Today, a disease such as varicose veins is the most common.As a rule, a sedentary lifestyle leads to the development of diseases, a slow response to the body's signals leads to quite serious consequences, harmful to health.In this article we will consider such a topic as varicose veins on the legs, their photos, initial stages and how to treat them.I want to note that varicose veins are a disease characterized by stagnation of blood in the vessels of the lower limbs, causing swelling of peripheral veins.Swollen vessels are dark green;If not treated adequately, they will turn purple, begin to form blood clots and ulcers, and develop severe pain.
Symptoms of the disease in the initial stages of development
Varicose veins in the legs are a rather dangerous disease - this is explained by the fact that the disease is difficult to diagnose at the initial stages of development.Symptoms of the disease are similar to many other diseases, such as osteoarthritis or flat feet.Usually, patients with varicose veins seek professional medical help when swelling and pain appear in the limbs.
However, there are some common symptoms. If you notice them, you should immediately contact a specialist to find out the cause of the disease and learn what varicose veins in the legs are, images, initial stages and treatment.Initial symptoms of the disease include an increase in the number of veins, however, as a rule, in this case swelling, pain and swelling of blood vessels are not observed.
Let's consider the most obvious symptoms that indicate the presence of a disease such as varicose veins:
- the appearance of pain in the legs, which can appear at any time;Such symptoms are also often accompanied by itching and cramps in the limbs during sleep;
- a feeling of fatigue and swelling appears in the legs;
- the skin changes color, the skin in problem areas becomes bluish and becomes drier;
- Veins bulge on the surface of the skin and characteristic spider veins appear.
Why are varicose veins dangerous?
Note that, as mentioned above, such a topic as varicose veins on the legs, photos, initial stages, treatment, is very relevant for many people.This is explained by the fact that varicose veins are a rather dangerous disease, and cosmetic defects in the form of swollen veins are only the tip of the iceberg.The disease can lead to quite serious complications, so treatment of varicose veins is mandatory!
As you can see in the photo of the early stages of the disease, its characteristic symptom is swelling of the veins, which is by no means harmless;We list diseases that can be caused by varicose veins.
- Phlebitis– this disease refers to the beginning of an inflammatory process in the walls of the veins.As a rule, patients with phlebitis constantly feel quite severe pain.In addition, painful lumps appear in the affected area.
- Thrombotic phlebitis– the disease is characterized by the formation of blood clots in inflamed and dilated veins.Note that thrombophlebitis occurs because there is no appropriate treatment for phlebitis.In addition to pain in the limbs, the patient also feels general weakness and loss of appetite.
- Nutritional ulcers- This is another complication of varicose veins, manifested by lack of nutrition in the epidermis, leading to the appearance of dermatitis, resulting in trophic ulcers that are difficult to heal.
Drugs to treat varicose veins
Ointment
Today, the pharmaceutical market offers many drugs for the treatment of diseases associated with varicose veins, and ointments for the treatment of varicose veins deserve special attention.
Anticoagulants.These medications are most popular for treating varicose veins.The main task of the ointment is a complex effect, which helps reduce blood viscosity, resolve existing blood clots, reduce the inflammatory process and relieve pain symptoms.The drug brings maximum positive effects when used in the early stages of the disease, improving blood circulation and strengthening blood vessel walls.
Ointment based on sodium heparin prevents the formation of blood clots and reduces blood clotting.
Vein tonic helps to effectively cope with the symptoms of varicose veins, strengthen blood vessels and inhibit the inflammatory process.
Cream
Cream for treating varicose veins is as effective as ointment because it contains active ingredients that can effectively fight the unpleasant symptoms of the disease.
Creams based on ketoprofen actively suppress inflammatory processes in the blood vessels of the lower limbs.These drugs belong to the non-steroidal group, which shows their effectiveness in reducing swelling and eliminating pain.
Cream based on natural ingredients effectively eliminates varicose veins.The advantage of the cream is that there are no side effects for patients with varicose veins.
Rutin-based cream acts effectively at the cellular level, thereby quickly stopping the inflammatory process.The drug has anti-edema effects, improves blood vessel tone, regulates venous pressure and also quickly eliminates pain.
Pills
The main effect of tablets based on bioflavonoids is to increase blood vessel properties such as elasticity and tone, thereby improving blood circulation and preventing the formation of blood clots.When taking these drugs, venous congestion and venous permeability are eliminated.
Folk remedies effectively treat varicose veins
Cabbage.Our ancestors also used many folk methods to treat diseases such as varicose veins.One of them is the treatment with cabbage leaves.The effectiveness of this vegetable lies in the fact that cabbage can quickly reduce inflammatory processes thanks to the vitamins and trace elements contained in it.As a rule, white cabbage leaves are used in compresses to treat varicose veins.To make a compress, you will need a cabbage leaf, which must first be pounded finely.After that, one side of the cloth is smeared with vegetable oil and applied to the inflamed area for a day (tightly tied with a bandage).The course of treatment is 1 month.
Ginger.This plant used in cooking can be used to treat varicose veins as an internal or external medicine.Ginger tea will help you cope with almost any disease at any stage of development, including varicose veins.You can also make ginger compresses.To do this, you need to puree a piece of ginger root, mix it with natural honey and then apply it to the painful area for 3-4 hours.
Kalina.Like ginger, honeysuckle can be used to treat varicose veins, both as a strengthening drink and as an effective compress.To prepare a compress, the berries must be crushed to a pasty state, placed on a prepared bandage or gauze and applied to the problem area.It is best to do this compress at night.
Early stages of varicose veins - the first symptoms
Today, varicose veins are one of the most common dangerous diseases in both women and men.According to WHO statistics, varicose veins of the lower limbs can lead to death due to thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers and cancerous tumors related to them.
Every patient needs to know about the causes, symptoms and stages of development of the disease to prevent serious consequences of this pathology.
Causes and stages of development
Varicose veins occur due to pathology of the vein walls and malfunction of the venous valves. The task of the venous valves is to transport blood rich in carbon dioxide from the lower limbs to the lungs for gas exchange.
Due to improper blood flow and valve dysfunction, blood accumulates in the vessels, increasing pressure on the veins in the legs, leading to weak vein walls to bulge.This is how varicose veins develop.
There are several factors that can cause the disease.These include:
- Hereditary.
- Obesity.
- Have bad habits.
- Pregnant.
- Taking hormonal medications for a long time.
- Cardiovascular disease leads to thickening of the blood.
- A sedentary lifestyle causes blood to stagnate.
- Jobs that require standing for long periods of time.
- Wear high heels.
Under the influence of these factors, foot disease will develop, occurring in several stages.Each of them is characterized by special clinical manifestations.In total, in medical practice there are 4 stages of varicose veins:
- Varicose veins in the early stages, shown in the photo above, passesalmost no symptoms.A person only has a feeling of heaviness mainly in the legs, mild swelling and pain.Small spider veins begin to appear on the skin of the thighs and legs;
- Grade 1 varicose veins, also shown in the photo, is characterized by frequent cramps in the calf muscles, a burning sensation spreading from the lower legs to the soles of the feet, as well as swelling of the ankles;
- for the second levelCharacterized by numerous spider veins, severe swelling, constant leg pain, and increased area of bulging veins;
- high schoolshows the involvement of the skin in the disease process: it becomes peeling, thin, often pigmented around the ankles.The risk of thrombosis is very high because the veins are greatly varicose and dilated.In addition to pain, the patient is also haunted by a constant burning sensation, eczema and dermatitis on the skin of the lower limbs;When the skin is damaged, deep ulcers form.
IMPORTANT!If treatment is not started in the early stages, the disease will later be difficult to treat conservatively and endanger the patient's life!
The first symptoms of varicose veins
The first symptoms of varicose veins in the legs are difficult to diagnose.Sometimes patients confuse them with fatigue and muscle tension.If you experience such sensations, especially if you have not previously suffered from severe stress in the legs, you should contact a specialist, because the disease can be cured in the early stages,without resorting to surgery and tiring procedures.Phlebologists and surgeons treat varicose veins.
The first signs of varicose veins are manifested by the following symptoms:
- Constant heaviness in the legs.This is due to poor blood circulation in the legs due to dysfunction of the venous valves.Because of this, the pressure in the vein increases sharply, it becomes even more tense and causes pain.
- Swelling of the lower limbs.This symptom manifests itself due to heavy loads on the venous system.If the swelling is accompanied by pain in the vein area and redness of the skin above, we can talk about the development of thrombophlebitis - an extremely dangerous complication of varicose veins.
- Increase calf circumferenceup to 1 cm in the evening is associated with edema.
- Painful feelinggets worse with exercise and disappears the next morning.
- Appearance of spider veinsin legs and thighs.Some patients consider them a cosmetic defect.Their appearance indicates the pathology of large varicose veins that nourish them.Only ultrasound diagnosis can confirm or refute this.
- Presence of prominent veins.
At first, the first signs of varicose veins in the legs will quickly disappear if you leave your legs in a comfortable position.Howeverthis should alert the patient because it is a sure symptom of an incipient disease..
At that time, the patient may have a burning sensation in the veins.If you do not pay enough attention to these symptoms, the patient may experience cramps in the calf muscles at night and leg fatigue below the knee.
ATTENTION!Symptoms of early varicose veins are similar to other diseases - flat feet and lumbar osteoarthritis.This is why it is important to consult a phlebologist to rule out other diagnoses and start treatment promptly!
Diagnosis and treatment
As a rule, varicose veins in the early stages, illustrated in the photo,no pain.A patient, according to statistics, women suffer from varicose veins twice as often as men, is looking for help from a doctor about the vascular network.The doctor conducts an examination and prescribes the necessary studies to evaluate the degree of deterioration of venous circulation.
For this purpose, general blood tests may be prescribed., which will show the presence or absence of thrombocytopenia, biochemical blood tests to detect liver problems, as well as vascular ultrasound.
It shows pathologies of the vessel wall.If the diagnosis is confirmed, the patient will be sent for a venous X-ray, which will determine the location of the venous damage.
After research, the doctor prescribes treatment that can prevent the transition from the initial stage of varicose veins to the next stage.
For this purpose, the underlying disease is treated– endocrine, cardiovascular, etc.Then the risk factors are eliminated, only then will the patient be offered to change their lifestyle, diet and give up bad habits.
Drug treatment in the early stages of varicose veinsnot provided.Experts believe that it is enough for usetight clothing - these can be special socks and tights, or elastic bandages, which must be wrapped around the leg when waking up and worn throughout the day.This therapy can evenly distribute the load on the legs and improve blood circulation.
Types of disease
The type of vascular insufficiency depends on the veins affected by the disease, the extent of the process and its location.Have varicose veins:
- reticular (fine blood vessels);
- segment (focus);
- perforation (damage to connecting veins);
- primary (pathology of small or large veins under the skin).
Each type of varicose veins has its own characteristics in terms of external manifestations.The presence of complications depends on the stage of the disease.
Mesh form
Of all the known types of varicose veins, this is the easiest.The disease mainly affects the legs of women;Men are rarely affected by this pathology.
In images of early-stage varicose veins, the mesh appearance can only be determined by enhancing the vascular pattern.This is a blue mesh of small pieces of veins no more than 3 mm in diameter.Usually it is localized on the thighs in the area of the lateral surfaces.First, several fragments similar to asterisks appear, then larger areas are affected.
This form of varicose veins is often called cosmetic;Does not cause danger to blood circulation but causes aesthetic discomfort for women.Varicose veins in the legs can cause:
This form is the most treatable.One of the most effective methods for treating such varicose veins is microscopic sclerotherapy.It is not dangerous and painless.But patients often do not consider the manifestations of spider veins a serious reason to see a surgeon.In this case, the disease becomes a chronic pathology.It can cause bleeding from superficial blood vessels.
The reticular pattern of varicose veins requires mandatory medical advice.This will prevent complications from occurring.
Segment format
This type of varicose veins can appear in the early stages of the disease.In the segmental form, larger vessels with a diameter of 3 mm or more are affected.But the disease is localized, with only one or a few accessory veins losing tone.This type of pathology is characterized by the absence of reverse blood flow, which greatly facilitates treatment.
If you look at a photo of varicose veins in the leg in segments, you can see swollen branches from the main vein in the lower leg.These are branch trains.
Treatment of the disease is conservative.In case of late appearance and formation of branch lymph nodes, small vein excision can be used.Segmental varicose veins are localized on the front and back of the legs and in the popliteal fossa.
Magistrannaya
This pathology affects large and small major veins.The older child suffers many times more than the younger child.In the photo of varicose veins in the legs, the protrusion of the main vessels in the lower leg, lateral thigh and foot can be clearly seen.The vascular walls of the legs are stretched and distinct nodules form.
The disease occurs with symptoms characteristic of chronic circulatory failure.Reflux occurs due to damage to vascular valves.Normally, blood moves in one direction.If the valves are insufficient, they will not close completely and the circuits will be overloaded.For this reason, the veins stretch and lose their elasticity.
Primary varicose veins require serious treatment.Minor surgical intervention and conservative approaches are more commonly used.
In the absence of adequate treatment, the main varicose veins of the legs will be complicated by thrombophlebitis and thrombosis.
Perforated form
There are deep and visible veins in the legs.They are connected together by circuits called perforators.
These are no less important veins than the main veins.Their failure leads to circulatory failure in the legs.Blood is not adequately drained into the bloodstream.This contributes to stasis and thrombosis.
- images of varicose veins in the legs accompanied by venous puncture lesions clearly show the presence of swollen blood vessels;
- noticeable swelling and bruising in several places;skin becomes darker;
- Rash and scratching may occur.
The location of this form is variable and depends on the location of the affected vein.These are legs, thighs and ankles.Sometimes blood vessels bulge even in the Achilles tendon area and below the knee.Treatment is usually surgical, but for single lesions, minimally invasive methods may be used.
Stages of varicose veins in the legs
Phlebologists around the world annually organize forums and seminars dedicated to varicose veins.The types and forms of the disease are constantly changing.Experts describe the stages of varicose veins in the legs differently.Their number is constantly changing.The latest approved classification includes seven degrees:
- First or zero.Does not show external signs.The patient complained only of heaviness, fatigue and swelling.Sometimes having occasional seizures can be uncomfortable.
- Monday.In the photo of the second stage, you can clearly see the network of blood vessels in the popliteal and thigh areas.Symptoms do not change.
- Tuesday.Protruding blood vessels are clearly visible, especially during exercise or in a sitting position.In addition to the veins, you can see blue spots on the legs.The patient feels pain and tension.
- Wednesday.The appearance of edema is added to the swollen veins.By evening, your legs become plump and by morning everything is back to normal.Swelling can cause numbness or tingling in the legs.
- Thursday.Metabolism is interrupted.There is not enough nutrition for the tissues and nutritional changes form in the skin.They can take the form of dry patches, redness, and scratches.The skin around the veins becomes darker.Thrombophlebitis may develop.
- Friday.This photo of the stage is different from the others.It shows distinct trophic ulcers in the venous area of the lower extremities.As a result of extensive treatment, the wound will heal according to the original intention.
- Saturday.Final stage.In other classifications, it is called decompensation.The most negative outcome of the disease.Non-healing ulcers form on the legs.They can get wet and fester.This level requires emergency inpatient treatment.It can be complicated by sepsis and thrombosis.
Various types of varicose veins on the legs, complicated by violations of skin integrity and additional secondary infections, can threaten the patient's life.
There is another classification, which includes three stages of varicose veins:
- Compensation.It only manifests with local symptoms (pain, cramps, heaviness).No external changes in the blood vessels were observed.
- Secondary compensation.External signs of varicose veins have just developed.Spider veins and signs of segmental damage appear.
- Compensation.Serious consequences of chronic venous insufficiency.Nutritional damage, ulcers and thrombosis.
General characteristics and causes of varicose veins
In healthy people, venous blood rises from the legs to the heart under the influence of pressure. In a normal state, this pressure is quite enough to overcome gravity.When this mechanism is interrupted, the body is forced to increase pressure to push blood upward.
As a result of this process, valve insufficiency occurs, characterized by blood flowing into the superficial veins from the deep veins.As the pressure inside the vessels increases, their walls lose elasticity, stretch and dry out, leading to the formation of visible bluish subcutaneous nodules.
Causes of the development of varicose veins in the lower limbs:
- Increases progesterone levels in the female body.This hormone has a negative effect on the condition of the vein walls and valves, making them weak and unprotected.
- Congenital pathology of valves or vein walls, lack of connective tissue, poor deep veins, genetic predisposition.
- The tumor is located in the leg and abdomen.
- Injuries to the lower limbs.
- Diseases of the endocrine system.
- Thrombophlebitis.
- Joint diseases - osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
- Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives.
- A sedentary lifestyle, often leads to congestion in the legs.
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure.It often occurs with lung diseases or frequent constipation.
- Overweight.
- Wear tight clothes and shoes.
- The presence in the diet of a large amount of foods rich in calories and fat, lacking fiber of plant origin.
- Smoking and drinking alcohol regularly.
During pregnancy, ARVNK occurs especially often, because during this period there areglobal changes in hormone levels, as well as increased body weight.
Men get this disease iflifestyle associated with hard manual labor, or standing for long periods of time - machine operators, porters, etc.Varicose veins in the legs can also occur due to certain sports activities.
Varicose veins need to be treated immediately, otherwise treatment can lead to serious consequences: development of thrombophlebitis, bleeding from venous nodes and trophic ulcers that can cause leg amputation.