As scientists say, the main root cause of venous insufficiency is upright posture. But there is no getting away from this, which means that you should know those factors that provoke this problem, but are controllable - at least to some extent. You can’t argue with gravity, it will always affect blood flow, but this is not a reason to give up. You can practice measures to prevent the disease, ways to treat it. Lack of adequate therapy leads to complications - up to death.
Medicine and Biology
Venous insufficiency is a condition in which blood flow from the legs to the heart is disturbed. Understanding the essence of this problem is possible if a person is oriented in the structure of his own circulatory system. Its main components are veins, which doctors divide into two groups:
- superficial;
- deep.
Their connection is provided by perforators, that is, veins responsible for communication. Such blood vessels are equipped with valves that allow blood to pass only towards the heart, but in the opposite direction an insurmountable (in a he althy person's body) obstacle is formed for the flow of fluid. 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 properly, let the blood flow down.
Some time ago, it was thought that venous insufficiency of the lower extremities threatened severely the elderly. Medical practice shows that more and more often the problem is diagnosed in middle age, sometimes in young people. There are known cases of such a diagnosis in adolescents.
Types and species
It is customary to distinguish three forms of the disease:
- chronic;
- valve;
- spicy.
Most often the diagnosis sounds like "chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities." The veins under the skin suffer. The abbreviated common name is HVL. The valve form is observed if the perforating blood vessel is damaged. Acute is diagnosed if the disease is localized in the main vein.
Doctors have the least information about the third format, which occurs with relatively low frequency.
In rare cases, functional deficiency is diagnosed. Despite signs of venousinsufficiency, pathological changes in the studies can not be identified.
Classification
The commonly accepted 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 coded "A", in the second case "S". If the symptoms are disturbing, then the strength of its manifestation is assessed according to a standardized scale:
- 0 - no symptoms;
- 1 – small vascular dilations;
- 2 - abnormal varicose veins;
- 3 – swelling;
- 4 - increased pigmentation;
- 5 - healing foci of ulcers;
- 6 - active ulcer.
The etiology of the disease is revealed by the letter "E":
- congenital venous insufficiency;
- primary, the origin of which cannot be established;
- secondary, trauma-related, post-thrombophlebitic condition.
Code "A" allows you to reflect the anatomical position of the affected area:
- surface (small, large leg blood vessels);
- deep (muscular, hollow, deep veins);
- perforating (thighs, lower leg).
The letter "P" reflects the mechanism of the development of the disease:
- reflux, area of localization - perforating, main blood vessels;
- obstruction (chronic, acute).
Progress rate
It is customary to distinguish several stages of venous insufficiency. This division applies to the chronic form:
- on the firstthe degree of symptoms is general, swelling is possible;
- the next stage is increased pigmentation, visually the veins stand out clearly;
- last stage - atrophy of the skin, ulcers, worsening of all symptoms.
In an individual case, other signs may appear.
Reasons
Provoke congenital venous insufficiency can be pathologies formed during the period of development in the mother's womb. The acquired form appears under the influence of provocative factors, which include:
- overweight;
- frequent lifting of heavy objects;
- prolonged standing or sitting;
- excessive, uneven exercise;
- diseases of blood vessels, heart;
- use of hormonal compounds, including contraceptives;
- pregnancy, during which the hormonal background changes, the woman is faced with increased physical exertion.
Chronic venous insufficiency of the limbs is more often observed in the elderly, but adolescents are also at risk. Among other age categories, the disease is somewhat less common.
Symptomatics
The disease at first is similar to varicose veins. The following symptoms of venous insufficiency of the lower extremities are distinguished:
- edema;
- pain;
- gravity;
- leg increase in size.
Specific signs to distinguish the disease from varicose veins:
- pustules;
- convulsions, especially noticeable at night;
- deterioration of the appearance of the skin of the legs - the covers become thinner, drier.
The progress of the disease is associated with the deterioration 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 localization of the problem. Additionally, the patient donates blood samples for laboratory testing. To clarify the patient's condition, they can be sent to:
- computed tomography;
- X-ray;
- doppler;
- MRI.
Accurately and correctly carried out diagnosis allows you to choose the treatment of venous insufficiency based on the symptoms, consistent with the individual characteristics of the case. In addition, the patient is given a certain degree of disability. When identifying CVI stage 1, you will have to introduce minor restrictions into your workdays, and significant restrictions on the second. 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 bloodevenly distributed in the circulatory system of the legs. The patient is prescribed massage, regular exercises. Physical activity should be stable, but not too much.
Prescribe drugs as part of 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 drainage of the lymphatic system ("Troxevasin");
- blood flow stimulators, including capillaries (Trental);
- antioxidants ("Emoxipin");
- antiplatelet agents (Aspirin).
Additionally, the treatment of symptoms of venous insufficiency of the lower extremities may require the use of drugs that stop the allergic response of the body and inflammatory processes. Of the popular and affordable means, it is worth remembering "Clemastin", "Diclofenac".
Third stage
If it is necessary to treat venous insufficiency, running 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 on:
- heparin;
- butadione;
- indomethacin;
- heparinoid;
Doctors can alsoprescribe the following medications:
- Lyoton;
- Venobene.
When treating venous insufficiency, it should be remembered that Lyoton often provokes an allergic response, so the remedy must be used carefully. "Venobene" is believed to prevent the formation of blood clots, activates regenerative processes in the skin.
The optimal result in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency shows if you combine medications, the use of special knitwear, gymnastic practices and other activities recommended by the doctor, 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 form, surgery is required. The affected vein is removed or a specific area is blocked, directing blood through alternative vessels.
It is possible to combine traditional and non-traditional approaches. Many recipes have been invented against chronic venous insufficiency, but not all of them really work, combined with drugs. Before using, you should consult a doctor. Often recommend infusions, decoctions on hop cones, chestnut.
How to warn?
For any disease (chronic venous insufficiency will be no exception), the most effective method of treatment is prevention. You can reduce the risk of developing CVI if:
- give upbad habits;
- get regular check-ups at the clinic;
- follow the recommendations of doctors.
Will benefit:
- exercise control, overvoltage prevention;
- regular minor physical activity, gymnastics, warm-ups;
- diet;
- he althy diet;
- weight control;
- taking vitamins in accordance with the recommendations of the doctor and the needs of the body;
- anti-cellulite massage (after consulting a doctor).
With an increased risk of CVI, supplement the diet with fiber, mineral-rich and vitamin-rich foods. Solariums should be avoided, if possible, do not sunbathe and visit baths and saunas less often. Any overheating leads to varicose veins.
We'll have to carefully follow the diet. Doctors advise to exclude fatty, s alty and spicy foods 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. There are prerequisites for varicose veins, which worsens the patient's condition. The most unpleasant consequence of VL is the formation of non-healing ulcers, which are constantly disturbing with pain.
No less unpleasant consequence of vein insufficiency is phlebitis. This is an inflammatory process in which blood clots form. The more neglected the condition, the more blood clots, the wider the area on which they form. These elementsgrow on the walls of the veins and can at any time separate, starting a "journey" along with the blood flow through the body. The consequences will be severe if such a thrombus enters the pulmonary artery and blocks it - this will cause a heart attack, which, as you know, is characterized by a high mortality rate. In order not to face such consequences of the disease, you should consult a doctor in a timely manner and begin treatment of the disease.
From medical statistics it is known that early detection of the disease allows you to save not only life, but also he alth: up to 90% of all patients are able to work. True, it must be borne in mind that VN is incurable. Neglecting preventive measures, you can soon face a relapse. If you do not consult a doctor with LN, 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 for about a quarter of the entire population of the planet. In developed countries, this figure is significantly higher than the average - it is these countries that account for the majority of those suffering from foot disease. The reason is a sedentary lifestyle. As doctors assure, it is relatively easy 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 costs. Do not think that this trouble will not affect you. Doctors assure that everyone and everyone has a predisposition to CVI, and the reason is simple - we walk on two legs. In animalsmoving on four limbs, there is no venous insufficiency in principle.
On average, the female half of humanity is diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency three times more often than men. This is due to natural reproductive functions (pregnancy, childbirth), the use of hormonal drugs.
The most effective method of preventing CVI is physical activity. If in developed countries more than a quarter of the population suffer 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 postures are dangerous - standing, sitting, because if such a position is maintained for a long time, the outflow of blood is disturbed.
How to relieve the condition?
There are several general ways to maintain he alth with CVI. In order not to face an aggravation, you should make it a habit to stretch your legs while resting, raising your feet above hip level. This allows you to "tame" gravity, directing its force to your advantage. When resting at night, it is wise to put a pillow under your feet and sleep with straightened limbs.
To prevent CVI and improve the condition in the first stages of the disease, it is recommended to engage in the most mobile varieties of sports. You can walk fast and run reasonable distances, swim and 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 games withball.
Cold douches, cool showers will benefit the veins. You should choose at your discretion. Doctors recommend hardening by pouring water over the entire body, but in some cases this is prohibited or given too difficult. Then you can pour only the legs, starting from the knees. But keeping the limbs warm is not worth it, as this stimulates blood flow.
How can I help myself?
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 the contraction of the walls, relieve pain. But hot ones are strictly prohibited, since additional heating harms the veins.
Folk methods can help, allowing you to slightly reduce the viscosity of the blood. The most common are decoctions that are prepared on sweet clover, hops, chestnut, oak and birch bark. It is believed that horsetail and immortelle will benefit the patient.
Drugs and approaches
In the first stages of the disease, it is enough to use preventive measures, as well as take measures to preserve the beauty of the limbs. To do this, use means that support the veins in good shape. In recent years, sclerotherapy has become widespread. During this procedure, a sclerosant is injected into a vein, due to which the blood stops flowing through the treated area for some time. This stimulates the narrowing of the vessel, making it invisible.
From the second stage, they begin to take antihistamines, drugs forrelief of inflammation. The choice of drugs should be left 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. So that eczema, which often accompanies CVI, does not turn into ulcers, you will have to regularly use gels and ointments with corticosteroids. Quite popular lineups:
- "Mesoderm";
- "Flucinar".
At the severe stage, local preparations are combined, systemic. Ulcerated areas of the skin are treated three times daily, 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 superficial veins take on no more than one-tenth of the blood flow. But this option is not always possible. Alternative operation options:
- bypass, in which a vein is removed and a blood shunt is created;
- venous valve repair.
This is interesting
Venous insufficiency and varicose veins were tried to be treated by ancient healers. It is known that patients were allowed to bleed, previously tightly tightening the limb with a rope. As far as can be deduced from reliable sources, the effectiveness of this method was not very high.
In the last century, the classic approach was to remove a vein under the skin using a probe, onwhich was placed a large nozzle. This method had a long list of drawbacks:
- pain;
- tissue damage;
- bruises;
- lymphorrhea;
- paresthesia;
- scars after surgery.
The main advantage of surgical intervention is its applicability at any stage of the disease, the high level of effectiveness of the operation.
There are many cases when, with CVI, it was not possible to alleviate the patient's condition with a surgical method due to contraindications for such an intervention. The only option for such a patient is conservative treatment. Currently, patients can choose from a wide variety of products and formulations, with proper use and following the doctor's recommendations, allowing to improve the quality of life.
Complicated forms of CVI may be accompanied by:
- trophic ulcers;
- mug;
- blood clots;
- eczema;
- lymphostasis.
They all require an individual approach when choosing a treatment.
Conservative treatment: subtleties
Challenge for doctors:
- eliminate risk factors;
- improve the quality of blood flow;
- stop inflammation;
- normalize lymph outflow;
- restore the functionality of the vascular walls.
To do this, the patient will have to keep his lifestyle under control, possibly changing jobs, eating habits. Such measures are especially relevant if already establishedinsufficiency of veins, but the operation is not yet possible or there are contraindications, in principle, prohibiting such intervention in the present and future. Diligent adherence to the provisions of conservative treatment is the key to a long life of a person without serious he alth problems.
