Symptoms and treatment of varicose veins in the legs

Varicose veins are a systemic disease that can affect blood vessels in any part of the body. Its essence lies in the dysfunction of the valves that control the direction of blood flow. Because of this, an excessive amount of fluid accumulates in the veins, under the influence of which the walls stretch and lose their elasticity.

Clinical picture

A functional disorder of the venous blood flow arises due to damage to the valves of the perforation veins (connecting veins), their overload and deformation. When the work of the deep (internal) arteries is disturbed, the blood circulation becomes chaotic, which leads to the fact that it penetrates the superficial vessels and forms characteristic nodes. Such defects are clearly visible to the naked eye or when palpating the lesion site.

Varicose veins are progressive pathologies that are fraught with serious health complications and disabilities without timely treatment. In advanced cases of varicose veins in areas of vascular damage, the formation of wounds, ulcers and blood clots is possible.

What does

out?

Various factors cause venous dilatation. They can conditionally be divided into major and minor. The main sources of varicose veins are:

• Constantly vigorous physical activity;
• Prolonged stay in a static position - sitting or standing;
• Unfavorable environmental conditions - for example constantly high air temperature;
• Weight fluctuations or chronic obesity;
• Hormonal imbalance - during pregnancy or menopause;
• diseases of the endocrine system;
• Hereditary and genetic predisposition, which is manifested in the peculiarities of the structure of the blood vessels, namely the congenital anatomical inferiority of the venous valves and the weakness of the connective tissue of the arterial walls;
• neuroses.

In the anamnesis, the development of varicose veins usually stimulates not one, but a complex of factors.

Tips for everyday life

If you sit constantly, for example because of work, you can put a low bench under your feet. In this way you will significantly reduce the stress on your legs.

It is advisable not to wear high heels. Wearing such shoes greatly limits the contraction of the calf muscles and also prevents the joints from jumping. As a result, the blood simply stagnates.

A sudden change in temperature can seriously impair the filling of veins with blood. For example, when the temperature rises, the veins are very full of blood, which increases the stress on the valves. It is advisable to cut down on hot baths, sunbathing on the beach, etc. Remember that the temperature drop should be gradual.

Cycling, swimming and of course a brisk daily walk are very useful. Remember that when walking, you will prefer shallow water or sand and avoid hard roads as much as possible. Soaking the legs for two minutes in contrast will help you get rid of the feeling of heaviness and numbness easily. In addition, this pouring over can be done with the help of a shower.

Remember that when you cross your legs you are obstructing the flow of blood and narrowing the blood vessels.

When you are resting, place your feet so they are at the level of your heart. You can also raise one side of the bed slightly so your legs are a little higher than usual.

Disease symptoms

Varicose veins can have various manifestations, depending on the degree of complexity of the pathology and the physiological characteristics of the patient's body. In accordance with the stages of varicose veins, the following symptoms of vascular disease are noted:

• Venous patterns or "stars" (telangiectasias) on the skin;
• swelling of the limbs, especially at the end of the day;
• pain in the legs or along the veins when examining;
• Recurring seizures;
• Quick fatigue, especially when walking;
• Visual manifestation of veins on the skin surface;
• feeling of heaviness in the legs;
• burning sensation in venous lesions;
• muscle itching;
• pains of various types and pains;
• winding veins in legs and feet;
• Dermatological changes in the skin - the appearance of dryness, pigmentation, darkening;
• Development of dermatitis, eczema and trophic disorders in the form of non-healing wounds and ulcers;
• skin tightening in the places of progression of the varicose veins;
• Hematoma formation.

The symptoms can appear in adolescence. Developing imperceptibly, after a while the disease makes itself felt with a lot of unpleasant health consequences. If you have any of the above signs, you should undergo an examination immediately. A phlebologist or surgeon treats diseased veins.

Classification

Based on the decision of the international scientific community, pathological varicose veins of the lower extremities are usually classified according to a special classifier CEAP or Clinical Etiology Anatomy Pathology. Based on this typology, varicose veins have 6 clinical stages:

1. zero. There are minor subjective complaints from the patient about some of the symptoms of varicose veins, but on visual examination and physical examination there are still no obvious signs of the disease.
2. I have a degree. Small vascular networks, rare edema, heaviness, burning, feeling of "humming" in the legs appear on the surface of the skin.
3. Grade II. It is considered the starting point for real varicose veins. It is characterized by an externally pronounced manifestation of enlarged vessels, the formation of venous nodes, which are aggravated after a long stay in a static state or walking in high heels. At this stage, the possibility of thrombus formation is observed.
4. III degree. Symptoms in the second group are accompanied by regular swelling, which is most noticeable at the end of the day, and aching, aching pain in the calves.
5. IV grade. There are trophic changes in the skin. Due to the excessive accumulation of pigments in the epidermis, the skin begins to change its color from dark brown to black. It is also possible to develop small localized inflammation in the form of erythema or moist sores that over time lead to skin atrophy and ulcers.
6. Class V. Has the same course as the fifth stage, but with healed trophic ulcers.
7. Class VI. It is characterized by severe progression with the formation of non-healing wounds and ulcers.

Varicose veins are a serious disease. Without timely treatment and constant prophylaxis, it progresses rapidly and leads to irreversible and dire consequences, including death. Just 10 years after the diagnosis of varicose veins is enough for the pathology to develop from stage I to stage VI.

steps

The first signs of varicose veins on the legs appear in progressive stages, when the venous valves fulfill their functions to less than 50%. In the first or zero stage of varicose veins, known as the "stage of compensation", there are no unpleasant sensations, as well as visible changes. The detection of the initial stage of varicose veins on the legs is carried out with a detailed examination of the limbs by a phlebologist.

In the second stage of varicose veins, known as "subcompensation", the changes are expressed quite well:

• large veins are visible under the skin but may not protrude above the surface of the skin;
• on the surface of the skin on the thighs and under the knees a pattern of a thin varicose vein network of blue or red capillaries is clearly visible;
• legs swell in the evening;
• Calf muscles cramp at night.

This stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities is characterized by increasing symptoms, which become weaker after rest.

In the end stage of the varicose veins, decompensation occurs: the body cannot replenish the tissue's need for oxygen, and the valves in the veins lose their function by 90%. The condition of the limbs deteriorates due to insufficient blood supply. This stage of varicose veins is characterized by a decrease in the ability of the tissue to regenerate. The abundance of complications worsens the general condition of the patient. The symptoms in the end-stage varicose veins remain constant.

Pathology in men

Venous pathology has no gender. However, according to the pathogenesis, the disease is conventionally divided into male and female varicose veins, each of which is inherent in its own specificity of formation and development. So, the features of male physiology do not contribute to the formation of vein problems in the representatives of the strong half of humanity, but there are a number of factors that favor it. Among them:

1. Hard physical work or professional sports that involve carrying or lifting a load;
2. lack of exercise;
3. Poor nutrition;
4. genetic inclination;
5. long-term use of hormones;
6. Bad habits.

Varicose veins develop more frequently in men after the age of 40 and are associated with increased leg fatigue, leg pain, visible edema, venous patterns on the surface of the skin, frequent cramps and itching such as allergic dermatitis. In some advanced cases, blood clots and vascular infections are possible. And if the disease is invisible at first, then over time its manifestations will become obvious. However, the main changes take place in the veins, the walls of which are so weakened that any, even minor, exposure to a toxic substance or infection causes its damage. The method of treating varicose veins in men is the same as in women and has no specific features.

Pathology in women

The fair half of the population suffers from varicose veins several times more often than men. Favorable factors for this are:

• wearing high-heeled shoes or shoes that are not designed for the size and fullness of your feet;
• Losing weight or clothing that is too tight, which impairs blood circulation;
• A job that requires you to be on your feet all day - salesman, receptionist, hairdresser, teacher, cook, etc. ;
• Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth and age-related changes in the body (menopause);
• Weight experiments - frequent fluctuations in body weight, extreme diets aimed at dramatic weight loss, uncontrolled gain in extra pounds.

It is women who are often patients of phlebologists and beauticians. In order to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the skin for as long as possible, women are more responsible than men in the treatment of varicose veins and achieve visible improvements in the clinical condition of the arterial system.

Given the increased natural tendency to develop varicose veins, the appearance of symptoms such as swelling of the legs, excessive leg fatigue, itching and burning, the manifestation of small vessels and venous patterns, a woman should be seriously alerted and become a reason for an immediate doctor's visit.

Treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies

When examining the presented disease, one should not panic, because with correct and timely treatment, varicose veins are practically cured.

Why practical? Because after the completion of certain measures, including preventive methods, the disease can recur and cause no fewer problems than it originally did.

How do you treat varicose veinsquickly and painlessly? You should turn to traditional medicine.

Infusions and tinctures

First of all, the disease must be treated from within. To do this, you should make infusions or tinctures with natural products, herbs, and other ingredients that improve blood circulation. Some of them can be cured here:

• nettle. Dry and grind the grass in a convenient way. To prepare the infusion, 2 tablespoons of the herbal component is poured with a glass of boiling water. The content is kept for an hour and filtered. Then they drink ¼ glass at least three times during the day. The course of treatment lasts six months with an interval of one month.
• horse chestnut. Half of the crushed horse chestnut kernels are placed in a three-liter glass and poured with vodka or alcohol on the rim of the vessel. Within a month, the jar is kept in a dark place, periodically shaking the contents. After the time has passed, you can rub the legs with the resulting tincture. Perform such procedures 2-3 times a week without interruption.

In the treatment of varicose veins at home with folk remedies, all medicinal herbs are used that can improve blood circulation in the human body.

Apples against varicose veins

Apples have excellent healing properties. Here you can use the fruits in their pure form and as an additive to other products.

How to remove varicose veins with apples:

• Prepare the apple infusion. To do this, soak apples in 1 liter of hot water for 4 hours. Then pass the fruits through a meat grinder or colander and mix with the water in which the soaking was carried out. Squeeze the water out of the mixture and take it in the amount of 50 g twice a day.
• Apple cider vinegar for varicose veinscan be used as a rub or inside. For treatment, it is enough to rub just a small amount of vinegar on the problem areas overnight. You can also use diluted vinegar with a little honey and drink a glass before meals half an hour before meals.

Be careful when using diluted vinegar internally. This method is forbidden for people with gastrointestinal diseases.

Treatment of varicose veins at home, video:

Disease diagnostics

To make an accurate diagnosis of varicose veins and determine the severity, special research methods are used. The standard screening regimen for contacting a phlebologist consists of the following procedures:

1. Collect a medical history of the disease, which determines possible risk factors and causes;
2. Visual examination of the patient by changing the last position as well as palpation of venous lesions;
3. laboratory blood test;
4. ultrasound color duplex sonography of the arteries of the lower extremities, which makes it possible to correctly conduct a medical opinion, measure the speed and direction of blood flow, make a map of its movement, get a characteristic and clear picture of blood vessels;
5. Vascular x-ray (phlebography) using a contrast agent to determine the appearance and shape of the veins, the functionality of the valves and the direction of blood flow.

Often these research methods are completely sufficient to determine the exact clinic, but in certain cases they resort to additional diagnostic methods:

• 3D-CT (computer tomography) with phlebography;
• photoplethysmography using infrared and light radiation from a photoresistor or phototransistor;
• phleboscintigraphy, based on the use of radionuclide isotopes, and phlebomanometry, a dynamic study of venous pressure of the lower extremities;
• Lymphoscintigraphy, which shows the condition and degree of changes in the lymph nodes.

The need for a particular diagnostic method is determined by the doctor based on the complexity of the situation and the individual clinical parameters of the patient.

Timely and well-chosen research method makes it possible to determine the location of superficial and deep veins and to draw up an accurate scheme of the therapeutic course according to the indicators.

Conservative treatment

In the initial phase, varicose veins are reversible and will be completely eliminated with a responsible approach to treatment. In other cases, to combat varicose veins, they resort to conservative therapy with medication, intravenous corrective agents and special compression underwear. Each of these types of treatment has its own indications for the appointment and the specifics of the effects on the diseased organ.

1. drug therapy. It implies the oral use of phlebotrophic agents - phlebotonics, anticoagulants and antioxidants - for a period of time, which help to strengthen blood vessels and reduce their fragility, better dilute blood and normalize blood flow, and accumulated toxic substances from the bodyto remove. For local treatment, tonics, pain relievers, soothing and swelling gels and ointments are used. In addition, vitamins of groups B, A, K, etc. are introduced into the therapeutic complex. The decision on the duration of treatment is made based on the results of the diagnosis and the nature of the dynamics of the disease.
2. Arterial sclerotherapy. The procedure involves the use of special drugs that act on the way of gluing the vein affected by varicose veins from the inside. This stabilizes the reflux and flows it through healthy vessels. The procedure is performed invasively by administering a solution intravenously. It is prescribed for a specific condition of blood vessels and small sizes of venous nodes.
3. ozone therapy. It is part of cosmetic medicine and consists of exposing the interior of the vessel to cold ozone in order to glue the defect site together. The procedure is also actively used to remove unaesthetic vascular networks from the surface of the skin. Effective in the initial stages of the disease. Only a few procedures are sufficient to achieve the desired result.
4. compression therapy. It consists of wearing special medical underwear that creates pressure of different intensities on different parts of the legs, which in turn helps reduce the stress on the veins and restore blood circulation. The constant use of corrective underwear protects the blood vessels from stretching and the development of thrombosis. Depending on the purpose, compression undergarments can be prophylactic (minimal compression force), medical (worn only during the exacerbation of venosis) and hospital (used in the postoperative period in a hospital). Available in tights, stockings, knee socks and elastic bandages. The choice of compression underwear is only made on the recommendation of a doctor

Surgical methods for influencing dilated veins

Surgery for varicose veins is performed only as a last resort when a deep venous lesion is diagnosed, which is exacerbated by accompanying complications. The indications for the appointment of surgical intervention are:

• Significant worsening of the pathology;
• development of thrombophlebitis;
• Visible enlargement of the saphenous vein;
• Severe swelling and tiredness of the lower extremities;
• Pathological reflux disorder.

The operation is performed under general anesthesia using modern surgical techniques such as: B. :

1. Radiofrequency obliteration of blood vessels. Restoration of the vein structure from the inside with the help of disposable catheters and automatic generators of radio waves.
2. Endovenous thermal vapor impulse occlusion (SVS). Effects of an abundantly heated stream of steam on the vessels. Allows penetration into the most inaccessible areas of the venous bed and direct influence on the deformed vessels.
3. Laser coagulation of veins. A laser beam is used, which is aimed at the diseased vein. The procedure does not leave any cuts, burns or scars.
4. Venaseal technique. It consists in gluing the valves of the vessels with a special biological glue.
5. Varadis method. The most difficult method of treatment is to remove the affected vessel. Because of its 100% efficiency, it is one of the primary methods of neurosurgery.

Despite the high efficiency of the surgical treatment, it is often combined with conservative therapy methods. With this approach, you can speed up the healing process and reliably consolidate the result.

Self-massage of the legs from varicose veins

• First you need to massage your thighs. Step up from the knee area to the groin area with light stroking and kneading. Use your fingertips to stretch the knee joint using a spiral, straight, and circular motion. Press the back of the knee with your fist several times and knead this area with circular movements.
• Lie on your back, relax your muscles and bend your knees. Grasp your shins with your hands and rub the skin with strokes. Shake your leg muscles.
• Stretch each toe with light strokes. Rub the ankle and both feet from the bottom up. Massage your feet and heels in a circular motion and rub your ankle with a little force.

Repeat this entire self-massage complex 2-3 times.

Rehabilitation phase

During the recovery period and in the future, a competent rehabilitation program will help in the fight against varicose veins of the lower extremities, including regular drug therapy, as well as adhering to the rules of a healthy lifestyle and performing therapeutic exercises.

In addition to physical education in the sanatorium, in a patient diagnosed with varicose veins regardless of the stage of development and rehabilitation, it is useful to wear medical underwear to improve blood circulation and prevent blood stagnation in the veins.

Nutrition for varicose veins of the lower extremities

Diet is very important in this disease. The following foods should be included in the diet:

• paprika;
• carrots;
• white cabbage;
• citrus fruits;
• apples;
• nuts;
• rose hip;
• currant;
• sea fish;
• eggs;
• lean meat;
• Legumes
• grain;
• cheese;
• liver.

When treating varicose veins of the lower extremities, such products are rejected:

• canned food;
• semi-finished products;
• muffins and pastries;
• beverages containing caffeine;
• smoked meat;
• pickled foods;
• jellied meat;
• chicory;
• alcoholic beverages.

Prevention

To prevent the development of varicose veins of the lower extremities, health must be monitored from a young age. Preventing the disease is more effective than treating the legs when complications arise.

Adequate physical activity is required for good blood circulation. If a person is staying in the same position for an extended period of time at work, it is a good idea to warm up a little regularly. It is necessary to be responsible when choosing shoes - it should be comfortable with a small heel (no higher than 6 cm) and not squeeze the leg.

The weight should be monitored. Obesity is one of the predisposing factors for the development of the disease. In addition, this leads to increased stress on the blood vessels. Clothing should be made from natural fabrics. The use of underwear that is too tight should be avoided to avoid squeezing the large vessels in the groin area.

During hygiene, it is recommended to use a shower to change the pressure and temperature of the water. With the help of these tricks, you can tone blood vessels and activate blood flow.

It is advisable to exercise or exercise daily. It is not necessary to run several kilometers at the same time. It is enough to visit the pool, walk or ride a bike.

Before using hormonal contraceptives, you should not only consult a gynecologist, but also a phlebologist to get tested for hormones. If you change the level of female hormones in the blood, it can affect the condition of the vessel walls.