Varicose veins are a condition in which a person has a defect in the veins, as a result of which the blood stagnates, nodules and blood clots form. The blood through the veins does not flow in a continuous stream, but rises in time with the heartbeat. There are valves throughout the vein that prevent venous blood from flowing in the opposite direction. When the valves are damaged, the blood flow is difficult, stagnation begins and varicose veins develop. The 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 exist even among doctors. After noticing the symptoms of varicose veins, patients refuse a sedentary lifestyle or, conversely, intensified sports. But in all significant studies, no link was found between physical activity and the development of varicose veins. Not moving at all or exercising diligently is really not helpful, but it has little to do with varicose veins.
The following factors must be taken into account to determine the risk group:
- adulthood;
- female affiliation;
- 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 bath and varicose veins will not affect you. And you can avoid thermal procedures, but the disease will manifest itself.
No causal relationship has been established between the use of oral hormonal contraceptives and the development of the disease. It is believed that wearing tight clothing and high heels interferes with venous outflow, so many doctors recommend choosing comfortable shoes.
How to recognize varicose veins
The symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities are difficult to confuse with another disease. To:
- swelling and pathological fatigue of the limbs, a feeling of stiffness and heaviness, which is sometimes accompanied by itching;
- the appearance of spider veins and bulging veins;
- in advanced cases - change in skin color, ulcers and dermatitis.
The danger of the disease is that blood clots can form on the damaged areas. When they break away, they enter the lungs along with the bloodstream. And this is already a dangerous condition, because 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 varicose veins - if before they were painless and soft, but now abscesses, this is a reason for emergency medical care.
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 properly 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 sites for varicose vein drugs.
The ointment reduces fatigue and swelling, but does not eliminate cosmetic defects and severe complications.
Wearing compression stockings and gymnastics help 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 commonly and successfully used laser obliteration is a gentle technique in which the vein is "welded" and disconnected from the bloodstream. Within a few hours after surgery, the patient can return to normal life, not even requiring the useof painkillers.
Which doctor treats varicose veins
At the first symptoms of varicose veins of the legs you should contact a phlebologist. A doctor treating varicose veins will prescribe a number of diagnostic procedures, mainly a duplex scan, so as not to miss deep vein thrombosis. Conservative treatment, minimally invasive procedures or surgery are then prescribed. Whatever the symptoms of varicose veins may bother you, do not neglect a visit to the doctor - it can save your life.