Today, such a disease as varicose veins is the most common.As a rule, a sedentary lifestyle leads to the development of the disease, and the late reaction to the body's signals leads to quite serious consequences, which in turn is harmful to health.In this article, we will consider such a topic as varicose veins on the legs, photos, initial stage and how to treat them.I would like to note that varicose veins are a disease characterized by blood stagnation in the blood vessels of the lower extremities, which causes swelling of the peripheral veins.Swollen vessels have a dark blue color;in the absence of adequate treatment, they acquire a purple hue, the formation of blood clots and ulcers begins, severe pain appears.
Symptoms of the disease in the initial stage of development
Varicose veins of the legs are a rather insidious disease - this is explained by the fact that this disease is very difficult to diagnose in the initial stage of development.The symptoms of the disease are similar to many other diseases, such as osteochondrosis or flat feet.Often, patients with varicose veins seek professional medical attention when there is sufficient swelling and pain in the extremities.
However, there are several common symptoms, if you notice them, you should immediately contact a specialist to find out the cause of the disease and find out what varicose veins on the legs are, photos, the initial stage and how to treat them.The initial symptoms of the disease include an increase in the venous pattern, but as a rule, swelling, pain and swelling of the blood vessels are not observed in this case.
Let's look at the most obvious symptoms indicating 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 of the limbs during sleep;
- the appearance of a feeling of fatigue and swelling of the legs;
- the skin changes color, the skin in problem areas acquires a bluish tint and becomes drier;
- bulging veins above the surface of the skin and the appearance of characteristic spider webs.
Why are varicose veins dangerous?
Note that, as mentioned above, such a topic as varicose veins on the legs, photo, initial stage, how to treat, is very relevant for many.This is explained by the fact that varicose veins are a rather dangerous disease and the cosmetic defect in the form of swollen veins is only the tip of the iceberg.The disease can lead to quite serious complications, therefore the treatment of varicose veins is mandatory!
As you can see in the photo of the initial stage of the disease, its characteristic symptomatology is swelling of the veins, which is far from harmless;we list the diseases that can be caused by varicose veins.
- phlebitis– this disease implies the beginning of an inflammatory process in the venous walls.As a rule, patients with phlebitis constantly feel quite severe pain.In addition, painful lumps appear in the affected area.
- thrombophlebitis- the disease is characterized by the formation of blood clots in inflamed and dilated veins.Keep in mind that thrombophlebitis occurs due to the lack of adequate treatment of phlebitis.In addition to pain in the limbs, the patient feels general weakness and loses appetite.
- Trophic ulcers- this is another complication of varicose veins, which manifests itself due to a lack of nutrition of the epidermis, which leads to the appearance of dermatitis, the result of which are trophic ulcers that are difficult to heal.
Medicines for varicose veins
Ointments
Today, the pharmaceutical market offers a wide selection of drugs for the treatment of diseases associated with varicose veins, and ointments for varicose veins deserve special attention.
Anticoagulants.These drugs are the most popular for treating varicose veins.The main task of the ointment is a complex effect that helps reduce blood viscosity, dissolve existing blood clots, reduce the inflammatory process and reduce pain symptoms.Medicines provide a maximum positive effect when used in the initial stage of the disease, improve blood circulation and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
Ointments based on sodium heparin prevent the formation of blood clots and reduce blood clotting.
Venotonics help effectively deal with the symptoms of varicose veins, strengthening blood vessels and inhibiting inflammatory processes.
creams
Creams for varicose veins are as effective as ointments because of the active ingredients they contain, which can effectively fight the unpleasant symptoms of the disease.
Ketoprofen-based creams actively suppress inflammatory processes in the vessels of the lower extremities.These drugs belong to the non-steroidal group, which indicates their effectiveness in relieving swelling and eliminating pain.
Creams based on natural ingredients that effectively help get rid of varicose veins.The advantage of the cream is that it does not have any negative effect on the patient with varicose veins.
Creams based on rutin effectively act at the cellular level, thereby quickly suppressing the inflammatory process.The drug has an anti-edematous effect, improves vascular tone, regulates venous pressure and also quickly relieves pain.
Pills
The main effect of tablets based on bioflavonoids is an increase in vascular properties such as elasticity and tone, which in turn improves blood circulation and prevents the formation of blood clots.By taking these drugs, the phenomenon of venous congestion and permeability of venous vessels is eliminated.
Effective folk remedies for the treatment of varicose veins
cabbage.Our ancestors also used various folk remedies to treat such diseases 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 relieve inflammatory processes due to the vitamins and trace elements contained in it.As a rule, white cabbage leaves are used in the form of compresses to treat varicose veins.To make a healing compress, you will need a cabbage leaf, which must first be well beaten.Then one side of the leaf is smeared with vegetable oil and applied to the sore area for a day (secured with a bandage).The course of treatment is 1 month.
ginger.This culinary plant can be used to treat varicose veins as an external or internal medicine.Ginger tea will help you deal with almost any disease at any stage of its development, including varicose veins.You can also make ginger compresses.To do this, you need to grate a piece of ginger root, mix it with natural honey and apply it to the sore spot for 3-4 hours.
Kalina.Like ginger, viburnum can be used to treat varicose veins, both as a fortified drink and as an effective compress.To prepare a compress, the fruits should be ground to a mushy state, placed on a prepared bandage or gauze and applied to the problem area.It is best to do this compress at night.
Initial stage 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 extremities can lead to death from thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers and cancer tumors associated with them.
Every patient should know about the causes, symptoms and stages of development of the disease in order to prevent the serious consequences of this pathology.
Causes and stages of development
Varicose veins appear as a result of pathologies of the venous walls and improper functioning of the venous valves, whose task is to carry carbon dioxide-enriched blood from the lower extremities to the lungs for gas exchange.
As a result of improper blood flow and dysfunction of the valves, blood accumulates in the vessels, increasing the pressure in the veins of the legs, which causes the weak venous wall to bulge.This is how varicose veins develop.
There are a number of factors that can cause the disease.These include:
- Heredity.
- obesity.
- Having bad habits.
- Pregnancy
- Taking hormonal drugs for a long time.
- Cardiovascular diseases leading to blood thickening.
- A sedentary lifestyle that causes blood stagnation.
- Occupations that require long periods of standing.
- Walking in high heels.
Under the influence of these factors, a disease of the legs develops, which proceeds in several stages.Each of them is characterized by specific clinical manifestations.In total, there are 4 stages of varicose veins in medical practice:
- varicose veins in the initial stage, shown in the photo above, passesalmost no symptoms.A person has only a predominant feeling of heaviness in the legs, slight swelling and pain.Small cobwebs begin to appear on the skin of the thighs and legs;
- varicose veins 1 degree, which is also shown in the photo, is characterized by frequent cramps of the calf muscles, a burning sensation spreading from the lower leg to the foot, as well as swelling of the ankles;
- for the second degreecharacterized by an abundance of spider veins, severe swelling, constant pain in the legs, the area of the bulging veins increases;
- third degreeindicates involvement of the skin in the disease process: it becomes scaly, thin, often pigmented around the ankle.The risk of thrombosis is very high because the veins are highly dilated and dilated.The patient, in addition to pain, is haunted by a constant burning sensation, eczema and dermatitis on the skin of the lower extremities;when the skin is injured, deep ulcers form.
IMPORTANT!If treatment is not started in the early stages, then the disease is very difficult to treat conservatively in the future and poses a mortal danger to the patient!
The first symptoms of varicose veins
The first symptoms of varicose veins on the legs are difficult to diagnose.For a while, the patient confuses them with fatigue and muscle tension.If you experience such sensations, especially if there was no serious stress on your feet before, you should contact a specialist, as the disease can be cured at an early stage,without resorting to surgery and exhausting procedures.Phlebologists and surgeons treat varicose veins.
The first signs of varicose veins are shown by the following symptoms:
- Constant heaviness in the legs.This is due to poor circulation in the legs due to dysfunction of the venous valves.Due to this, the pressure in the vein increases sharply, it stretches even more and causes pain.
- Swelling of the lower limbs.The symptom occurs as a result of a heavy load on the venous system.If the swelling is accompanied by pain in the area of the vein and redness of the skin above it, we can talk about the development of thrombophlebitis - an extremely dangerous complication of varicose veins.
- Increase in calf circumferenceup to 1 cm in the evening is associated with edema.
- Painful sensationsworsen with exercise and disappear by the next morning.
- The appearance of spider veinson the legs and thighs.Some patients consider them a cosmetic defect.Their appearance indicates the pathology of a large varicose vein that feeds them.Only ultrasound diagnostics can confirm or deny this.
- Presence of bulging veins.
Initially, the first signs of varicose veins on the legs quickly disappear if you let your legs rest in a comfortable position.Howeverthis should alarm the patient, for it is a sure symptom of an incipient disease.
Then the patient may experience a burning sensation in the veins.If you do not pay due attention to these symptoms, the patient may feel cramps in the calf muscles at night and fatigue in the legs below the knees.
ATTENTION!Symptoms of early varicose veins are similar to other diseases - flat feet and lumbar osteochondrosis.That is why it is so important to consult a phlebologist to rule out other diagnoses and start treatment in a timely manner!
Diagnosis and treatment
As a rule, varicose veins in the initial stage, which is illustrated in the photo,it is painless.A patient, and according to statistics, women suffer from varicose veins twice as often as men, seeks help from a doctor regarding the vascular network.The doctor conducts an examination and prescribes the necessary tests to assess the degree of damage to the venous circulation.
For this purpose, a general blood test may be prescribed., which will show the presence or absence of thrombocytopenia, a biochemical blood test to detect liver problems, as well as a vascular ultrasound.
It shows pathologies of the vascular wall.If the diagnosis is confirmed, the patient is sent for X-ray venography, with the help of which the location of the vein lesion is determined.
After examination, the doctor prescribes a treatment that can prevent the transition of the initial stage of varicose veins to the next ones.
For this purpose, the underlying disease is treated– endocrine, cardiovascular, etc.Then the risk factors are eliminated, only after that the patient is offered to change his lifestyle, diet and give up bad habits.
Medicinal treatment in the early stage of varicose veinsnot provided.Experts believe that it is enough to usecompression clothing - either special socks and tights, or elastic bandages, which should be placed on the legs when waking up and worn throughout the day.This therapy can evenly distribute the load on the legs and improve blood circulation.
Forms of the disease
The type of vascular insufficiency depends on the veins affected by the disease, the degree of spread of the process and its localization.Has varicose veins:
- reticular (finely vascular);
- segmental (focal);
- perforation (damage to connecting veins);
- main (pathology of a small or large vein under the skin).
Each type of varicose veins has characteristic features in terms of external manifestations.The presence of complications depends on the stage of the disease.
Reticular 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 the photo of varicose veins in the initial stage, the reticular form can be determined only by strengthening the vascular pattern.It is a bluish network of small venous fragments with a diameter of no more than 3 mm.It is more often located on the thighs in the area of the lateral surfaces.A few asterisk-like fragments appear first, then larger areas are affected.
This form of varicose veins is often called cosmetic;it is not dangerous for blood flow, but it causes aesthetic discomfort to women.Reticular varicose veins of the legs can cause:
This form is the most treatable.One of the most effective methods of treating such varicose veins is microscopic sclerotherapy.It is not dangerous and painless.But often patients do not consider the manifestations of spider veins a serious reason for visiting a phlebologist.In this case, the disease becomes a chronic pathology.May cause bleeding from superficial vessels.
The reticular form of varicose veins requires a mandatory medical consultation.This will prevent complications.
Segmental form
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 and more are affected.But the disease has a focal character, only one or several tributary veins lose their tone.This type of pathology is characterized by the absence of reverse blood flow, which facilitates therapy.
If you look at a photo of varicose veins of the legs in segmental form, you can see swollen branches from the main vein of the lower leg.These are the tributary vessels.
Treatment of the disease is conservative.In case of late presentation and formation of tributary nodes, miniphlebectomy can be used.Segmental varicose veins are located in the anteromedial and posterior surfaces of the leg and in the popliteal fossa.
The highway
This pathology affects large and small main veins.The big one suffers several times more often than the small one.In the photo of varicose veins of the legs, the bulging of the main vessels in the lower leg, lateral thighs and legs is clearly visible.The vascular wall of the legs is tense and nodular formations are noticeable.
The disease proceeds with characteristic symptoms of chronic circulatory failure.Due to damage to the vascular valves, reflux occurs.Normally, blood moves in one direction.If the valves are insufficient, they do not close completely and the vessels become overloaded.For this reason, the veins stretch and lose their elasticity.
Major varicose veins require serious treatment.More often, mild surgical interventions and conservative methods are used.
In the absence of adequate therapy, the main varicose veins of the legs are complicated by thrombophlebitis and thrombosis.
Perforated form
There are deep and saphenous veins on the legs.They are connected to each other by vessels called perforators.
These are no less important veins than the main ones.Their defeat leads to insufficient blood circulation in the legs.The blood is not directed completely into the bloodstream.This contributes to stagnation and thrombus formation.
- a photo of varicose veins on the legs with damage to perforating veins clearly shows the presence of swollen vessels;
- bumps and bruises are noticeable in places;the skin becomes darker;
- A rash and scratching may occur.
The localization of this form is diverse and depends on the location of the affected vein.These are the legs, hips and ankles.Sometimes the vessels protrude even in the area of the Achilles tendon and below the knee.Treatment is often surgical, but minimally invasive methods are possible for single lesions.
Stages of varicose veins of the legs
Phlebologists around the world annually hold forums and seminars dedicated to varicose veins.The types and forms of the disease are constantly changing.Specialists describe the stages of varicose veins in the legs differently.Their number is constantly changing.The latest approved classification contains seven grades:
- First or zero.It shows no outward signs.Patients complain only of heaviness, fatigue and swelling.Sometimes the occasional seizure can be annoying.
- Second.In the photo of the second stage, you can clearly see the vascular network in the area of the popliteal cups and thighs.Symptoms do not change.
- third.The protrusions of the blood vessels are clearly visible, especially during exercise or in a sitting position.In addition to the veins, you can see blue nodules on the legs.Patients experience pain and tension.
- Fourth.The appearance of edema is added to the swollen veins.By the evening your legs are full, and in the morning everything is back to normal.The swelling can cause a tingling or numbness sensation in the legs.
- Fifth.Metabolic processes are disturbed.There is not enough nutrition for the tissues and trophic changes are formed on the skin.They can be in the form of dry plaques, redness and scratching.The skin around the veins becomes darker.Thrombophlebitis may develop.
- Sixth.The photo at this stage is different from the others.It shows pronounced trophic ulcers in the area of the veins of the lower limbs.As a result of massive treatment, wounds heal by primary intention.
- Seventh.Last stage.In other classifications it is called decompensatory.The most negative outcome of the disease.Non-healing ulcers form on the legs.They can get wet and rot.This degree requires urgent inpatient treatment.It can be complicated by sepsis and thromboembolism.
Varicose veins of the legs, complicated by a violation of the integrity of the skin and the addition of a secondary infection, can threaten the life of the patient.
There is another classification that provides three stages of varicose veins:
- Compensatory.It manifests itself only with local symptoms (pain, spasms, heaviness).No external changes were observed in the blood vessels.
- Subcompensatory.External signs of moderate varicose veins develop.Spider veins and signs of segmental lesions appear.
- Decompensation.Severe consequences of chronic venous insufficiency.Trophic lesions, ulcers and thrombosis.
General characteristics and causes of varicose veins
In a healthy person, venous blood rises from the legs to the heart under the influence of pressure, which in a normal state is quite sufficient to overcome gravity.When this mechanism is impaired, the body is forced to increase the pressure to push the blood upwards.
As a result of this process, valvular insufficiency occurs, which is characterized by leakage of blood into the superficial veins from the deep ones.As the pressure inside the vessels increases, their walls lose elasticity, stretch and weaken, leading to the formation of visible bluish subcutaneous nodules.
Reasons for the development of varicose veins of the lower extremities:
- Increased levels of progesterone in a woman's body.This hormone has a negative effect on the condition of the walls and valves of the veins, making them weak and unprotected.
- Congenital pathologies of the valves or walls of veins, lack of connective tissue, poor patency of deep veins, genetic predisposition.
- Neoplasms located on the legs, in the abdominal area.
- Injuries of the lower limbs.
- Diseases of the endocrine system.
- thrombophlebitis.
- Joint diseases - osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
- Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives.
- A sedentary lifestyle that often leads to congestion in the legs.
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure.It usually occurs with lung diseases or frequent constipation.
- Overweight.
- Wearing tight clothes and shoes.
- The presence in the diet of a large amount of high-calorie and fatty foods, lack of fiber of plant origin.
- Smoking, frequent alcohol use.
During pregnancy, ARVNK appears especially often, because during this period there areglobal changes in hormonal levels, as well as increased body weight.
Men suffer from this disease ifa lifestyle associated with heavy physical labor, or prolonged standing - machine operators, loaders, etc.Varicose veins in the legs can also appear as a result of some sports activities.
Varicose veins require immediate treatment, the lack of which can lead to serious consequences: development of thrombophlebitis, bleeding from venous nodes and trophic ulcer, which can provoke leg amputation.