Symptoms and treatment of varicose veins in the legs

Varicose veins are a systemic disease that can affect blood vessels in any part of the body. The point lies in the dysfunction of the valve that controls the direction of blood flow. As a result, large amounts of fluid accumulate in the veins, under the influence of which the walls stretch and lose elasticity.

Clinical presentation

Venous blood flow dysfunction develops due to damage to the valve in the perforated vein (connector), overload and deformation. When the work of the internal (internal) arteries is disrupted, blood circulation becomes chaotic, causing it to enter the superficial canal and the formation of characteristic knots. Such defects can be seen with the naked eye or on palpation at the site of the lesion.

Varicose veins are a progressive pathology that, without timely treatment, is fraught with serious health complications and disabilities. In the case of advanced varicose veins at the sites of vascular damage, the formation of wounds, boils and blood clots is possible.

What makes

Various factors are responsible for the appearance of venous dilatation. They can be conditionally divided into major and minor. The main sources of varicose veins are:

• Continuous heavy physical activity;
• Prolonged stay in static conditions - sitting or standing;
• Unfavorable environmental conditions - for example, constantly high air temperatures;
• Weight loss or chronic obesity;
• Hormonal imbalances - during pregnancy or menopause;
• Diseases of the endocrine system;
• Hereditary and genetic predisposition, expressed in structural features of blood vessels, i. e. , low congenital anatomy of venous valves and weakness of arterial wall connective tissue;
• Neurosis.

In anamnesis, the development of varicose veins, as a rule, does not stimulate one, but complex factors.

Tips for everyday life

If you always sit, for example because of work, you can put a low bench under your feet. This way you will significantly reduce the tension in the legs.

It is best to leave high heels. Wearing such shoes will significantly limit the contraction of the calf muscles, and also prevent the joints from growing. As a result, the blood will stop.

Sudden temperature changes can affect the filling of veins with blood. For example, as the temperature rises, the veins become very full of blood, thus increasing the load on the valves. It is best to reduce the number of hot showers, sunbathing on the beach, and so on. Remember, the temperature drop should be gradual.

Cycling, swimming and, of course, brisk walking every day are very useful. Keep in mind that while walking, you should give priority to shallow water or sand, and avoid as hard roads as possible. A two minute lack of legs will help you easily get rid of weight and numbness. Moreover, this washing can be done with the help of a bath.

Remember that while crossing the legs, you are blocking blood flow and blocking blood vessels.

While resting, place your feet up to heart level. You can also raise the bed slightly so that your feet are slightly higher than usual.

Symptoms of Disease

Varicose veins can have various manifestations, depending on the degree of pathological complexity and physiological characteristics of the patient's body. In accordance with the degree of varicose veins, the following symptoms of vascular disease are observed:

• Patterns of veins or "stars" (telangiectasias) on the skin;
• Swelling of the limbs, especially at the end of the day;
• Pain in the legs or along the veins while detecting them;
• Recurrent seizures;
• Fatigue quickly, especially when walking;
• Visual manifestations of veins on the surface of the skin;
• Feeling heavy in the legs;
• Burns on venous wounds;
• Itchy muscles;
• Different pains and pains;
• Varicose veins in legs and feet;
• Dermatological changes in the skin - the appearance of dryness, pigmentation, darkness;
• Development of dermatitis, eczema and trophic disorders in the form of incurable wounds and ulcers;
• Tightening of the skin at the site of varicose vein development;
• Hematoma formation.

Symptoms can begin as early as adolescence. Having an invisible disease, after a while the disease is felt with unpleasant health consequences. If there is at least one of the above signs, you should immediately undergo an examination. A phlebologist or surgeon treats a diseased vein.

Classification

Based on the results of the international scientific community, the pathological widening of the vein from the bottom of the foot is usually classified according to the special manufacturer CEAP or Clinical Anatomy of Clinical Etiology. Based on this typology, varicose veins have 6 clinical stages:

1. Zero. There is little patient subjective complaint about some of the symptoms of varicose veins, but with visual examination and medical examination, there are still no clear signs of the disease.
2. Degree. On the surface of the skin, small vascular tissue appears, rare edema, heaviness, burning, a "buzzing" sensation in the legs.
3. Grade II. It is considered the starting point of true varicose veins. It is characterized by obvious external manifestations of vessel enlargement, formation of venous nodes, worsening after a long stay in a static state or walking on high heels. Starting from this stage, the possibility of thrombus formation is observed.
4. III degrees. Symptoms of the second group are accompanied by common swelling, most noticeable at the end of the day and interesting, pain in the calves.
5. grade IV. There are trophic changes in the skin. Due to the accumulation of excess pigment in the epidermis, the skin begins to change color from dark brown to black. There is also the possibility of small local inflammation in the form of erythema or wet wounds, which cause skin atrophy and boils.
6. Grade V. Has the same course as the fifth level, but with a healing trophic ulceration.
7. Grade VI. It is characterized by severe development with the formation of wounds and abscesses that do not heal.

Varicose veins are a serious disease. Without timely treatment and continuous prevention, it develops rapidly and leads to irreversible consequences and consequences, up to and including death. Just 10 years from the diagnosis of varicose veins is enough for the pathology to develop from stage I to stage VI.

Level

The first signs of varicose veins in the legs appear at a progressive stage, when the venous valve performs its function less than 50%. In the first or zero stage of varicose veins, known as the "compensation level", unpleasant sensations do not arise, as well as visible changes. Detection of early stages of varicose veins in the legs occurs with close examination of the limbs by a phlebologist.

In the second stage of varicose veins, known as "subcompensation", the changes are well stated:

• large veins appear under the skin, but may not protrude above the surface of the skin;
• on the skin surface of the thighs and below the knees, a thin pattern of blue or red capillary varicose veins is clearly visible;
• feet become swollen in the evening;
• Calf muscle cramps at night.

The level of varicose veins in the lower part of the leg is distinguished by an increase in symptoms, which weaken after resting.

In the final stages of varicose veins, decompensation occurs: the body is unable to replenish the oxygen requirements of the tissues, and the valves in the veins lose their function by 90%. The condition of the limbs worsens due to insufficient blood supply. This level of varicose veins is characterized by a decrease in the ability of tissues to regenerate. The number of complications worsens the general condition of the patient. Symptoms in the late stages of varicose veins persist.

Pathology in men

Vein pathology has no gender. However, according to pathogenesis, the disease is conditionally divided into male and female varicose veins, with each inherent in the specificity of their own formation and development. Thus, the physiological characteristics of men do not contribute to the formation of problems with the veins in the representative of the strong half of man, however, there are a number of factors in favor of this. Among them:

1. Difficult physical work or professional sports involving carrying or lifting weights;
2. Inactive lifestyle;
3. Poor nutrition;
4. Genetic predisposition;
5. Long-term use of hormone medications;
6. Bad habits.

Varicose veins in men are more common after the age of 40 and are accompanied by increased leg fatigue, leg pain, visible edema, venous pattern on the skin surface, cramps and itching on the skin such as allergic dermatitis. In some cases, blood clots and vascular infections are possible. And if at first the disease is not visible, then over time the manifestations become clear. But major changes occur in the veins, the walls weaken so that there is, albeit a small, exposure to toxic substances or infections causing their damage. The method of treating varicose veins in men is the same as in women and has no special features.

Pathology in women

Half of the beautiful population suffers from varicose veins several times more often than men. Exciting factors are:

• Wear shoes with high heels or shoes that do not match the size and fullness of the feet;
• Slim or too tight clothing that interferes with normal blood circulation;
• Jobs that require you all day - salespeople, receptionists, hairdressers, teachers, cooks, etc . ;
• Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, childbirth and age-related changes in the body (menopause);
• Experiments with weight loss - frequent weight fluctuations, extreme diets aimed at dramatically losing weight, an uncontrolled extra set of pounds.

Is a woman who is often a patient of phlebologists and cosmetologists. In order to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the skin for as long as possible, women are more responsible in treating varicose veins than men, and they achieve a significant improvement in the clinical condition of the arterial system.

Given the increasing natural tendency for varicose veins, the appearance of symptoms such as swelling of the legs, excessive leg fatigue, itching sensation and burning, manifestations of small ducts and venous patterns should give a woman a serious warning and a reason for an immediate visit to the doctor.

Treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies

When studying the disease presented, one should not panic, because with proper and timely treatment, varicose veins can be cured.

Why practical? Because after the termination of certain actions, including preventive methods, the disease can reappear and does not cause less problems than before.

How to treat varicose veinsquickly and painlessly? You should switch to traditional medicine.

Infusion and tingtur

First of all, the disease must be cured from within. To do this, you should prepare an infusion or tincture using natural products, ingredients and other ingredients that will improve blood circulation. Some of them can be cured here:

• Nettle. Dry and grind the grass in an easy way. To prepare the infusion, 2 tablespoons of herbal components are poured with a glass of boiling water. The contents are stored for an hour and filtered. Then they drank ¼ glasses during the day at least 3 times. The course of treatment lasts for six months with an interval of one month.
• Chestnut Horse. The crushed horse chestnut kernel is placed in a three-liter jar in half and poured to the side of the vessel with vodka or alcohol. Within a month, the jars are stored in a dark place, periodically shaking the contents. As time goes on, you can start rubbing your feet with the resulting color. Perform such a procedure 2-3 times a week without interruption.

Treatment of varicose veins at home with folk remedies involves the use of any medicinal ingredient that can improve blood circulation in the human body.

Apples for varicose veins

Apples have excellent healing effects. Here you can use fruits in pure form and in addition to other products.

How to get rid of varicose veins with apples:

• Prepare an apple infusion. To do this, soak the apples in hot water in the amount of 1 liter for 4 hours. Then add the fruit through a meat grinder or sieve, mixing with the water in which the dredging is done. Squeeze water from the mixture and take twice a day in an amount of 50 g.
• Apple cider vinegar for varicose veinscan be used as a scrub or inside. For treatment, rub a little vinegar overnight on the affected area. You can also use liquid vinegar with a little honey, drink ¼ a glass before meals for half an hour.

Be careful when using liquid vinegar internally. This method is prohibited for people with gastrointestinal diseases.

Varicose vein treatment at home, video:

Disease Diagnostics

To make an accurate diagnosis of varicose veins, as well as to determine its severity, special research methods are used. The standard examination scheme when contacting a phlebologist consists of the following procedures:

1. Collect anamnesis of diseases, which determine possible risk factors and their causes;
2. Visual examination of the patient by changing the final position, as well as palpation of venous lesions;
3. Laboratory blood tests;
4. Ultrasound ultrasound of the arterial color duplex in the lower part of the leg, which makes it possible to carry out medical opinions correctly, measure the speed and direction of blood flow, make a map of its movement, obtain features and clear picture of blood vessels;
5. Vascular X-rays (phlebography) use contrast agents to determine the appearance and shape of veins, valve function and blood flow direction.

Often, these research methods are sufficient to determine the exact clinic, but in some cases they use additional diagnostic methods:

• CT 3D (computed tomography) with phlebography;
• Photoplethysmography, using infrared radiation and light from a photoresistor or phototransistor;
• Phleboscintigraphy, based on the use of radionuclide isotopes, and phlebomanometry, a dynamic study of venous pressure in the lower extremities;
• Lymphosintigraphy, showing the condition and degree of change in the lymph nodes.

The requirements of a particular diagnostic method are determined by the doctor, based on the complexity of the condition and the individual clinical parameters of the patient.

Timely and well-chosen research methods make it possible to determine the position of the superficial and deep veins and to form an accurate scheme of the course of therapy in accordance with the instructions.

Conservative treatment

In the early stages, varicose veins can be restored and with a responsible treatment approach, they will be completely eliminated. In other cases, to combat varicose veins, they use conservative therapy using drugs, intravenous corrective agents and special compression underwear. Each of these types of treatment has its own indications for appointments and is specific about the effects on diseased organs.

1. Drug therapy. This implies oral use for certain periods of phlebotropic drugs - phlebotonics, anticoagulants and antioxidants - that help strengthen blood vessels and reduce their fragility, thin the blood better and normalize blood flow, and remove accumulated toxic substances from the body. For local treatments, soothing tonics, painkillers, gels and ointments are used. Vitamins of groups B, A, K and others are also introduced into the therapy complex. Decisions about the duration of treatment are made based on the results of the diagnosis and the dynamic nature of the disease.
2. Arterial sclerotherapy. The method involves the use of special drugs that act on the type of varicose veins that are affected by varicose veins from within. As a result, reflux is stable and is performed through healthy ducts. This procedure is performed invasively by administering the solution intravenously. It is prescribed for certain blood vessel conditions and small venous nodes.
3. Ozone therapy. This is the medical division of cosmetology and consists in exposing the space in the vessel to cold ozone to seal the location of the defect. This method is also actively used to remove non-aesthetic vascular networks from the skin surface. Effective in the early stages of the disease. To achieve the desired results, just a few procedures are enough.
4. Compression therapy. This consists of wearing special medical underwear that puts pressure of varying intensity on different parts of the foot, which in turn helps reduce the load on the veins and restore blood circulation. Continued use of corrective pants protects blood vessels from stretching and the development of thrombosis. Depending on the purpose, compression underwear can be prophylactic (minimum compressive strength), medical (worn only during venous disease exacerbation) and hospital (used in post-operative time in hospital). Available in tights, socks, knuckles and elastic bandages. The selection of compression underwear is done only on the recommendation of a doctor

Surgical methods to affect varicose veins

Surgery for varicose veins is only performed as a last resort, when a deep vein lesion is diagnosed, exacerbated by concomitant complications. Instructions for the appointment of surgical intervention are:

• Significant pathological differences;
• Development of thrombophlebitis;
• Enlargement of visible saphenous veins;
• Severe swelling and fatigue in the lower legs;
• Pathological reflux disorders.

Surgery is performed under general anesthesia using modern surgical techniques, such as:

1. Removal of radio frequency of blood vessels. Restoration of vein structure from the inside using disposable catheters and automatic radio wave generators.
2. Endovous Thermal Steam Impulse Blocker (SVS). Effects on steam-heated vessels in large quantities. Allows you to penetrate to the most inaccessible areas of the venous bed and directly affect the defective vessel.
3. Laser freezing of veins. It involves the use of laser beams directed to diseased veins. This procedure does not leave scars, burns or scars.
4. Venaseal Techniques. This consists in attaching the vessel valve with a special biological glue.
5. Varadi Method. The most difficult method of treatment, involves the removal of the affected vessel. Due to its 100% efficiency, this is one of the preferred methods of nerve surgery.

Despite the high efficiency of surgical treatment, it is often done in combination with conservative therapy methods. This approach allows you to speed up the healing process and combine the results with certainty.

Massage your own feet from varicose veins

• First you need to massage your thighs. Next, with light caressing and kneading, rise from the knee area to the crotch area. Using spiral, rectangular and circular motions, stretch the knee joint with your fingertips. Press your fist on the popliteal fossa several times, and knead this area using a circular motion.
• Lie on your back, relax your muscles and bend your knees. Hold the dry bone with your hands and rub the skin with a whip. Shake your leg muscles.
• Stretch each toe with a light stroke. From the bottom up, rub your ankles and both feet. Massage your feet and heels in a circular motion, and with a little force, rub your ankles.

Repeat this entire self-sequence 2-3 times.

Recovery period

During the recovery period and in the future, in the fight against varicose veins in the lower extremities, a competent rehabilitation program, including periodic drug therapy, as well as adherence to healthy lifestyle rules and the implementation of therapeutic exercises, is very helpful.

In addition to sanatorium physical education, a patient diagnosed with varicose veins, regardless of the stage of development and recovery period, to improve blood circulation and prevent blood stasis in the veins, is useful to wear corrective medical underwear.

Nutrition for varicose veins in the lower leg

Diet is very important in this disease. The following food products should be included in the diet:

• bell pepper;
• carrots;
• white cabbage;
• citrus;
• apple;
• nuts;
• rosehip;
• currant;
• sea fish;
• eggs;
• lean meat;
• beans
• grain;
• cheese;
• heart.

Diet for varicose veins in the lower leg involves the rejection of the product:

• canned food;
• semi-finished products;
• muffins and pastries;
• caffeinated beverages;
• smoked meat;
• pickled foods;
• jelly meat;
• chicory;
• alcoholic beverages.

Prevention

To prevent the development of varicose veins in the lower part of the legs, it is necessary to monitor your health from a young age. Disease prevention is more effective than treating feet when complications arise.

To have good blood circulation, it is necessary to ensure adequate physical activity. If someone at work is in the same position for a long time, you should do a little warming up periodically. You need to take a responsible approach to the choice of shoes - necessarily with small heels (not higher than 6 cm), comfortable, do not press your feet.

Weight should be monitored. Being overweight is one of the determining factors in the development of this disease. In addition, it causes an increase in pressure on the blood vessels. Clothes should be made of natural fabrics. Wearing underwear that is too tight should be avoided to avoid squeezing large vessels in the crotch area.

During hygiene procedures, it is recommended to use a bath, which makes it possible to change the pressure and temperature of the water. With the help of this trick, you can tone the blood vessels, activating blood flow.

It is best to exercise or exercise daily. No need to run a few kilometers at a time; enough to visit the pool, walk or bike for your pleasure.

Before using hormonal contraceptives, you should consult not only a gynecologist, but also a phlebologist, to undergo hormone testing. If you change the level of female hormones in the blood, this can affect the condition of the walls of the blood vessels.