Varicose veins are a condition in which a person has a defect in the veins, as a result, the blood stagnates, knots and blood clots form. Blood in the veins does not flow in a continuous stream, but increases in heart rate. Along the vein are valves that prevent venous blood from flowing in the opposite direction. In violation of the valves, blood increase 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 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. Having noticed the symptoms of varicose veins, patients refuse a sedentary lifestyle or, conversely, enhanced sports. But in all significant studies, no correlation was found between physical activity and the development of varicose veins. Not moving or watching over training really isn't helpful, but it has little to do with varicose veins.
To designate a risk group, the following factors must be considered:
- old age;
- belonging to the female sex;
- overweight;
- family history (genetic predisposition);
- smoke;
- multiple births.
The influence of saunas and baths on the development of varicothrombophlebitis has not been proven. This means 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. Wearing tight clothing and high heels is believed to interfere with venous flow, so many doctors recommend choosing comfortable shoes.
How to identify varicose veins
The symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities are difficult to confuse with another disease. This:
- swelling and pathological fatigue of the limbs, feeling of stiffness and heaviness, which is sometimes accompanied by itching;
- the appearance of spider veins and protruding veins;
- in advanced cases - skin discoloration, the appearance of ulcers and dermatitis.
The danger of the disease is that blood clots can form in the damaged areas. Breaking up, they, along with the bloodstream, enter the lungs. And this is already a dangerous condition, as thromboembolism can lead to death. To avoid death, you should pay attention to the symptoms of varicose veins of the internal veins: one-sided swelling of the legs and changes in varicose veins - if before they were painless and tender, but now abscesses, this is a reason for urgent medical attention.
It should be noted that the symptoms of varicose veins in men and women do not differ, but special monitoring is required during pregnancy. Pregnant women often experience complications, 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. When you search for "how to treat varicose veins" you can find hundreds of pages leading to websites with varicose vein remedies.
The ointment reduces fatigue and swelling, but does not eliminate cosmetic defects and serious complications.
With a mild degree of the disease, the use of compression stockings and gymnastics help.
For thrombosis, anticoagulant drugs are prescribed, but only if there is no risk of bleeding complications.
In severe cases, only surgery helps. Depending on the indications, one of three methods may be prescribed: sclerotherapy, phlebectomy, or endovascular obliteration. The most frequently and successfully used laser obliteration is a sparing technique in which the vein is "soldered" and excluded from the bloodstream. Within a few hours after the operation, the patient can return to his usual way of life, even the use of painkillers is 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 several diagnostic procedures, most notably a duplex scan, so you don't miss deep vein thrombosis. Then conservative treatments, minimally invasive procedures, or surgeries are prescribed. Whatever symptoms of varicose veins are bothering you, don't skip a visit to the doctor - it could save your life.