Varicosis is a disease of the legs, which 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
Varicose veins - a chronic disease of peripheral veins of the lower extremities with a progressive course.It is characterized by a pathological expansion of the veins, which is manifested by a violation of the reverse blood flow in them due to the weakness of the valves and the wall of the vessels.As a result of this, there is a stagnation of venous blood and an increase in pressure in veins, the walls of which over time lose elasticity and begin to stretch and deform.According to the international classification of diseases, ICD-10 varicose veins of the lower extremities 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 development theories:
- Mechanical theory. Excessive load on the lower limbs: with standing work (surgeons, dentists, teachers, hairdressers), athletes, pregnant women.
- Neuroendocrine theory. Due to the hormonal shift (pregnancy, menopause, sexual ripening), the tone of the walls of blood vessels is reduced.
- Genetic predisposition.Congenital functional underdevelopment of valves in the veins.
Risk factors for the development of varicose veins:
- female gender;
- heredity;
- Excess weight;
- load loads;
- A sedentary lifestyle.
Symptoms of the disease
The manifestations of the disease are:
- The appearance of a vascular mesh in the form of stars on the skin is telangioectasia.
- Skin changes: dryness, pigmentation.In the later stages - dermatitis, eczema, trophic ulcers.
- A characteristic bulging through the skin of excusable veins on the lower extremities.
- The appearance of pain and discomfort in the legs, especially after physical exertion.The pain can have a different character (pulsating, burning, aching), 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 is observed in the region of the foot, then applies to the lower leg.
Stages of development of varicose veins
The disease develops in stages and slowly.It can pass for several years when its first symptoms appear.
- Stage 0. It is characterized by non -specific features, such as the severity and discomfort in the legs that can be symptoms and other diseases (osteochondrosis, flat feet).In this stage, the disease is also difficult to diagnose due to the lack of the main attribute-deformation and performances of extended veins on the legs.
- Stage 1. Changes on the skin - vascular stars are attached to the above complaints.
- Stage 2. The enlarged swollen and winding veins, nodules are characteristic.
- Stage 3. The occurrence of edema is especially pronounced at the end of the day.
- Stage 4. It is manifested by irreversible changes in blood vessels and trophic lesions of the legs due to impaired blood circulation and insufficient nutrition of tissues.Strong skin pigmentation (dark brown color) is characteristic.
- Stage 5. Healing trophic ulcer.
- Stage 6. Trophic ulcer is non -healing.
Possible complications
The disease itself is not dangerous for life, but its complications are dangerous as a result of untimely or improper treatment:
- Acute thrombophlebitis of surface veins - inflammation of the walls of blood vessels, the formation of blood clots from blood clots, which undertook blood circulation in the tissues;
- pulmonary artery thromboembolism - blockage of the lumen of the pulmonary artery with a thrombus, which broke away from the wall of the vessel, often has a death;
- phlebotrombosis;
- trophic ulcer - occurs with advanced forms of varicose veins due to poor tissue nutrition with blood;
- bleeding from nodes.
When to see a doctor
Varicose veins are diagnosed and treated by a 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;
- a sense of discomfort in the legs, pain;
- swelling and rapid fatigue;
- Night convulsions;
- markedly expanded veins.
Varicose veins on the legs, the treatment of which was timely and effective, to less threatens the occurrence of complications.
Diagnostic measures
To date, the main diagnostic method is ultrasound.When diagnosing varicose veins, such measures are carried out:
- Ultrasound dopplerography. A method that combines the use of ultrasonic and Doppler diagnostics and allows you to evaluate the nature of blood movement through the vessels, the presence of a reverse blood cast, blood clots, the condition of the vessels in the cut, the operation of the venous valves (the presence of flotation), and the patency of peripheral and deep veins.There are several types: color dopplerography, duplex and triplex dopplerography.
- Duplex scanning (sonography) is a type of ultrasonic dopplerography, in which 2 methods are used: in-mode and color dopplerography.Allows you to determine the presence of blood clots, their size, the nature of the location, the possibility of separation.The method is not invasive, can with high accuracy establish a diagnosis and determine further treatment tactics.
- Phlebomanometry - a method for determining blood pressure on the walls of the veins.
- Phleboscintigraphy - the introduction of a radiopharmacy into Vienna and observation using a special device.The method is used for combined pathology of the veins and the lymphatic system.
- Phlebography is a radiological method that implies the introduction of an X -ray contract intravenously.In an X -ray picture, the doctor will evaluate the state of the veins.Suitable for the diagnosis of deep veins, when ultrasound dopplerography was wrapped.
The last two methods are invasive, have a number of contraindications (allergies to a contrast medium) and today are rarely used for diagnostic purposes.
Methods of treatment
Varicose veins on the legs, the treatment of which is carried out by two main methods in the complex (conservative and surgical), has a favorable forecast.Conservative methods:
- drug treatment;
- the use of traditional medicine;
- physiotherapy;
- Compression therapy involves the use of special underwear;
- sclerotherapy.
Surgical methods:
- Varadi operation - removal of 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 means at the early stages of the disease.Preparations help reduce swelling, pain, increase the tone of the venous walls.
Laser treatment
Lazamaria treatment (laser coagulation or ablation) is a minimally invasive method that is used in pronounced forms of the disease.Use lasers with different wavelengths.The laser light is inserted into the lumen of the veins and glues its walls.In the future, such a vein will resolve.The procedure occurs under the control of ultrasound, does not leave after the strong bruises. Advantages of laser treatment: lack of a recovery period, painlessness and safety of the procedure, a minimum of postoperative complications, scars and pigmentations.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy - is the introduction of a special drug (sclerosant) into the affected vein, which glues it from the inside and it disappears over time.There are several varieties of this methodology: echo-sclerotherapy, microsclerotherapy.The procedure lasts 20 minutes, sclerotherapy sessions required from 3 to 5. This treatment method is widely used in many countries of the world and provides a long result, and at the initial stages - lifelong.However, with advanced and severe forms, sclerotherapy does not give one hundred percent guarantee.
Hydrotherapy
Treatment of hydrotherapy (water therapy) in the form of various types of baths (with herbs, salt) and shower (circular, massage, contrast) contribute to reducing the lumen of blood vessels, help relieve fatigue and swelling of the legs.
The use of stockings and tights from varicose veins
The use of compression (tightening) linen helps in the early stages of varicose veins by eliminating blood stagnation in peripheral veins and redistributing it from expanded vessels to healthy ones. The use of such knitted linen is possible for preventive purposes and during rehabilitation.
Surgical therapy
Surgical removal of the affected veins - phlebectomy is a radical, complex, but most effective method (almost 100% cure).However, phlebectomy has a number of contraindications: diseases of the cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, pregnancy.After the operation, for a month, you need to wear a delaying compression linen or apply an elastic bandage on the leg.
Physiotherapy
Treatment of varicose veins with physiotherapeutic methods is effective for prevention, at the initial stages of the disease, as well as in complex therapy.Widely used: laser therapy, darsonvalization, magnetic laser therapy, pneumocompression, UHF, balneo and mudrapy.Physiotherapy helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, improves the operation of valves, microcirculation and lymphocide in the limbs.A visible result is achieved with regular course treatment in combination with other methods of therapy.
Folk remedies
Treatment with folk remedies of varicose veins on the legs is widely popular in patients.However, it should be borne in mind that all methods of non -traditional 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, honey;
- soda baths, sea salt;
- ointments (Vishnevsky);
- Hirudotherapy (treatment with medical leeches).
Using 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, and not buy in the store.To prepare vinegar, you need to grind sweet apples, then pour them 3 cm above warm water.Leave the product to infuse for 2 weeks, sometimes stirring with a wooden spoon.Strain and add several spoons to a glass of water for rubbing.Vinegar can be rubbed into the skin of sore legs, make compresses, wraps, 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 preventive purposes and with early manifestations of varicose veins. Put the powder diluted with warm water with a thick layer on your feet, wrap it with cling film and wrap it with a warm scarf.Keep the application for 40 minutes.Or apply for 30 minutes to a gauze affected by a gauze, greased with clay with chopped garlic.Such therapy with regular use (a course of 2-3 weeks) effectively relieves discomfort in the legs, swelling and fatigue.
Using tincture of acacia flowers
For the treatment of varicose veins, a tincture of white acacia colors is used.To prepare it, you need to fill up the raw materials in a 3-liter jar and pour 0.5 liters of vodka and medical alcohol on 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 alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins.
Using ginseng tincture
Ginseng root is a natural tonic for strengthening venous vessels.The finished tincture can be bought in 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 inward on an empty stomach 1-2 tablespoons 4 times a day.
Using nettle
The healing properties of nettles have been known for a long time.The plant improves blood circulation, prevents blood stagnation, strengthens the walls of blood vessels. To prepare the therapeutic decoction of nettle, the crushed fresh or dry leaves pour a liter of boiling water.Insist a couple of hours and strain.For a month, drink a decoction of a third of a glass 3 times a day.
Using potatoes
Effectively, the use of potatoes for varicose veins in the form of compresses, lotions.For the compress, mix the freshly launched tuber with a spoonful of honey and apply to sore areas, fix with a film and bandage on top. Keep a compress of 5 hours and wash off with warm water.The course of treatment is 3 weeks. The compress helps to remove swelling, pain, a vascular net on the legs.
Prevention of varicose veins
To prevent the development of varicose veins, it is worth observing the following measures, especially those who are at risk:
- keep weight normal;
- avoid prolonged standing;
- Walk more on foot, do legs exercise;
- limit wearing high -heeled shoes;
- limit the use of alcohol and cigarettes;
- engage in some kind of sport (swimming, cycling, aerobics);
- water procedures (contrasting shower, relaxing baths for the legs);
- wear compression underwear;
- adhere to proper nutrition.
Varicose veins on the legs - treatment and diagnosis - important components of speedy recovery.To date, there are a number of medications and means of non -traditional medicine that promise to get rid of varicose veins.
If the varicose veins on the legs is not ignored, and starting treatment in time, then there is a high percentage of favorable prognosis.At the initial stages, conservative therapy is shown: medications, creams, compression knitwear, physiotherapy, traditional medicine recipes.In pronounced forms - laser ablation, the removal of advanced veins.