Varicose veins of the legs are pathologies that cause thinning of the venous wall, deformation (widening, lengthening) of the ducts, disrupting blood flow. If there is no timely therapy, the disease can lead to a number of complications, disabilities, and death. The material below describes in detail the stages of varicose veins of the legs, its 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-representatives of the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins in the extremities in varying degrees of severity.
There are many triggers for this disease. Key factors include:
In addition to the above, important factors are also: a person's age, (decreased elasticity of blood vessels is genetically determined by the aging process), the presence of bad habits.
Tight clothing, uncomfortable shoes with very high heels, lifting weights regularly, taking hormone medications - all of these can also lead to the underlying disease.
The symptoms of the disease vary depending on the degree of varicose veins, determined by the location of localization, the nature of the pathological changes in the blood vessels, the severity of the movement disorders.
Grade 1 varicose veins most often do not appear in the early stages of development. Discomfort that arises in the limbs especially after physical exercise runs fast - the patient only needs to rest for a while. Gradually, increased fatigue, heaviness in the legs and other unpleasant sensations that arise during pathological changes in the vessels, itching, pain, and a feeling of fullness are added.
Do first-degree varicose veins develop in school students? The answer is yes. The medical literature of recent decades describes the pathological manifestations affecting adolescents aged 16-17 years.
Increased symptom intensity proves the progression of the disease and its transition to the second phase. Edema, spider veins begin to appear in the affected area. The clinical picture is complemented by hyperthermia, which has a local character, night cramps in the calf muscles. 2nd degree varicose veins are also characterized by a decrease in the frequency of manifestations of symptoms after rest (prolonged).
The neglected form of the disease in the third stage is characterized by the occurrence of constant pain, swelling and cramps. The skin in the affected area begins to peel off, hair falls out, becomes dry. The color turns brown.
In the future, there will be rupture of blood vessels, the occurrence of trophic ulcers.
Examination by a phlebologist is the first step to detect varicose veins. For final diagnosis, in addition to mandatory testing, the doctor may prescribe:
For information in a number of situations, phlebography (radiopaque, three-dimensional computer), phleboscintigraphy are also used. The methods listed are used in certain cases that require further surgical procedures.
According to the classification of academics, there are 3 stages (degrees) of varicose veins in the lower leg - compensation (1), subcompensation (2) and decompensation (3).
The first stage of varicose veins can develop over several years. The disease has no age and geographical limitations: the disease is detected in people from different countries, regardless of the age of the patient.
The symptoms that appear are often referred to as symptoms of other diseases. Changes cannot be identified visually.
With the help of adequate therapy, the early release of varicose veins occurs in a relatively short time.
The duration can be several years (the duration depends on the lifestyle, type of activity and general well-being of the patient).
With class 2 varicose veins, there are visually deformed vessels; certain symptoms begin to appear more frequently, and decreased intensity requires prolonged rest.
The subcompensation phase is detected in most patients who see a doctor. With a timely visit to the clinic and performing all the necessary manipulations, the development of complications can be suppressed.
Grade 3 varicose veins in the absence of therapy cause the formation of eczema, trophic ulcers. The latter occurs mainly on the inner surface of the foot (more rarely on the back, above the ankle) and is distinguished by its irregular shape, flat bottom, and the presence of purulent contents. They are located singly.
Diseases of the affected vessels lose elasticity and strength, and are often damaged. Bursting is accompanied by bleeding, which rarely stops on its own.
In the third stage of varicose veins in the lower leg, erythrocytes can develop in the affected area. The disease is exacerbated by complications such as:
In the 3rd stage of varicose veins, the changes begin to affect the whole body: there is a weakness of the immune system and musculoskeletal skeleton, possibly alopecia.
The choice of treatment method depends on the phase of the pathological process. Neglected diseases require radical release measures.
First-degree varicose veins are suppressed using drugs, venotonics, creams, massage complexes, sclerotherapy (injection of special agents into veins) and ozone therapy (strengthening of blood vessels). Alternatively, you can use traditional medicine recipes.
It is forbidden to use drugs, decoctions and herbal infusions independently (without consulting a doctor): spray therapy will only worsen the condition.
Prescription medication:
Dosage is calculated individually, depending on the patient's condition.
Among the conservative methods of therapy for varicose veins are the use of medical knitwear (stockings, tights, golf) and elastic bandages.
The latter use prevents the development of defects, helping to reduce the load on vessels in the affected area while walking. They are laid down after sleep (night), in a supine position; worn all day. Filmed only in the afternoon, before relaxing.
Compression clothing improves blood circulation and supports weak vascular walls.
Cold foot baths can be used at home to reduce fatigue and discomfort.
The principles of drug treatment for class 2 varicose veins are similar to the first phase of the disease. It involves the use of antithrombotic agents, venotonics, and the application of compression pants.
Among the popular drugs that reduce swelling are ointments and liniment.
Surgical manipulation includes radio frequency therapy, laser freezing. This first method allows you to remove vascular patterns, used if there is a history of asthma, ischemia and other serious diseases.
Removal of radio frequencies under ultrasound control is performed when the trunk of a large small saphenous vein is damaged, and helps remove varicose veins.
The main recipe of traditional medicine is the use of compresses using blue clay. To get a mixture of medicine 2 tbsp. l. sedimentary rocks are propagated in 1 glass of water. The resulting material is applied to the damaged area, repaired with a napkin. The affected area is also wrapped in a warm towel. The minimum therapy time is two hours.
In the treatment of class 3 varicose veins, surgical procedures are involved. Among them - phlebectomy (removal of the affected duct), used in the presence of ulcers, blood clots. There are classic and laser techniques (not included with incisions).
At the end of the operation, drug therapy is prescribed, and compression socks are recommended.
There are three main things in the list of rules that prevent the possible development of varicose veins: following the principles of a healthy lifestyle, rejection of tight clothing, uncomfortable shoes, and timely visits to the doctor.
For disease prevention, pregnant women should use properly selected bandages, tights or stockings.
During recovery, you should adhere to a healthy diet, do recommended exercise, contrast baths and undergo regular checkups.
And most importantly: at the first suspicion of the development of the disease, you should immediately seek help from a phlebologist. Varicose veins detected at an early stage can be completely stopped without damaging health.