Deep varicose veins are a very unpleasant and quite dangerous damage to the venous vessels of the circulatory system.
Varicose veins of the deep veins of the lower extremities are a pathology that extends to the vessels passing through the muscular structures of the legs.The lengthening and dilatation of venous vessels significantly impairs blood flow and leads to the occurrence and progression of thrombosis.
The danger of this disease lies in the high probability that a blood clot that has formed on the vessel wall will break off and be transported into the pulmonary artery.
When this disease occurs, an irreversible process of lengthening and expansion of the venous vessels occurs.As the process progresses, thinning of the venous wall is observed and nodules form that prevent the free transport of blood through the vessels.
Most often, people aged 30 to 40 years and older are susceptible to this disease.
Causes of the development of varicose veins of the deep veins of the lower extremities
The causes of the occurrence and development of the disease can be various unfavorable factors.Varicose veins of the deep veins are the result of a serious circulatory disorder in a specific area of the lower extremities.
As the disease progresses, the patient may develop trophic ulcers in the place where the blood circulation processes are disturbed, which can trigger the appearance of gangrene, a condition that requires amputation of the affected part of the limb.
In addition, varicose veins can cause deformation of the muscles of the lower extremities, and the formation of a blood clot with its possible subsequent detachment and movement into the pulmonary artery can lead to death.
The main factors contributing to the onset and progression of the disorder are the following:
- the presence of a genetically determined hereditary predisposition leading to congenital pathologies and weakness of the cells of the walls of venous vessels;
- Gender – women get sick much more often than men, which is associated with the occurrence of hormonal changes during pregnancy, the onset of menopause and when taking hormonal drugs and contraceptives;
- the presence of increased venous pressure in the patient, which results from reduced mobility and an increase in static overload when the body is in an upright position for a long period of time and is overweight;
In addition, the causes of the disease can be:
- Regular increased load on the limbs.
- Serious immune system dysfunction.
- Constant compression of the blood vessels in the legs when wearing tight shoes.
- Overweight or obesity.
- Development of various forms of dermatitis.
- Consequences of surgical interventions.
- The lower limbs are exposed to increased static load.
- Abuse of alcoholic beverages and smoking.
In addition, cellulite can lead to the development of pathology.
A visit to a qualified phlebologist at the first suspicion of the disease allows you to detect the disease in a timely manner.
The main signs of varicose veins in the deep veins
Most often, in the initial stages of progression, the disease is manifested by the appearance of a slight feeling of fatigue in the legs after prolonged static stress or during a long walk.In addition, there is slight swelling of the tissues of the extremities during this time.
Most often, these symptoms of the disorder appear at the end of the daytime hours and gradually disappear with a long period of rest.When these signs appear, it is necessary to consult a phlebologist and carry out special examinations to identify and clarify the presence of pathology.
The use of laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods allows us to identify the degree of development of the disease and make a decision on the use of timely and adequate treatment of the disease.As the disease progresses, it moves into more advanced stages, which are characterized by the appearance of a whole range of symptoms and signs characteristic of a progressive disease.
Advanced stages of pathology are characterized by the appearance of the following symptoms:
- the appearance of severe pain in the legs in the evening and at night;
- the appearance of constant swelling of soft tissues and heaviness in the lower extremities;
- the presence of constant swelling of soft tissues leads to an increase in the size of the limbs;
- the patient often has cramps in the calf area, most often such phenomena occur at night;
- the skin in the affected areas takes on a bluish tint on the extremities;
- When the legs are subjected to physical strain, the pathologically affected venous vessels on the feet, thighs and legs protrude.
Further progression of the disease leads to the appearance of small wounds that cannot heal for a long time and subsequently turn into trophic ulcers.
Without adequate and timely treatment, the development of the disease can be fatal for the patient.The progression of varicose veins leads to a gradual deformation of muscle structures and the appearance of negative changes in skin and bone mass.
With prolonged progression, the patient develops signs of eczema and develops trophic ulcers that may progress to gangrene.Leading to sepsis or death.
In venous vessels affected by varicose veins, the process of thrombus formation develops.This process allows the blood clot that has formed to break free and be transported through the circulatory system.
If a blood clot enters the pulmonary artery, it becomes blocked and the person dies.
Basic diagnostic methods
An experienced phlebologist can determine the presence of varicose veins in the deep veins of the lower extremities by the characteristic symptoms, which are also clearly visible on a photo of the legs.However, the methods of treating the disease are selected individually after a detailed examination of the patient and taking into account all the individual characteristics of his body.
To determine the presence and stage of development of the disease, laboratory diagnostic and instrumental diagnostic methods are used.Laboratory methods include general blood and urine tests.
The most common instrumental diagnostic method is ultrasound examination of the venous vessels of the legs.This technique allows you to visualize the vascular system and see the progress of the pathological process.
In addition, if necessary, the attending physician prescribes:
- Phlebography.
- Photoplethysmography.
The use of venous occlusion plethysmography makes it possible to determine the blood volume in the veins of the lower extremities.
Only after a comprehensive examination and the results are available will the patient be prescribed appropriate treatment.
Modern medicine offers several options for treating the disease - drug, non-drug and surgical.
In parallel, you can use alternative and traditional treatment methods at home after consulting your doctor.
Treatment of deep varicose veins
The most reliable way to treat the disease is surgery.The use of drug therapy in the form of tablets, special ointments and gels for external use can play a complementary role and is actually a supportive therapy.
The use of drug therapy involves the use of various types of drugs in the treatment process – anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, venotonic and fibrinolytic effects
Anticoagulants thin the blood and prevent blood clots from forming.Anti-inflammatory drugs help relieve inflammatory processes in the walls of venous vessels.Venotonics help increase the tone of the vein walls, and fibrinolytics help dissolve small blood clots and clean the venous bed.
Thanks to taking medication, symptoms such as swelling usually disappear;In addition, an improvement in the condition of the superficial skin is observed.The most important condition for taking medication is strict adherence to the doctor's recommendations and compliance with the dosages of the medications taken.
To completely cure varicose veins, surgical intervention is recommended.
In addition, surgical methods are used if there is no positive dynamics during drug therapy.
The most common methods of surgical treatment of pathologies are:
- slerotherapy;
- phlebectomy;
- Laser coagulation.
In sclerotherapy, special substances are used during the procedure - sclerosing agents, which are introduced into the lumen of the affected vein and lead to adhesion of the vessel walls.This procedure allows you to remove the venous vessel from the circulatory system, thereby preventing the development of pathology.This technique is used very rarely when a severe form of the disorder is detected.
During phlebectomy, the affected area of a venous vessel is removed.Most often, this method is used to identify lesions of the superficial veins, but in some cases it is also applicable in the treatment of deep venous vessels of the extremities.
Laser photocoagulation is a type of minimally invasive surgical procedure and is performed using a laser;It allows you to remove the affected area of the vein from the circulatory system by gluing its walls under the influence of laser radiation.Due to the fact that it is practically painless and does not require a long recovery period, this method of treatment has received the most positive feedback from patients.
The use of surgical treatment methods allows you to completely eliminate the symptoms characteristic of deep varicose veins.The choice of surgical technique depends on the degree of development of the pathology, the individual characteristics of the patient and is carried out by the attending physician.