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. The blood through the veins does not flow in a continuous flow, but rises to the rhythm of the heart rate. Along 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. The 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 on 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, on the contrary, enhanced sports. But in all significant studies, no correlation has been found between physical activity and the development of varicose veins. Not moving at all or being enthusiastic about training isn't really helpful, but this has little to do with varicose veins.
To designate a risk group, the following factors should be considered:
- advanced age;
- belonging to the female sex;
- overweight;
- family history (genetic predisposition);
- of 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 contraceptives and the development of the disease has not been established. Wearing tight clothing and high heels is thought to interfere with venous outflow, which is why 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. It's:
- pathological swelling and fatigue of the extremities, a feeling of stiffness and heaviness, which is sometimes accompanied by itching;
- the appearance of spider veins and bulging veins;
- in advanced cases: discoloration of the skin, 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, since thromboembolism can lead to death. In order to prevent death, you need to pay attention to the symptoms of varicose veins of the internal veins: one-sided swelling of the legs and changes in varicose veins; if they were painless and soft before, but now 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 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 sites with varicose vein medication.
The ointment reduces fatigue and swelling, but does not eliminate cosmetic defects and serious complications.
With a mild degree of the disease, it helps to wear compression stockings and gymnastics.
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 endovasal obliteration. The most frequently and successfully used laser obliteration is a conservative technique in which the vein is "welded" and excluded from the bloodstream. Within a couple of hours after the operation, the patient can return to his usual way of life, even the use of painkillers is not required.
What doctor treats varicose veins?
At the first symptoms of varicose veins on the legs, you should contact a phlebologist. A doctor treating varicose veins will prescribe a number of diagnostic procedures, primarily a duplex ultrasound, so as not to miss deep vein thrombosis. Conservative treatment, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery are then prescribed. Whatever symptoms of varicose veins bother you, don't ignore a visit to the doctor, it can save your life.