According to statistics, more than 60% of women and about 50% of patients-representatives of the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins of the extremities of varying degrees of severity.
There are many causes of the disease. Key factors include:
In addition to the above, important factors are also: the age of the 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 medications - all of these reasons can even cause the disease described.
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 circulatory disorders.
Grade 1 varicose veins most often do not appear in the early stages of development. The slight discomfort that appears in the limbs mainly after physical exertion passes quite quickly - the patient should rest only for a while. Gradually, in the added fatigue, weight on the legs and other unpleasant sensations arise along the pathological changes in the vessels, itching, pain and a feeling of satiety.
Does the first stage of varicose veins develop in school students? The answer is yes. The medical literature of recent decades describes the manifestation of pathologies affecting adolescents 16-17 years old.
An increase in the intensity of the symptoms testifies to the progression of the disease and its transition to the second stage. Edema, spider 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 second degree are also characterized by a decrease in the frequency of manifestations of symptoms after rest (prolonged).
Neglected forms of the disease in the third stage are characterized by the appearance of pain, swelling and convulsions of a constant nature. The skin in the affected area begins to peel, loses hair, becomes dry. The color changes to brown.
In the future, there are rupture of blood vessels, the appearance of trophic ulcers.
Examination by a phlebologist is the first step in detecting varicose veins. For the final diagnosis, in addition to the mandatory test, the doctor may prescribe:
To get information in a number of situations, phlebography (radiopaque, three-dimensional computer), phleboscintigraphy are also used. The listed methods are used in certain cases that require further surgical procedures.
Stages of varicose veinsAccording to the academic classification, there are 3 stages (degrees) of varicose veins of the lower extremities - compensatory (1), undercompensating (2) and decompensating (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.
Symptoms that often occur are referred to as symptoms of other diseases. It is impossible to determine the changes visually.
With the help of adequate therapy, relief of the initial stage of varicose veins occurs in a relatively short time.
The length 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 varicose veins of grade 2, 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 detected in most patients who visit a doctor. With a timely visit to the clinic and performing all the necessary manipulations, the development of complications is suppressed.
Grade 3 varicose veins in the absence of therapy cause the formation of eczema, trophic ulcers. The latter arise mainly on the inner surfaces of the feet (rarely on the spine, above the ankles) and are distinguished by an irregular shape, an equal end, and the presence of purulent contents. They are located alone.
The walls of vessels affected by the disease lose elasticity and strength and are often damaged. Disruptions are accompanied by bleeding, which rarely stops on its own.
In the third stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities, erysipelas can develop in the affected areas. The disease is exacerbated by complications such as:
In stage 3 varicose veins, the changes begin to affect the whole body: there is a weakening of the immune system and the musculoskeletal system, possibly alopecia.
The choice of a method of treatment depends on the stage of the pathological process. A neglected disease requires radical relief measures.
Varicose veins of the first degree are suppressed using medicines, venotonics, lotions, massage complexes, sclerotherapy (injection of a special agent into a vein) and ozone therapy (strengthening of blood vessels). Furthermore, you can use traditional medicine prescriptions.
It is forbidden to use independently (without consulting a doctor) medicines, decoctions and herbal infusions: occasional therapy will only worsen the condition.
Prescribed drugs:
Dosage is calculated individually, depending on the patient's condition.
Among the adjunctive methods of conservative therapy for varicose veins is the use of medical knitwear (socks, sweater, golf) and elastic bandages.
Using the latter prevents the development of deformity, helps to reduce the load on the vessels of the affected area when walking. They overlap after sleep (at night), in the supine position; worn all day. Shoot only in the evening, before the break.
Compression pads improve blood circulation and support the weak walls of blood vessels.
Cold foot baths can be used at home to reduce fatigue and discomfort.
The treatment principles for grade 2 varicose veins are similar to the first stage of the disease. It involves the use of antithrombotic agents, venotonics and the wearing of compression footwear.
Among the popular drugs that reduce puffiness are oils and oils.
Surgical manipulations include radiofrequency therapy, laser coagulation. The first of these methods allows you to remove the vascular pattern, used if there is a history of asthma, ischemia and other serious diseases.
Radiofrequency ablation under ultrasound control is performed in case of damage to the trunks of large, small saphenous veins, helps to eliminate varicose joints.
The main recipe for traditional medicine is the application of compresses using blue clay. To take a medicinal mixture 2 tbsp. sedimentary rock is bred 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 varicose veins of grade 3. Among them - phlebectomy (removal of the affected vessel), used in the presence of ulcers, blood clots. There are classical and laser techniques (not associated with cutting).
At the end of the operation, drug therapy is 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 healthy living, refusing tight clothes, uncomfortable shoes and a timely visit to a doctor.
To prevent the disease, pregnant women should use a properly selected bandage, compression stockings or socks.
During rehabilitation, you should adhere to a healthy diet, perform the recommended exercises, take a contrast bath and undergo regular examinations.
And most importantly: at the first suspicion of developing a disease, you should immediately seek help from a phlebologist. Varicose veins detected in the initial stage can be stopped completely without harming health.