Thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities can manifest itself as an inflammatory process on the venous walls, which can be caused by a certain pathology. It is this process that entails the appearance of blood clots inside the vessel. In cases where the disease is not accompanied by the formation of blood clots, but only by the inflammatory process, a disease that is called phlebitis is diagnosed.
The resulting seal cannot be ignored, since at any time it can become active and cause undesirable, and in addition, consequences unsafe for human health. ICD code for superficial vein thrombosis of the lower extremities I80.0. The article discusses in detail the features of this disease, how it manifests itself, how it is diagnosed, what treatment regimens and methods are used to eliminate it today. So, let's start by considering the causes of pathology.
The main causes of the manifestation of the disease
Why does thrombosis of superficial veins of the lower extremities occur? A blood clot can form due to a violation of the integrity of the structure of the venous walls, which can be triggered by a specific infection.
Pathogenic microscopic organisms usually pass to the inner region of the vessels from neighboring tissue, in which inflammatory processes occur. Thrombosis is usually accompanied by flu, tonsillitis, or pneumonia. The main factors in the development of this disease include blood stasis along with a change in its physical or chemical composition and a sharp increase in coagulation.
Provocative factors
The following factors of the disease occurrence belong to a separate category:
- The appearance of traumatic lesions.
- The appearance of blood clots in the deep vein area.
- The formation of blood clots due to the presence of hereditary addiction.
- The development of varicose veins.
- The presence of excess weight.
- The appearance of diseases developing against a background of allergies.
- The occurrence of malignant tumors.
- The effect of surgery.
- The use of medication intravenously.
Now we find out what symptoms usually accompany this disease.
Symptomatology
Thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities in most situations can manifest itself very sharply, and extremely rapidly develops, especially if it assumes an acute, rather than sluggish, chronic character. A similar condition can occur due to injury or the progression of infections and the use of contraceptives. These are all the reasons against which an increase in blood coagulation is observed. There is a compaction of varicose nodes, which also become sensitive, and at the same time increased in size and begin to hurt.
Signs of thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities should not go unnoticed.
Often, leg swelling occurs in the area of vein inflammation. According to this symptom, thrombosis that occurs in the superficial veins may differ from a similar pathology that affects deep vessels. When blood clots occur and the described disease forms, the condition along with well-being in a person remains absolutely normal. Only the local manifestation of symptoms of thrombosis of superficial veins of the lower extremities makes itself felt.
In particular, if there is an ailment:
- Clear redness and swelling along the entire length of the affected vein with a blood clot.
- The appearance of aching pain, followed by a sharp tingling.
- The occurrence of heat.
- The appearance of general malaise and chills.
- The development of a strong increase in lymph nodes.
Assuming that the patient has thrombosis of the veins of the limbs, the doctor examines both legs, starting from the foot and ending with the groin area. Puffiness of the legs is compared along with skin color, painful manifestations, their frequency and intensity. At the beginning of the disease, a strong change in skin color is observed, then the inflammation gradually subsides, but the integument acquires a natural color. With intensive care, the peak of the disease subsides after a few weeks, then venous patency is gradually restored.
Manifestations of thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities in the photo can be seen.
What can happen to a blood clot?
The following usually occurs with a blood clot formed on the wall:
- Blood densification can grow and completely block the internal vascular lumen, as a result of which blood circulation is impaired.
- A blood clot is able to break away from the vascular wall and, together with the blood stream, be transported to absolutely any of the internal organs of a person.
- In the best case, thrombus resorption can be observed.
It becomes clear that the described pathology is a serious deviation and can lead to undesirable consequences.
The main diagnostic methods
The general well-being of the patient with thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities is determined by detecting the zone in which inflammatory processes progress. Thus, the location of the affected area is determined, and the duration of the course of the disease and its stage is also determined. Considered pathology is investigated in several ways:
- Doppler ultrasound. Using the sensor, a signal is generated, which is displayed from moving objects. This signal intercepts another sensor, whose function is to calculate changes in the speed of the propagated impulse, which is formed as a result of interaction with moving blood. The indicated frequency is fixed by a computer, the necessary data are calculated and the final conclusion is displayed.
- Rheovasography, which is a non-invasive method for examining the circulatory system. Its essence lies in the fact that a certain area of the body is affected by current. In parallel, the electrical resistance of the skin areas is determined, which changes as the tissues become saturated with blood. What else can the diagnosis of superficial vein thrombosis of the lower extremities consist of?
- Duplex ultrasound angioscanning. In this way, the movement of blood is monitored and the structure of the vessels is studied along with their possible changes, in addition, the total blood flow velocity is measured and the diameter of the vessels and the presence of blood clots are determined.
- Computed and magnetic resonance imaging. These types of thrombosis examinations are used in the case of absolute inefficiency of ultrasound techniques that do not give proper results.
- Venography, based on the fact that a contrast medium is injected into a vein, which stains the inner region of the vessel. Such an X-ray examination is not used as often as compared with the methods listed above.
Therapy Features
Before proceeding with the treatment of thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities, it is required to determine the most suitable complex format of treatment for the patient. Thrombosis, which is localized in the lower leg, can be treated on an outpatient basis, but in this case, constant monitoring by the surgeon is required. In the event that the disease began to affect the extremities at the level of the hips, then inpatient therapy cannot be dispensed with, since serious consequences can occur. Inpatient therapy is indicated if thrombosis, which progresses at the tibia level, does not respond to treatment for three weeks.
Patient Activity
Bed rest is prescribed in the presence of symptoms of thromboembolism within the pulmonary arteries, as well as in cases of determining the embologic properties of blood clots as a result of an instrumental study. The activity of the patient must be minimized. Lifting weights, along with running and heavy loads, is unacceptable. Thrombosis treatment is carried out taking into account the basic rules. The necessary options for therapy are:
- Compliance with bed rest if it is prescribed by a doctor.
- Occupation of minimal motor activity.
- Regular use of elastic tights.
- The appointment of anticoagulant treatment.
- The use of non-steroidal drugs that effectively relieve inflammatory processes.
- The appointment of drugs for external use, relieving aching pain with itching in the area of the formation of a blood clot.
- Enzymotherapy, which consists in the use of medications that effectively relieve swelling.
- Surgical treatment methods.
In the event that the complex treatment of thrombosis of superficial veins of the lower extremities does not give positive results and the patient does not feel better, then thrombosis of superficial veins is eliminated through surgery, which is carried out in several of the following ways:
- Bandage overlay. It involves stopping the processes of dropping blood from the region of deep veins into the superficial vessels. The procedure is carried out through the posteromedial or medial access. In both cases, bandaging of veins located below the knee is provided. Before ligation, duplex ultrasound and palpation are performed. In this way, veins that are ligated are detected. This operation does not involve danger, and patients, in turn, feel quite comfortable. As a rule, doctors use local anesthesia.
- Venectomy, or removal of a vein. This procedure involves the removal of the affected area of the vein from the general bloodstream. During the operation, small incisions are made that remain almost invisible after recovery. Schematically, the operation can be represented as follows: through a puncture in the skin integument, the surgeon picks up a diseased vein with a thrombus using a special hook. At the same time, with the help of the second hook, the doctor identifies the captured area and finally eliminates it.
- In some situations, doctors are forced to resort to excision of a thrombotic node located in the superficial vein.
Symptoms and treatment of thrombosis of superficial veins of the lower extremities are interrelated.
Useful recommendations from the field of traditional medicine
During the treatment of thrombosis, you can use the advice from traditional medicine as a supplement. But this should be agreed with the doctor without fail, since self-medication is simply unacceptable. It is recommended to carefully monitor the diet, in addition, remove excessively high-calorie foods from the diet along with animal fats, giving preference to those foods that are rich in fiber. In order to normalize weight, it is advisable to use apple cider vinegar in a teaspoon in half a glass of water.
Treatment with folk remedies for thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities can be very effective.
Also shown to such patients are teas, decoctions of perforated hypericum, yarrow and mountain arnica. Useful in the presence of thrombosis is the extract of medicinal comfrey, clover and horse chestnut, which has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
The use of contrast foot baths in combination with a contrast shower for hips and knees has proven itself well. It is required to regularly engage in physical therapy. During a night's rest, doctors are advised to keep their legs above the body, as a result of which a good outflow of blood is ensured.
What is the danger of thrombosis of superficial veins of the lower extremities (according to ICD-10 I80.0)?
The consequences of blood clots
Of the most dangerous manifestations, a thrombus detachment, which formed on the vessel wall, is isolated. The fact is that he is able to move simultaneously with circulating blood and lead to the development of thromboembolism in a patient. True, one should not really worry about this at all: the point is that in the case of superficial vein damage, thrombus detachments are extremely rare, although this cannot be said about the development of deep vein thrombosis. In this case, the veins are surrounded by muscles that displace them during movement, and contribute to this process of moving the detached blood clot.
In any case, in order to avoid the onset of the disease, it is necessary to immediately begin treatment if the patient has been diagnosed with venous thrombosis of the extremities. Of the most likely consequences, it is necessary to highlight:
- Guaranteed transition of the disease to a more complex, and at the same time, chronic stage.
- The occurrence of gangrene.
- Subsequent spread of infection throughout the body.
How to prevent acute thrombosis of superficial veins of the lower extremities?
Disease prevention
There are elementary recommendations, adhering to which people will be able to avoid the occurrence of thrombosis. The legs, as well as the body of a person, should in no case remain stationary for a long time. Periodically throughout the day it is necessary to take such poses so that the legs are higher than the body. For example, lying on the floor, legs should be raised on a chair.
Passion for hiking is an excellent preventative measure. During walking, vascular tone is perfectly maintained, and at the same time, the state of venous blood flow is greatly facilitated. Receiving the necessary amount of fluid, especially water, also helps people in the prevention of thrombosis.
Proper nutrition, along with weight control and intestinal function, is very important. With all these measures, all kinds of metabolic processes quickly normalize in the body, immunity strengthens, and this, in turn, means that the manifestation of thrombosis is minimized for a person.
As soon as the first signs of thrombosis appear in the area of superficial veins on the legs, you should immediately consult a doctor to undergo a detailed examination. A detected violation is subject to immediate treatment. Only in this way prevent possible complications, and the person’s legs will always look attractive.
Now, information about the symptoms and treatment of thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities is enough to protect themselves and loved ones from this ailment.