Varicose veins are a defect in a person's blood vessels, resulting in blood stasis, nodules and blood clots. The blood flowing through the arteries does not flow in a continuous stream, but rises with the heart rhythm over time. There are valves along the vein that prevent venous blood from flowing in the opposite direction. With the rupture of the valves, it is difficult for blood to rise, stagnation begins, and varicose veins develop. Symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities are visible to the naked eye. Think about the dangers of the disease, how to treat varicose veins in women and men, and which doctor treats varicose veins in the legs.
Causes of varicose veins
The disease is surrounded by many myths that persist even among doctors. Patients who see signs of varicose veins refuse to lead a sedentary lifestyle or, conversely, intensified exercise. However, in all important studies, no association was found between physical activity and the development of varicose veins. Not moving in any way or being active with exercise is not really helpful, but it has very little to do with varicose veins.
The following factors should be considered to determine the risk group:
- old age;
- to be a woman;
- excess weight;
- family history (genetic predisposition);
- to smoke;
- multiple births.
The effect of saunas and baths on the development of varicothrombophlebitis has not been proven. This means that you can visit the steam room and varicose veins will not affect you. And heat procedures can be avoided, but the disease will manifest itself.
There is no causal relationship between the use of oral hormonal contraception and the development of the disease. It is believed that tight clothing and high-heeled shoes prevent venous flow, so many doctors recommend choosing comfortable shoes.
How to identify varicose veins
It is difficult to confuse the symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities with any other disease. O:
- swelling and pathological fatigue of the extremities, a feeling of stiffness and heaviness, sometimes accompanied by itching;
- appearance of spider veins and convex veins;
- In advanced cases - discoloration of the skin, the appearance of ulcers and dermatitis.
The danger of the disease is the formation of blood clots in the affected areas. When broken, they enter the lungs along with the bloodstream. And this is already a dangerous situation, because thromboembolism can be fatal. To prevent death, you should pay attention to the symptoms of varicose veins: unilateral swelling of the legs and changes in varicose veins - if they used to be painless and soft, now it is an abscess, which is the reason for emergency medical care.
It should be noted that the symptoms of varicose veins do not differ in men and women, but special monitoring is required during pregnancy. Pregnant women often experience complications, so it is important to properly assess the risk of thrombosis and prescribe competent treatment.
How to treat varicose veins in the legs
One of the common myths is that varicose veins can be treated with ointment. When searching for "How to Treat Varicose Veins", you will find hundreds of pages leading to sites that contain medications for varicose veins.
The ointment reduces fatigue and swelling, but does not eliminate cosmetic defects and severe complications.
Wearing compression stockings and gymnastics helps with a mild degree of the disease.
Anticoagulants are prescribed for thrombosis, but only if there is no risk of hemorrhagic complications.
In severe cases, only surgery helps. Depending on the indications, one of three methods can be prescribed: sclerotherapy, phlebectomy or endovasal obliteration. The most common and successful laser obliteration is a cost-effective method in which the vein is "welded" and removed from the bloodstream. Within a few hours after the operation, the patient can return to a normal lifestyle, without even the use of painkillers.
Which doctor treats varicose veins
At the first signs of varicose veins in the legs, you should contact a phlebologist. The doctor treating the varicose veins will prescribe a number of diagnostic procedures, primarily a duplex scan, to avoid missing deep vein thrombosis. Then conservative treatment, minimally invasive procedures or surgery are prescribed. If you are worried about the symptoms of varicose veins, do not neglect to see a doctor - it can save your life.