According to statistics, more than 60% of women and about 50% of patients of the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins of varying degrees of severity.
There are many factors for the disease. Key factors include:
In addition to the above, important factors are also: the age of a person (the decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels is genetically determined by the aging process), the presence of bad habits.
Tight clothes, uncomfortable shoes with very high heels, regular weight lifting, taking hormonal medications - all these reasons can also cause the described disease.
The signs of the disease vary depending on the degree of varicose veins, are determined by the location, the nature of the pathological changes in the blood vessels, the stage of severity of the circulatory disorders.
Grade 1 varicose veins usually do not usually appear in the early stages of development. Mild discomfort that occurs in the extremities, especially after the exercise is fast enough - the patient only needs to rest for a while. Gradually, fatigue, heaviness in the legs and other unpleasant sensations that occur along the pathological changes in the blood vessels, itching, pain and a feeling of fullness increase.Does the first stage of varicose veins develop in students? The answer is yes. The medical literature of the last decades describes the manifestation of pathologies that affect adolescents aged 16-17 years.
The increase in the intensity of the symptoms testifies to the progression of the disease and its transition to the second phase. Swelling, spider veins begin to appear in the affected area. The clinical picture is complemented by hyperthermia, which has a local character, nocturnal cramps in the calf muscles. Grade 2 varicose veins are also characterized by a reduction in the frequency of symptoms after rest (prolonged).
The neglected forms of the disease in the third stage are characterized by the appearance of pain, swelling and convulsions of a constant nature. The skin in the affected area begins to peel, loses hair, dries. The color changes to brown.
In the future, there are ruptures of blood vessels, the appearance of food ulcers.
Examination by a venologist is the first step in detecting varicose veins. For the final diagnosis, in addition to the mandatory examinations, the doctor may prescribe:
For obtaining information in various situations, venography (X-ray contrast, 3D computer), venoscopy are also used. The mentioned methods are used in some cases that require further surgeries.
According to the academic classification, there are 3 stages (grades) of varicose veins of the lower extremities - compensatory (1), compensatory (2) and compensatory (3).
The first stage of varicose veins can develop for several years. The disease has no age or geographical restrictions: the disease is detected in residents of different countries, regardless of the age of the patients.
Symptoms that occur are often referred to as symptoms of other diseases. It is impossible to identify changes visually.
With the help of adequate treatment, the relief of the initial stage of varicose veins appears in a relatively short time.
The duration of the period can be several years (its duration depends on the lifestyle, the type of activity and the general well-being of the patient).
With grade 2 varicose veins, there is visual deformation of the vessels. certain symptoms begin to appear much more often and reducing their intensity requires prolonged rest.
The sub-compensatory phase is located in the majority of patients who visit a doctor. With a timely visit to the clinic and performing all the necessary manipulations, the development of complications is suppressed.
Grade 3 varicose veins in the absence of treatment cause the formation of eczema, food ulcers. The latter appear mainly on the inner surfaces of the feet (less often on the back, above the ankles) and are distinguished by an irregular shape, a uniform bottom and the presence of purulent contents. They are alone.
The walls of the vessels affected by the disease lose their elasticity and strength, and are often damaged. Ruptures are accompanied by bleeding, which rarely stops on its own.
In the third stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities, erysipelas can develop in the affected areas. The disease is aggravated by complications such as:
In stage 3 varicose veins, the changes begin to affect the whole body: there is a weakening of the immune system and musculoskeletal system, possibly alopecia.
The choice of a treatment method depends on the stage of the pathological process. A neglected disease requires radical measures of relief.
Do not use alone (without consulting a doctor) medicines, decoctions and herbal infusions: accidental treatment will only worsen the condition.
Prescription drugs:
Dosage is calculated separately, depending on the patient's condition.
Among the auxiliary methods of conservative treatment for varicose veins is the use of medical knits (tights, tights, golf) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter prevents the development of deformity, helps to reduce the load on the vessels of the affected area when walking. They overlap after sleep (night), in a supine position. worn all day. It was filmed only at night, before he rested.
Compression garments improve blood circulation and support weakened vascular walls.
Cool foot baths can be used at home to relieve fatigue and reduce discomfort.
Among the popular drugs that reduce swelling are ointments and flaxseed.
Surgical procedures include radiofrequency therapy, laser coagulation. The first of these methods allows you to remove the vascular pattern, used if patients have a history of asthma, ischemia and other serious illnesses.
The elimination of radio frequencies under ultrasound control is carried out in case of damage to the trunks of large, small clear veins, helps to eliminate varicose veins.
The main recipe for traditional medicine is to apply blue clay compresses. To take a medicinal mixture 2 tbsp. large. sedimentary rock is raised in 1 glass of water. The resulting substance is applied to damaged areas, fixed with a paper towel. The affected area is additionally wrapped in a warm towel. The minimum treatment time is two hours.
Surgeries are used to treat grade 3 varicose veins. Among them - phlebectomy (removal of the affected vessel), used in the presence of ulcers, blood clots. There are classical and laser techniques (not accompanied by incisions).
At the end of the operation, pharmacotherapy is prescribed and compression tights are recommended.
There are three key points in the list of rules that prevent the development of varicose veins: following the principles of a healthy lifestyle, discarding tight clothing, uncomfortable shoes and seeing a doctor early.
To prevent the disease, pregnant women should use a properly selected bandage, compression stockings or socks.
During recovery, you should follow a healthy diet, do the recommended set of exercises, take a contrast shower and have regular check-ups.
And most importantly: at the first suspicion of developing a disease, you should seek immediate help from a venologist. Varicose veins that are detected in the initial stage can be stopped completely without harm to health.