Varicose veins are a condition in which a person has a defect in the veins, as a result of which the blood stagnates, knots and blood clots form. The blood through the veins does not flow in a continuous stream, but rises in time with the heart rhythm. Throughout the vein there are valves that do not allow venous blood to flow in the opposite direction. In violation of the valves, 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 is the danger 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. Having noticed the symptoms of varicose veins, patients refuse a sedentary lifestyle or, conversely, enhanced sports. But in all the significant studies, no correlation was found between physical activity and the development of varicose veins. Not moving at all or zealous in training isn't really helpful, but this 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;
- excess weight;
- family history (genetic predisposition);
- to smoke;
- 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. Wearing tight-fitting clothing and high heels is believed to interfere with venous outflow, so many doctors recommend choosing comfortable shoes.
How to identify varicose veins
Symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities are difficult to confuse with another disease. It:
- swelling and pathological fatigue of the limbs, a feeling of stiffness and heaviness, sometimes accompanied by itching;
- the appearance of varicose veins and protruding 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 on the damaged areas. Stopping, they, along with the bloodstream, enter the lungs. And this is already a dangerous condition, as thromboembolism can lead to death. To prevent death, you should pay attention to the symptoms of varicose veins of internal veins: one-sided swelling of the legs and changes in varicose veins - if they were previously painless and soft, but now they have an abscess, 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 have 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 treated with ointments. When looking for "how to treat varicose veins" you can find hundreds of pages leading to sites with varicose vein medications.
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 helps.
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 intravascular obliteration. The most frequently used and successfully used laser obliteration is a sparing technique in which the vein is "sealed" and excluded from the bloodstream. Within a couple of hours after the operation, the patient can return to his usual lifestyle, although the use of painkillers is not required.
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 number of diagnostic procedures, mainly a duplex scan, so as not to miss the deep vein thrombosis. Then conservative treatment, minimally invasive procedures or surgical interventions are prescribed. Whatever symptoms of varicose veins are bothering you, don't ignore a visit to the doctor - it can save your life.