According to scientists, the main root cause of venous insufficiency is upright posture. But you can’t get anywhere from this, which means you should know the factors that provoke this problem, but can be controlled - at least to some extent. You can’t argue with gravity, it will always affect the blood flow, but this is not a reason to give up. You can practice measures to prevent the disease, methods of treatment. The lack of adequate therapy leads to complications - even death.
Medicine and biology
Venous insufficiency is a condition in which the blood flow from the legs to the side of the heart is disturbed. Understanding the essence of this problem is possible if a person is guided in the device of his own circulatory system. Its main components are veins, which doctors divide into two groups:
Their connection is provided by perforants, that is, the veins responsible for communication. Such blood vessels are equipped with valves that allow blood to flow only towards the heart, but in the opposite direction an insurmountable (in the body of a healthy person) obstacle is formed for the fluid flow. Venous insufficiency of the lower extremities is accompanied by stagnation of fluid in the vessels, due to which the walls collide with increased pressure, gradually stretching. Consequently, the veins become wider, the valves cannot function normally, they pass blood down.
Some time ago, it was thought that venous insufficiency of the lower extremities threatens severely elderly people. Medical practice shows: increasingly, the problem is diagnosed in middle age, sometimes among young people. Cases of making such a diagnosis for adolescents are known.
Types and Types
It is customary to distinguish three forms of the disease:
More often than not, the diagnosis sounds like "chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities." The veins located under the skin suffer. The abbreviated common name is HVL. The valve form is observed if a perforating blood vessel is damaged. An acute diagnosis is made if the disease is localized in the main vein.
The least information doctors have about the third format, which occurs with a relatively low frequency.
In rare cases, functional failure is diagnosed. Despite the signs of venous insufficiency, pathological changes in studies cannot be detected.
Classification
The common system is called CEAP. The first letter in the code is selected based on the symptoms of venous insufficiency or their absence. In the first case, the patient is encoded "A", in the second "S". If the symptoms are worrying, then evaluate the strength of its manifestation on a standardized scale:
- 0 - no symptoms;
- 1 - small vascular expansion;
- 2 - abnormal vein dilations;
- 3 - edema;
- 4 - increased pigmentation;
- 5 - healing foci of ulcers;
- 6 - ulcer in the active stage.
The etiology of the disease reveals the letter "E":
- congenital venous insufficiency;
- primary, the origin of which cannot be established;
- secondary, due to trauma, post-thrombophlebitic state.
Code "A" allows you to reflect the anatomical position of the affected area:
- surface (small, large leg blood vessels);
- deep (muscle, hollow, deep veins);
- perforating (thighs, lower leg).
The letter "R" reflects the mechanism of the development of the disease:
- reflux, the area of ​​localization - perforating, main blood vessels;
- obstruction (chronicle, acute).
Degree of progress
It is customary to distinguish several stages of venous insufficiency. This division applies to the chronic form:
- on the first degree, the symptoms are general, swelling is possible;
- the next stage is increased pigmentation, visually the veins are clearly distinguished;
- the last stage is atrophy of the skin, ulcers, aggravation of all symptoms.
In the individual case, the appearance of other signs is possible.
Causes
Pathologies that are formed during the period of development in the mother’s womb can provoke congenital insufficiency of veins. The acquired form appears under the influence of provocative factors, which include:
- overweight;
- Frequent lifting of heavy objects
- prolonged standing or sitting;
- excessive, uneven physical activity;
- vascular disease, heart disease;
- the use of hormonal compounds, including contraceptives;
- pregnancy, during which the hormonal background changes, a woman is faced with increased physical exertion.
Chronic venous insufficiency of the limbs is more often observed in old age, but adolescents are also at risk. Among other age categories, the disease is somewhat less common.
Symptomatology
The disease at first is similar to varicose veins. The following symptoms of venous insufficiency of the lower extremities are distinguished:
- swelling
- painful sensations;
- severity
- an increase in leg size.
Specific signs that distinguish the disease from varicose veins:
- pustules;
- convulsions, especially palpable at night;
- deterioration of the appearance of the skin of the legs - the integuments become thinner, drier.
The progress of the disease is associated with a worsening of the patient's condition. To clarify the diagnosis and select an adequate method for the treatment of venous insufficiency of the lower extremities, a hardware examination is required. The classic method is ultrasound. As part of the procedure, the patient's legs are examined, looking for pathological changes and determining the location of the problem. Additionally, the patient submits blood samples for laboratory testing. To clarify the condition of the patient can be sent to:
- computed tomography;
- X-ray;
- dopplerography;
- MRI
Accurately and correctly carried out diagnostics allows you to choose the treatment of venous insufficiency based on the symptoms, which is consistent with the individual characteristics of the case. In addition, the patient is given a certain degree of disability. When identifying CVI of stage 1, you will have to make minor restrictions on your workdays, while on the second - significant ones. The third stage is a sign of complete disability, even during a therapeutic course.
What to do?
The best effect is shown by medical measures at the very beginning of the disease. The more neglected the case, the more difficult, longer and more expensive the treatment will be. In a particularly difficult situation, surgery is indicated.
The classic conservative approach is the use of special knitwear (stockings, tights). Such products allow blood to be evenly distributed in the circulatory system of the legs. The patient is prescribed massage, regular exercises. Physical activity should be stable, but not too large.
Prescribe drugs in the treatment of venous insufficiency of the lower extremities. The main group - means that make the vascular walls more elastic. Popular categories and their representatives:
- phlebotonics ("Diosmin", "Detralex");
- means for draining the lymphatic system ("Troxevasin");
- blood flow stimulants, including capillaries (Trental);
- antioxidants ("Emoxipin");
- antiplatelet agents (Aspirin).
In addition, the treatment of symptoms of venous insufficiency of the lower extremities may require the use of drugs that stop the body's allergic response and inflammatory processes. Of the popular and affordable means, it is worth recalling Clemastine, Diclofenac.
Third stage
If it is necessary to treat venous insufficiency, launched to the most severe form, that is, accompanied by ulcers and foci of suppuration, the doctor prescribes a course of antibacterial compounds, antibiotics. Groups will be useful:
- fluoroquinols;
- cephalosporins.
The disease torments a person with unpleasant sensations, accompanied by inflammatory reactions. To alleviate the condition, ointments are applied topically to:
- heparin;
- butadione;
- indomethacin;
- heparinoid;
Doctors may also prescribe the following drugs:
When treating venous insufficiency, it should be remembered that Lyoton often provokes an allergic response, therefore, the drug must be used carefully. Venobene, as it is believed, prevents the formation of blood clots, activates regenerative processes in the skin.
The treatment of chronic venous insufficiency shows the best result if you combine medications, the use of special knitwear, gymnastic practices and other activities that the doctor will recommend, including proper nutrition and a complete rejection of bad habits.
Treatment: what else is possible?
If conservative therapy and treatment with drugs for venous insufficiency does not give a pronounced effect, the disease progresses, foci of suppuration, ulcers are formed, surgery is required. The injured vein is removed or a specific area is blocked, directing blood through alternative vessels.
A combination of traditional and non-traditional approaches is possible. Many recipes were invented against chronic venous insufficiency, but not all of them really work, they are combined with medications. Before starting use, consult your doctor. Often recommend infusions, decoctions on hop cones, chestnuts.
How to warn?
For any disease (chronic venous insufficiency will not be an exception), the most effective treatment is prevention. You can reduce the risk of CVI if:
- to refuse from bad habits;
- regularly undergo examinations in the clinic;
- follow the recommendations of doctors.
They will benefit:
- exercise control, overvoltage prevention;
- regular minor physical activity, gymnastics, warm-ups;
- diet;
- healthy diet;
- weight control;
- intake of vitamins in accordance with the recommendations of the doctor and the needs of the body;
- anti-cellulite massage (after consultation with a doctor).
At increased risk, CVIs supplement the diet with fiber, rich in minerals and vitamins products. Avoid tanning beds, if possible, do not sunbathe and less often visit baths, saunas. Any overheating leads to the expansion of veins.
Have to carefully follow a diet. Doctors advise to exclude fatty, salty and spicy from the diet. It is important to control the concentration of cholesterol in the blood and, if it increases, take measures to normalize the condition.
VN: consequences
The lack of adequate and timely therapy provokes the transition of the disease into a chronic form. Prerequisites for varicose veins appear, which worsens the patient's condition. The most unpleasant consequence of VN is the formation of non-healing ulcers, constantly disturbing by pain.
An equally unpleasant consequence of venous insufficiency is phlebitis. This is an inflammatory process in which blood clots form. The more neglected the state, the more blood clots, the wider the area in which they form. These elements grow on the walls of the veins and can separate at any time, starting a "journey" along with the bloodstream through the body. The consequences will be severe if such a blood clot enters the pulmonary artery and blocks it - this will cause a heart attack, which, as you know, has a high mortality rate. In order not to encounter such consequences of the disease, you should consult a doctor in a timely manner and begin treatment for the disease.
From medical statistics it is known that early detection of the disease can save not only life but also health: up to 90% of all patients are healthy. True, you need to consider that VN is incurable. Neglecting preventive measures, you can soon face a relapse. If you do not go to the doctor for VL, all patients sooner or later face a significant deterioration in their condition, and mortality is already estimated at 50%.
CVI: relevant and dangerous
According to medical statistics, chronic venous insufficiency is a problem of about a quarter of the world's population. In developed countries, this indicator is significantly higher than average - it is in such countries that most of the legs suffering from the disease fall. The reason is a sedentary lifestyle. According to doctors, it is relatively simple to prevent a chronic disease, but it is impossible to cure it. Therapy, which allows to alleviate the patient’s condition, is quite complicated, requires a lot of time and cost. Do not think that it is you that this trouble will not affect. Doctors assure that everyone has a predisposition to CVI, and the reason is simple - we walk on two legs. In animals moving on four limbs, there is no venous insufficiency in principle.
On average, in the female half of humanity, CVI is diagnosed with a three times greater frequency than in men. This is due to natural reproductive functions (pregnancy, childbirth), the use of hormonal drugs.
The most effective method for preventing CVI is motor activity. If in developed countries more than a quarter of the population suffers from such a disease, then in places where progress is not so powerful, the number of patients is estimated at no more than 7%. Both stationary poses are dangerous - standing, sitting, because with prolonged maintenance of this position, the outflow of blood is disturbed.
How to alleviate the condition?
There are several common ways to maintain health in CVI. In order not to encounter an exacerbation, you should make it a habit to stretch your legs while resting, lifting your feet above the level of your thigh. This allows you to “tame” gravity, directing its strength to your advantage. During a night's rest, it is reasonable to put a pillow under your feet and sleep with straightened limbs.
To prevent CVI and improve the condition at the first stages of the disease, it is recommended to engage in the most mobile varieties of sports. You can quickly walk and run at reasonable distances, swim and ride a bike, dance and attend aerobics classes. It is necessary to avoid those types where you need to lift heavy objects, as well as make sharp strong jerks. These are football, volleyball and some other ball games.
Veins will benefit from cold pouring, a cool shower. You should choose at your discretion. Doctors recommend hardening by pouring water over the whole body, but in some cases it is forbidden or too difficult. Then you can douche only the legs, starting from the knees. But keeping the limbs warm is not worth it, as it stimulates the flow of blood.
How to help yourself?
Since the main symptom of the disease is a violation of the elasticity of the vascular walls, folk remedies do not show effectiveness, especially for external use. The most reasonable and affordable option for home use is cold compresses. They stimulate wall contraction, relieve pain. But the hot ones are strictly prohibited, since additional heating harms the veins.
Alternative methods can help to slightly reduce the viscosity of the blood. The most common are decoctions that are prepared on clover, hops, chestnuts, oak and birch bark. It is believed that horsetail and immortelle will benefit the patient.
Drugs and Approaches
At the first stages of the disease, it is enough to use preventive drugs, as well as take measures to preserve the beauty of the limbs. To do this, apply means that support veins in good shape. In recent years, sclerotherapy has become widespread. During this procedure, a sclerosant is injected into the vein, due to which the blood stops flowing for some time along the treated area. This stimulates the narrowing of the vessel, making it invisible.
From the second stage, antihistamines, drugs for stopping inflammation, begin to be taken. The choice of drugs should be provided to the doctor. The duration of the drug program is from six months or more. There will be no positive effect if the patient does not use special knitwear. To eczema, which is often accompanied by CVI, do not turn into ulcers, you will have to regularly use gels and ointments with corticosteroids. Pretty popular compositions:
At a severe stage, local drugs, systemic, are combined. Every day three times treated ulcerated skin using antiseptic decoctions. You can use chamomile decoction.
Operation shown
Phlebectomy was described above, in which a section of a vein is removed from the body. Such a procedure rarely provokes complications, since the superficial veins take on no more than one tenth of the blood flow. But this option is far from always possible. Alternative surgery options:
- shunting, in which a vein is excluded and a shunt for blood is created;
- venous valve repair.
It's curious
Venous insufficiency and varicose veins were tried by the ancient healers. It is known that patients were given blood, previously tightly tightening the limb with a rope. As far as one can conclude from reliable sources, the effectiveness of this method was not too high.
In the last century, the classic approach was the removal of a vein under the skin using a probe on which a large nozzle was placed. This method was notable for a considerable list of disadvantages:
- pain;
- tissue damage;
- bruises
- lymphorrhea;
- paresthesia;
- scars after surgery.
The main advantage of surgical intervention is its applicability at any stage of the disease, a high level of effectiveness of the operation.
There are many cases when, during CVI, relief of the patient's condition by the surgical method was not available due to contraindications to such an intervention. The only option for such a patient is conservative treatment. Currently, patients can choose from a wide variety of agents and formulations, with proper use and adherence to doctor's recommendations to improve the quality of life.
Complicated CVI forms may be accompanied by:
- trophic ulcers;
- erysipelas;
- blood clots
- eczema
- lymphostasis.
All of them require an individual approach when choosing a treatment.
Conservative treatment: subtleties
The challenges facing doctors:
- eliminate risk factors;
- improve blood flow quality;
- stop inflammation;
- normalize lymph outflow;
- restore the functionality of the vascular walls.
To do this, the patient will have to control his lifestyle, perhaps change his job, eating habits. Such measures are especially relevant if vein insufficiency has already been established, but the operation is not yet possible or there are contraindications that in principle prohibit such intervention in the present and future. Careful adherence to the provisions of conservative treatment is the key to a person's long life without serious health troubles.