency obliteration under ultrasound guidance is performed when the trunks of the great and small saphenous veins are damaged and helps eliminate varicose nodes.
The main recipe of traditional medicine is the use of compresses with blue clay.To obtain a medicinal mixture, 2 tablespoons are needed.l.The sedimentary rock is diluted in 1 glass of water.The resulting substance is applied to the damaged areas and fixed with a napkin.Additionally, the affected area is wrapped in a warm towel.The minimum treatment time is two hours.
Methods to suppress stage 3 of the disease.
Treatment of grade 3 varicose veins involves surgical procedures.These include phlebectomy (removal of the affected vessel), used in the presence of ulcers and blood clots.There are classic and laser implementation methods (not accompanied by incisions).
At the end of the operation, drug therapy is prescribed and the use of compression stockings is recommended.
Disease prevention
The list of rules that prevent the possible development of varicose veins includes three main points: following the principles of a healthy lifestyle, avoiding tight clothing and uncomfortable shoes, and visiting a doctor in a timely manner.
To prevent the disease, it is advisable for pregnant women to wear a properly selected bandage, stockings or compression stockings.
During rehabilitation, you must follow a healthy diet, perform the recommended set of exercises, take a contrast shower and periodically undergo the prescribed examinations.
And most importantly: at the first suspicion of the development of the disease, you should immediately seek help from a phlebologist.Varicose veins identified at the initial stage can be completely eliminated without harm to health.