Types of varicose veins on the legs - Everything about varicose veins

What is segmental varicose veins?

This is a form of venous foot disease in which there is no venous discharge. In this case, deep or tributary veins with a diameter of at least 3 mm occur.

The onset of the disease begins when the function of the venous valves is impaired. This leads to blood reflux. This is called reflux. Subsequent violations become inflammation and abnormal expansion of the walls of the adrenal veins.

Varicose veins only in the veins (blood vessels that carry blood from the organs to the heart). This is due to the difference in the structure of the veins and arteries: the venous walls do not have enough muscle to contract and push the blood into the bloodstream.

There are valves along the entire length of the veins that allow blood to flow in only one direction. Inadequate closing of the valves returns some of the blood and creates excessive pressure in the vessel that is unable to push the fluid further.

This then leads to elongation of the walls and the development of inflammatory processes in the malfunctioning parts of the veins, increasing the pressure in the subcutaneous network.

All the veins in the human body are divided into deep, superficial and perforated. The deep vessels do almost all the work (90%) by delivering blood to the heart, and the perforated vessels form a kind of bridge between the deep and the superficial.

The structure of the veins contains valves that direct only the right direction and promote blood flow. When the circulatory system fails, some of the blood accumulates at one point.

This leads to local dilation (elongation) of the vessel. First the deep veins (called the internal varicose veins) suffer, later they are superficial in the form of "poker and nodes".

To fully recognize the severity of the disease, it is worth noting that its progression includes thrombophlebitis, pulmonary artery occlusion (or thromboembolism), as well as trophic ulcers of the foot, lymphostasis (edema of the lower extremities) and many others. threatens a leading problem.

Reasons for the discrepancy

Risk factors that significantly increase the risk of pathology have already been identified as follows:

  1. Straight walking. Due to the vertical position of the body, the vessels of the lower limbs exert excessive pressure when moving.
  2. Genetic predisposition. It has been shown that those whose parents suffered from venous insufficiency have a probability of detecting the disease of about 70%. Moreover, in most cases, the varicose veins feel young.
  3. Lifestyle. Staying too long on the legs and forcing a long, staying in one place leads to a violation of blood flow.
  4. Changes in hormonal levels. Hormonal imbalances in the female body are one of the main causes of stagnant circulatory processes. During puberty, childbearing, and menopause, instead of estrogens, increased amounts of so-called corpus luteum hormone are produced, which reduces the tone of the walls of blood vessels. As a result, veins are much more sensitive to dilation and dilation.
  5. Stress situations and strong nerve shocks negatively affect the state of the circulatory system, as the nerve endings in the veins regulate the elasticity of blood vessels.
  6. Inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs also affect the structure and function of venous valves.
  7. Risk factors include increased physical activity. In this case, it means not only overloading the muscles due to weight lifting, but also being overweight.
  8. Constipation and tightening of the pelvic floor muscles leading to increased pressure in the abdominal cavity.
  9. Wearing uncomfortable shoes and high heels.
  10. Growth also has some effect - the taller a person is, the longer the blood column from the heart to the limb, which means more pressure.

Vein dilation, which leads to varicose veins, occurs for many reasons.

One of the main causes of this type of varicose vein is the pathology of the formation of blood vessels, when the muscle walls of the veins become denser and a so-called membrane is formed in it. Arterial blood does not enter the capillary system, so the tissues do not receive the required amount of oxygen.

Dilated arm veins are rarely removed, usually a conservative treatment is used:

  • Therapeutic therapy. It helps relieve unpleasant symptoms of the disease, such as pain, numbness in the hands, heaviness and a feeling of tightness. This includes medications to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, as well as the necessary vitamin complexes and supplements that replenish the body’s necessary trace elements.
  • Drug therapy
  • Ultrasound therapy.
  • Sclerotherapy. One of the most effective ways to treat varicose veins.
  • Laser treatment.
  • Surgery in rare cases.

Patients are also prescribed compression fingers and gloves. It is not recommended to wear compression stockings at all times, but it is necessary during sports, strenuous physical activity and weight lifting.

These fingers and gloves help relieve swelling, heaviness of hands and numbness. Exercising on a stepper simulator promotes the complete blood circulation in the body, which is necessary for varicose veins.

One of the reasons for development is inheritance. Moreover, the "familial" disease spreads mainly through the female line. Characteristics of the structure of blood vessels are spread through genes. By not following the basic rules of prevention, you can look for varicose veins with weak vein walls.

The second cause is pregnancy. During this time, the load on the veins is high, the tone of which decreases due to changes in the hormonal background. There is strong pressure from the growing uterus and increasing weight. Childbirth has an even greater negative effect on the veins. At this time, the varicose veins awaken in many women.

Another cause of uncomfortable shoes and clothes. Thin jeans and shoes, high heels, a heavy bag promote a serious illness. The corner should not exceed four centimeters. The soles of the boots are wide.

The fourth reason is bad habits and difficult working conditions. Waiters, hairdressers and salespeople are particularly susceptible to such diseases. If you add a bad diet and smoking, dilation of the veins cannot be avoided. Even a harmless “crossed” meeting can have catastrophic consequences.

Sports load should be moderate. Varicose veins are common in weightlifters. Lifting dumbbells and strength training are another reason. If we give a tendency to this, the result is not pleasant. It should always be remembered that fitness is not always beneficial.

Clinical picture of varicose veins of different organs

The most common type of varicose vein is the varicose vein on the legs, so many people think that the problem is only concentrated in these parts of the body. But there are several types of this disease that are distinguished by the location of the pathology.

Places like this:

  1. Legs.
  2. Hands.
  3. Lips.
  4. The labia in women.
  5. Lumbar (in men, the inner surface of the thigh, penis, testicles is affected).
  6. Jugular veins.
  7. Esophagus.

Types of varicose veins

Varicose veins or varicose veins are diseases in which blood flow is impaired due to thinning of the venous walls and loss of elasticity. This disease does not appear suddenly, it is preceded by many factors.

The most important thing is to clog the limbs due to a sedentary lifestyle. First, inexpressible vascular "nets" and "stars" appear on the legs.

When you do not start treatment, the veins become denser, allowing fluid to pass through, causing blood circulation to slow down and large, protruding veins to appear in the legs. There are different types of varicose veins, depending on the progression of the disease.

Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic defect but also a serious disease with complications. Complications of varicose veins include thrombophlebitis, bleeding, pigmentation of the skin in varicose veins, lack of oxygen in the tissues.

This disease should be treated as soon as the first symptoms appear, making treatment easier and faster. Before starting treatment, you need to be diagnosed with varicose veins, donate blood for tests, and have a general test.

Diagnosis is needed to determine the type of varicose vein and to prescribe an effective treatment to relieve unpleasant symptoms and restore the lightness and beauty of the feet.

Varicose veins are classified according to the severity of the disease and the location of the varicose veins. The symptoms and treatment of each type of varicose vein also differ. Let’s take a closer look at what types of varicose veins there are, their symptoms, and methods of treatment.

It's back on my feet

More and more cases of varicose veins are recorded every year, especially among young people. A few decades ago, however, varicose veins were a disorder in the elderly.

Therefore, modern experts have developed a classification system for the main and most common types of diseases. The types of varicose veins on the legs vary between symptoms, location, and rate of progression.

Types of varicose veins in the legs

  1. Reticular view. It is the least dangerous type of disease, but its manifestation on the skin surface of the legs, especially in women, seems very aesthetic, thus causing a huge number of complexes in the female sex. It cannot cause much damage to the health of the body, so it is sometimes interpreted as a cosmetic type of varicose veins.
  2. Varicose veins on the legs. It is mainly caused by the heavy load on the legs and obesity. There are a lot of purple stars on his feet.
  3. Varicose veins in men. This type of disease mainly occurs in men over 50 years of age. It is not basically dangerous, but if it occurs in young people, the main complication is infertility.

Other types of varicose veins

The structure of the venous system is very complex, with large, medium, small, reticular vessels, capillaries.

Deformity of the veins in the lower extremities can appear in all parts and areas of the system.

Based on which blood vessels have undergone changes, the following types of varicose veins on the legs are analyzed:

  1. Reticular.
  2. Segment.
  3. Main (in the basin of large or small saphenous veins).
  4. Perforates.

Each type of varicose vein in the lower limbs requires detailed consideration due to the nature of the pathological process.

Reticular

This type of disease is characterized by damage to the reticular veins, which do not exceed 2 mm in diameter. These blood vessels are blue or green in color and often intertwine in the form of a mesh, line, star. They are located directly under the skin.

Stages of Illness

The overall course of the disease is usually divided into four stages, each of which is characterized by certain signs:

  1. First section. Appearance of cosmetic defects, visible changes in the structure of blood vessels, formation of nodes.
  2. Second section. The patient suffers from a lack of oxygen in the tissues, the main signs of which are rapid fatigue while walking, constant feeling of fatigue, sleep disturbance, swelling of the lower extremities, numbness and cramps in the calf muscles, especially at night.
  3. Third section. Significant changes are observed in the skin: brown spots appear on the surface of the lower limbs, the skin dries out and cracks, severe itching occurs, with mechanical damage, cracking and erosion of the epidermis is possible. The patient is very disturbed by the edema that appears in different places, and not only near the foot, they experience weakness, depressive states.
  4. Fourth section. In the last stage, the varicose vein leads to difficult-to-treat complications that put the patient at risk: trophic ulcers, inflammation of the vessel wall, opening of bleeding.

The varicose vein has several stages. If treatment is not started in time, the transition to the next stage of the disease cannot be avoided.

  • First section. This is manifested by the appearance of a small vascular network and the fatigue of the legs at the end of the work day. Easy to use, the point is to pay attention to it in time to avoid the next stage.
  • Second section. In addition to accentuated veins, nodes appear that are not only palpable but also clearly visible. By the end of the day, your legs will start to swell and hurt. Leg cramps may occur at night.
  • Third section. The venous nodes become large, the veins protrude strongly above skin level, and are bright blue or green in color. The leg pain gets worse, it will be difficult to stand and walk for a long time. Leg cramps appear almost every night. Aging spots and ulcers appear on the skin.

Treatment of varicose veins is different. If the patient can help with medication, ointments, vitamins, and a simulator, such as a stepper, in the first stage, more time and effort will be needed to relieve the symptoms of the subsequent stages.

In the last stage, only surgery can help. True, modern methods of treating varicose veins are very effective, painless, and do not require long-term rehabilitation.

Such surgeries are performed in a hospital, do not require hospital care for the patient, and have no complications.

Patients whose work involves either intense physical exertion or constant sitting in one place are at risk. Depending on the stage and type of varicose veins, your doctor will prescribe treatment individually.

When varicose veins in the legs are diagnosed in the first stage, it responds very quickly to treatment, the doctor gives a positive prognosis. Therefore, when the first symptoms of discomfort appear in the legs, arms, or other organs of the body, it is very important that you urgently contact a qualified professional who will qualitatively diagnose the pathology and prescribe a treatment that meets your individual characteristics andsuits you according to your body structure.

Stages 1 and 2 of leg varicose veins do not require radical therapy. Prescribed drug treatment with drugs, as well as recommended products that support the walls of blood vessels, these can be vitamins, trace elements, minerals, and other beneficial substances that are lacking in the body.

In addition to pharmacological treatment, sclerotherapy is also very often used - a medical method in which the victim is injected with drugs into the affected vein to bond the affected areas.

It is also important to identify specific physical exercises that stimulate the work of the muscular system, metabolism in the blood cells and artificially increase the tone of the blood vessels in the legs.

Irrespective of the type and type of varicose veins, the pathology of the veins is caused by improper lifestyle and unhealthy eating. Daily moderate physical activity and the use of fortified foods provide a largely qualified qualification for all people to prevent this disease.

Grade 1 varicose veins are characterized by a lack of external manifestations. You may suspect the disease with the following symptoms:

  • Increased leg fatigue;
  • Pain at the end of the workday;
  • Cramps;
  • Swelling of the legs and feet in the evening.

Some patients have restless legs syndrome - lying in bed can not find a comfortable place, there is a feeling of discomfort in the legs. This leads to sleep disorders. In hot weather, an increase in symptoms is observed.

In grade 2 varicose veins, the symptoms are much more pronounced. They already appear at the peak of the working day and reach their maximum by evening. The pain is so severe that painkillers are needed.

This stage is characterized by the onset of clinical symptoms:

  • Severe swelling of the limbs;
  • Spider veins are dilated small veins just below the skin.

There is increased pain and itching in these areas. By the end of the second stage of varicose veins in the lower extremities, the veins become visible under the skin in the form of blue spots and streaks.

Caution: At this stage, the disease is still curable. A person can get rid of the disease if he seeks medical help in time.

Grade 3 varicose veins are characterized by marked deformation of the vessel wall - they thicken and the vessels become tortuous. The veins stand out noticeably under the skin, resembling bunches of grapes in appearance.

Man is worried about severe leg pain, cramps, fatigue. The swelling also appears in the evening and in the morning. This stage of the varicose vein is characterized by a change in the condition of the skin. It will be too dry and flaky. These manifestations are particularly pronounced in the area of ​​deformed veins.

Symptoms of the third stage of varicose veins on the legs

In the third stage, complications of the disease develop - thrombophlebitis and thromboembolism. Their appearance is accompanied by marked stagnation of the blood vessels, resulting in the formation of blood clots. In thrombophlebitis, inflammation of the venous wall occurs, manifested by an increase in temperature and severe pain in the legs.

Thromboembolism is a dangerous complication of varicose veins associated with the separation of the thrombus into the venous wall and into large blood vessels. Most often, blood clots from the veins in the leg end up in the pulmonary artery. This causes lung edema and death occurs within minutes.

This is a neglected varicose vein. The veins are even more deformed, resembling subcutaneous braces or ropes. Their touch is painful, they are almost always in the stage of inflammation. Lymphostasis develops - stagnation of the lymph in the blood vessels. The legs are very swollen, the swelling is not relieved at rest.

The scientific community in the world has systematized the varicose veins of the lower extremities.

Given that the patient pays due attention to their own state of health, it is simply impossible not to notice the onset of the disease.

As the disease progresses, the patient will experience more and more pain, a constant feeling of stretching in the knee area.

If there are varicose veins in the 2nd stage of the esophagus - a person will not be able to eat normally, he will be constantly burdened with heartburn and pain in the chest area. By the way, many blame the heart and intercostal neuralgia for this - rarely does anyone know about the existence of esophageal varicose veins.

Visually, the disease manifests itself more and more: blue protruding veins are already visible to the naked eye, dark blue lumps may appear under the skin.

Do you need surgery for grade 2 varicose veins? You can still prevent the disease from developing without surgery: you just don’t have to be lazy and take care of your feet regularly.

Inguinal varicose veins in men

The disease most commonly occurs in men after fifty years. Male infertility can be caused by venous dilation of the spermatula.

  • Intense gym training and strenuous work.
  • Tumors of the abdominal cavity.
  • Inguinal hernia.
  • constipation.
  • Congenital diseases.
  • Dilated blood vessels are visible to the naked eye.
  • Pulling pain in the scrotum.
  • Inguinal pain during physical activity.
  • Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Anticoagulants.
  • Surgery.

Symptoms of the first stage

The varicose veins develop gradually. Initially, there are no external manifestations of structural changes in the veins and the disease can only be determined by the following signs:

  • evidenced by poor vascular function, the appearance of edema after a long stay in one place, usually the edema itself disappears after a night's sleep;
  • at night or immediately after sleep, the patient may feel numbness in the lower extremities accompanied by convulsions;
  • In the evening you may feel heaviness in your legs, itching, pain or a burning sensation may bother you.

One or a combination of the signs listed indicates the initial stage of venous insufficiency. Requiring medical care and timely action can prevent further structural changes in the circulatory system. Ignoring the signs of the disease leads to further development of the disease.

The next stage is characterized by the appearance of external signs: dilated blood vessels become visible on the skin, pigmentation of the skin changes in some areas of the lower limbs, and peeling is detected. In addition, protruding nodules and seals appear over the skin and you feel pain when pressed.

Redness of the skin sometimes appears on the surface of the skin in these places. Protruding areas of blood vessels and nodes are clearly visible when the patient is standing. After taking the supine position, the tension in the blood vessels decreases significantly and they become virtually invisible. Long-term walking can cause muscle pain of varying intensity.

The clinical picture described requires immediate medical attention and assistance. Lack of the necessary treatment in most cases leads to serious complications.

Disease Diagnostics

Diagnosis of the disease

Pathology is diagnosed by diagnostic measures such as Doppler ultrasound and duplex scanning.

Doppler ultrasound shows reflux. Duplex scanning complements the information obtained during Doppler imaging and allows confirmation of the diagnosis.

In the early stages, only a specialist can identify varicose veins. If you suspect an illness, you should contact a vascular surgeon or phlebologist. After the initial assessment and examination of the patient, further examinations are prescribed - ultrasound and contrast venography.

Ultrasound can be used to confirm the presence of pathology, as well as to detect the presence of blood clots, neoplasms and to assess structural changes in veins. Contrast venography is performed by intravenous administration of a special staining composition, the movement of which reveals any violation of the structure and function of the circulatory system.

Both methods are used in the diagnosis, but ultrasound is much more common because the procedure is less painful.

Surgical treatment

The disease can be treated with medication as well as surgery.

Conservative therapy

Conservative therapy uses external ointments and creams:

The duration of topical use depends on the severity of the varicose veins and is determined by your doctor. The effect is usually noticeable as early as the second week of use.

In addition to medication, the patient should wear compression underwear (Grade 1-2).

Varicose veins in the lower extremities are one of the most common vascular pathologies and, according to statistics, are constantly rejuvenating year after year.

14.11.2020