Varicose veins in the legs are pathologies that cause thinning of the vein walls, deformation (dilation, lengthening) of blood vessels, and disrupting blood flow. Without timely treatment, the disease can lead to many complications, disability and death. The following materials describe in detail the stages of varicose veins in the legs, their symptoms and clinical signs, and the treatment of the disease.
According to statistics, more than 60% of women and about 50% of sexually capable patients have varicose veins of different extremities.
There are many causes of disease. The key factors include:
In addition to the above factors, important factors include: human age (the decrease in blood vessel elasticity is genetically determined by the aging process) and the existence of bad habits.
Tight-fitting clothes, uncomfortable high heels, frequent weightlifting, taking hormonal drugs-all these reasons may also cause the described illness.
The signs of disease vary depending on the degree of varicose veins, depending on the location, the nature of the pathological changes in blood vessels, and the severity of blood dyskinesia.
Grade 1 varicose veins usually do not appear in the early stages of development. The main reason is slight discomfort in the limbs after the physical exertion is fast enough-the patient only needs to rest for a while. Gradually increase the feeling of fatigue, heaviness of the legs and other discomforts caused by vascular disease, itching, pain and feelings of fullness.
Will elementary school students develop varicose veins in the first stage? The answer is yes. The medical literature in recent decades describes pathological manifestations affecting adolescents aged 16-17.
The increase in the intensity of symptoms is proof of the progression of the disease and its transition to the second stage. Edema, spider veins began to appear in the affected area. The clinical manifestations are supplemented by high fever, which has local characteristics and nighttime cramps of the calf muscles. Second-degree varicose veins are also characterized by a decrease in the frequency of symptoms after rest (prolonged).
In the third stage, the neglected form of the disease is characterized by persistent pain, swelling and convulsions. The skin on the affected area begins to fall off, lose hair, and become dry. The color changes to brown.
In the future, blood vessels will rupture and trophic ulcers will occur.
A phlebologist's examination is the first step in detecting varicose veins. For the final diagnosis, in addition to mandatory examinations, doctors can also prescribe:
In order to obtain information in many cases, venography (a three-dimensional computer that is radiopaque) and venous scintigraphy are also used. The listed methods require further surgery in some cases.
According to the classification of academicians, varicose veins of the lower limbs are divided into three stages (degrees)-compensatory (1), subcompensatory (2) and compensatory (3).
The first stage of varicose veins may last for several years. The disease has no age and geographic restrictions: the disease can be found among residents of different countries regardless of the age of the patient.
The symptoms that appear are usually called symptoms of other diseases. It is impossible to visually determine the change.
With appropriate treatment, the early stages of varicose veins can be relieved in a relatively short time.
The length of this period can reach several years (its duration depends on lifestyle, type of activity and the patient's general health).
In the case of grade 2 varicose veins, the blood vessels have obvious deformation. Certain symptoms begin to appear more frequently, while reduced intensity requires long rest periods.
The over-compensation phase is detected in most patients who see a doctor. By visiting the clinic in time and performing all necessary operations, complications can be suppressed.
Grade 3 varicose veins can cause eczema and the formation of trophic ulcers without treatment. The latter mainly occurs on the inner surface of the leg (above the instep and less frequently above the ankle), and is characterized by irregular shapes, flat bottoms and purulent contents. They are located separately.
The walls of blood vessels affected by the disease lose their elasticity and strength, and are often damaged. Rupture is 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 area. This complication makes the disease worse:
In the third stage of varicose veins, changes begin to affect the entire body: the immune system and the musculoskeletal framework (probably hair loss) are weakened.
The choice of treatment depends on the stage of development of the pathological process. Neglected diseases require radical mitigation measures.
Independent (without doctor's consultation) use of medicines, decoctions, and herbal infusions are prohibited: random treatment will only aggravate the condition.
Prescription drugs:
The dose is calculated separately according to the patient's condition.
The auxiliary methods for conservative treatment of varicose veins include the use of medical knitted garments (stockings, tights, golf balls) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter can prevent the development of deformities and help reduce the load on the blood vessels in the diseased area during walking. Stack in a supine position after bedtime (night); wear all day long. Only shoot before the evening break.
The pressure suit improves blood circulation and supports weak blood vessel walls.
A cool foot bath can be used at home to reduce fatigue and discomfort.
The principle of medical treatment for grade 2 varicose veins is similar to the first stage of the disease. It involves the use of antithrombotic drugs, venotonics and wearing compression underwear.
Among popular medicines to reduce edema, there are ointments and doses.
Surgery includes radiofrequency treatment and laser coagulation. The first of these methods allows you to remove blood vessel patterns, which can be used if you have a history of asthma, ischemia, and other serious diseases.
When the torso of the large and small saphenous veins is damaged, radiofrequency occlusion under ultrasound control can help eliminate varicose veins.
The main formula of traditional medicine is to use blue clay to apply dressings. To get 2 tablespoons of medicinal mixture. l. Sedimentary rocks reproduce in 1 cup of water. Apply the resulting substance to the damaged area fixed with a napkin. The affected area was also wrapped in a warm towel. The minimum treatment time is two hours.
Surgery is used to treat grade 3 varicose veins. Among them-phlebectomy (removal of the affected blood vessel), used for ulcers, blood clots. There are classic and laser (not accompanied by incision) techniques.
At the end of the operation, medication should be given and compression stockings are recommended.
The three points in the list of rules can prevent the possible development of varicose veins: follow the principles of a healthy lifestyle, refuse to wear tight clothes, uncomfortable shoes, and seek medical attention in time.
To prevent disease, pregnant women should use an appropriately selected bandage, compression tights or stockings.
During your recovery period, you should stick to a healthy diet, perform the recommended exercises, take contrast showers and have regular checkups.
The most important thing is: when you suspect the development of the disease at first, you should immediately seek the help of a phlebologist. Varicose veins detected in the initial stage can be completely stopped without harming health.