Varicose is a disease of the legs that not only spoils the aesthetic appearance of a person, but can also lead to a number of serious complications.The main causes, symptoms and methods of treating varicose veins on the legs are described in detail later.
Medical Certificate - varicose veins
Different veins - a chronic disease of the peripheral veins of the lower limbs with a progressive course.It is characterized by pathological enlargement of the veins, which is manifested by violation of the reverse blood flow in them due to the weakness of the valves and the wall of the vessels.As a result, there is a stagnation of venous blood and an increase in the pressure in the veins, the walls of which over time lose elasticity and begin to stretch and deform.According to the international classification of diseases, the varicose veins of the ICD-10 of the lower limbs have code 183.
The causes of the disease
The etiology of varicose veins is not well studied.Doctors consider the disease polyetiological, but distinguish several theories of development:
- Mechanical theory. Excessive loading of the lower limbs: with standing work (surgeons, dentists, teachers, hairdressers), athletes, pregnant women.
- Neuroendocrine theory. Due to hormonal displacement (pregnancy, menopause, sexual maturation), the tone of the walls of the blood vessels is reduced.
- Genetic predisposition.Congenital functional underdevelopment of the valves in the veins.
Risk factors for the development of varicose veins:
- female sex;
- heredity;
- Excess weight;
- loads;
- A sedentary lifestyle.
Symptoms of the disease
The manifestations of the disease are:
- The appearance of a vascular network in the form of skin stars is Telangioectasia.
- Changes in skin: dryness, pigmentation.In the short stages - dermatitis, eczema, trophic ulcers.
- Characteristic swelling through the skin of the justified veins of the lower limbs.
- The appearance of pain and discomfort in the legs, especially after exercise.The pain may be of a different character (throbbing, burning, sick), the time of occurrence (pain when walking, at the end of the day, at night).
- The development of edema and seizures of the calf muscles.At first, swelling in the foot is observed, after which it is applied to the lower leg.
Stages of development of varicose veins
The disease develops in stages and slowly.It can pass several years when its first symptoms appear.
- Stage 0. It is characterized by non -specific characteristics, such as severity and discomfort in the legs, which can be symptoms and other diseases (osteochondrosis, flat legs).At this stage, the disease is also difficult to diagnose due to the lack of basic deformation of attributes and performances of elongated veins on the legs.
- Stage 1. Changes in the skin - the vascular stars are attached to the above complaints.
- Stage 2. The enlarged swollen and winding veins, nodes are characteristic.
- Stage 3. The appearance of edema is particularly pronounced at the end of the day.
- Stage 4. It is manifested by irreversible changes in the blood vessels and trophic lesions of the legs due to impaired blood circulation and insufficient nutrition of the tissues.Strong skin pigmentation (dark brown) is characteristic.
- Stage 5. Healing trophic ulcer.
- Stage 6. Trophic ulcer is not a healing.
Possible complications
The disease itself is not life -threatening, but its complications are dangerous as a result of untimely or improper treatment:
- Acute thrombophlebitis of superficial veins - inflammation of the walls of the blood vessels, the formation of blood clots from blood clots that take blood circulation in the tissues;
- Pulmonary artery thromboembolism - blocking of the lung of the pulmonary artery with a thrombus that was detached from the wall of the vessel, often there is death;
- phlebotrombosis;
- Trophic ulcer - occurs with advanced forms of varicose veins due to poor nutrition of the tissues with blood;
- Bleeding from nodes.
When to see a doctor
Varicose veins are diagnosed and treated by phlebologist (cardiovascular surgery).In order not to miss the onset of the disease, it is necessary to contact a specialist at the first signs:
- the appearance of vascular stars on the legs;
- feeling of discomfort in the legs, pain;
- swelling and rapid fatigue;
- Night convulsions;
- Significantly varicose veins.
Varicose veins on the legs, whose treatment was timely and effective, for less threatens the occurrence of complications.
Diagnostic measures
To date, the main method of diagnostics is ultrasound.When diagnosing varicose veins, such measures are carried out:
- Ultrasound Doppler. A method that combines the use of ultrasound and Doppler diagnostics and allows you to evaluate the nature of the movement of blood through the vessels, the presence of reverse blood, blood clots, the condition of the vessels in section, the operation of the venous valves (the presence of flotation) and the patency of the peripheral and deep veins.There are several types: colored Doppler, duplex and triplex Dopplerography.
- Duplex scanning (sonography) is a type of ultrasound Dopplerography that uses 2 methods: in mode and colored Doppler.Allows you to determine the presence of blood clots, their size, the nature of the location, the ability to divide.The method is not invasive, it can be diagnosed with high accuracy and determine the further tactics of treatment.
- Phlebomanometry - a method of determining blood pressure on the walls of the veins.
- Phleboscintigraphy - the introduction of radiopharmia in Vienna and monitoring using a special device.The method is used for combined pathology of the veins and the lymphatic system.
- Phlebography is an X -ray method that implies the introduction of an X -ray contract for intravenous.On the X -ray photo, the doctor will evaluate the condition of the veins.Suitable for the diagnosis of deep veins when ultrasound is wrapped in Doppler.
The last two methods are invasive, have a number of contraindications (allergies to the contrast environment) and are rarely used for diagnostic purposes today.
Methods of treatment
Varicose veins on the legs, whose treatment is performed by two main methods in the complex (conservative and surgical), has a favorable prognosis.Conservative methods:
- treatment with drugs;
- the use of traditional medicine;
- physiotherapy;
- Compression therapy involves the use of special underwear;
- Sclerotherapy.
Surgical methods:
- Varadi surgery - removal of the affected veins (phlebectomy);
- Laser coagulation of veins.
External treatment with creams, ointments and gels
The external use of creams, ointments and gels acts as auxiliary agents in the early stages of the disease.The preparations help reduce swelling, pain, increase the tone of the venous walls.
Laser treatment
Treatment with lasamary (laser coagulation or ablation) is a minimal invasive method used in pronounced forms of the disease.Use lasers of different wavelengths.The laser light is placed in the lumen of the veins and glues its walls.In the future, such a vein will allow.The procedure is performed under the control of ultrasound, does not leave after strong bruises. Advantages of laser treatment: lack of recovery, painlessness and safety of the procedure, minimum postoperative complications, scars and pigments.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy - is the introduction of a special drug (sclerosant) into the affected vein, which sticks it inside and it disappears over time.There are several varieties of this methodology: echo-postherapy, microscler therapy.The procedure lasts for 20 minutes, sclerotherapeutic sessions required from 3 to 5. This method of treatment is widely used in many countries around the world and provides a long result in the initial stages - throughout life.However, with advanced and severe forms, sclerotherapy does not give a hundred percent guarantee.
Hydrotherapy
The treatment of hydrotherapy (water therapy) in the form of different types of baths (with herbs, salt) and shower (round, massage, contrast) contribute to reducing the lumen of blood vessels, helping to relieve fatigue and swelling of the legs.
The use of socks and pantyhose of varicose veins
The use of compression (tightening) bedding helps in the early stages of varicose veins by eliminating blood for stagnation in peripheral veins and redistributing it from enlarged vessels to healthy. The use of such knit underwear is possible for preventative purposes and during rehabilitation.
Surgical therapy
Surgical removal of the affected veins - phlebectomy is a radical, complex but most effective method (almost 100% treatment).However, phlebectomy has a number of contraindications: diseases of the cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, pregnancy.After surgery for a month, you should wear delayed bedding or apply an elastic bandage on your legs.
Physiotherapy
Treatment of varicose veins with physiotherapy methods is effective for prevention, in the initial stages of the disease, as well as for complex therapy.Widely used: laser therapy, darsonvalization, magnetic laser therapy, pneumocompression, UHF, balneo and muddrapy.Physiotherapy helps to strengthen the walls of the blood vessels, improve the function of the valves, microcirculation and lymphocide in the limbs.A visible result is achieved by regular treatment of the course in combination with other methods of therapy.
Folk remedies
Treatment with folk remedies of varicose veins of the legs is widely popular in patients.However, it should be borne in mind that all methods of unconventional medicine are ineffective in severe forms of the disease.Folk remedies for the treatment of varicose veins:
- Tinctures of medicinal herbs: kalanchoe, nettle, horse chestnut, ginseng root, nutmeg;
- Lotions and compresses made of clay, copper;
- soda baths, sea salt;
- ointments (Vishnevski);
- Hirudotherapy (treatment with medical leeches).
Use of apple cider vinegar
The use of apple cider vinegar for the treatment of varicose veins is recommended by many specialists.It is advisable to cook the product yourself, not buy at the store.To prepare vinegar, you need to grind sweet apples, then pour them 3 cm over warm water.Allow the product to infuse for 2 weeks, sometimes stirring with a wooden spoon.Strain and add a few spoons to a glass of rubbing water.Vinegar can be rubbed into the skin of inflamed legs, compressed, sheaths, baths.The tool strengthens the venous wall, improves blood circulation in them, reduces swelling.
Using lotions and clay compresses
Blue clay in the form of lotions and compresses is often used for preventative purposes and with early manifestations of varicose veins. Put the dust diluted with warm water with a thick layer of your feet, wrap it with a fitting film and wrap it with a warm scarf.Keep the application for 40 minutes.Or apply for 30 minutes on a gauze affected by a gauze greased with chopped garlic.Similar therapy with regular use (2-3 weeks) effectively relieves leg discomfort, swelling and fatigue.
Using a tincture of acacia flowers
White acacia colors are used to treat varicose veins.To prepare it, you need to fill the raw materials in a 3 liter jar and pour 0.5 liters of vodka and medical alcohol into 1/3, cover with a lid.Insist a mixture in a dark place for two weeks.Lubricate sore legs with the finished tincture 5-7 times a day.Tincture will help relieve the symptoms of varicose veins.
Use of ginseng tincture
Ginseng root is a natural tonic for strengthening venous vessels.The finished tincture can be purchased at a pharmacy or prepared independently by pouring 0.5 liters of vodka 150 g of crushed dried ginseng.Insist the liquid in a dark place for 2 weeks.Tincture to take 1-2 tablespoons 4 times a day on an empty stomach.
Nettle use
The healing properties of nettles have long been known.The plant improves blood circulation, prevents blood stagnation, strengthens the walls of blood vessels.To prepare the therapeutic decoction of the nettle, the crushed fresh or dry leaves pour a liter of boiling water.Insist a few hours and tension.For a month, drink a decoction of one -third of a glass 3 times a day.
Potato use
Effective use of varicose veins in the form of compresses, lotions.For the compress, mix the freshly fired tuber with a spoonful of honey and apply to inflamed areas, repair with a film and a bandage on top. Keep a compress for 5 hours and wash with warm water.The course of treatment is 3 weeks. The compress helps to eliminate swelling, pain, vascular network on the legs.
Prevent varicose veins
In order to prevent the development of varicose veins, it is worth observing the following measures, especially those at risk:
- Maintain weight normally;
- Avoid prolonged standing;
- Walk more on foot, leg exercises;
- Limit the wearing of high -level shoes;
- Limit the use of alcohol and cigarettes;
- Participate in some kind of sport (swimming, cycling, aerobics);
- Water procedures (contrast shower, relaxing foot baths);
- Wear down compression linen;
- Stick to proper nutrition.
Different leg veins - treatment and diagnosis - important components of rapid recovery.To date, there are a number of medicines and remedies for unconventional medicine that promise to get rid of varicose veins.
If the varicose veins of the legs are not ignored and treatment starts on time, then there is a high rate of favorable prognosis.In the initial stages, conservative therapy is shown: medicines, creams, compression knitwear, physiotherapy, recipes for traditional medicine.In pronounced forms - laser ablation, the removal of advanced veins.