What is segmental varicose veins?
This is a form of venous disease of the leg in which there is no venous discharge. In this case, inflammation of deep or inflow veins with a diameter of 3 mm or more occurs.
The development of the disease begins with the fact that the functioning of the venous valves is impaired. This leads to blood reflux. This is called reflux. Disorders that occur later cause inflammation and pathological dilation of the walls of the inflow veins.
Varicose veins develop only in the veins (vessels that carry blood from organs to the heart). The reason for this is the difference in the structure of the veins and arteries: the venous walls do not have enough muscle layer to contract and push the blood through the bloodstream.
There are valves along the entire length of the veins that allow blood to flow in only one direction. In case of insufficient closing of the valves, part of the blood returns and creates excessive pressure in the vessel, which is not able to push the liquid further.
This subsequently leads to stretching of the walls and the development of inflammatory processes in the malfunctioning parts of the veins, increasing the pressure in the subcutaneous network.
All veins in the human body are divided into deep, superficial and perforated. Deep vessels do almost all the work (90%) of transporting blood to the heart, and perforated vessels are a kind of bridge between deep and superficial.
The structure of the veins includes valves that direct and facilitate the flow of blood only in the right direction. When the circulatory system fails, some of the blood accumulates at some point.
This results in local expansion (elongation) of the vessel. The former suffer from deep veins (so-called internal varicose veins), later superficial in the form of "spider veins and nodules".
For a complete understanding of the severity of the disease, it is worth noting that its progression threatens the development of thrombophlebitis, pulmonary artery occlusion with thrombus (or thromboembolism), as well as trophic leg ulcers, lymphostasis (swelling of the lower extremities). many other problems of the patient's death.
It has already been established that the risk factors that significantly increase the possibility of developing pathology are:
Varicose veins in the legs, leading to varicose veins, occur for many reasons.
One of the main reasons for this type of varicose veins is the pathology in the development of blood vessels, when the muscular walls of the veins become denser and the so-called membrane is formed inside. Arterial blood does not enter the capillary system, so the tissues do not receive the required amount of oxygen.
Varicose veins of the arm are rarely removed, conservative treatment is usually used:
Patients are also prescribed compression sleeves and gloves. It is not recommended to wear compression stockings all the time, but during sports, increased physical activity and weight lifting is necessary.
These sleeves and gloves help relieve swelling, heaviness and tingling in the hands. Stepper simulator exercises help to improve blood circulation throughout the body, which is necessary for varicose veins.
One of the reasons for development is heredity. Moreover, the "familial" disease is transmitted mainly through the female line. The characteristics of the structure of blood vessels are transmitted through genes. Without following the basic rules of prevention, with weak walls of the veins you can gain varicose veins.
The second reason is pregnancy. At this time there is a large load on the veins, whose tone decreases due to changes in the hormonal background. Strong pressure is exerted by the growing uterus and the increasing weight. Childbirth has an even greater negative effect on the veins. At this time, varicose veins wake up in many women.
Uncomfortable shoes and clothes are another reason. Tight jeans and shoes, high heels, heavy bags favor a serious illness. The heel should not exceed four centimeters. The sole of the boots is wide.
The fourth reason is bad habits and difficult working conditions. Waiters, hairdressers, salespeople are particularly susceptible to such diseases. If you add the wrong diet, smoking, then varicose veins can not be avoided. Even harmless sitting "cross-legged" can have disastrous consequences.
Sports loads should be moderate. Varicose veins are common in weightlifters. Barbell lifting and strength training are another reason. If we add to this predisposition, then the result is not pleasant. It should always be remembered that fitness is not always beneficial.
The most common type of varicose veins is varicose veins in the legs, so many people think that the problem is concentrated only in these parts of the body. But there are several types of this disease, which differ in the location of the pathology.
Such places are:
Varicose veins or varicose veins are a disease in which blood flow is disrupted due to thinning and loss of elasticity of the venous walls. This disease does not appear suddenly, it is preceded by many factors.
The main thing is the congestion in the limbs due to a sedentary lifestyle. First, unexpressed vascular "networks" and "stars" appear on the legs.
Then, if you do not start treatment, the veins become thicker, allow the fluid to pass, so the blood circulation slows down and large, bulging veins appear on the legs. There are different types of varicose veins, depending on how the disease progresses.
Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic defect, but also a serious disease with complications. Complications of varicose veins include: thrombophlebitis, bleeding, skin pigmentation in areas with varicose veins, lack of oxygen in the tissues.
This disease should be treated as soon as the first symptoms appear, then treatment is easier and faster. Before starting treatment, you need a diagnosis of varicose veins, you must donate blood for tests and undergo a general examination.
Diagnosis is necessary to determine the type of varicose veins and to prescribe effective treatment to relieve unpleasant symptoms, restore lightness and beauty of the legs.
Varicose vein types are classified according to the severity of the disease and the location of the varicose veins. The symptoms and treatment of each type of varicose vein also differ. Let's take a closer look at what types of varicose veins exist, their symptoms and methods of treatment.
Varicose veins of the legs
Every year more and more cases of varicose veins are registered, especially among young people. But a few decades ago, varicose veins were considered a disorder of the elderly.
Therefore, modern specialists have developed a system for classifying the main and most common types of diseases. The types of varicose veins in the legs differ in symptoms, location and rate of progression.
The structure of the venous system is very complex and includes large, medium, small, reticular vessels, capillaries.
Deformation of the veins of the lower extremities can occur in all parts of this system, as well as in some of its areas.
Based on which vessels have undergone changes, the following types of varicose veins of the legs are analyzed:
Each type of varicose veins of the lower extremities requires detailed examination due to the peculiarities of the pathological process.
This type of disease is characterized by damage to the reticular veins, the diameter of which is not more than 2 mm. These vessels are blue or green and often intertwine in the form of nets, lines, stars. They are located just under the skin.
The whole course of the disease is usually divided into four stages, each of which is characterized by certain signs:
Varicose veins have several stages. If treatment is not started in time, the disease cannot be avoided.
The treatment of the stages of varicose veins is different. If in the first stage the patient can be assisted by drug therapy, ointments, vitamins and simulator exercises such as a stepper, then it will take more time and effort to relieve the symptoms of the next stages.
In the last step, only surgery can help. It is true that modern methods of treating varicose veins are very effective, painless and do not require long-term rehabilitation.
Such operations are performed in a hospital, do not require hospitalization of the patient and have no complications.
At risk are patients whose work involves either strenuous exercise or constant sitting. Depending on the stage and type of varicose veins, the doctor prescribes individual treatment.
When varicose veins are diagnosed in the first stage, he responds to treatment very quickly, the doctor gives a positive prognosis. That is why it is very important when the first symptoms of discomfort appear in the legs, arms or other organs of the body, urgently contact a qualified specialist who will diagnose the pathology and prescribe treatment that will suit you according to your individual characteristics andbody structure.
Stages 1 and 2 of varicose veins of the legs do not require radical therapy. Prescribed drug treatment with drugs, as well as recommended products that support the walls of blood vessels, these may be vitamins, trace elements, minerals and other nutrients that are missing in the body.
In addition to pharmacological treatment, sclerotherapy is very often used - a medical method in which the victim is injected with drugs into the affected vein to stick to the affected areas.
It is also important to appoint special physical exercises that stimulate the muscular system, metabolism in blood cells and artificially increase the tone of the vessels of the legs.
Regardless of the type and type of varicose veins, it is a pathology of the veins that is caused by improper lifestyle and unhealthy diet. Daily moderate physical activity and the use of fortified products will largely provide everyone with qualified prevention of this disease.
Varicose veins of grade 1 are characterized by the absence of external manifestations. You can suspect the onset of the disease by the following signs:
Some patients have restless legs syndrome - lying in bed, one cannot find a comfortable position, there is a feeling of discomfort in the legs. This leads to sleep disturbance. An increase in symptoms is noted in hot weather.
In grade 2 varicose veins, the symptoms are much more pronounced. They appear already in the middle of the working day and reach their maximum by the evening. The pain is so severe that pain medications are required.
This stage is characterized by the appearance of clinical signs:
These areas show increased pain and itching. By the end of the second stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities, the veins become visible under the skin in the form of blue spots and streaks.
Warning: At this stage, the disease is still treatable. A person can get rid of the disease if he seeks medical help in time.
Grade 3 varicose veins are characterized by a pronounced deformation of the vessel wall - it thickens and the vessels twist. The veins stand out noticeably under the skin, resembling grapes in appearance.
One worries about severe leg pain, cramps, fatigue. Swelling occurs both in the evening and in the morning. This stage of varicose veins is characterized by a change in the condition of the skin. It becomes too dry and scaly. These manifestations are especially pronounced in the area of deformed veins.
Symptoms of the third stage of varicose veins of the legs
In the third stage, complications of the disease develop - thrombophlebitis and thromboembolism. Their appearance is associated with pronounced stagnation of blood in the vessels, resulting in the formation of blood clots. In thrombophlebitis, inflammation of the venous wall occurs, which manifests itself with fever and severe pain in the legs.
Thromboembolism is a dangerous complication of varicose veins, associated with the separation of a blood clot from the venous wall and entering large vessels. Most often, blood clots from the veins of the legs enter the pulmonary artery. This causes pulmonary edema and death occurs within minutes.
This is a neglected varicose vein in the legs. The veins are even more deformed, resembling tourniquets or ropes under the skin. Touching them is painful, they are almost always in the inflammatory stage. Lymphostasis develops - stagnation of lymph in the vessels. The legs are very swollen and the swelling does not subside even at rest.
The scientific community around the world systematizes the manifestations of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
Given the patient's careful attention to the state of his own health, it is simply impossible not to notice the beginning of the disease.
As the disease progresses, the patient will experience more pain, a constant feeling of pulling in the knee area.
If varicose veins of the 2nd esophagus are found, a person will not be able to eat normally, he will constantly suffer from heartburn and pain. By the way, many blame the heart and intercostal neuralgia for this - rarely does anyone know about the existence of varicose veins of the esophagus.
Visually, the disease manifests itself more and more: blue bulging veins are now visible to the naked eye, and dark blue nodules may appear under the skin.
Do you need surgery for grade 2 varicose veins? It is still possible to prevent the development of the disease without surgery: you just need to not be lazy and take care of your feet regularly.
The disease most often occurs in men after the age of fifty. The cause of male infertility may be venous dilation of the spermatic cord.
Varicose veins develop gradually. Initially, structural changes in the veins have no external manifestations and the disease can be identified only by the following signs:
One of the listed signs or their joint appearance indicates the initial stage of venous insufficiency. Seeking medical help and taking timely measures can prevent further structural changes in the circulatory system. Ignoring the signs of the disease leads to further development of the disease.
The next stage is characterized by the appearance of external signs: dilated vessels become visible on the skin, in some areas of the lower extremities the pigmentation of the skin changes and peeling is noticed. In addition, nodules and seals appear protruding above the skin and pain is felt when pressed.
Occasionally there is redness on the surface of the skin in these areas. Protruding areas of blood vessels and nodes are clearly visible if the patient is in an upright position. Once in a supine position, the tension of the vessels decreases significantly and they become virtually invisible. Prolonged walking can cause muscle pain of varying intensity.
The described clinical picture requires immediate specialist visit and qualified help. Lack of necessary treatment in most cases leads to serious complications.
Pathology is diagnosed using diagnostic measures such as Doppler ultrasonography and duplex scanning.
Doppler ultrasonography detects reflux. Duplex scanning complements the information obtained during a Doppler image and allows you to confirm the diagnosis.
In the early stages, only a specialist can identify varicose veins. If you suspect a disease, you should contact a vascular surgeon or phlebologist. After the initial examination and examination of the patient, additional examinations are prescribed - ultrasound and contrast venography.With the help of ultrasound examination it is possible to confirm the presence of pathology, as well as to establish the presence of blood clots, neoplasms and to assess the structural changes in the veins. Contrast venography is performed by intravenous administration of a special staining composition, due to the movement of which all disorders of the structure and functioning of the circulatory system are revealed.
Both methods are used in diagnosis, but due to the lesser pain of the procedure, ultrasound is performed much more often.
The disease can be treated with medication as well as surgery.
Ointments and creams for external use are used in conservative therapy:
The duration of use of topical preparations depends on the severity of varicose veins and is determined by the attending physician. The effect is usually noticeable in the second week of use.
In addition to medication, the patient is prescribed to wear compression underwear (grade 1-2).
Varicose veins of the lower extremities is one of the most common vascular pathologies and according to statistics it is constantly rejuvenated from year to year.