This disease is named aftervaricose veins of the lower limbs, is the Latin word "varicis". It is translated as "bloating", which fully reflects the main symptom of this pathology, which is characterized by abnormal expansion of the veins. It is accompanied by other equally unpleasant manifestations such as impaired blood flow and valve dysfunction.
Medical statistics are inevitable: this disease has affected most of the world's population! So, clinical manifestations of varicose veins, manifested in varying degrees, are found in almost 90% of women and more than 65% of men. Unfortunately, this disease is becoming more and more youthful - and today there are reports that it is detected even in children of school age!
If you have more than 80% of the symptoms listed, we strongly recommend that you consult your doctor for advice.
Varicose veinsis a disease of the veins, clinically manifested by pathological dilation and tortuosity of the veins, the formation of venous nodes and the subsequent progression of symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency at various levels of severity. Different weight (from feeling heavy). , fatigue in the legs, varying degrees of swelling, to the development of adipose tissue and subcutaneous tissue, dermatitis, eczema and finally the formation of venous trophic ulcers).
Doctors classify this medical condition as polygenic, as it occurs due to the influence of many different factors. The main ones include:
- Innate tendencies;
- Pregnancy in women;
- Hormonal imbalance;
- Excessive weight;
- Passive lifestyle.
The team of professional vein specialists of the family clinic network "Doctor Nearby" is always ready to help those who want to cure this disease. The choice of a course of treatment is carried out on an individual basis, taking into account all factors. Together with the use of modern effective techniques, this allows you to achieve the desired results.
Causes and signs of the development of varicose veins
The main pathogenesis leading to varicose veins is:
- Increased venous pressure, is mainly determined by the hydrostatic pressure in the veins, due to the influence of gravity, measured by the height of the fluid column, i. e. the distance from the heart to the point on the leg where the measurement is taken. And the pressure inside the cavities of the body - abdomen or pleura, when increased (pregnancy, overweight, lifting and carrying heavy objects, etc. ), the amount of venous blood returning to the heart becomes worse.
- Relative weakness of the vein wall, is genetically determined, but can sometimes change under the influence of inflammatory processes in the veins.
The interaction of these factors leads to gradual dilation of the veins, the development of venous valve insufficiency, the appearance of backflow of blood and the appearance of stagnation in the venous bed.
With prolonged exposure to irritating factors, inflammatory processes develop, which, as they develop, affect and weaken the strength of the venous walls of the venous valves.
As a result of all these processes, a pathological backflow of blood occurs into the veins, called reflux, and venous stasis develops, leading to the development of inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous fat. , further progression will lead to the appearance of trophic ulcers
Symptoms of varicose veins:
- Enlargement and tortuosity of the saphenous veins can be clearly seen, in severe cases - the formation of venous plugs;
- Feeling of heaviness, fatigue, tightness in the lower limbs;
- Formation of telangiectasias (vascular "stars", "networks");
- Leg muscle cramps at night;
- Swelling of feet and legs;
- Itching, dryness, hyperpigmentation and pallor of the skin
- The appearance of trophic ulcers, weeping, difficult-to-heal ulcers.
Risk of varicose veins
Varicose veins in the legs themselves are not just a cosmetic problem, but can lead to unpleasant complications: chronic venous insufficiency and inflammation of the veins, so-called acute varicose veins. Acute varicose veins is a pathological condition that occurs due to inflammation of the vein walls and the appearance of blood clots in the lumen. A dangerous complication of thrombophlebitis is the continuous development of blood clots and spread into deep veins. Therefore, this condition requires mandatory medical supervision and treatment, sometimes requiring emergency surgery. Modern medicine offers a number of effective techniques that can help eliminate the risk of developing such conditions, but treatment must be started promptly.
Classification of varicose veins
There are different classifications of varicose veins, which are presented in the table below.
Type/stage/type of varicose veins according to CEAP |
Signal |
Pathological form, severity and complications to which it leads |
|
C1 |
Damage to vessels in the skin: telangiectasia (colloquial - "spider", "web", "asterisk") and reticular varicose veins. |
C2 |
Pathological dilation and tortuosity Saphenous vein damage. |
C3 |
Saphenous vein damage, accompanied by edema |
C4a С4b |
The appearance of hyperpigmentation (dark brown) on the lower legs or eczema (dermatitis, dermatitis) The development of subcutaneous liposclerosis (inflammation and thickening of subcutaneous fatty tissue. |
C5 |
Heal trophic ulcers |
C 6 |
"Open" trophic ulcers |
Stages of development of pathological conditions according to Savelyev |
|
Compensation |
No symptoms or complaints; Examination reveals varicose veins in one or both lower extremities. |
Secondary compensation |
The patient experiences discomfort, manifested by swelling and a "pins and needles" sensation in the legs, as well as leg muscle cramps at night. This condition is accompanied by swelling in the evening that disappears in the morning. On examination, varicose veins were found in the lower limbs. |
decompensation |
The discomfort listed above is in addition to inflammatory dermatitis and eczema lesions. The skin looks dry and shiny, and hyperpigmentation appears. |
Dynamics of development of varicose veins
Clinical picture of the diseasedepending on the stage of disease progression. At the same time, doctors identify the main clinical sign that determines the name of the disease - saphenous vein varicose veins in the lower limbs.
Begins to develop the disease
Initially, the patient has a feeling of heaviness in the legs, fatigue and pain in the legs. During this stage, pathological signs are not visible. There are often cases where the above symptoms are not present, so patients do not seek professional medical help. During the examination by a phlebologist, he identifies varicose soft veins, the skin on which has not undergone pathological changes.
Secondary compensation period
As the disease develops, the patient feels pain and swelling when standing or sitting for a long time, which goes away after night. During the examination, the phlebologist noted mild swelling in the ankle area.
Decompensation phase
The progression of the pathology is manifested by a constant feeling of heaviness in the lower limbs, rapid fatigue and leg muscle cramps at night. In addition, severe itching occurs in the evening.
When examined by a doctor, the veins in the lower limbs were clearly dilated and blood flow was impaired. Tension of the veins, adhesion of their walls to the skin, hyperpigmentation, cyanosis, roughness and dryness of the skin are noted.
Skin changes appear on the lower legs. First, they represent the appearance of browning of the skin, the development of inflammation - dermatitis or eczema, the appearance of compaction of subcutaneous fatty tissues, against the background of trophic ulcers. nutrients then begin to form and progress.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
Treatment of varicose veinsis prescribed after the patient has undergone a comprehensive diagnostic study, which helps to accurately determine the stage of development of the disease and the pathological changes to which it leads. Depending on the situation, it may include the following studies of the lower veins:
- Investigate;
- Double-sided/three-sided scanning.
- Research on some blood coagulation indices and signs of blood clotting
Main methodDiagnosis of varicose veinsis an ultrasound examination, in addition they also conduct a full range of tests and do functional tests.
Treatment of varicose veins
Modern phlebology offers several effective methodsVaricose vein treatment methods. Their selection is made on an individual basis, based on the patient's clinical case and indications.
Conservative techniques should not be contrasted with surgical techniques, as they are used in combination. Sometimes conservative treatment can be carried out independently, but it is important to understand that it cannot cure the disease, although it slows down the development of pathology and also has a positive effect onpatient's condition.
Conservation therapy |
|
When should I use it myself? |
|
Problems that can be solved |
|
Technique used |
Compression therapy, reduces the diameter of the veins and eliminates reflux, as well as stimulates the return of venous blood to the heart and lymphatic drainage. During this process, elastic bandages and therapeutic compression hosiery are used for the patient to wear daily throughout their life or until the end of corrective surgery. Adequate and rapid use of therapeutic compression hosiery will correct hemodynamic disorders in the legs even whentreatmentvaricose veinsat advanced stage. |
Drug treatment involves the prescription of pharmacological drugs aimed at eliminating leg discomfort or improving blood microcirculation and lymphatic drainage. The most commonly used drugs are:
|
|
Surgical techniques |
|
Removal of veins |
|
What is this? |
Surgery to remove varicose veins. |
What problems does it solve? |
Normalizes blood flow through the saphenous vein |
point |
|
Characteristic |
The procedure involves removing the affected veins located under the skin. |
Period |
From 60 to 120 minutes. |
injury |
Small scars 5–10 cm in the groin area and 0. 5–4 cm in the legs. Patients stay in hospital for 1-7 days. Sick leave up to 24 days |
Endovenous laser coagulation/venous ablation (EVLK/EVLO) |
|
What is this? |
A technique aimed at removing veins using a medical laser beam. |
point |
|
injury |
Minimally, the Operation is performed via venous puncture. Done on an outpatient basis. |
Characteristics of the recovery period |
Immediately after surgery, patients need to walk for about 30-40 minutes. Compression stockings must be worn for at least 2 weeks. Pain is usually absent or minimal |
Sclerotherapy |
|
What is this? |
A procedure that involves introducing a special substance into the lumen of the vessel - sclerosant, which causes the formation of a protein-erythrocyte plug and then the vein disappears. |
point |
Venous disease. |
Characteristic |
This technique is effective in the treatment of veins in the skin, in other cases - as an additional measure to remove small remaining branches of the main trunk. |
symptoms |
Complications are relatively rare. |
Prevention of varicose veins
Prevention includes:
- Wear compression stockings;
- Maintain body weight within normal limits;
- Maintain an active lifestyle;
- Avoid standing for long periods of time;
- Promptly consult a phlebologist in case of a family history or the appearance of symptoms of the disease.
If you still notice the first signs of varicose veins, quickly seek professional medical help!