Symptoms and treatment of varicose veins of 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. Due to this, an excessive amount of fluid accumulates in the veins, under the influence of which the walls stretch and lose their elasticity.

Clinical picture

Venous blood flow dysfunction develops due to damage to the valves of the perforating (connecting) veins, their overload and deformation. When the work of the deep (internal) arteries is disturbed, the blood circulation becomes chaotic, which leads to its entry into the superficial vessels and the formation of characteristic nodules. Such defects are clearly visible to the naked eye or on palpation at the site of the lesion.

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

What it does

Various factors cause dilatation of the veins. They can be conditionally divided into large and small. The main sources of varicose veins are:

• Constant heavy physical activity;
• Prolonged stay in static position - sitting or standing;
• Adverse environmental conditions - for example, constant high air temperature;
• Weight fluctuations or chronic obesity;
• Hormonal imbalance - during pregnancy or menopause;
• Diseases of the endocrine system;
• Hereditary and genetic predisposition manifested in the characteristics of the structure of blood vessels, namely congenital anatomical insufficiency of the venous valves and weakness of the connective tissue of the arterial walls;
• Neurosis.

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

Everyday tips

If you are constantly sitting, for example for work, then you can put a low bench under your feet. This will significantly reduce the load on your legs.

It is recommended to give up high heels. Wearing such shoes will significantly limit the contraction of the calf muscles, and will also prevent the spring of the joints. As a result, the blood will simply stagnate.

A sudden change in temperature can significantly affect the filling of the veins with blood. For example, when the temperature rises, the veins are very full of blood, thus increasing the load on the valves. It is advisable to reduce hot baths, sunbathing on the beach, etc. Remember that the temperature drop should be gradual.

Cycling, swimming and, of course, daily brisk walking are very useful. It is worth remembering that while walking, you should give preference to shallow water or sand and avoid hard roads as much as possible. The two-minute contrast dew on your feet will help you easily get rid of the feeling of heaviness and tingling. In addition, this douche can be done with the help of a shower.

Remember that when you cross your legs, you block blood flow and constrict blood vessels.

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

Symptoms of the disease

Varicose veins can have different manifestations, which depend 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 probing them;
• Recurrent seizures;
• Rapid fatigue, especially when walking;
• Visual manifestation of veins on the surface of the skin;
• Feeling of heaviness in the legs;
• Burning in venous lesions;
• Muscular itching;
• Pain of various natures and pains;
• Winding veins in the 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;
• Tightening of the skin at the sites of progression of varicose veins;
• Hematoma formation.

Symptoms may begin as early as adolescence. Developing imperceptibly, after some time the disease is felt with a mass of unpleasant consequences for health. If there is at least one of the above signs, you should have an examination immediately. A phlebologist or surgeon treats diseased veins.

Classification

Based on the decision of the international scientific community, pathological dilatation of the veins of the lower extremities is usually classified according to a special CEAP classifier or anatomy of clinical etiology. Based on this typology, varicose veins have 6 clinical stages:

1. Zero. There are minor subjective complaints of the patient about some of the symptoms of varicose veins, but at visual examination and medical examination there are still no obvious signs of the disease.
2. I degree. On the surface of the skin appear small vascular networks, rare swellings, heaviness, burning, a feeling of "buzzing" in the legs.
3. Level II. It is considered the starting point of true varicose veins. It is characterized by a distinct external manifestation of dilated vessels, the formation of venous nodules, aggravated after a long stay in a static state or walking in high heels. Starting from this stage, the possibility of thrombus formation is observed.
4. III degree. The symptoms of the second group are accompanied by regular swelling, most noticeable by the end of the day, and a pulling, painful pain in the calves.
5. IV degree. Trophic changes in the skin occur. Due to the excessive accumulation of pigment in the epidermis, the skin begins to change color from dark brown to black. It is also possible to develop a small local inflammation in the form of erythema or wet wounds, which over time can lead to atrophy of the dermis and ulcers.
6. V degreeThere is the same course as the fifth stage, but with a healed trophic ulcer.
7. VI degree. It is characterized by severe progression with the formation of unhealed wounds and ulcers.

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

Stages

The first signs of varicose veins in the legs appear in progressive stages, when the venous valves perform their functions by less than 50%. In the first or zero stage of varicose veins, which is known as the "compensation stage", no unpleasant sensations or visible changes occur. Detection of the initial stage of varicose veins in the legs is done by careful examination of the limbs by a phlebologist.

In the second stage of varicose veins, which is known as "subcompensation", the changes are quite pronounced:

• large veins are visible under the skin, but they may not protrude above the surface of the skin;
• on the surface of the skin of the thighs and below the knees, a pattern of a thin dilated network of blue or red capillaries is clearly visible;
• legs swell in the evening;
• At night, the calf muscles spasm.

This stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities is characterized by increasing symptoms that subside after rest.

In the last stage of varicose veins, decompensation occurs: the body cannot meet the oxygen needs of the tissues 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 tissues to regenerate. The abundance of complications worsens the general condition of the patient. The symptoms in the last stage of varicose veins continue constantly.

Pathology in men

Vein pathology has no sex. However, according to the pathogenesis, the disease is conditionally divided into male and female varicose veins, each of which is inherent in their own specificity of formation and development. So, the peculiarities of male physiology do not contribute to the formation of vein problems in the strong half of humanity, but there are a number of factors that favor this. Among them:

1. Heavy physical work or professional sports involving carrying or lifting loads;
2. Sedentary lifestyle;
3. Poor nutrition;
4. Genetic predisposition;
5. Long-term use of hormonal drugs;
6. Bad habits.

Varicose veins develop in men more often after the age of 40 and are accompanied by increased leg fatigue, leg pain, visible swelling, venous pattern on the skin surface, frequent spasms and itchy skin such as allergic dermatitis. In some advanced cases, blood clots and vascular infection are possible. And if in the beginning the disease is invisible, then over time its manifestations become obvious. But the main changes occur in the veins, whose walls are so weakened that any, even insignificant, exposure to a toxic substance or infection provokes their damage. The method of treating varicose veins in men is the same as in women and has no specific characteristics.

Pathology in women

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

• Wearing shoes with high heels or shoes that do not comply with the size and fullness of their feet;
• Weakening or too tight clothing that interferes with blood circulation;
• A job that requires you to stay on your feet all day - salesman, receptionist, hairdresser, teacher, chef and more. ;
• 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 weight gain.

Women are frequent patients of phlebologists and cosmetologists. In an effort to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the skin as long as possible, women are more responsible in the treatment of varicose veins than men and achieve visible improvements in the clinical condition of the arterial system.

Given the increased natural tendency to varicose veins, the appearance of symptoms such as swelling of the legs, excessive leg fatigue, itching and burning sensation, the appearance of small vessels and venous pattern should seriously alert the woman and cause immediate visits todoctor.

Treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies

When studying the presented disease you should not panic, because with proper and timely treatment varicose veins are practically cured.

Why practical? Because after the cessation of certain actions, including preventive methods, the disease can recur and cause no less problems than it was originally.

How to treat varicose veinsquickly and painlessly? You need to turn to traditional medicine.

Tinctures and tinctures

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

• Nettle. Pre-dry and grind the grass in any convenient way. To prepare the infusion, 2 tablespoons of herbal component is poured into a glass of boiling water. The contents are stored for one hour and filtered. Then drink a glass at least 3 times a day. The course of treatment lasts six months at intervals of one month.
• Horse chestnut. Put the crushed horse chestnut nuts in a three-liter jar in half and pour to the edges of the dish with vodka or alcohol. Within a month, the jar is kept in a dark place, periodically shaking the contents. Once the time is up, you can start rubbing your feet with the resulting tincture. Perform such procedures 2-3 times a week without interruption.

Treatment of varicose veins at home with folk remedies involves the use of any medicinal herbs that can improve blood circulation in the human body.

Apples for varicose veins

Apples have an excellent healing effect. Here you can use the fruit in its pure form and as an additive to other products.

How to get rid of varicose veins with apples:

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

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

Treatment of varicose veins at home, video:

Diagnosis of diseases

To make an accurate diagnosis of varicose veins, as well as to determine the degree of its severity, special testing methods are used. The standard examination scheme for contact with a phlebologist consists of the following procedures:

1. Collection of the anamnesis 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 allows to correctly make a medical conclusion, to measure the speed and direction of blood flow, to draw a map of its movement, to obtain a characteristic and clear image 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 sufficient to determine the exact clinic, but in some cases they resort to the use of additional diagnostic methods:

• 3D CT (computed tomography) with phlebography;
• Photoplethysmography using infrared and light radiation from a photoresistor or phototransistor;
• phleboscintigraphy based on the use of radionuclide isotopes and phlebomanometry, dynamic examination of venous pressure in the lower extremities;
• Lymphoscintigraphy showing the condition and extent of lymph node changes.

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

The timely and well-chosen method of examination allows to determine the position of the superficial and deep veins and to form an accurate scheme of the therapeutic course in accordance with the indicators.

Conservative treatment

In the initial stages, varicose veins are reversible and with a responsible approach to treatment, it is completely eliminated. In other cases, to combat varicose veins, they resort to conservative therapy with drugs, intravenous corrective agents and special compression underwear. Each of these types of treatment has its own instructions for the appointment and the specifics of the impact on the diseased organ.

1. Drug therapy. This involves the oral use for a period of time of phlebotropic drugs - phlebotonics, anticoagulants and antioxidants - which help strengthen blood vessels and reduce their fragility, better dilute blood and normalize blood flow and remove accumulated toxic substances from the body. . For topical treatment, toning, pain relieving, soothing and swelling-relieving gels and ointments are used. Vitamins from groups B, A, K and others are also introduced in 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 method involves the use of special drugs acting on the type of adhesion of the vein affected by varicose veins from the inside. As a result, reflux is stabilized and takes place through healthy vessels. The procedure is performed invasively by intravenous administration of a solution. It is prescribed for a certain condition of the blood vessels and small size of the venous nodes.
3. Ozone therapy. It is part of cosmetic medicine and consists of exposing the interior of the vessel to cold ozone to seal the defect site. The method is also actively used to remove unaesthetic vascular networks from the skin surface. Effective in the initial stage of the disease. Only a few procedures are enough to achieve the desired result.
4. Compression therapy. It consists of wearing special medical underwear, which creates pressure of varying intensity on different parts of the legs, which in turn helps to reduce the load on the veins and restore blood circulation. The constant use of corrective underwear protects blood vessels from stretching and the development of thrombosis. Depending on the purpose, compression underwear can be prophylactic (minimum compression force), therapeutic (worn only during exacerbation of venous disease) and hospital (used in the postoperative period in a hospital). Available in tights, stockings, knee-high and elastic bandage. The choice of compression underwear is made only on the recommendation of a doctor

Surgical methods for treating varicose veins

Varicose vein surgery is performed only as a last resort when a deep venous lesion is diagnosed, aggravated by concomitant complications. The indications for the appointment of surgery are:

• Noticeable worsening of the pathology;
• development of thrombophlebitis;
• Visible enlargement of the subcutaneous veins;
• Severe swelling and fatigue of the lower extremities;
• Pathological reflux disorder.

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

1. Radiofrequency deletion of blood vessels. Restoration of the structure of the veins from the inside with the help of disposable catheters and automatic radio wave generators.
2. Endovenous thermal steam pulse occlusion (SVS). Impact on vessels from copious flow of heated steam. It allows you to penetrate the most inaccessible areas of the venous bed and directly affect the deformed vessels.
3. Laser coagulation of veins. Involves the use of a laser beam aimed at the diseased vein. The procedure leaves no cuts, burns or scars.
4. Venaseal technique. It consists in gluing the valves of the vessels with a special biological glue.
Varadi's method. The most difficult method of treatment, involving the removal of the affected vessel. Due to its 100% effectiveness, it is one of the priority methods of neurosurgery.

Despite the high efficiency of surgical treatment, it often occurs in combination with conservative methods of therapy. This approach allows you to speed up the healing process and reliably consolidate the result.

Self-massage of the legs from varicose veins

• You must massage your thighs first. Also, with light stroking and kneading, rise from the knee area to the groin area. Using spiral, rectilinear and circular motions, stretch the knee joint with your fingertips. Press your fist several times on the popliteal fossa and knead this area in a circular motion.
• Lie on your back, relax your muscles and bend your knees. Grasp your shins with your hands and rub the skin with blows. Shake the muscles of your legs.
• Stretch each toe with light strokes. Rub your ankles and both feet from the bottom up. Massage your feet and heels in a circular motion and rub your ankles with a little force.

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

Rehabilitation period

During the recovery period and in the future, in the fight against varicose veins of the lower extremities, helps a competent rehabilitation program, including periodic drug therapy, as well as compliance with the rules of a healthy lifestyle and the application of therapeutic exercises.

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

Nutrition for varicose veins of the lower extremities

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

• bell;
• carrots;
• white cabbage;
citrus fruits;
• apples;
• nuts;
• шипка;
• blackcurrant;
• sea fish;
• eggs;
• lean meat;
• legumes;
• cereals;
• siren;
• liver.

The diet for varicose veins of the lower extremities includes rejection of such products:

• canned food;
• semi-finished products;
muffins and pastries;
• caffeinated beverages;
• smoked meats;
• pickled foods;
• jelly meat;
• chicory;
• alcoholic beverages.

Prevention

To prevent the development of varicose veins in the lower extremities, it is necessary to monitor your health from an early age. Disease prevention is more effective than treating the feet when complications develop.

In order to have good blood circulation, it is necessary to ensure sufficient physical activity. If a person stays in the same position for a long time at work, you should do a little warm-up regularly. You need to take a responsible approach to the choice of shoes - it should have a low heel (not higher than 6 cm), comfortable, not squeezing the feet.

Weight should be monitored. Being overweight is one of the predisposing factors for the development of the disease. In addition, it leads to increased stress on blood vessels. Clothes must be made of natural fabrics. The use of too tight underwear should be avoided to avoid squeezing large vessels in the groin area.

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

It is recommended to exercise or exercise daily. You don't have to run several kilometers at once; it is enough to visit the pool, go for a walk or ride a bike for fun.

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