What are segmental varicose veins?
This is a form of venous disease of the lower extremities in which there is no venous secretion. In this case, inflammation of 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 impaired. This leads to a reflux 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 on the veins (vessels that carry blood from the 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 a sufficient muscle layer to contract and push blood through the bloodstream.
There are valves along the entire length of the veins that allow blood to flow in one direction only. With insufficient closure of the valves, some of the blood flows back and creates excess pressure in the vessel, which is unable to push the fluid further.
Subsequently, this leads to stretching of the walls and the development of inflammatory processes in the malfunctioning parts of the veins, an increase in pressure in the subcutaneous network.
All the veins in the human body are divided into deep, superficial and perforated. The deep vessels do almost all of the work (90%) of transporting blood to the heart, and the perforated vessels are a kind of bridge between the deep and the superficial.
The structure of the veins provides valves that direct and favor the outflow of blood only in the right direction. When the circulatory system fails, some of the blood builds up at some point.
This leads to local expansion (elongation) of the vessel. The first to suffer from it are the deep veins (the so-called internal varicose veins), subsequently superficial in the form of "spider veins and knots".
For a complete perception of the severity of the disease, it is worth noting that its progression threatens the development of thrombophlebitis, pulmonary artery blockade with a thrombus (or thromboembolism), as well as trophic ulcers of the leg, lymphostasis (edema of the limbslower) and many other patient problems that can lead to patient death.
It has already been established that the risk factors that significantly increase the possibility of developing pathologies are:
Distension of the leg veins, which leads to varicose veins, occurs for many reasons.
One of the main reasons for this type of varicose veins is the pathology in the development of blood vessels, when the muscular walls of the veins become denser and a so-called membrane is formed inside. Arterial blood does not enter the capillary system, so the tissues do not receive the required amount of oxygen.
Dilated veins in the arm are rarely removed, usually conservative treatment is used:
Patients are also prescribed gloves and compression sleeves. It is not recommended to always wear compression socks, but during sports, strenuous physical activity and weight lifting, it is necessary.
These sleeves and gloves help relieve swelling, heaviness and numbness in the hands. Exercise on the stepper simulator helps improve blood circulation throughout the body, which is necessary for varicose veins.
One of the reasons for the development is inheritance. Furthermore, the "familial" disease is mainly transmitted through the female line. Features of the structure of blood vessels are passed on through genes. Not observing the elementary rules of prevention, with weak venous walls, you can earn varicose veins.
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. Strong pressure is exerted by the growing uterus and increasing weight. 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. Jeans and skinny shoes, high heels, heavy bags favor a 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 particularly sensitive to such diseases. If you add the wrong diet, smoking, it is not possible to avoid the expansion of the veins. Even a harmless "cross-legged" session can lead to disastrous consequences.
Sports loads should be moderate. Varicose veins are common in weightlifters. Barbell lifting and strength training are another reason. If we add predisposition to this, the result is not pleasant. It should always be remembered that fitness is not always beneficial.
The most common type of varicose veins are varicose veins in 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.
Such places are:
Varicose veins or varicose veins is a disease in which blood flow is reduced due to 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 blood congestion in the extremities due to a sedentary lifestyle. First, unexpressed vascular "webs" and "stars" appear on the legs.
So, if you do not start treatment, the veins become denser, they let the fluid pass, because of this the blood circulation slows down and large and protruding veins appear on the legs. There are several 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, skin pigmentation in areas with varicose veins, lack of oxygen in the tissues.
This disease must be treated as soon as the first symptoms appear, so treatment is easier and faster. Before starting treatment, a diagnosis of varicose veins is required, it is necessary to donate blood for tests and undergo a general examination.
Diagnostics is necessary to determine the type of varicose veins and prescribe effective treatment to relieve unpleasant symptoms, restore lightness and beauty to the legs.
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 veins 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 disease of the elderly.
Therefore, modern experts have developed a classification system for the main and most common types of disease. Types of varicose veins on the legs differ in symptoms, location and rate 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 limbs can manifest itself both in all parts of this system, and in some of its areas.
According to which vessels have undergone changes, the following types of varicose veins on the legs are analyzed:
Each type of varicose veins 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 vases are blue or green in color and are often intertwined in the form of nets, lines, stars. They are located immediately under the skin.
The entire course of the disease is usually divided into four phases, each of which is characterized by certain signs:
Varicose veins have different stages. If the treatment is not started in time, it is not possible to avoid the passage of the disease to the next stage.
Treatment of the stages of varicose veins is different. If in the first stage the patient can be helped by drug therapy, ointments, vitamins and exercises on a simulator such as a stepper, it will take more time and effort to relieve the symptoms of the later stages.
In the last stage, only surgery can help. True and modern methods of treating varicose veins are very effective, painless and do not require long-term rehabilitation.
Such operations are performed in a hospital, do not require hospitalization of the patient and have no complications.
At risk are patients whose work is associated with intense physical exertion or constantly sitting in one place. Depending on the stage and type of varicose veins, the doctor individually prescribes treatment.
When varicose veins on the legs have been diagnosed in the first stage, respond to treatment very quickly, the doctor gives a positive prognosis. Therefore, it is very important when the first symptoms of discomfort in the legs, arms or other organs of the body appear, urgently contact a qualified specialist who will qualitatively diagnose the pathology and prescribe a suitable treatment for you based on your individual characteristics and structurecorporeal.
1 and 2 stages of varicose veins in the legs do not require radical therapy. Prescribed drug treatment 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 lacking in the body.
In addition to drug treatment, sclerotherapy, a medical method, is very often used, during which the victim is injected with drugs into the affected vein for bonding in 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 improper lifestyle and unhealthy diet. Moderate daily physical activity and the use of fortified foods will largely provide anyone with qualified prevention of this disorder.
Grade 1 varicose veins are characterized by the absence of external manifestations. The onset of the disease can be suspected 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. Increased symptoms are noted in the warm season.
With grade 2 varicose veins, the symptoms are much more pronounced. They appear already in the middle of the working day and reach their maximum in the evening. The pain is so severe that pain medication is needed.
This phase is characterized by the appearance of clinical signs:
In these areas, pain and itching increase. By 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 streaks.
Warning: at this stage, the disease is still treatable. 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 marked deformation of the vascular wall: it thickens and the vessels contort. The veins protrude considerably under the skin, resembling clusters of grapes in their appearance.
A person is worried about severe pain in the legs, cramps, fatigue. Swelling appears both in the evening 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 crumbly. 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. Their 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 detachment of a thrombus from the venous wall and the penetration of large vessels. Most often, blood clots from the leg veins enter the pulmonary artery. This causes pulmonary edema and death occurs within minutes.
These are already neglected varicose veins of the legs. The veins are even more deformed, resemble tourniquets or cords under the skin. Touching them is painful, they are almost always in the inflammation phase. Lymphostasis develops - stagnation of lymph in the vessels. The legs are very swollen and the swelling does not subside even at rest.
The scientific community of the world has systematized the manifestations of varicose veins of the lower limbs.
Given the patient's due attention to his own state of health, it is simply impossible not to notice the onset of the development of the disease.
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 2nd degree of the esophagus are found - a person will not be able to eat normally, he will be constantly bothered by heartburn and pain in the chest area. By the way, many blame the heart and intercostal neuralgia for it - rarely does anyone know about the existence of varicose veins in the esophagus.
Visually, the disease manifests itself more and more: protruding blue veins are already visible to the naked eye, and dark blue nodules may appear under the skin.
Do you need Grade 2 varicose vein surgery? It is still possible to prevent the development of the disease without surgery - 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 a 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 determined by the following signs:
One of the listed signs or their joint appearance indicates the initial stage of venous insufficiency. Seeking medical care and taking timely measures can prevent further structural changes in the circulatory system. Ignoring the signs of the disease leads to the 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 limbs, the skin pigmentation changes and peeling is noted. In addition, knots and seals appear that protrude above the skin, and when pressed, pain is felt.
Sometimes redness appears on the surface of the skin in these spots. The protruding areas of the vessels and nodes are clearly visible when the patient is standing. After assuming a lying position, the tension of the vessels decreases significantly and they become practically invisible. Long-term walking can cause muscle pain of varying intensity.
The clinical picture described requires an immediate visit to a specialist and qualified assistance. Lack of the 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 completes the information obtained during Doppler imaging 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 - contrast ultrasound and venography.
With the help of ultrasound examination it is possible to confirm the presence of pathology, as well as to establish the presence of blood clots, neoplasms and to assess structural changes in the veins. Contrast venography is performed by intravenous administration of a special coloring 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, due to the less painfulness of the procedure, ultrasound is done much more often.
The disease can be cured with both drugs and surgery.
Ointments and creams for external use are used in conservative therapy:
The duration of the use of topical preparations depends on the severity of varicose veins and is determined by the attending physician. The effect is usually evident as early as the second week of use.
In addition to medication, the patient is prescribed to wear compression underwear (grade 1-2).
Varicose veins of the lower limbs are one of the most common vascular pathologies and, according to statistical data, they are constantly aging from year to year.