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. As a result, 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 the entry into the superficial vessels and the formation of characteristic nodules. Such defects are clearly visible to the naked eye or by palpation of the lesion site.

Varicose veins are a progressive pathology that is filled with serious health complications and disability without timely treatment. In advanced cases of varicose veins, the formation of wounds, ulcers and blood clots is possible at the sites of vascular damage.

What it does

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

• Constant heavy physical activity;
• Longer stay in static position - sitting or standing;
• Adverse environmental conditions - for example, constantly high air temperature;
• Weight oscillations 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 blood vessels, namely, congenital anatomical inferiority of venous valves and weakness of the connective tissue of arterial walls;
Neuroses.

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

Tips for everyday life

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

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

A sudden change in temperature can greatly affect the filling of the veins with blood. For example, when the temperature rises, the veins are very filled with blood, which increases the load on the valve. It is recommended to reduce the number of hot baths, sunbathing on the beach and so on. Remember, the temperature drop should be gradual.

Cycling, swimming and of course daily brisk walking are very helpful. It is worth remembering that during the walk you should give preference to shallow water or sand and avoid hard roads as much as possible. A two-minute contrast soaking of your feet will help you get rid of the feeling of heaviness and numbness easily. Moreover, this watering can be done with the help of a shower.

Remember that when you cross your legs you interfere with 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 a little 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 diseases are observed:

• Venous patterns or “stars” (telangiectasias) on the skin;
• Swelling of limbs, especially at the end of the day;
• Pain in the legs or along the veins when probing them;
• Repeated attacks;
• Rapid fatigue, especially when walking;
• Visual manifestation of veins on skin surfaces;
• Feeling of heaviness in legs;
• Burning in venous lesions;
• Muscle itching;
• Pains of various natures and pains;
• Winding of veins in legs and feet;
• Dermatological changes on 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 at sites of varicose vein progression;
• Creating a hematoma.

Symptoms can begin as early as adolescence. It develops imperceptibly, after a while the disease is felt with a lot of unpleasant health consequences. If at least one of the above signs is present, you should be examined 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 Pathology of Clinical Etiology of Anatomy. Based on this typology, varicose veins have 6 clinical stages:

1. Zero. There are less subjective complaints of the patient about some of the symptoms of varicose veins, but with 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 edema, heaviness, tingling, a feeling of "buzzing" in the legs.
3. II degree. It is considered the starting point of a true varicose vein. It is characterized by a pronounced external manifestation of enlarged veins, the formation of venous nodules, exacerbated after a long stay in a static state or walking on high heels. Starting from this phase, the possibility of thrombus formation is observed.
4. III degree. The symptoms of the second group were accompanied by regular swelling, most evident by the end of the day, and aching, aching pains in the leaves.
5. IV degree. There are trophic changes in the skin. Due to the excessive accumulation of pigment in the epidermis, the skin begins to change its color from dark brown to black. It is also possible to develop small local inflammations in the form of erythema or moist wounds, which over time leads to dermal atrophy and ulcers.
6. Grade V. It has the same course as stage five, but with healed trophic ulceration.
7. Grade 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 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 for the pathology to develop from stage I to stage VI.

Phases

The first signs of varicose veins on the legs appear in progressive stages, when the venous valves perform their functions by less than 50%. In the first or zero phase of varicose veins, which is known as the "compensation phase", there are no unpleasant sensations, as well as no visible changes. Detection of the initial phase of varicose veins on the legs is done by a 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 on the thighs and below the knees a pattern of thin varicose capillaries of blue or red color is clearly visible;
• evening leg swelling;
• Calf muscles cramp at night.

This phase of varicose veins of the lower extremities differs in the intensified symptoms, which weaken after rest.

In the final stage of varicose veins, decompensation occurs: the body cannot compensate for the oxygen needs of the tissues, and the valves in the veins lose their function by 90%. The condition of the limbs is deteriorating 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. Symptoms in the final phase of varicose veins persist.

Pathology in men

Vein pathology no sex. However, according to the pathogenesis, the disease is usually divided into male and female varicose veins, each of which is inherent in its specific origin and development. Thus, the characteristics of male physiology do not contribute to the creation of vein problems in representatives of the strong half of humanity, however, there are a number of factors that support 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 edema, venous pattern on the skin surface, frequent cramps and itchy skin such as allergic dermatitis. In some advanced cases, blood clots and vascular infection are possible. And if at first the disease is invisible, over time its manifestations become obvious. But the main changes occur inside the veins, whose walls are so weakened that any, even minor exposure to a toxic substance or infection causes their damage. The method of treating varicose veins in men is the same as in women and has no specific features.

Pathology in women

A good 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 adapted to the size and fullness of the feet;
• Clothing for weight loss or excessively tight that interferes with normal blood circulation;
• A job that requires keeping on your feet all day - salesman, receptionist, hairdresser, teacher, cook, etc. ;
• Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth and age changes in the body (menopause);
• Weight experiments - frequent fluctuations in body weight, extreme diet aimed at dramatic weight loss, uncontrolled weight gain.

Women are those who are frequent patients of phlebologists and cosmetologists. In an effort to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the skin for 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.

Due to the increased natural tendency to varicose veins, the appearance of symptoms such as swelling of the legs, excessive leg fatigue, itching and burning sensations, manifestations of small veins and venous pattern should seriously alert the woman and become a reason to visit a doctor immediately.

Treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies

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

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

How to 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 prepare infusions or tinctures using natural products, herbs and other ingredients that will improve blood circulation. You can cure some of them here:

• Nettle. Dry and grind the grass in any suitable way. To prepare the infusion, 2 tablespoons of the herbal component are poured over a glass of boiling water. The contents are stored for one hour and filtered. Then drink po glasses at least 3 times a day. The course of treatment lasts six months with intervals of one month.
• Horse chestnut. Place the crushed wild chestnut kernels in a three-liter jar in half and pour vodka or alcohol on the edges of the bowl. Within a month, the jar is kept in a dark place, occasionally shaking the contents. Once the time has passed, you can start rubbing your feet with the resulting tincture. You do such procedures 2-3 times a week without interruption.

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

Apples against varicose veins

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

How to get rid of varicose veins with apples:

• Prepare an infusion of apples. To do this, soak apples in hot water in the 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 was done. 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 just rub a small amount of vinegar into the problem areas overnight. You can also use diluted vinegar with a little honey, drinking a vyp 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:

Diagnosis of the disease

In order to make an accurate diagnosis of varicose veins, as well as to determine the degree of its severity, special research methods are used. The standard examination scheme when contacting a phlebologist consists of the following procedures:

1. Collection of medical history that 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 duplex ultrasound sonography of the arteries of the lower extremities, which allows proper medical opinion, measuring the speed and direction of blood flow, compiling a map of its movement, obtaining characteristics and clear images 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 valve and the direction of blood flow.

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

• 3D CT (computed tomography) with phlebography;
• Photoplethysmography, using infrared and light radiation from photoresistors or phototransistors;
• 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 physician based on the complexity of the situation and the individual clinical parameters of the patient.

Timely and well-chosen research method enables the determination of the position of superficial and deep veins and the formation of an accurate scheme of therapeutic course in accordance with the indicators.

Conservative treatment

In the initial stages, varicose veins are reversible and are completely eliminated by a responsible approach to treatment. In other cases, to fight 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 indications for naming and specifics of the impact on the diseased organ.

1. Drug therapy. It involves the oral use of phlebotropic drugs - phlebotonics, anticoagulants and antioxidants - over a period of time to help strengthen blood vessels and reduce their fragility, improve blood thinning and normalize blood flow and remove accumulated toxic substances from the body. Tonics, gels and ointments for pain relief, sedatives and swelling agents are used for local treatment. Also, vitamins 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 method involves the use of special drugs that act on the type of adhesion of the vein affected by varicose veins from the inside. As a result, reflux is stabilized and conducted through healthy blood vessels. The procedure is performed invasively by intravenous administration of the solution. It is prescribed for a certain condition of blood vessels and small size of venous nodes.
3. Ozone therapy. It is part of cosmetic medicine and consists of exposing the interior of the vessel to cold ozone to glue the damaged area. 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 different intensity on different parts of the legs, which in turn helps to reduce the load on the veins and restore blood circulation. Constant use of corrective underwear protects blood vessels from stretching and the development of thrombosis. According to the purpose, compression underwear can be prophylactic (minimum compression force), medical (worn only during the worsening of venous disease) and hospital (used in the postoperative period in the hospital). Available in tights, socks, leggings and an elastic bandage. The choice of compression underwear is made only on the recommendation of a doctor

Surgical methods of affecting varicose veins

Surgery for varicose veins is performed only as a last resort, when a deep vein lesion is diagnosed, exacerbated by accompanying complications. Indications for naming surgery are:

• Noticeable worsening of pathology;
• Development of thrombophlebitis;
• Visible enlargement of saphenous 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 obliteration 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 impulse occlusion (SVS). Influence on vessels of abundant 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 vein coagulation. It involves the use of a laser beam aimed at a diseased vein. The procedure leaves no cuts, burns or scars.
4. Venaseal technique. It consists in gluing the valve of the vessel with a special biological glue.
5. Varadi's method. The most difficult method of treatment that involves removing the affected vessel. Due to its 100% efficiency, it is one of the priority methods of neurosurgery.

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

Self-massage of varicose leg legs

• First you need to massage your thighs. Next, with a light caress and kneading, lift yourself from the knee area to the groin area. Stretch your knee joint with your fingertips in a spiral, straight and circular motion. Press the filling pit with your fist several times and knead this area in a circular motion.
• Lie on your back, relax your muscles and bend your knees. Grasp your lower legs with your hands and rub the skin with strokes. Shake the leg muscles.
• Stretch each toe with light strokes. Rub the ankle and both feet from the top up. Massage your feet and heels in a circular motion and rub your wrists with a little force.

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

Rehabilitation period

In the recovery period and in the future, in the fight against varicose veins of the lower extremities, the competent rehabilitation program helps, including periodic drug therapy, as well as adherence to the rules of a healthy lifestyle and conducting therapeutic exercises.

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

Diet for varicose veins of the lower extremities

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

• paprika;
• carrots;
• white cabbage;
citrus fruits;
• apples;
• nuts;
• rod;
• currants;
• sea fish;
• eggs;
• lean meat;
• legumes
• cereals;
cheeses;
• liver.

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

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

Prevention

To prevent the development of varicose veins of 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 occur.

In order to have good blood circulation, it is necessary to ensure sufficient physical activity. If a person stays in the same position at work for a long time, you should warm up a bit on a regular basis. You must approach the choice of shoes responsibly - it should be with a small heel (not higher than 6 cm), comfortable, not to squeeze the foot.

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 the blood vessels. Clothing should be made of natural fabrics. The use of too tight underwear should be avoided to avoid constriction of large veins in the groin area.

During hygienic procedures, it is recommended to use a shower that allows you 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. It is not necessary to run several kilometers at once, it is enough to visit the pool, walk or bike for your pleasure.

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 negatively affect the condition of the vessel walls.