Varicose veins: photos, phases and classification

23 July 2025

According to statistics, about 83% of the population faces a disease like the varicose veins of the lower ends.Therefore, it is important to know how varicose veins seem in the initial phase.This will promptly identify the disease and prevent the development of possible complications.

Types of varicose veins

The disease of the veins, which is accompanied by their expansion, beginning and destruction of the valve system, can affect various body organs.Therefore, the classification of this pathology is based on the place of its location.

According to the international classification of diseases of the tenth revision, these types of disease are distinguished:

Varicose veins of the blood circulation system.
Expansion of the veins of the digestive tract.
The accumulation of numerous pathological clots in one place.
Varicosis of lymph nodes and vases that are not arranged in other sections.
Varicose expansion of the lower ends.

The use of ICD 10 in medical practice allows a phlebologist to make adequate diagnosis and differentiation of varicose veins.

In turn, the varicose veins at the lower ends, depending on the course stadium, are classified in the disease with:

Ulcerative lesions.
Progressive inflammatory processes.
Ulcer and inflammation.
Legs of the legs, uncertain etiology or not specified location.
Varicose veins of the legs or other part with damage to the skin.
Lack of deformation of veins with ulcers, suppuration or inflammatory processes.

Taking into account the main places of location of pathological changes, varicose veins are distinguished:

Superficial veins.
Deep veins.
Reticular.

The wide classification of varicose veins is determined by polygiological and a wide variety of options for the course of the disease.In the differentiation of the pathology, modern phlegologists use not only ICD-10, but also the classification of the disease for forms.

In medical practice, these forms of varicose veins are distinguished:

Partial damage to the blood vessels of the subcutaneous and intradermal type without reverse outflow.
Segmentary defeat with an inverse flow of blood in all veins.
A vast defeat with the discharge of pathologicalziology into the veins and in subcutaneous perforators.
A common injury of veins with an abnormal discharge through deep veins.

The deformation of the veins and the dysfunction of the blood flow can be of different types.Only a phlebologist is able to correctly diagnose and establish a type of varicose expansion based on the results of a complex examination.

The degree of varicose veins

Depending on the process of progression of the disease, varicose veins have 4 development phases.Each of them is characterized by some symptoms.

In the first phase, the gravity of the legs and the painful pain is felt.Vascular stars, knotted veins and swelling are displayed.Perhaps involuntary spasm of the calf muscles and the manifestation of burning in the area of the foot.It is characterized by the absence of stagnation in the bloodstream.
The second degree of varicose veins is accompanied by the hunger for oxygen of the venous system.It is characterized by a rapid increase in the size and number of knots and vascular stars.This damage has clearly expressed boundaries, which contributes to their brighter event.Perhaps their grouping in the same area of defeat is small behind the area.In this case, the pain and swelling of soft tissues have improved.
With the third degree of varicose veins, trophic injuries of the medial surface of the lower part of the leg are formed.It is characterized by the appearance of brown areas on the skin, which, with the progression of the disease, are covered with dry crust and crack.Based on their background, dermatitis is possible.The presence of great edema becomes dangerous.There is a lot of fatigue and pain.
The fourth degree are the complications of the disease.They may appear in the form of development of inflammatory processes, trophic ulcers on the walls of the veins.Bleeding is possible with mechanical damage to seals.This degree is dangerous with the possibility of developing venous insufficiency, which can subsequently acquire a chronic form.

At the third and fourth phase, the patient begins to experience severe pain of a different nature, both in the muscles and along the venous trunks.It is extremely rare, there may be a breaking of knots, accompanied by an insignificant loss of blood.Very often, such a sign occurs at night.If, with varicose veins, hyperthermia and greater weakness appeared, this directly indicates the appearance of complications of the disease.

Varicosis itself is not a dangerous disease that is not susceptible to therapy.But it is worth noting that this pathology does not go by itself and is progressing quickly.The identification of the varicose veins of the first degree significantly increases the terms of rapid and successful recovery.The varicose veins launched the fourth degree are dangerous for the body and human life.

Phase of varicose veins of the lower ends

Varicose veins are characterized by different phases of the pathology.Each of which determines the prevalence of the disease and has some characteristics.There are many classifications of the phases of the varicose veins, each of which has its own symptoms and therapy.

Especially in professional practice, modern phlebologists use the classification of varicose veins based on the degree of changes in the blood flow in the body vessels.The founder of this separation of varicose veins in phases is Savelyev.

According to its conclusions, the following phases of the disease are distinguished:

Compensation.It is characterized by the presence of problems of the cosmetic event.There are no symptoms of thrombosis, but when they examine the patient, there are initial signs of the varicose veins on the legs.Depending on the etiology of the pathology, the compensation phase of varicose veins without adequate treatment throughout the year can develop in varicose veins of the second degree.
Subcompensation.The blood vessels are subject to deformation and clearly manifest themselves on the surface of the legs.The varicosis of the undercoming phase is accompanied by pain and swelling of the lower ends.There is a feeling of gravity, feeling of burst and significantly increases the sensitivity of the skin.The swelling on the legs intensifies the evening and the next morning disappears.
Decomed.The visual signs of pathologists increase significantly.The venous networks and knots no longer become only in the area, but also in volumes.An intensive feeling of itching appears.The surface of the skin acquires a dark shadow, becomes dry and shiny.At this stage, a small bleeding occurs, which causes the deposition of emosiderin, leading to the hyperpigmentation of the skin in the affected areas.

The initial phase of the varicose veins for each organism proceeds differently.The intensity of the manifestation of its symptoms and the duration of this period is individual and depends on many factors.Therefore, with the manifestation of the minimum signs of pathology, it is necessary to immediately look for qualified medical care.The timely treatment will prevent the development of more serious stages of varicose veins.

The initial stage of the varicose veins on the legs: treatment of pathology

With varicose veins, the effectiveness of the therapeutic course depends directly on the timely manifestation of the pathology.The medical treatment qualified in the initial phase of the development of the disease allow to completely restore the integrity of the vascular wall and the functionality of the damaged veins.

The treatment of varicose veins of the initial phase is performed fully and consists of:

Complex use of Venotonic.For complex effects on the veins, the oral intake of tablets of the tablets is carried out.Among these, Denralex and Vasott are popular.The use of local drugs in the form of ointments and gel also has a high therapeutic effect.In the initial phase of the disease, the Papine ointment quickly and effectively interrupts symptoms.
Sclerotherapy.Flebology, taking into account the clinical picture of the disease, is carried out by: microsclerotherapy, ecosclerotherapy or sclerotherapy in the form of foam.The minimum technique consists in the introduction of special drugs, the sclerosing in Vienna with thin needles.After the procedure, the mandatory use of a special compression knitwear.The effectiveness of sclerotherapy explains its use in the compensation phase for varicose veins of the lower ends.
Ozonotherapy.It refers to physiotherapy treatment, which acts as one of the components of the complex therapy of varicose veins in the initial phase.These procedures improve cell nutrition with oxygen and stimulate blood circulation through the veins.As a result, glue the affected walls of the blood vessels.

Each of varicose veins therapy methods requires prescription and control mandatory doctors.The car -mediation of varicose veins is severely prohibited.

Varicose veins at the lower ends of the initial degree are difficult to diagnose independently.Visual information on the Internet contributes to visual familiarization with characteristic signs of pathology.

Typically, varicose veins seem to be an expansion of the veins, which causes cosmetic inconveniences, causes pain in the legs, cramps at night, trophic changes in the legs area.The expansion of the veins is different from small vascular stars and knots to large stem trunks, a protruding plexus, which are clearly visible in a vertical position.

In 75 - 80 % of cases, the rod or branches of a large subcutaneous vein suffer.Vienna is easier: its injuries are observed only in 5-10 % of cases.When you feel the vein it seems to be elastic, it can be easily compressed and the temperature on the ship concerned is slightly higher than all the other parts of the epidermis.This is due to the release of arterial blood and blood from the deep veins through the communicative vessels to varicose nodes located on the surface.In a horizontal position, the voltage with the veins attenuates and the size of the nodes concerned are reduced.In some cases, it is possible to probe small defects in the places of compounds of perforating and superficial veins.The more the disease develops, the more unpleasant symptoms are felt.Quick lowering, a feeling of heaviness in the lower ends, the paresthesia, swelling on legs and feet.The latter usually approaches more in the evening and in the morning after the rest they disappear.

What a varicose veins are waiting for: photos and signs

When a woman also begins to notice insignificant vascular networks on the surface of the skin of the lower limbs, it has the question of what varicose aspect the veins on the legs.The disease belongs to insidious, as they are not able to manifest themselves for a large amount of time.

Description of the disease

Varicosis of the lower limbs is stagnation in the blood system that causes the expansion of the veins.In 80% of cases, the disease occurs right on the legs, since they represent the largest load due to constant and constant physical activity.

Each vein on the leg has a specific valve responsible for the correct blood flow.This helps to avoid blood stagnation and a malfunction of the circulatory system.The disease occurs when the blood flow is disturbed, the blood begins to flow not only, but also downwards.This happens due to the improper operation of the venous valves.Ships lose their previous elasticity, they deform.This is the initial phase of varicose veins.

Varicose veins can appear on any part of the legs: on the sides, under the knee, on the lower part of the leg, on the feet.Varicosis on the legs occurs in the form of blue stars, small red or blue motifs.

Vascular surgeons warn that the risk areas of varicose lesions are lower hips and legs.A woman should pay attention to the state of the legs and promptly notice the changes that occur.

On the hips, the disease manifests itself in the form of a broad lines that resemble rivers.In the photo of the varicose veins on the legs, you notice the vascular networks, the stars.In the lower part of the leg, the structure of the pathology is similar to the position on the sides, but only in the initial phase.With the abandonment of the disease, large contusions appear on the lower part of the leg, a rash that recalls the blue and red bags.

Note the disease is very difficult under the knee.There are small discharges of the veins of a blue shade, red networks may appear.Varicosis on the feet is the most dangerous of all positions, the site is more susceptible to the negative influences of external factors, physical activity.

At the first signs presented in the photo of the varicose veins on the legs (small red networks, cobwebs, blue points), it is necessary to buy elastic stockings, consult a vascular surgeon.

Degree of defeat

The disease is classified according to the degree of vascular damage and veins on the legs.Modern doctors use international classification to make a diagnosis.Distinguishes 7 main degrees of varicose veins on the legs:

Zero, difficult to diagnose.It is impossible to identify, it is impossible to note the signs of the disease.Many women write them on the usual effort of the legs.There is a gravity in the legs, "buzz", swelling, rare convulsions (especially at night).If you lead an exam, it can give a false negative result;
1 degree looks like in the photo, like small nets and stars on the legs.The patient also feels all the signs of accompaniment from zero degree.They seem closer in the evening or slightly during the day;
2 degrees: more pronounced by symptoms, a person can independently recognize the disease.The blue and red lines occur on the surface of the legs, the stars and the mesh acquire a protruding appearance.The patient begins to note that the veins have become much larger.The signs of pathology become more pronounced after the load active on the limbs;The greater the degree of damage to the legs, the greater the chances of obtaining complications on the cardiovascular system.Varicosis is a disease of the entire circulatory system, therefore it is accompanied by pathologies in heart activity, altered blood formation process.

Types of disease

Varicosis can be damaged by some vessels.Depending on which of them they failed in the work, doctors distinguish different types of pathology:

To understand how the disease appears, it is necessary to consider every type of varicose veins separately on the legs:

The name of the reticular comes from the reticular veins, with a diameter of size no more than 2 mm.This species will be presented in the photo in the form of small nets, thin lines, stars on the legs.They are evident, since they are located near the surface of the dermis.Women often notice these manifestations on the lateral surface of the thigh.The reticular varicose veins are not dangerous.This variety of disease does not lead to discomfort (except aesthetic), does not cause serious complications.
The masterful aspect is influenced - the trunk of a small or large subcutaneous vein, which leads to the expansion of the veins of the protocol.The name also derives from a failure in the work of a certain trunk.If a large ship is damaged, the image of the varicose veins on the legs will be this: tubercles large similar to rivers, curved lines.When not malfunctioning the work of a small vein, similar signs occur, but with a less pronounced form.This is a dangerous form of pathology, which threatens a premature treatment with serious complications;
Segmentary.Protote veins are affected, with a diameter of 3 mm.These are large vases, so the disease can be detected independently.The symptoms are presented in the photo of the varicose veins in the initial phase of the segmental type.It represents small swelling and small tubercles on the surface of the dermis.They do not have a blue or red shade.With premature search for a doctor, tubercles can expand and turn into large bruises.In case of early diagnosis from the disease, you can get rid of sclerotherapy;
Perforating and more dangerous varicose veins, it comes from the name of the perforating veins.Play a huge role in the circulatory system.These veins connect deep ships to the surfaces.Often such a defeat leads to surgery.In the photo, the disease recalls large tubercles or medium, irregularities on the surface of the skin.They can be single or merge into a single structure, becoming even more voluminous of size.

It is important to seek medical assistance in order to avoid unpleasant consequences, not to bring the disease to the need for surgery.The main is also the prevention of varicose veins.It consists in wearing correct shoes made with natural fabrics with orthopedic sole.Do not give an excessive load on the lower limbs.Men, like women should be more attentive to their feet, often inspect them on the presence of damage and symptoms of varicose veins.

What a varicose veins are waiting for: photos and signs

What do the varicose veins have?

Varicose veins: the disease is very insidious, since the first signs of its development usually pass through a person imperceptibly.As a rule, the patient perceives fatigue and heaviness in the legs following heavy working days.

In many cases, it is, but this is not a reason not to monitor the state of the blood vessels in the lower limbs.Therefore, we will further talk about what this disease is and we will also consider the types and degree of manifestation of the varicose veins in the photo.

Varicose veins - characteristics of the pathology

Varicosis on the legs is not only a cosmetic problem that causes people's concern for their appearance, but also a very dangerous pathology that requires adequate and timely therapy and the observance of preventive measures.

Reference.The faces of famine suffer from varicose veins several times more often than men.

Varicose veins of the lower ends- a disease that is characterized by the emergence of the expansion of the veins.In addition, there is a violation of the flow of blood, which leads to stagnant phenomena in the circulatory system.

To understand which are the varicose veins (see photo), you should consider the process of its occurrence.

The veins located on the legs havespecial valves.They do outBlood passes exclusively in one direction (up) and prevents them from staggering.

The failure in the operation of these valves leads to the fact thatBlood has the opportunity to move in the opposite direction (downwards), which prevents its outflow.

Consequently, the vases lose normal elasticity and under blood pressure they begin to expand and deform.All this causes the development of the initial phase of the disease.

Reference.The symptoms of the disease can manifest themselves in various areas of the lower limbs, in particular on the sides, under the knees, on the calves, there are often varicose veins (photos below).

The factors that cause the development of this pathology are a huge number:Starting from a sedentary lifestyle, physical overloads, bad habits and ending with hereditary predisposition, hormonal malfunctions and congenital weakness of the walls of the blood vessels.

Many people, without realizing the seriousness of the problem, are not in a hurry to contact a specialist, but they start practicing the car -Media.

However, this is not a result, since the independent use of vascular drugs is harmful to health.Furthermore, they are unable to solve the problem.Here is a competent integrated approach.

Having determined the characteristics of the development of the pathology, we will consider how the varicose veins appear on the legs depending on the type of development.

The degree of varicose veins

The community of scientists in the world has arranged the manifestations of the varicose disease of the lower limbs.

Reference.This classification is called clinical etiology anatomy pathology).

In accordance with the compiled classification, 7 degrees (phases) of the disease are distinguished:

zero- The condition in which a person experiences gravity in the legs, swelling, convulsions, but not manifested visual.During the special exams, no deviations are not determined;
Varicose veins at 1 degree (see photo below)- The vascular stars appears and the same signs of the previous degree are observed;
Second- protruding veins or blue nodules become evident, which can increase in size from excessive physical effort or a prolonged living room in a position;
Third- All the above characteristics are integrated by a regular swelling, which is particularly evident in the evening.In the morning, it can disappear, but in the evening it appears again;
Fourth-If the current insufficiency, the trophic processes in the vascular system begin.Around the veins, the skin becomes brown or black.Inflammation on the skin can develop: from small redness to large crying wounds;
Fifth- All the symptoms of the 4th degree most pronounced prolonged trophic ulcera;
Sixth- Actively reciting, non -incorrect trophic ulcer.

This disease should be treated immediately and better is better.The latest phases of the varicose veins are dangerous, but also possible serious complications that can lead to death.

In addition, the photos of the first stage of the varicose veins seem quite normal, but the photos of the next are shocked.

Conclusion

The information and images of the varicose veins should make you think about what you should be attentive to your health and guide the right lifestyle.The preventive measures in this case are the ability to avoid this disease.

If, by virtue of the anatomical characteristics of the body, defeats of the veins have occurred, they should be immediately treated.

Varicose veins need urgent treatment, the absence of which can be transformed into serious consequences: the development of thrombophlebitis, bleeding from venous nodes and an ulcers trophic, capable of causing amputation of the leg.