Many people mistakenly believe that varicose veins are only a threat to the appearance of the legs. In fact, everything is more serious - this disease is quite often complicated by thrombosis and inflammation of deep veins, and in advanced cases, chronic venous insufficiency, which is manifested by pronounced trophic changes in tissues. Therefore, it is necessary to diagnose this pathology in the initial stages in order to prevent the development of dangerous conditions.
Varicose veins is a pathological change in the walls of venous vessels, which occurs under the influence of blood accumulated in them. Most often, this process develops in the veins of the legs and small pelvis. Normally, blood through the veins is directed only to the heart, this is facilitated by venous valves and muscles, which, with their contractions, seem to "drive" blood through the vessels. With varicose veins, for a number of reasons, an abnormal blood flow is formed. It begins to stagnate first in the deep veins, and then in the superficial ones, which increase, forming varicose veins under the skin.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities
The first signs of this disease are non-specific (they are also found in other diseases), they are combined together under the term "heavy legs syndrome". It is characterized by increased and progressive fatigue of the lower extremities, pain in the legs, a feeling of heaviness, burning and bursting in the calves, night cramps of the calf muscles. These symptoms appear at the end of the day, especially if a person has been standing or sitting for a long time during it. Subsequently, with the development of pathology, evening swelling of the rear of the foot and ankles is added to the described manifestations of the disease. After rest, the condition of sore legs usually improves.
Visual changes in the early stages of the disease are not always noticeable, since varicose veins in the legs begin with deeper vessels. The only external sign of a problem that has begun may be vascular networks. They, of course, do not always indicate varicose veins, but it is better to consult a phlebologist, a specialist in vein diseases, when they appear.
But in the later stages of varicose veins, cyanotic subcutaneous veins and varicose nodes already appear - these are enlarged and tortuous superficial veins that resemble grapes. They are usually located on the inside of the lower leg and thigh.
In addition, with the progression of the pathology, the legs begin to swell more. Gradually, chronic venous insufficiency is formed, in which venous outflow and microcirculation in tissues are disturbed. All this is reflected in the condition of the skin of the legs: it darkens, flakes, itches, then trophic ulcers appear on it, which heal very poorly. This is how varicose veins develop. A similar outcome of varicose veins can be prevented by timely treatment, therefore, if even a slight, but systematic discomfort in the legs, and vascular networks or "stars" on the skin appear, you should consult a doctor.
Symptoms of pelvic varicose veins
In the pelvis, varicose veins are less common than on the legs and predominantly in young women. The trigger for the development of this pathology is pregnancy (both hormonal and mechanical contributing factors play a role here). After childbirth, the signs of the disease, as a rule, disappear, and only about 10% of women notice a periodic resumption of unpleasant symptoms after prolonged standing, hypothermia, and physical exertion.
Varicose veins of the small pelvis are manifested by chronic pelvic pain, as well as the expansion of superficial venous formations in the perineum and vulva. Such patients often unsuccessfully treat inflammatory diseases of the reproductive organs, since pain in the lower abdomen, characteristic of pelvic varicose veins, is sometimes mistakenly associated with chronic oophoritis, salpingitis, endometriosis, etc.
How is varicose veins diagnosed?
When varicose nodes become clearly visible on the patient's legs, the doctor can make a diagnosis of "varicose disease" even without the results of instrumental studies. If the pathology is just beginning to develop or is localized in the small pelvis, an in-depth examination is indispensable.
The main method for diagnosing varicose veins is Doppler ultrasound. This study is informative in case of damage to the veins in any part of the body. With the help of ultrasound, the doctor can study the condition of the walls and the anatomy of deep and superficial veins, valves, assess blood flow in the vessels, detect backflows of blood, etc. The classification of varicose veins and, accordingly, the choice of treatment method is based precisely on the results of ultrasound.
Another diagnostic method used in this pathology is rheovasography. Its implementation allows you to determine how well the tissues of the lower extremities are filled with blood and with it nutrients. This information helps the doctor to determine at what stage the disease is: at the stage of compensation, subcompensation, etc.
Less often, phlebography is used for varicose veins - this is an X-ray examination of the veins using contrast.
In addition, a comprehensive examination of patients with varicose veins usually includes various blood tests: doctors are especially interested in the level of hemoglobin, erythrocytes, platelets, and coagulogram parameters. These data allow us to assess the density of the blood and the tendency of the patient's body to form blood clots.