Varicose veins on the legs, initial stage, how to treat

Today, such a disease as varicose veins is the most common.A sedentary lifestyle usually leads to the development of the disease, and a late response to the body's signals has 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, the initial stage and how to treat them.I would like to note that varicose veins is a disease characterized by stagnation of blood in the veins of the lower extremities, which causes swelling of the peripheral veins.Swollen blood vessels are dark blue in color;in the absence of proper treatment, they acquire a purple hue, blood clots and ulcers form, and severe pain occurs.

Symptoms of the disease in the initial stages of development

Varicose veins of the legs is a rather insidious disease - this can be explained by the fact that this disease is very difficult to diagnose in the initial stages of development.The symptoms of the disease are similar to many other diseases, such as osteochondrosis or flat feet.Varicose veins patients often seek professional medical help when there is sufficient swelling and pain in the limbs.

However, there are many common symptoms, if you notice them, 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, however, in this case, swelling, pain and swelling of the vessels are usually not observed.

Let's look at 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 often accompanied by itching and limb spasms during sleep;
• the appearance of a feeling of fatigue and swelling in the legs;
• the color of the skin changes, the skin in problem areas acquires a bluish tint and becomes drier;
• the appearance of bulging veins above the surface of the skin and characteristic spider veins.

Why are varicose veins dangerous?

Note that, as mentioned above, a topic such as varicose veins on the legs, photo, initial stage, how to treat them is very important for many.This can be explained by the fact that varicose veins are quite a dangerous disease, and the aesthetic defect in the form of swollen veins is only the tip of the iceberg.The disease can lead to quite serious complications, so treating varicose veins is mandatory!

As you can see in the photo of the initial stage of the disease, its characteristic symptom is swelling of the veins, which is far from harmless;we list the diseases that varicose veins can cause.

• Phlebitis- this disease means the beginning of the inflammatory process of the venous walls.Patients with phlebitis usually 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.Note that thrombophlebitis occurs due to lack of proper treatment of phlebitis.In addition to pain in the limbs, the patient feels general weakness and loss of appetite.
• Trophic ulcers- this is another complication of varicose veins, which manifests itself due to the lack of nutrition of the epidermis, which leads to the appearance of dermatitis, the consequence of which are difficult-to-heal trophic ulcers.

Medicines to treat varicose veins

Ointments

Today, the pharmaceutical market offers a wide range of drugs for the treatment of diseases associated with varicose veins, and anti-varicose ointments deserve special attention.

Anticoagulants.These drugs are the most popular for the treatment of 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 have a maximum positive effect if they are used in the initial stages of the disease, improve blood circulation and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.

Ointments based on heparin sodium prevent the formation of blood clots and reduce blood clotting.

Venotonics helps effectively cope with the symptoms of varicose veins, strengthens blood vessels and inhibits inflammatory processes.

Creams

Thanks to the active ingredients in them, anti-varicose creams are just as effective as ointments, which can effectively combat 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 group of non-steroids, which indicates that they are effective in reducing 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 has no negative effect on the patient with varicose veins.

Rutin-based creams work effectively at the cellular level, thereby quickly suppressing the inflammatory process.The drug has an anti-edema effect, improves the tone of the vascular system, regulates intravenous pressure, and quickly eliminates pain.

Tablets

The main effect of tablets based on bioflavonoids is to increase vascular properties such as elasticity and tone, which in turn improves blood circulation and prevents blood clots.By taking these drugs, the phenomenon of venous congestion and the permeability of venous vessels is eliminated.

Effective folk remedy for the treatment of varicose veins

Cabbage.Our ancestors also used various folk remedies to treat diseases such as varicose veins.One is treatment with cabbage leaves.The effectiveness of this vegetable lies in the fact that cabbage quickly relieves inflammatory processes thanks to the vitamins and microelements it contains.White cabbage leaves are usually used as poultices to treat varicose veins.To make a medicinal poultice, you will need cabbage leaves, which must first be thoroughly beaten.After that, one side of the sheet is smeared with vegetable oil and applied to the inflamed area for a day (fixed with a bandage).The duration of the treatment is 1 month.

Ginger.This culinary plant can be used as an external or internal medicine to treat varicose veins.Ginger tea helps to cope with almost all diseases at any stage of development, including varicose veins.You can also make a ginger poultice.To do this, grate a piece of ginger root, mix it with natural honey and apply it to the painful area for 3-4 hours.

Kalina.Like ginger, viburnum can also be used to treat varicose veins, as a fortified drink and as an effective poultice.To prepare the poultice, the berries must be ground into a pulp, placed on a prepared bandage or gauze, and applied to the problem area.It is best to do this poultice at night.

The initial stage of varicose veins - the first symptoms

Today, varicose veins are one of the most common dangerous diseases among both women and men.According to WHO statistics, varicose veins of the lower limbs can lead to death due to thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers and related cancers.

Every patient should know 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 are formed as a result of pathologies of the venous walls and failure of the venous valves, whose task is to transport blood enriched with carbon dioxide from the lower limbs to the lungs for gas exchange.

As a result of inadequate blood flow and dysfunction of the valves, blood accumulates in the veins, increasing the pressure in the veins of the legs, which leads to bulging of the weak vein wall.This is how varicose veins develop.

Many factors can cause the disease.These are:

1. Heredity.
2. Obesity.
3. He has bad habits.
4. Pregnancy.
5. Long-term use of hormonal drugs.
6. Cardiovascular diseases that lead to thickening of the blood.
7. A sedentary lifestyle that causes blood stasis.
8. Professions that require long-term employment.
9. Walking in high heels.

As a result of these factors, foot disease develops, which occurs in several stages.Each of them is characterized by specific clinical manifestations.Overall, in medical practice, there are 4 stages of varicose veins:

• varicose veins in the initial stage, shown in the picture above, goes throughvirtually no symptoms.The feeling of heaviness, slight swelling and pain predominates only in the legs.Small spider veins begin to appear on the skin of the thighs and legs;
• Varicose veins 1st degree, which can also be seen in the photo, is characterized by frequent calf muscle spasms, a burning sensation extending from the leg to the sole, and swelling of the ankle;
• to the second degreethe abundance of spider veins, severe swelling, constant pain in the legs, the area of bulging veins increases;
• tertiaryit indicates the 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 greatly enlarged and dilated.In addition to the pain, the patient is also accompanied 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 the treatment is not started at an early stage, then the disease will be very difficult to treat conservatively in the future and poses a deadly threat 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 mistakes them for fatigue and muscle tension.If you experience such sensations, especially if there was no serious strain on the legs before, it is worth contacting a specialist, because the disease can be cured in its early stages.without surgery and tedious procedures.Phlebologists and surgeons treat varicose veins.

The first signs of varicose veins are indicated by the following symptoms:

1. Constant heaviness in the legs.This is due to poor circulation in the legs due to dysfunction of the venous valves.Because of this, the pressure in the vein increases sharply, it stretches even more and causes pain.
2. Swelling of the lower limbs.The symptom is manifested as a result of a strong load on the venous system.If the swelling is accompanied by pain in the area of the vein and reddening of the skin above it, then we can talk about the development of thrombophlebitis - this is an extremely dangerous complication of varicose veins.
3. Increasing calf circumferenceit is associated with edema up to 1 cm in the evening.
4. Painful feelingsit gets worse with exercise and goes away by the next morning.
5. 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.
6. Presence of prominent veins.

At first, the first signs of varicose veins on the legs disappear quickly if you rest your legs in a comfortable position.Howeverthis should alert the patient because it is a sure symptom of an incipient disease.

Then the patient may feel 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 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 on time!

Diagnosis and treatment

In general, varicose veins in the initial stage, which is illustrated in the photo,painless.A patient, and according to statistics, women suffer from varicose veins twice as often as men, asks a doctor for help regarding the vascular network.The doctor performs an examination and prescribes the necessary tests to assess the degree of venous circulation disorder.

For this purpose, a general blood test may be prescribed., which detects the presence or absence of thrombocytopenia, biochemical blood tests to detect liver problems, and vascular ultrasound.

It shows the pathologies of the vascular wall.If the diagnosis is confirmed, the patient is sent for X-ray venography, which helps determine the location of the venous lesion.

After the research, the doctor prescribes a treatment that can prevent the transition of the initial stage of varicose veins to the later ones.

For this purpose, the underlying disease is treated– endocrine, cardiovascular, etc.After that, the risk factors disappear, and only then is the patient offered to change their lifestyle, diet, and give up bad habits.

Medicinal treatment in the early stages of varicose veinsnot insured.Experts believe that it is enough to use itcompression garments - either special stockings and tights, or elastic bandages that are put on the legs when you wake up and worn throughout the day.This therapy evenly distributes the load on the legs and improves blood circulation.

Forms of the disease

The type of vascular insufficiency depends on the veins affected by the disease, the extent and location of the process.There are varicose veins:

• reticular (fine vessels);
• segmental (focal);
• perforating (damage to the connecting veins);
• main (pathology of a small or large vein under the skin).

All types of varicose veins have specific characteristics in terms of external manifestations.The presence of complications depends on the stage of the disease.

Reticular form

This is the simplest of the known types of varicose veins.The disease predominantly 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 only be determined by strengthening the vascular pattern.It is a bluish network of small vein fragments up to 3 mm in diameter.It is more often localized on the thighs in the area of the lateral surfaces.First, several fragments similar to stars appear, and then they affect larger areas.

This form of varicose veins is often called cosmetic;it is not dangerous for the blood flow, but it causes aesthetic discomfort for women.Reticular varicose veins of the legs can cause:

This form is the most manageable.One of the most effective ways to treat such varicose veins is microscopic sclerotherapy.It is not dangerous and painless.But often patients do not consider the manifestations of spider veins as a serious reason to visit a phlebologist.In this case, the disease becomes a chronic pathology.It can cause bleeding from superficial blood vessels.

The reticular form of varicose veins requires a mandatory medical consultation.This prevents complications from occurring.

Segmental form

Varicose veins of this type 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 focal in nature, only one or more tributary veins lose their sound.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 in segmented form on the legs, you can see swollen branches from the main vein on the leg.These are side ships.

Treatment of the disease is conservative.Miniphlebectomy can be used in case of late appearance and the formation of tributary nodes.Segmental varicose veins are localized on the anteromedial and posterior surface of the leg, as well as in the area of the popliteal fossa.

Magistralnaya

This pathology affects the large and small main veins.The big one suffers more often than the little one.The image of varicose veins on the legs clearly shows the protrusion of the main vessels in the lower legs, lateral thighs and feet.The vascular walls of the legs are strained and nodular formations are noticeable.

The disease manifests itself with characteristic symptoms of chronic circulatory failure.Reflux occurs due to damage to the vascular valves.Normally, blood moves in one direction.If the valves are insufficient, they do not close completely and the vessels are overloaded.This causes the veins to stretch and lose their elasticity.

Major varicose veins require serious treatment.Minor surgical intervention and conservative methods are used more often.

In the absence of adequate therapy, the main varicose veins of the legs are complicated by thrombophlebitis and thrombosis.

Perforated shape

There are deep and saphenous veins on the legs.They are connected by vessels called perforators.

These are no less important vessels than the main ones.Their defeat leads to circulatory failure in the legs.The blood does not enter the bloodstream entirely.This contributes to stagnation and thrombus formation.

• the image of varicose veins with damage to the perforating veins on the legs clearly shows the presence of swollen blood vessels;
• bumps and bruises can be seen in places;the skin becomes darker;
• Rashes and scratches may occur.

The localization of this form is varied and depends on the location of the affected vein.These are the legs, thighs and ankles.Sometimes the veins even bulge in the area of the Achilles tendon and below the knee.The treatment is often surgical, but in the case of a single lesion, minimally invasive methods can also be used.

Stages of varicose veins of the legs

Phlebologists around the world hold annual forums and seminars on 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 grades:

• First or zero.It shows no outward signs.Patients only complain of heaviness, fatigue and swelling.Sometimes the occasional occurrence of seizures can be annoying.
• Second.The image of the second section clearly shows the vascular network in the area of the popliteal cups and thighs.The 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, blue knots can also be seen on the legs.Patients feel pain and tension.
• Fourth.The appearance of edema is added to swollen veins.By evening, your legs will be full, and by morning everything will be back to normal.The swelling may cause numbness or tingling in the legs.
• Fifth.Metabolic processes are disrupted.There are not enough nutrients for the tissues, and trophic changes develop in 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 of this section is different from the others.It shows pronounced trophic ulcers in 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 decompensation.The most negative outcome of the disease.Non-healing ulcers form on the legs.They can get wet and wither.This grade requires urgent inpatient treatment.It can be complicated by sepsis and thromboembolism.

Types of varicose veins on 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 prescribes three stages of varicose veins:

• Compensatory.It presents only with local symptoms (pain, cramps, heaviness).No external changes can be observed in the blood vessels.
• Subcompensatory.External signs of moderate varicose veins develop.Signs of spider veins and segmental lesions appear.
• Decompensation.Serious consequences of chronic venous insufficiency.Trophic changes, ulcers and thrombosis.

General characteristics and causes of varicose veins

In a healthy person, venous blood rises from the legs to the heart due to pressure, which in normal conditions is completely sufficient to overcome gravity.When this mechanism breaks down, the body is forced to increase pressure to push the blood upwards.

As a consequence of this process, valvular insufficiency occurs, which is characterized by blood flowing from the deep to the superficial veins.As the pressure inside the blood vessels increases, their walls lose their elasticity, stretch and become exhausted, leading to the formation of visible bluish subcutaneous nodules.

Causes of varicose veins of the lower limbs:

• Increased progesterone levels in the female 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 on the legs, 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 leg congestion.
• Increased intra-abdominal pressure.It usually occurs with lung diseases or frequent constipation.
• Overweight.
• Wearing tight clothes and shoes.
• The presence of a large amount of high-calorie and fatty foods in the diet, the lack of vegetable fibers.
• Smoking, frequent alcohol consumption.

During pregnancy, ARVNK occurs especially often, since they are in this periodglobal changes in hormonal levels and weight gain.

Men suffer from this disease ifa lifestyle involving heavy physical work, or long-term employment - machine operators, loaders, etc.Varicose veins of the legs can also occur as a result of certain sports activities.

Varicose veins require immediate treatment, the lack of which can have serious consequences: the development of thrombophlebitis, bleeding from venous nodes and trophic ulcer, which can lead to leg amputation.