What does varicose veins look like?

23 December 2020

Small protruding veins aren't scary yet, but they should make you think!

The initial stages of the disease are characterized by mild symptoms. However, a woman who is careful about her health must not lose sight of the first signs of the development of varicose veins:

weight in the legs by the end of the day;
swelling of the feet;
appearance of pigmentation on the skin of the lower legs and thinning of the skin;
numbness of the limbs, frequent spasms of the leg muscles;
bulging veins above the surface of the skin;
appearance of a pattern of veins, spider veins on the legs.

If a woman, returning home after a working day, finds herself in a "sad state", she should not blame only uncomfortable shoes or an extra "piece of salt" for dinner. Swelling and heaviness in the legs is the first signal for the development of blood stagnation in the veins. Remember - venous diseases are difficult to treat. Early prevention and timely medical care can stop or significantly slow down the process of stretching veins. Treatment should be started as early as possible.

Grade 1 varicose veins

The main causes of varicose veins are considered to be pregnancy, weight gain, prolonged physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, as well as genetic predisposition for such a disease. Ordinary people called varicose veins "stewardess's disease" because of the peculiarities of this profession and its long existence. This stage of the disease is the mildest.

Classify the disease according to various factors. One of the classifications is according to the stages of disease development:

Varicose veins of 1st degree or stage of compensation.
Grade 2 varicose veins or subcompensation phase.
Varicose veins grade 3 or stage of decompensation.

Different phases of varicose veins of the lower extremities have radically different treatment. You should not try to deal with the disease on your own. This can only harm and lead to catastrophic consequences. It is better to seek help from a competent expert.

The first stage of varicose veins is characterized by edema at night, nocturnal spasms. Often people confuse all these symptoms with the usual fatigue. However, already at this stage it is necessary to take preventive measures, which include warming the feet to improve overall blood flow, light foot massage, regular swimming, cycling.

Varicose veins of the first stage can also manifest as cramps in the calf area, patients often complain of a feeling of stretching of the legs or burning in the muscles. This is increasingly accompanied by pain in the lower extremities.

Already at this stage, manifestations of the visual character of varicose veins can be noticed, which should be warned immediately:

Mild skin cyanosis.
The first spider veins appear on various parts of the body, more often on the legs.
Visible meandering of veins.

First degree varicose veins are most often manifested by such external changes.

Another important factor in the manifestation of the first phase of varicose veins are the external conditions in which the person finds himself. For example, in a hot environment the symptoms increase, swelling, pain and cramps increase.

Treatment of first degree varicose veins

Sometimes doctors recommend the additional use of venotonics which are quite effective in treating varicose veins in the first stage. Separately, it should be said about massage: not every type of therapy is suitable for this disease. If after the procedure the pain only intensifies, then it is necessary to change the approach to choosing a massage complex.

It is worth more often to organize relaxing cold foot baths that will calm the muscles, relieve swelling, help reduce pain and eliminate fatigue. But hot baths should be excluded, because they do not improve the condition of the limbs in varicose veins.

Doctors may recommend the following treatments for this stage of varicose veins:

Sclerotherapy - a special drug is injected with a needle directly into a vein. The action of the drug is aimed at resorption of veins, strengthening of weak vascular walls, blocking blood flow in the desired area.
Ozone therapy - action aimed at strengthening blood vessels, resorption of varicose asterisks.

Each of the above options is quite effective. However, maximum effect can only be achieved if all the recommendations that must be followed after the procedure are used.

Wearing special compression garments is paramount. Such an element helps to create pressure in the veins, preventing them from spreading further.

Causes of the disease

There are more than fifty reasons that can trigger a change in the venous system. They are especially susceptible to diseases whose profession is associated with stress on the legs and inactive activity: salespeople, hairdressers, programmers, accountants, drivers.

Scientists have conducted many years of research and identified the main factors that cause varicose changes:

Hormonal changes in the body: pregnancy, menopause, adolescence;
Obesity of any degree;
Genetic predisposition. 70% of children whose parents suffered from venous insufficiency develop varicose veins;
Weak muscular system;
Wearing uncomfortable underwear: socks with narrow elastic bands, tight pants for men;
Lack of activity and physical activity;
The habit of sitting with one foot over the other;
Rare change in body position: long standing, lying down, sitting;
Chronic diseases: diabetes mellitus, high blood viscosity.

Of the ten patients with varicose veins, eight are female. The weaker sex is susceptible to venous pathologies due to forced hormonal disorders during pregnancy, after childbirth, during menopause. Another important factor why women suffer from leg pain more often than men is the love of high heels.

Rules and guidelines

In the initial stage of varicose veins, the patient is advised to follow the rules:

Hike once or twice a day. You should walk at a leisurely pace, stopping occasionally for rest.
Wear comfortable shoes with heels no higher than 3 cm. The upper part of the shoe should not have a pulling device, the laces are not tied as tightly as possible.
Attend gym workouts twice a week. Loads are selected individually by the doctor and coach.
Examine your diet. Foods exclude foods high in sugar, fatty meats, flour products and starchy vegetables. Most of the diet of a patient with varicose veins consists of steamed or cooked vegetables. Fried and spicy foods are not recommended.
Legs should rest in the evening. The outflow of blood will increase if you lift your legs and throw them on a high pillow or sofa back.
If the job involves a small amount of movement, it is recommended to lubricate the feet with refreshing gels or ointments that contain heparin.
Special compression garments or elastic bandages are used every day. Especially underwear is chosen by the doctor. The special feature of compression garments is the function of squeezing. The pressure on the body occurs with varying strength, forcing the blood to circulate forcibly.
Change your position often. If you have to sit at work all the time, then get up and sit a few times every 30 minutes. Exercise will help prevent varicose veins in the legs and hemorrhoids.

Treatment of different stages

Therapy that is effective in the initial stages may have the opposite effect in advanced pathology. The choice of treatment methods should correspond to the stages of varicose veins:

Compression jersey

It is used in all stages of varicose veins, however, the degree of compression should vary significantly at different stages of disease progression. In the initial phase of varicose veins, compression is used for prophylactic purposes during standing and inactive work.

Compression can stop the development of varicose veins, but before medical use it is necessary to consult a phlebologist, because compression is dangerous exacerbating the problem of venous outflow. In the phases of compensation and subcompensation of swelling and noticeable varicose veins, underwear of the first and second compression class is usually prescribed.

The third class of compression is used in cases of severe venous insufficiency. If lymphedema occurs, use fourth grade underwear. The hospital jersey is worn for inpatient treatment.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine helps treat varicose veins in the early stages. The following tools are widely used:

applying cabbage leaves
potato, wormwood and garlic wraps;
chestnut tincture,
decoctions of hops and nettles.

However, the ease of use, availability, softness of action of folk remedies are combined with their low efficiency (compared to drugs), so enthusiasm for these methods is full of disease progression. Herbal remedies and compresses should be applied after medical advice and serve only as an adjunct to the main treatment.

Hirudotherapy

Treatment with leeches is indicated in rare cases of advanced stages of varicose veins. Leeches are sometimes prescribed for thrombophlebitis.

Leeches can cause allergies and trophic ulcers that worsen varicose veins. Currently, the method is being replaced by non-traumatic drugs that contain anticoagulant components.

Medications

Medications can help relieve symptoms. Tablets, capsules based on grape extract, chestnut, which are biologically active additives, are effective in the initial phase of varicose veins.

Aids are prescribed in the compensation phase. Most ointments and gels contain heparin, which prevents blood from clotting. To a large extent the effect of ointments and gels is caused by massage during application.

But in the phase of decompensation, the application of such products can cause additional skin manifestations. Relieving symptoms with medication is often temporary and does not cure the underlying cause.

Operations

Laser coagulation and sclerotherapy are minimally invasive techniques to exclude veins from the bloodstream. They are used for small diameters of varicose veins in the initial stages of varicose veins (when spider veins, webs are solved).

Endovasal laser coagulation of varicose veins

Phlebectomy

Surgical removal of veins is indicated in the third stage of the disease, followed by trophic ulcers and complications, and in some cases varicose veins on the legs do not develop according to the model presented in the step classification. For example, the symptoms of the first phase may be completely absent: a picture of subcompensation appears immediately.

Or, as the disease progresses, some signs of varicose veins do not add to the symptoms of the previous phase, but disappear. Therefore, at the beginning of the 21st century, Russian phlebologists, in addition to the stepwise approach, adopted the International Classification (CEAP), which takes into account facts about individual characteristics of varicose vein flow and treatment effects when diagnosing disease severity.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pathology with the onset of varicose veins do not lead people to think about venous diseases:

feeling of heaviness in the legs;
fatigue after walking.

They are usually associated with flat feet, unusually high heels, uncomfortable new shoes, lumbar osteochondrosis.

And only the visual detection of cyanotic varicose veins under the skin raises suspicion of the development of varicose veins.

The vascular network as the first sign of varicose veins most often appears below the knee

Women go to the doctor when they notice unpleasant cosmetic defects in the form of reddish venous "spiders" on the legs, below the knees, on the skin of the thighs.

The "influx" of young women seeking treatment from a phlebologist specializing in venous diseases is usually associated with the upcoming summer beach season, taking care of their appearance, not their health. With the help of pills they want to restore the beauty of the skin of the feet.

Pregnant women are more careful about their condition. In addition to cosmetic changes, they notice difficulty walking, increased fatigue in the evening.

The initial stage of the disease is indicated by the disappearance of clinical symptoms after lying down.

You can confirm by conducting the following experiment: measure the volume of the lower leg at the level of the ankles or lower leg muscles in the morning and evening after work. If the difference is greater than 1 cm, there are signs of an initial varicose vein.

After that:

leg pain;
swelling of the feet;
feeling of fullness and heaviness in the legs;
muscle cramps at night;
varicose veins become like thick “snake” ropes with darkened parts of the skin.

These signs are an undoubted manifestation of venous insufficiency and require treatment.

The main causes of varicose veins in women

Fatigue and edema may be the first manifestations of venous blood flow disorders

The sex hormone estrogen plays a special role in the development of varicose veins in women. Its action leads to problems such as weight gain, depression, swelling, drowsiness, dry mucous membranes. This hormone increases the permeability of small blood vessels. The fluid easily leaves the bloodstream, the blood becomes less fluid. Excess fluid accumulates in the surrounding tissues. These factors contribute to the development of stagnation in the vessels of the lower extremities.

Reasons for increased estrogen in women:

Imbalance in estrogen-progesterone production. It occurs as a result of a decrease in progesterone levels in the female body;
Chronic stress. During stress, the body produces cortisol, which in turn inhibits progesterone synthesis;
Taking contraceptives. Varicose veins occur as a side effect of taking these medications;
Liver disease because estrogen is removed from the body by the liver. With its poor function, this hormone accumulates in the body;
Age-related changes in hormonal levels also lead to an imbalance of sex hormones with estrogen predominance.

Separately, the reasons for the development of varicose veins should be noted overweight and genetic predisposition for this disease. If being overweight can and should be fought for health in general, then genetic predisposition cannot be prevented. As a result of these factors, varicose veins are significantly “younger” and are now often found in girls aged 16-20 years.

Full liver function is important for maintaining normal hormonal levels. In addition to removing excess hormones, it participates in the synthesis of substances - the precursors of progesterone and estrogen. In order to improve its work, physical activity, good nutrition and minimization of the intake of toxic substances in the body are necessary.

Treatment of varicose veins with traditional medicine

Treating varicose veins on the legs with medication is the most effective way that is suitable for almost all patients. A wide range of medications allows you to choose the most appropriate medication for long-term treatment.

Medical methods for treating varicose veins in the legs

Venotonics are among the most effective drugs for treating this disease. Venotonics are medications that help increase venous tone and better blood flow from the veins.

These tablets can prevent the formation of characteristic varicose veins and nodules.

Applying grease

The best treatment for varicose veins on the legs is an integrated approach, which includes medications in the form of tablets, as well as the use of gels and ointments for external treatment of problem areas.

Ointment for varicose veins on the legs also helps to improve blood flow and prevent the formation of blood clots.

These agents are recommended for use only after consultation with a physician, who will also determine the duration of treatment and regimen of use.

Do not self-medicate - this can further harm the already poor condition of the patient.

Consequences of varicose veins.

Varicose veins can lead to the development of trophic ulcers on the leg, to thrombosis in the varicose system, to thrombophlebitis, to pulmonary embolism (current death) in the midst of seemingly complete health.

Complicated phases of varicose veins require surgical intervention. Although varicose veins most often suffer from women, this disease also affects men, mainly for hereditary reasons.

A man under the age of 40 can appear on the operating table, and radical measures are used to treat varicose veins - diseased veins are removed.

Removing varicose veins is easy.

On the groin, the surgeon makes an incision, where a large saphenous vein affected by varicose veins flows into the femoral vein. The vein was uncovered, tied and cut, and a second incision was made in the ankle. With the help of a special metal probe, which is inserted into the lumen of the vessel, the entire enlarged vein is removed.

In the future, with proper work technology, recurrences will not be noticed. The blood supply to the leg is distributed to other vessels, and after 2 weeks everything is completely restored.

Risk factors that predispose to the development of varicose veins.

Genetics and connective tissue pathology;
Female;
Taking hormonal drugs: progesterone, estrogen;
Pregnancy;
Age: more often after 50;
Overweight and physical inactivity;
Prolonged standing in an upright position (standing job: hairdressers, salesmen, teachers, etc. );
Obesity.

Symptoms and signs of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.

Symptoms of varicose veins	External characters
Painful pains	Telangiectasia
Heavy legs	Reticular veins
Fatigue	Varicose veins
Puffiness	Thrombophlebitis
Itchy skin	Hyperpigmentation
Leg discomfort	Bleeding from the trauma node
Cramps in the lower leg muscles	Ulceration

Treatment options for varicose veins.

The choice of treatment depends on the diameter and type of varicose veins

Varicose veins of saphenous veins
Drug therapy
Elastic compression and leg bandage
Injectable sclerotherapy
Foam sclerotherapy
Laser therapy
Miniphlebectomy

Dear women, varicose veins can wrap you in long skirts and pants forever. If pills and ointments cannot return the legs to normal, the only safe way to remove varicose veins remains. In what way and where, it is only after consultation with a specialist phlebologist. The veins can now be surgically treated without hospitalization, without anesthesia, without incisions, with great precision. You just need to take a step towards your health.

Detailed information on varicose veins, symptoms, disease prevention, special exercises, treatment methods and necessary nutrition can be found on the website: ovaricosis. ru

How varicose veins manifest in the early stages. Why is it dangerous

As a rule, reticular varicose veins are painless. Therefore, the most common complaints that patients turn to doctors are cosmetic defects - visible reticular veins.

In rare cases, the appearance of such a varicose network is accompanied by a burning sensation or other changes in skin sensitivity.

In addition to these symptoms, the first phase of varicose veins is manifested:

weight in legs;
increased leg fatigue;
cramps in the muscles of the lower extremities, especially at night;
itching at the site of the vascular network;
swelling of the feet and legs.

In order to prevent the progression of the disease, it is necessary to start treatment on time

Therefore, it is important to consult a phlebologist, angiologist or vascular surgeon in time who will tell you what to do with such skin formations. To begin with, the specialist will perform an examination and prescribe the necessary additional examinations that will help identify the causes of the appearance of asterisks or retinas, as well as determine the degree of impaired venous circulation

To determine the degree of vascular lesions and their insufficiency, do:

complete blood count (shows whether the patient has anemia or thrombocytopenia);
biochemical blood test (detects blood clotting disorders or liver and kidney function);
general urine analysis (detects kidney problems);
vascular ultrasound - duplex angioscanning (detects pathology of the vascular wall and circulatory disorders);
X-ray phlebography with contrast (determines the localization of venous lesions and the degree of damage to their functions).

If you do nothing after detecting the first signs of reticular varicose veins, it is possible to:

association of inflammation and development of thrombophlebitis of superficial veins of the lower extremities;
transition of the pathological process from the superficial veins of the lower extremities to the deep ones;
venous thrombosis. If thrombosis occurs in the venous vessels of the head, it is dangerous for strokes and sinus thrombosis;
Pulmonary artery thromboembolism is a fatal complication caused by the separation of a blood clot from the blood vessel wall and blockage of the pulmonary artery lumen.

If you ignore the appearance of the initial reticular varicose vein and do not start treatment on time, the disease will progress. Then the development of complications will become inevitable.

Prevention

Don't forget about preventative measures. You need to dedicate time to sports for prevention.

Avoid excessive physical activity. Wear comfortable shoes with low heels (up to 4 cm). Keep in mind that hot baths, baths and saunas have a detrimental effect on foot health.

And following these simple guidelines will help prevent the development of this disease:

try to get rid of bad habits - alcohol consumption and smoking negatively affect the condition of your blood vessels;
compression therapy - wear medical socks, tights and leggings;
diet, weight control (overweight people are more likely to suffer from varicose veins), exclude fatty meats and poultry, give up spicy and salty foods, be sure to include vegetables and fruits in your diet;
massage - get in the habit of light foot massage after a hard day's work, this will help you relax and improve the natural blood circulation in the body.

Any disease is always easier to prevent than to cure. Be healthy!