Varicose veins on the legs are a specific expansion of the veins of the lower extremities, which is accompanied by a general violation of blood flow and valve failure. The expansion of veins is characteristic of women and men aged 40 to 60 years.
Development mechanism
The trigger in the development of such a pathology as varicose veins is considered to be a violation of the normal operation of the venous valves with the occurrence of blood reflux (reflux - reverse current). At the cellular level, this is associated with a violation of the equilibrium between some components of the venous wall.
The initial stage is characterized by the presence of a genetic and causal factor (prolonged stay in a sitting position, excess weight, injury, and so on). At the same time, the so-called Shear-Stress parameter changes, which is a set of blood movement indicators through the vessels, to which endothelium reacts very sensitively.
If the irritating factor acts for a long time on the wall of the vessel, then the leukocytes are firmly fixed to the endothelial cells, which cause the initial stage of inflammation. The inflammatory process spreads through the venous channel of the lower extremities.
Especially quickly, such processes occur in valves, which are subject to constant, heavy mechanical stress. However, inflammation on one leg can be more pronounced than on the other. First of all, it depends on the initial cause of damage to the organ, for example, on the right leg, varicose veins can be more pronounced among athletes who are emphasis on it.
With damage to the valves, a pathological discharge of blood occurs through the mouth of a large and small subcutaneous veins. Due to the rebooting, an excess flow of blood, the wall of the venous vessels occurs.
Over time, dynamic venous hypertension develops, which is characterized by a decrease in pressure in the vessel, as a rule, this occurs during walking, to the level of impossibility of ensuring normal blood perfusion through the tissue.
Such a process is accompanied by edema, impregnation of subcutaneous tissue with blood cells (red blood cells and leukocytes). Over time, the skin changes its color, swells, skin pigmentation is enhanced. With the death of cells, which is not indecent during medical care, which further leads to the development of trophic ulcers.
Classification of varicose veins
From 2000, a new classification of varicose veins of the lower extremities was developed.
Forms of varicose veins:
- Intradermal or segmental varicose veins without pathological changes;
- Segmental varicose veins with superficial vein reflux;
- Common varicose veins of surface veins;
- Varicose expansion in the presence of deep vein reflux.
The degree of chronic venous insufficiency:
- 0 - does not develop;
- I - syndrome of "heavy legs", the appearance of edema;
- II - persistent edema, eczema, lipodermosclerosis;
- III - trophic ulcer.
Complications of venous expansion of the veins of the lower limb are one of the serious conditions that affect the body: thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers, erysipelas, erysipelas or bleeding.
Working classification of the disease
By form:
- varicose veins of the subcutaneous vein of the thigh (starting from the mouth) - descending varicose veins;
- ascending varicose veins (defeat of the wen, lower legs and feet, starting from the bottom up);
By clinical groups:
- The first group is a segmental internal expansion of veins without perforators;
- The second group is the expansion of fragments of venous trunks;
- The third group is the expansion of the subcutaneous vein of the thigh and lower leg;
- The fourth group is a varicose extension of a large and small subcutaneous vein with the presence of insolvent perforators;
- The fifth group is the expansion of surface veins, a large and small subcutaneous vein with tissue induction.
The working classification by complications and the degree of chronic failure does not differ from the standard.
The reasons for the development of varicose veins
The exact reason for the development of this pathology has not yet been fully clarified, but there are a number of factors contributing to the occurrence of varicose veins:
- genetic predisposition (the mutating gene responsible for the structure of the wall of the vessel is transmitted);
- Changes in the hormonal background (pregnancy - during pregnancy, the composition of hormones in the body changes (the amount of progesterone increases and the estrogen decreases), which directly affects the formation of blood coagulation factors);
- obesity (overweight leads to a sedentary lifestyle, and, consequently, to a breakdown);
- Diabetes mellitus (increased blood sugar in time damage the vessel wall over time);
- alcohol abuse (a large amount of alcohol in the blood is the cause of dehydration and condensation of blood);
- heavy physical activity;
- congenital blood coagulation disorders;
- irrational nutrition, errors in the diet;
- inconvenient and close underwear (constant wearing leads to a compression of blood vessels);
- frequent constipation (increased intra -abdominal pressure leads to a difficult outflow of blood in the lower limbs);
- constant walking in heels (development of stagnation and insufficient muscle movement);
- increased air temperature (leads to dehydration, condensing blood, and, consequently, to the formation of blood clots);
- diseases of the cardiovascular system and kidneys;
- overdose with drugs that increase blood coagulation;
- Surgical interventions (blood loss, vessel compression).
Stages of varicose veins
For this period of the development of medicine, three main stages of the development of varicose veins and the early stage are distinguished, when the disease is very difficult to notice.
The early stage of the disease is accompanied by swelling, weight, very often sick complains that the legs hurt during a long walk. These are all signs of the beginning of pathology, it's time to start prevention - massage, leg creams, physical activity.
The expansion of veins of the 1st degree.This stage is characterized by all the symptoms listed above, to which vascular stars, bruises on the legs, knotted veins, visible through the skin, are added. In addition, the appearance of convulsions at night and burning in the Stop area is noted.
The expansion of veins of the 2nd degree.At this stage, the total number of stars and nodes increases, they become more noticeable. Swelling appears, the pain in the legs increases, and it becomes unbearable to endure it.
The expansion of veins of the 3rd degree.This is the most difficult of the stage, which is accompanied by serious lesions of the skin of the legs, it becomes dry, lifeless and cracked. The skin of the lower leg becomes dark blue, its structure and pigmentation are changing.
The third stage is the last when this pathological process can be called varicose veins. The subsequent development of processes ceases to more serious diseases.
It is advisable to consult a doctor at the second stage of the development of the disease, since in time, medical care is not rendered in serious consequences.
The question immediately arises, "which doctor will he go to? ", The answer is simply - a doctor who specializes in the pathology of the veins of the lower extremities is called a phlebologist.
Symptoms and clinic varicose veins
The leading signs of this disease are numerous extensions of subcutaneous veins, which is why the disease is called. The onset of the disease is usually accompanied by a few and non -specific features.
In this state, patients feel severity in the legs, rapid fatigue during movement, sometimes burning and cramps. In addition to pain, the disease is manifested by edema developing in the late afternoon, after a hard work day.
With a long -leak varicose veins, symptoms such as eczema and itching appear. Patients scratch their legs, creating uncomfortable sensations. Due to the development of the disease, the skin above the veins becomes thinner, itchy places are constantly combed, which leads to the appearance of wounds.
Over time, the skin color in the lower leg becomes bluish. If medical care is not provided in such a situation, the development of skin hyperpigmentation and lipodermasclerosis is possible. In even more advanced stages, trophic ulcers develop.
Diagnosis of the disease
Variciously expanded veins are visible and not armed with an armed look, however, how dangerous this condition must be found out using instrumental diagnostic methods.
Currently, the most informative method is the ultrasound methodology of the duplex scanning of the veins. With its help, it is evaluated by the operation of the valves, the cross -country ability and the presence of blood clots. Timely study of veins will avoid severe and irreversible consequences.
Methods of treatment
How to treat varicose veins? Completely cure varicose veins is possible only with the help of surgical intervention. People who have a hereditary predisposition or risk factors recommend visiting a specialist doctor 2-3 times a year, for ultrasound examination of veins, the operation from varicose veins is prescribed at the second stage of the development of the disease.
How much does the operation cost? The price can be committed differently, it all depends on the severity of the development of the disease.
Surgical treatment
Flebectomy
Indications for the removal of veins: extensive varicose veins, pathological expansion of subcutaneous veins, trophic ulcers, acute thrombophlebitis, expansion of deep veins accompanied by general malaise (fatigue, dizziness).
Contraindications for the disease: coronary heart disease, pregnancy, elderly age, severe infectious diseases, inflammatory processes.
The advantage of surgical treatment is that this is the only effective method of treatment in advanced forms of the disease.
The disadvantage of this treatment: trauma, anesthesia, a long postoperative period.
Laser therapy (Evvk)
Indications: varicose veins on the legs in combination with various severe diseases (ischemia, thrombophlebitis, asthma, bronchitis, pleurisy, ulcer, cholecystitis, pyelonephritis, peritonitis, dermatitis, and boils).
Laser treatment is contraindicated in cases where it is noted: oncology, liver disease, kidneys, heart (stage of decompensation), pregnancy and cerebral sclerosis.
The advantages of such a treatment are to get rid of the vascular pattern, the maximum fast procedure, painless and safe, does not require stationary observation, and atraumatic.
Disadvantages: not at all available, expensive, the appearance of scars or clarification of the surrounding fabric is possible.
Radio frequency coagulation of varicose veins
Indications: varicose veins with damage to the trunk of a small and large subcutaneous vein, trophic ulcers.
Contraindications: acute form of thrombophlebitis, mental disorders, pregnancy.
Advantages: painlessness, hospitalization is not required after surgery, does not interfere with work.
Disadvantages: expensive procedure.
Sclerotherapy
Indications: varicose veins in the early stages.
Contraindications: pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergic reaction to sclerosant, purulent-inflammatory processes of the legs, thrombosis.
The advantages of this treatment method are that financially such treatment is cheaper than surgery, rapid recovery, the best cosmetic effect.
Disadvantages: Perhaps, getting into the deep veins of the sclerosant, is not enough effective with advanced forms of the disease.
Drug treatment
Drug treatment helps to improve blood vessels, the state of valves, enhances blood and lymph flow, and also eliminates inflammation, but does not heal the patient.
How to treat?
All the necessary products from varicose veins are divided into:
- phlebotonics;
- non -steroidal analgesics;
- hormonal drugs;
- antitromboid;
- Aspirin -based drugs.
Home treatment
Traditional medicine provides for the use of various ointments, lotions, tinctures, feet or decoctions.
Apple vinegar treatment varicose veins. It is impossible to cure such a disease with folk recipes, however, to relieve symptoms quite real, especially at the initial stage of development. For this, apple cider vinegar is used for wraps, wiping, for oral administration or for compresses.
How to avoid illness?
A sedentary lifestyle, standing work, pregnancy is a greater load, as a result of which a disease such as varicose veins develops.
Varicosis in women is the same problem as cellulite, so special creams, lotions, compression stockings and lymphatic drainage were developed to combat it.
According to statistics, varicose veins in men are extremely rare, and even if there is a much more slowly develops.
Can I play sports?
Varicosis and running are two factors always walking nearby. The most effective prevention of the expansion of veins of any of the stages is constant physical exertion: running, gymnastics, various strength exercises on the legs, bicycle and so on.
There are a number of simple exercises to improve blood flow and prevent varicose veins:
- The rotation of the foot clockwise 20 times in each direction.
- Work with fingers. Extending and tucking fingers 20 times.
- Star on socks, then on the heels, and after rolling from the heels to socks and back 20-30 times.