Thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities can be manifested by an inflammatory process on the venous walls, which can be caused by a certain pathology. It is this process that leads to the occurrence of blood clots inside the vessel. In cases where the disease is not accompanied by the formation of blood clots, but only by an inflammatory process, a disease called phlebitis is diagnosed.
The resulting seal cannot be left unattended, as it can be activated at any moment and cause undesirable, and, moreover, unsafe consequences for human he alth. The ICD code for thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities is I80.0. The article discusses in detail the features of this disease, how it manifests itself, how it is diagnosed, what schemes and methods of treatment are used today to eliminate it. So let's start withaddressing the causes of pathology.
The main causes of the manifestation of the disease
Why does thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities occur? A blood clot can form as a result of a violation of the integrity of the structure of the venous walls, which can be provoked by some specific infection.
Pathogenic microscopic organisms usually move to the inner region of the vessels from the adjacent tissue, in which inflammatory processes occur. Thrombosis is usually accompanied by influenza, 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.
Provoking factors
The following factors for the occurrence of the disease belong to a separate category:
- The appearance of traumatic lesions.
- The occurrence of blood clots in the deep veins.
- The formation of blood clots due to the presence of a hereditary tendency.
- Development of varicose veins.
- Being overweight.
- The emergence of diseases that develop against the background of allergies.
- The occurrence of malignant tumors.
- The impact of surgical interventions.
- Intravenous drug use.
Now let's find out what symptoms usually accompany this disease.
Symptomatics
Thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities in most situations can be very pronounced, and extremelydevelops rapidly, especially if it takes on an acute rather than a 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 clotting is observed. There is a seal of varicose veins, which also become sensitive, and at the same time enlarged and begin to hurt.
Signs of thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities should not go unnoticed.
Often there is swelling of the leg in the area of inflammation of the vein. On this basis, thrombosis that occurs in superficial veins may differ from a similar pathology that affects deep vessels. When blood clots occur and the disease described is formed, the condition, along with the well-being of a person, remains absolutely normal. Only a local manifestation of symptoms of thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities makes itself felt.
Especially when ill:
- Clearly visible redness and swelling along the entire length of the affected vein with a thrombus.
- The appearance of aching pain, followed by a sharp tingling.
- The occurrence of high temperature.
- Appearance of general malaise and chills.
- Development of severe lymph node enlargement.
Assuming that the patient has thrombosis of the veins of the extremities, the doctor examines both legs, starting from the foot and ending with the groin area. The swelling of the legs is compared along with the color of the skin, painful manifestations, their frequency and intensity. At the beginning of the disease, there is a strong change in skin color, then the inflammation gradually subsides, but the cover acquires a natural color. With intensive therapy, 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 can be seen in the photo.
What can happen to a blood clot?
The following usually happens with a thrombus formed on the wall:
- Blood thickening can grow and completely block the internal vascular lumen, resulting in impaired blood circulation.
- A thrombus is able to break away from the vascular wall and, together with the blood flow, be transferred to absolutely any of the internal organs of a person.
- In the best case, you can observe the resorption of the clot.
It becomes clear that the described pathology is a serious deviation and can lead to undesirable consequences.
Basic diagnostic techniques
The general well-being of a patient with thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities is determined by detecting a zone in which inflammatory processes are progressing. Thus, the location of the affected area is determined, as well as the duration of the course of the disease and its stage. The pathology under consideration is examined in several ways:
- Doppler ultrasound. The sensor sends a signal that is displayed from moving objects. This signal is intercepted by another sensor, whose function is to calculate changes in the speed of the propagated pulse, which is formed as a result of interaction with moving blood. The indicated frequency is fixed by a computer, the necessary data is calculated and the final conclusion is drawn.
- Rheovasography, which is a non-invasive way to examine the circulatory system. Its essence lies in the fact that a certain area of \u200b\u200bthe body is exposed to current. In parallel, the electrical resistance of the skin areas is determined, which changes as the tissues are saturated with blood. What else can the diagnosis of thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities consist of?
- Duplex ultrasonic 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 overall velocity of blood flow is measured and the diameter of the vessels and the presence of blood clots are determined.
- Computer and magnetic resonance imaging. These types of thrombosis examinations are used in case of absolute ineffectiveness of ultrasound techniques that do not give proper results.
- Venography, based on the fact that a contrast agent is injected into the vein, which stains the inner region of the vessel. This x-ray examination is used less frequently than the methods listed above.
Features of therapy
Before starting the treatment of thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities, it is required to determine the most appropriate complex treatment format for the patient. Thrombosis, which is localized in the shin area, can be treated on an outpatient basis, but in such a case, constant supervision of the surgeon is required. In the event that the disease began to affect the limbs at the level of the hips, then inpatient therapy is indispensable, since serious consequences can occur. Inpatient therapy is indicated if thrombosis, which progresses at the level of the lower leg, has not responded to treatment for three weeks.
Sick activity
Bed rest is prescribed in the presence of symptoms of thromboembolism within the pulmonary arteries, as well as in cases of determining the embologenic properties of blood clots as a result of an instrumental study. The activity of the patient must be kept to a minimum. Heavy lifting is unacceptable, along with running and heavy loads. Treatment of thrombosis is carried out taking into account the basic rules. The necessary options for therapy are:
- Compliance with bed rest if prescribed by a doctor.
- Engaging in minimal physical activity.
- Regular use of elastic tights.
- Assignment of anticoagulant treatment.
- The use of non-steroidal drugs that effectively relieve inflammation.
- Prescription of drugs for external use, relieving aching pain with itching in the area of blood clot formation.
- Enzyme therapy, which is the use of medications that effectively relieve swelling.
- Surgical treatments.
In the event that the complex treatment of thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities does not give positive results and the patient does not get better, then thrombosis of the superficial veins is eliminated through surgery, which is carried out in several of the following ways:
- Bandaging. It involves stopping the processes of dropping blood from the region of deep veins into superficial vessels. The procedure is carried out through the posteromedial or medial access. In both options, ligation of the veins located below the knee is provided. Before dressing, duplex ultrasound and palpation are performed. In this way, veins that are subject to ligation are detected. This operation does not imply danger, and patients, in turn, feel quite comfortable. As a rule, doctors use local anesthesia.
- Venectomy, or removal of a vein. This procedure involves removing the affected area of the vein from the general circulation. During the operation, small incisions are made, which remain almost invisible after recovery. Schematically, the operation can be depicted as follows: through a puncture in the skin cover, the surgeon picks up a diseased vein with a thrombus using a special hook. At the same time, using the second hook, the doctor selects the captured area and finally eliminates it.
- In some situations, doctors are forced to resort to excisionthrombosis node located in a superficial vein.
Symptoms and treatment of thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities are interrelated.
Useful recommendations from the field of traditional medicine
During the therapy of thrombosis, you can use advice from traditional medicine as a supplement. But this must be necessarily agreed with the doctor, since self-medication is simply unacceptable. It is recommended to carefully monitor nutrition, 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 of folk remedies for thrombosis of superficial veins of the lower extremities can be very effective.
Teas, decoctions from perforated St. John's wort, yarrow and mountain arnica are also shown to such patients. Useful in the presence of thrombosis extract of medicinal comfrey, sweet clover and horse chestnut, which has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
The use of contrast foot baths in combination with a contrast shower for the hips and knees has proven itself well. Regular exercise is required. During a night's rest, doctors are advised to keep the legs higher than the body, as a result of which a good outflow of blood is ensured.
What is dangerous thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities (according to ICD-10 I80.0)?
Consequencesblood clots
Of the most dangerous manifestations, there is a separation of a blood clot that has formed on the vessel wall. The fact is that it is able to move simultaneously with circulating blood and lead to the development of thromboembolism in a patient. True, you should not worry too much about this at all: the bottom line is that in the case of damage to superficial veins, thrombus separation occurs extremely rarely, however, the same cannot be said about the development of deep vein thrombosis. In this case, the veins are surrounded by muscles, which, when moving, displace them, and contribute to this process of moving the detached blood clot.
In any case, in order to avoid the occurrence of the disease, it is required to immediately begin treatment if the patient has been diagnosed with thrombosis of the veins 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 the superficial veins of the lower extremities?
Disease prevention
There are elementary recommendations, following which people will be able to avoid the occurrence of thrombosis. The legs, as well as the body of a person, in no case should remain motionless for a long time. Periodically throughout the day, it is necessary to take such postures that the legs are higher than the body. Tofor example, lying on the floor, legs should be raised on a chair.
Hiking is an excellent preventive measure. While walking, vascular tone is perfectly maintained, and at the same time, the state of venous blood flow is greatly facilitated. Drinking the right amount of fluids, especially water, is also great for helping people prevent thrombosis.
Proper nutrition is very important along with weight control and bowel function. With the help of all such measures in the body, all kinds of metabolic processes are quickly normalized, immunity is strengthened, and this, in turn, means that the manifestation of thrombosis is reduced to a minimum for a person.
Already when the first signs of thrombosis appear in the area of the superficial veins on the legs, you should immediately consult a doctor to undergo a detailed examination. The revealed violation is subject to immediate treatment. This is the only way to prevent possible complications, and a person's legs will always look attractive.
Now there is enough information about the symptoms and treatment of thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities to protect yourself and loved ones from this disease.
