Varicose veins are a condition in which a person has a defect in the veins, causing blood to stagnate, forming lumps and blood clots. The blood through the veins does not flow in a continuous stream, but rises in time with the rhythm of the heart. There are valves throughout the vein that prevent venous blood from flowing in the opposite direction. When the valves are injured, the increase in blood is difficult, stagnation begins and varicose veins develop. Symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities are visible to the naked eye. Consider what the danger of the disease is, how varicose veins are treated in women and men, and which doctor treats varicose veins in the legs.
Causes of varicose veins
The disease is surrounded by many myths, even among doctors. Having noticed the symptoms of varicose veins, patients refuse a sedentary lifestyle or, conversely, increased sports. But in all meaningful studies, no connection between physical activity and the development of varicose veins was found. Not moving at all or exercising diligently really doesn't make sense, but that has little to do with varicose veins.
In order to designate a risk group, the following factors must be taken into account:
- high age;
- belonging to the female sex;
- overweight;
- family history (genetic predisposition);
- Smoking;
- multiple births.
The influence 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 you can avoid thermal procedures, but the disease will manifest itself.
A causal relationship between the use of oral hormonal contraception and the development of the disease has not been established. It is believed that wearing tight clothing and high heels impairs venous outflow, which is why many doctors recommend choosing comfortable shoes.
How to recognize varicose veins
Symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities are difficult to confuse with another disease. That:
- Swelling and pathological fatigue of the limbs, a feeling of stiffness and heaviness, sometimes accompanied by itching;
- the appearance of spider veins and bulging veins;
- in advanced cases - discoloration of the skin, the appearance of ulcers and dermatitis.
The danger of the disease is that blood clots can form in the damaged areas. They break off and enter the lungs along with the bloodstream. And this is already a dangerous condition, since thromboembolism can lead to death. To prevent death, you should pay attention to the symptoms of varicose veins of the internal veins: unilateral swelling of the legs and changes in the varicose veins - if before they were painless and soft, but now they are abscessing, this is a reason for urgent medical attention.
It should be borne in mind that the symptoms of varicose veins in men and women do not differ, but special monitoring is required during pregnancy. Complications often arise in pregnant women, so it is important to correctly assess the risk of thrombosis and prescribe competent treatment.
How to treat leg veins with varicose veins
One of the common myths is that varicose veins can be cured with ointments. If you search for "varicose vein treatment, " you'll find hundreds of pages that lead to varicose vein drug websites.
The ointment reduces fatigue and swelling, but does not eliminate cosmetic defects and serious complications.
With a mild degree of the disease, wearing compression stockings and gymnastics will help.
With thrombosis, anticoagulant drugs are prescribed, but only if there is no risk of hemorrhagic complications.
In severe cases, only surgery can help. Depending on the indication, one of three methods can be prescribed: sclerotherapy, phlebectomy, or endovascular obliteration. The most commonly and successfully used laser sclerotherapy is a gentle technique in which the vein is "welded" and excluded from the bloodstream. Within a few hours after the operation, the patient can return to his usual way of life, and the use of painkillers is also not necessary.
Which doctor treats varicose veins?
At the first symptoms of varicose veins in the legs, you should contact a phlebologist. A doctor who treats varicose veins will prescribe a variety of diagnostic procedures, primarily a duplex exam, to not miss deep vein thrombosis. Then conservative treatment, minimally invasive procedures or surgery are prescribed. Whatever symptoms of varicose veins bother you, don't ignore a doctor's visit - it can save your life.