Varicose veins of the legs is a pathology that causes thinning of the venous walls, deforming (dilating, lengthening) blood vessels, disrupting blood flow.In the absence of timely treatment, 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 symptoms and clinical signs, as well as methods of treating 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 of the extremities in varying degrees of severity.
There are many reasons that are the trigger for 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.Manifested by weakness of the vascular walls.
- Gender (ladies are more susceptible to varicose veins).Experts associate the appearance of the disease with changes occurring 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 the flow of blood in the veins, is a reason that increases the risk of developing the disease in women of fertile age by 5 times.
- Nutritional features.Lack of vitamins and plant fibers disrupt the natural regeneration of vein walls.
- Limiting 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, heart and central nervous system diseases, flat feet.
- Injuries to bones and soft tissues of the legs.
In addition to the above, significant factors are also: a 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, regular lifting of weights, taking hormonal medications - all of the above reasons can also cause the described illness.
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 stage of severity of blood flow disorders.
Varicose veins of the 1st degree most often do not appear in the early stages of development.Minor discomfort, which appears in the limbs mainly after physical exertion, goes away 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 that arise along the vessels affected by pathological changes, itching, aching, and a feeling of fullness are added.
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 aged 16-17 years.
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, which is local in nature, and night cramps in the calf muscles.Varicose veins of the 2nd degree 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 occurrence of pain, swelling and constant cramps.The skin on the affected area begins to peel, loses hair, and becomes dry.The color changes to brown.
In the future, ruptures of blood vessels and the appearance of trophic ulcers are noted.
Diagnostics
An examination by a phlebologist is the first stage in identifying varicose veins.To make a final 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);
- Ultrasound 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 further surgical procedures.
Stages of varicose veins
According to the academician’s classification, there are 3 stages (degrees) 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 often attributed to symptoms of other diseases.Changes cannot be determined visually.
With the help of adequate therapy, relief of the initial stage of varicose veins occurs in a relatively short time.
Second stage: subcompensation
The length 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 2nd degree, visually pronounced deformation of the vessels is noted;specific symptoms begin to appear much more often, and reducing their intensity requires prolonged rest.
The subcompensation phase is detected in the majority of patients who consult a doctor.With a timely visit to the clinic and carrying out all the necessary manipulations, the development of complications is stopped.
Third stage: decompensation
Grade 3 varicose veins in the absence of therapy causes 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.Situated singly.
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:
- vein thrombosis;
- thrombophlebitis;
- lymphangitis.
At 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 occur.
Treatment of varicose veins depending on the stage
The choice of treatment method depends on the phase of development of the pathological process.An advanced disease requires radical relief measures.
Therapy of varicose veins in the initial phase
Varicose veins of the first degree are suppressed by using 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 drugs:
- medical products that stimulate blood flow in the veins;
- agents that increase vascular tone.
The dosage 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, tights, golf) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter prevents the development of deformity and helps reduce the load on the vessels of the affected area when walking.They are applied after sleep (at night), in a lying position;wear all day.They are removed only in the evening, before rest.
Compression garments improve blood circulation and support weakened vascular walls.
At home, you can use cool foot baths to relieve fatigue and reduce discomfort.
Relief of form 2 disease
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 wearing 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 remove the vascular pattern and is used if patients have a history of asthma, ischemia and other serious diseases.
Radiofrequency obliteration under ultrasound control 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 using blue clay.To obtain a medicinal mixture, 2 tbsp.l.sedimentary rock is diluted in 1 glass of water.The resulting substance is applied to the damaged areas and fixed with a napkin.The affected area is additionally wrapped in a warm towel.The minimum treatment time is two hours.
Methods of suppressing stage 3 of the disease
The 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 classical and laser (not accompanied by incisions) methods of implementation.
At the end of the operation, drug therapy is prescribed, and wearing 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.
In order to prevent the disease, it is advisable for pregnant women to use a properly selected bandage, compression tights or stockings.
During rehabilitation, you should adhere to a healthy diet, perform the recommended set of exercises, take a contrast shower and regularly undergo prescribed examinations.
And the most important thing: 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.