Varicose veins in the legs are a pathology that causes thinning of the venous walls, deforming (dilating, stretching) the vessels, interrupting blood flow. In the absence of timely therapy, the disease can lead to a host of complications, disability and death. The following material describes in detail the stages of varicose veins of the legs, their symptoms and clinical signs, as well as the methods of treating the disease.
According to statistics, more than 60% of women and about 50% of patients representing the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins of the extremities with varying degrees of severity.
There are many triggers for the disease. Key factors include:
In addition to the above, significant factors are also: the age of a person, (a decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels is genetically determined by the aging process), the presence of bad habits.
Tight clothes, uncomfortable shoes with very high heels, regular weight lifting, taking hormonal drugs - all these reasons can also cause the ailment described.
The signs of the disease vary depending on the degree of varicose veins, are determined by the site of localization, the nature of pathological changes in the vessels, the stage of severity of blood movement disorders.
Grade 1 varicose veins very often do not appear in the early stages of development. Slight discomfort that appears in the limbs mainly after physical exertion has passed quickly enough - the patient just needs to rest for a while. Gradually as fatigue increases, heaviness in the legs and other unpleasant sensations are added, resulting from 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 affecting adolescents aged 16-17.
An increase in the intensity of symptoms testifies to the progression of the disease and its transition to the second stage. Edema, varicose veins begin to appear in the affected area. The clinical picture is complemented by hyperthermia, which has a local character, nocturnal cramps in the calf muscles. Varicose veins of the 2nd degree 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 occurrence of pain, swelling and convulsions of a constant nature. The skin of the affected area begins to peel off, loses hair, becomes dry. The color changes to brown.
In the future, there are ruptures of blood vessels, the occurrence 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 some cases that require additional surgical procedures.
According to the classification of the academician, 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 visually determine the changes.
With the help of adequate therapy, relief from the initial 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 often, and a decrease in their intensity requires prolonged rest.
The undercompensation phase is seen in most patients who go to a doctor. With a timely visit to the clinic and the performance of all 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, an even bottom and the presence of purulent contents. They are found individually.
The walls of the 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 limbs, erysipelas can develop on the affected areas. The disease is aggravated by complications such as:
At the 3rd stage of varicose veins, changes begin to affect the whole body: there is a weakening of the immune system and musculoskeletal skeleton, possibly alopecia.
The choice of a treatment method depends on the stage of the pathological process. A neglected disease requires radical relief measures.
Varicose veins of the first degree are suppressed using drugs, venotonics, creams, a massage complex, sclerotherapy (injection of a special agent into a vein) and ozone therapy (strengthening of blood vessels). Also, you can use the recipes of traditional medicine.
It is forbidden to use independently (without consulting a doctor) medicines, decoctions and infusions of herbs - casual therapy will only aggravate the condition.
Prescribed drugs:
The dosage is calculated individually, depending on the patient's condition.
Among the auxiliary methods of conservative therapy for varicose veins is the use of medical knitwear (stockings, tights, golf) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter prevents the development of deformities, helps to reduce the load on the vessels of the affected area when walking. Overlap after sleep (night), supine; worn all day. Shot only in the evening, before rest.
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 drug treatment for grade 2 varicose veins are similar to the first stage of the disease. It involves the use of antithrombotic, venotonic agents and compression undergarments.
Among the popular drugs that reduce swelling are ointments and liniment.
Surgical manipulations include radiofrequency therapy, laser coagulation. The first of these methods allows you to remove the vascular pattern, it is used if there is a history of asthma, ischemia and other serious diseases.
The radiofrequency obliteration under ultrasound control is performed in case of damage to the trunks of the great saphenous veins, it helps to eliminate varicose nodes.
The main recipe of traditional medicine is the application of compresses with blue clay. To obtain a medicinal mixture 2 tbsp. L. the 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.
Surgical procedures are used in the treatment of grade 3 varicose veins. Among them - phlebectomy (removal of the affected vessel), used in the presence of ulcers, blood clots. There are classical and laser techniques (not accompanied by incisions).
At the end of the operation drugs are prescribed and compression stockings are recommended.
There are three main points in the list of rules that prevent the possible development of varicose veins: following the principles of a healthy lifestyle, refusal of tight clothes, uncomfortable shoes and a timely visit to a doctor.
For the prevention of disease, pregnant women should use properly selected bandages, compression tights or stockings.
During rehabilitation, it is necessary to follow a healthy diet, perform the recommended set of exercises, take a contrast shower and undergo regular examinations.
And the most important thing: at the first suspicion of the development of a disorder, you should immediately seek the help of a phlebologist. Varicose veins detected in the initial stage can be completely stopped without harm to health.