Varicose veins: symptoms and treatment photo

Varicose veins of the lower limbs is a chronic pathology that is characterized by thinning of the venous wall, increased vascular lumen and the formation of the knobby extensions.

The disease is diagnosed in about 15-17% of the adult population. In adulthood, the disease more often diagnosed in women this is due to the hormonal changes in the body (menopause, pregnancy, menstruation).

Varicose veins of the legs manifested a great clinic. Patients complain of weight and uneasiness in the limbs, fatigue, ankle swelling, cramps at night, protruding blue veins. For the pathology of the background of the lack of proper treatment leads to various complications.

Causes and risk factors of varicose veins of the lower limbs

Varicose veins

Varicose veins of the lower limbs in most images is the result of a genetic predisposition. Proximate cause: the functional immaturity of the valves of the veins, and immaturity of the connective tissue element of the blood vessels. This leads to an increase of the load on the inside of the blood vessels and the appearance of varicose veins.

The etiology is due to innate factors, which are associated with hypercoagulability – increase of the clotting of the blood. On the background of violations of the form blood clots, which violates the full flow in the legs, leads to the pathological expansion of the venous lumen.

A common cause of disease in women is hormonal imbalance. It is on the basis of the change in the concentration of sex hormones in the blood. Associated with the beginning of menopause and pregnancy.

Reasons for the appearance of varicose veins in the legs:

  • To lose weight. Obesity has mechanical effects on the venous wall, are particularly expressed themselves on the background of the abdominal type. As a result, the patient increased venous pressure;
  • Diabetes. As a result of complex disorders of the metabolic processes associated with chronic high blood sugar of the relative lack of insulin, reducing the elasticity of the venous walls with their further extension;
  • Alcohol dependence. Alcoholism the body does not have enough fluids, the blood becomes thicker, which leads to disruption of the circulation of the blood;
  • Professional factors (the constant finding in a vertical position, excessive physical activity, lack of exercise);
  • Wearing uncomfortable shoes, for example, high heels;
  • Severe pathology of the cardiovascular system, manifested by circulatory failure.

Cause varicose veins of the legs can chronic disease of the genital organs. In particular, inflammation of the prostate gland in men and adnexa in women.

The mechanism of the disease is based on participation in the inflammatory process of the smallest veins, which causes swelling and obstruction of the flow of blood.

Signs and symptoms of varicose veins

Varicose veins of the feet are manifested in various symptoms. Let's start with the external changes. Thus, the most obvious sign, indicating the onset of the illness, this transformation of the shape and form of the subcutaneous vessels of the legs. Manifested bloating, nodular thickening. Vessels become dark colors, revealing the veins and varicose veins.

Venous leg ulcers are considered by both parties. Part clinicians attribute the wounds of the symptoms and other complications of the disease, bears witness to the last, most advanced stage of the pathological process.

Classification of varicose veins of the legs.

Varicose veins of the feet is diagnosed more often in older women than men of this age. At a young age, the disease in boys and girls manifests itself with the same frequency. In accordance with the classification, the disease can be primary and secondary nature. In the first case, the pathological changes are related to the surface vessels. Violations of the structure and the structure of the deep vessels do not exist.

Secondary varicose veins is a complication of abnormalities of the deep veins, resulting in the observed negative changes in the surface vessels of the legs. This image is displayed on the background of congenital disorders of the venous system, and also as a consequence of phlebothrombosis.

Also of the disease is classified on clinical forms. These include the veins of the lateral vessels of the lower legs and thighs form the reticular and varicose telangiectasia. Consider these forms more:

  • Varicose veins side veins, sometimes as an independent disease, and in combination with other pathologies. Reverse venous reflux of the liquid occurs in the deep vein through the saphenous and the surrounding vessels.
  • Mesh (reticular form) is manifested as an independent disease. Do not lead to venous insufficiency, represents only a cosmetic defect.
  • Telangiectasia varicose veins are also a cosmetic defect.

In recent years, surgeons distinguish venous insufficiency idiopathic forms. It is characterized by increased venous tone, with a clear reason for such a violation can be detected. The clinical manifestations of the pathology does not differ from the classical clinic.

The stage and extent of the varicose veins

Stars

Varicose veins of the leg varies depending on the stage and extent. For the establishment of these take into consideration the clinic of the patient. Chronic disease is of several stages, which have some differences:

Phase Function
Compensation Pain syndrome weakly expressed or not. Patients complain of discomfort of the feet due to long standing. It is noted the presence of spider veins on the skin, occasionally accompanied with swelling of the ankle, passes quickly after the holidays.
Subcompensation Visual inspection of the lower extremities of the patient's visible varicose veins with abnormal clearance. Patients have a large number of complaints. In particular, they complain of persistent pain expander nature, fatigue, weight in feet. Often at night there are twitching of the muscles, "run goose bumps" on the skin. Swelling, after a night's sleep in 90% of cases leveled independently.
Decompensation The most difficult stage of varicose veins. Manifest changes in the skin. He becomes too dry, the hair should fall from the feet. In addition, it revealed hyperpigmentation, which leads to abnormal thickening of the subcutaneous tissue. Cracks and scratches on the feet heal for a long time, is able to transform into sores. Swollen legs constantly, rest and sleep do not help. Swelling tend to grow taller on legs.

When a girl or guy came to the doctor with complaints of the described symptoms, the doctor performs a visual exam, prescribes laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods. On the basis of the obtained results speak for form, the stage and extent of disease.

The extent of the varicose veins of the legs are defined by numbers. Zero (0) for the clinic is not identified, the external changes do not exist; I – puffiness, fatigue of the limbs; II – permanent swelling accompanied with hyperpigmentation, abnormal seal subcutaneous tissue; III – pain that does not pass swelling of the legs, trophic ulcers.

Complications of venous insufficiency

Varicose veins is a chronic incurable disease, so treatment has a specific purpose – to stop the progression and prevent complications. If treatment is assigned incorrect or the patient turns for help to the medical professional, to develop complications of the disease.

Thrombophlebitis – inflammation of the vein walls in the presence of a blood clot. In the inflammatory process may involve the surrounding blood vessels and soft tissues. There are several forms. Can be acute (lasts for about 30 days), subacute – duration up to six months and chronic.

Migratory thrombophlebitis is rare. It is characterized by the inflammation which appears in different parts of Vienna quickly.

Symptoms include:

  • Visually there is a clear view of the inflamed vessel.
  • Acute pain, palpation pain becomes stronger.
  • Swollen nodules, protruding over the skin.
  • The local temperature increase.

Thrombophlebitis with varicose veins of the legs can lead to other complications. For example, the periphlebitis is inflammation of the surrounding tissues, wet gangrene of the limbs, deep vein thrombosis. In the spreading of inflammation occur the complications that go out of extremity – embolism and sepsis.

Deep vein thrombosis is a common complication of varicose veins of the legs. The pathology is characterized by the formation of dense blood clot that partially or completely occludes the blood vessels which disturbs the circulation of the blood in its entirety. In this complication there is a risk of death due to detachment of the thrombus.

Trophic ulcers appear in severe cases. Often joins infectious process, it is about the combination of the clinical picture. The sores can affect not only the tissue but also deeper layers of the muscles. Heal for a long time. Requires a comprehensive treatment.

Feet

Varicose eczema is characterized by such symptoms:

  • Inflammatory hyperpigmentation of the skin, purple or bright red color;
  • Microvesicles are formed, which are independent openings;
  • Severe swelling of the legs;
  • Itching, which is observed constantly;
  • Moisture that after drying crusts;
  • Abnormal thickening of the skin.

Varicose eczema you can go into a chronic course, resulting in a manifest hardening of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Upon accession infection eczema complicated by trophic ulcers.

Conservative treatment of varicose veins of the legs.

Conservative treatment of varicose veins includes medications and wearing of compression underwear. Compression stockings of different compression class the purpose is for the prevention and treatment of the disease. Tights, stockings and socks should choose a doctor based on specific characteristics. Just the right underwear gives the desired result.

Prescription drugs. Perfectly effective of the medications that will affect all the pathological elements of the disease do not exist. We recommend the use of systemic medications – tablets and local media – gels, balms, creams and ointments.

Additionally prescribed physiotherapy – magnetotherapy, electrophoresis; special exercises. You can use folk remedies – recipes with herbs can help to reduce the severity of symptoms.

Sometimes it is recommended hirudotherapy – treatment with leeches.

Methods of surgical treatment

When conservative methods give a small result, the disease progresses, it is recommended to conduct operations. Often practiced sclerotherapy. In the vein injected a special substance that glues the affected vessel. With the passage of time is replaced by connective tissue.

Radio-frequency ablation. While surgical intervention is performed "welding" of the blood vessels (the patient) with the help of the probe, which radiates the waves. The probe, heated walls, leading to stenosis. After the intervention, some time will be required to wear compression garments.

The choice of the method of the patient after surgery depends on a number of criteria. The doctor takes into account the stage of the disease, the patient's state of health, presence of chronic diseases, which may be a contraindication for the use of the intervention.

Other types of surgical treatment:

  • Phlebectomy the doctor removes the affected veins and vessels. Through a small puncture of the skin introduction of a tool with the hook, when you pull the boat. This technique is the combined use of surgical intervention and the use of the laser.
  • The most effective way of treatment is considered laser coagulation of the veins of the lower limbs. The technique of the work is performed with minimal incisions and injuries. Through a small incision of the skin, in the container is injected with the best transactions that emits waves of the desired frequency. In the area of influence of the observed warming. The walls are merged, which allows you to attack the problem.

The Stripping is carried out with the help of a small probe which is inserted through the incision and glue the affected part of the vein. Cryostripping in the pathological vessel, liquid nitrogen is introduced, which leads to the degradation region, followed by a not function.

Prevention

Preventive measures are of great importance. A favorable prognosis depends on the appropriate doctor appointments and treatment, and the patient – that he needs to change his way of life, to strictly follow the recommendations of the phlebologist.

So, it is necessary to wear compressive underwear or bandaging the limb with an elastic bandage. For examinations of the patients, the first option is more convenient. Even after the surgery requires constant physical activity, but without the excessive stress of the body.

During sleep are recommended legs give the set position. To do this, the limb placed on a pillow or folded blanket. If the work involves continuous standing or sitting, every 60-80 minutes to do some stretching to stimulate circulation of the blood in the body.

Women should not wear high heel shoes. Maximum heel height should be 5 cm for All patients we must choose comfortable shoes to be delivered from the clothes, which puts pressure on the limbs.

Varicose veins – a serious disease that requires multifaceted treatment approach. Only a complex impact consisting of drugs, compression garments, physiotherapy, physical activity and proper nutrition will lead to a positive outcome and lasting results.