What are segmental varicose veins?
This is a form of venous foot disease in which there is no venous rejection. In this case, inflammation of the veins deep or tributary, with a diameter of 3 mm or more occurs.
The development of the disease begins with the fact that the function of the venous valves is reduced. This leads to blood reflux. This is called reflux. Violations that occur later become the cause of inflammation and pathological expansion of the walls of the venous appendages.
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 blood through the bloodstream.
There are valves along the length of the veins that allow blood to flow in only one direction. With insufficient closing of the valves, part of the blood returns and creates excessive pressure in the vessel, which can not push the fluid further.
This then leads to stretching of the walls and the development of inflammatory processes in the dysfunctional parts of the veins, increasing the pressure in the subcutaneous network.
All the 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 outflow of blood only in the right direction. When the circulatory system fails, some of the blood accumulates at one point.
This leads to local expansion (extension) of the boat. The first to suffer are deep veins (the so-called internal varicose veins), later superficial in the form of "spider veins and nodes".
For a full understanding of the severity of the disease, it is worth noting that its progression threatens the development of thrombophlebitis, obstruction of the pulmonary artery by a thrombus (or thromboembolism), as well as trophic ulcers of the foot, lymph node) and many other problems
It has already been shown that risk factors that significantly increase the likelihood of developing pathology are:
Dilation of the veins in the legs, which leads to varicose veins, occurs 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. Arterial blood does not enter the capillary system, so the tissues do not receive the required amount of oxygen.
Dilated arm veins are rarely removed, usually conservative treatment is used:
Compression sleeves and gloves are also prescribed for patients. It is not recommended to wear compression pants all the time, but during sports, intense physical activity and weight lifting, it is necessary.
These sleeves and gloves help relieve swelling, heaviness and numbness in the hands. Exercising on the stepper simulator helps to improve blood circulation throughout the body, which is essential for varicose veins.
One of the reasons for growth is heredity. In addition, the "family" disease is transmitted mainly through the female line. The characteristics of the structure of blood vessels are transmitted through genes. If you do not follow the basic rules of prevention, with weak vein walls, you can win varicose veins.
The second reason is pregnancy. Currently, a large load on the veins, the tone of which 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. It was at this time that varicose veins awaken in many women.
Unpleasant shoes and clothes are another reason. Skinny 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, salesmen are particularly susceptible to such diseases. If you add the wrong diet, smoking, then the expansion of the veins can not be avoided. Even a harmless cross-legged sitting can lead to disastrous consequences.
Sports loads must be in moderation. Varicose veins are common among lifers. Barbell lifting and strength training is another reason. If we add predisposition to it, then the result is not pleasant. We must always remember that fitness is not always beneficial.
The most common type of varicose veins are varicose veins in the legs, so many people believe that the problem focuses only on these parts of the body. However, there are different types of this disease, which are distinguished by the location of the pathology.
Such parts are:
The main thing is traffic jams at the extremities due to sedentary lifestyle. First, unexpressed vascular "nets" and "stars" appear in the legs.
Then, if you do not start treatment, the veins become thicker, let the fluid pass, this slows down the blood circulation and large, swollen veins appear in 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 to the tissues.This disease should be treated as soon as the first symptoms appear, then the treatment is easier and faster. Before starting treatment, you need to be diagnosed with varicose veins, you must have blood tests and a general examination.
Diagnostics are necessary to determine the type of varicose veins and prescribe effective treatment to relieve unpleasant symptoms, restore lightness and beauty in the legs.
Varicose veins 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 veins are also different. Let's take a closer look at what kind of varicose veins there are, their symptoms and their treatment methods.
Varicose veins in the legs
Every year, more and more cases of varicose veins are recorded, especially among young people. But a few decades ago, varicose veins were considered a disorder of the elderly.
Therefore, modern experts have developed a classification system for the major and most common types of diseases. The types of varicose veins in the legs differ in terms of symptoms, location and rate of progression.
The structure of the venous system is very complex and includes large, medium, small, reticular vessels, capillaries.
Deformity of the veins in the lower extremities can occur both in all parts of this system and in some of its areas.
Based on which vessels have been changed, the following types of varicose veins in 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 retinal veins, the diameter of which does not exceed 2 mm. These vessels are blue or green and are often interconnected 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 points:
The treatment of varicose veins is different. If in the first stage the patient can be helped with medication, ointments, vitamins and exercises in a simulator such as a stepper, then it will take more time and effort to alleviate the symptoms of the later stages.
In the last stage, 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 is associated with either strenuous physical exercise or constant sitting in one place. Depending on the stage and type of varicose veins, the doctor prescribes the treatment separately.
When he was diagnosed with varicose veins in the legs in the first stage, he responds very quickly to the treatment, the doctor gives a positive prognosis. Therefore, when the first symptoms of discomfort appear on the legs, arms or other organs of the body, it is very important to urgently contact a specialist who will diagnose the pathology qualitatively and prescribe a treatment that will suit you according to your individualcharacteristics and structure of the body.
1 and 2 stages of varicose veins in the legs do not require radical treatment. Prescription medication, as well as recommended products that support the walls of blood vessels, can be vitamins, trace elements, minerals and other useful substances that are missing in the body.
In addition to pharmacological treatment, sclerotherapy is very commonly used - a medical method in which the victim injects drugs into the affected vein for adhesion to the affected areas.
It is also important to prescribe specific 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, which is caused by improper lifestyle and unhealthy diet. Moderate daily physical activity and the use of fortified foods will greatly offer each person adequate prevention of this disease.
Grade 1 varicose veins are characterized by the absence of external manifestations. The onset of the disease can be suspected by the following signs:
Some patients have Restless Legs Syndrome - lying in bed, a person can not find a comfortable position, there is a feeling of discomfort in the legs. This leads to sleep disturbance. An increase in symptoms is observed in hot weather.
With grade 2 varicose veins, the symptoms are much more severe. They already appear at the height of the working day and reach their maximum by night. The pain is so severe that pain medication is needed.
This stage is characterized by the appearance of clinical signs:
In these areas, there is 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 curable. A person can get rid of the disease if they seek medical help in time.
Grade 3 varicose veins are characterized by severe deformity of the vascular wall - it thickens and the vessels become swollen. The veins protrude noticeably under the skin, resembling bunches of grapes in their appearance.A person is worried about severe leg pain, cramps, fatigue. Swelling occurs both at night 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 flaky. These manifestations are particularly pronounced in the area of the deformed veins.
Symptoms of the third stage of varicose veins in the legs
In the third stage, complications of the disease develop - thrombophlebitis and thromboembolism. Their appearance is associated with severe stagnation of blood in the vessels, as a result of which blood clots form. With thrombophlebitis, inflammation of the venous wall occurs, which is manifested by an increase in temperature and severe pain in the legs.
Thromboembolism is a dangerous complication of varicose veins associated with the detachment of a thrombus from the venous wall and the entry into 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 already neglected varicose veins. The veins are even more deformed, they look like tournaments or ropes under the skin. Their touch is painful, it is almost always in the stage of inflammation. Lymphostasis develops - stagnation of lymph in the vessels. The feet are very swollen and the swelling does not subside even at rest.
The scientific community of the world has systematized the manifestations of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
Given the patient's due attention to his state of health, it is simply impossible not to observe the onset of the disease.
As the disease progresses, the patient will experience more pain, a constant feeling of traction in the knee area.
If 2nd degree esophageal varices are found, the person will not be able to eat normally, will constantly bother with heartburn and pain in the chest area. By the way, many blame the heart and intercostal neuralgia for this - rarely does anyone know about the existence of esophageal varices.
Visually, the disease manifests itself more and more: the blue protruding veins are already visible to the naked eye, it is possible for dark blue nodules to 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 do not need to be lazy and take care of your feet regularly.
Most often, the disease occurs in men after fifty years. The cause of male infertility may be venous expansion of the sperm.
One of the reported signs or their common appearance indicates the initial stage of venous insufficiency. Seeking medical attention and taking timely action can prevent further structural changes in the circulatory system. Ignoring the signs of the disease leads to the further development of the disease.
The next stage is characterized by the appearance of external spots: dilated vessels become visible on the skin, in some areas of the lower extremities, the pigmentation of the skin changes, peeling is observed. In addition, knots and seals appear that protrude above the skin and when pressed, pain is felt.
Sometimes redness appears on the surface of the skin in these areas. The protruding parts of the vessels and nodes are clearly visible if the patient is standing. After taking the adjacent position, the intensity of the vessels decreases significantly and they become almost invisible. Prolonged walking can cause muscle pain of varying intensity.
The described clinical picture requires immediate visit to a specialist and specialized help. Lack of necessary treatment in most cases leads to serious complications.
Pathology is diagnosed using diagnostic measures such as Doppler ultrasound and double scan.
Doppler ultrasound detects reflux. Duplex scanning complements the information obtained during Doppler imaging and allows you to confirm the diagnosis.
In the early stages, only a specialist can diagnose varicose veins. If you suspect an illness, you should contact a vascular surgeon or a venologist. After the initial examination and examination of the patient, additional studies are prescribed - ultrasound and venography.
Ultrasound can confirm the presence of pathology, as well as detect the presence of blood clots, tumors and 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 violations of the structure and function of the circulatory system are revealed.
Both methods are used in diagnosis, however, due to the less painful 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 treatment:
The duration of use of topical preparations depends on the severity of the varicose veins and is determined by the treating physician. Usually the effect is felt from the second week of use.
In addition to drugs, the patient is prescribed the use of compression underwear (grade 1-2).
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are one of the most common vascular pathologies and according to statistics, it is becoming more and more young from year to year.