Varicose veins are a condition in which a person has a defect in the veins, due to which the blood stagnates, nodules and blood clots are formed. Blood does not flow through the veins in a continuous flow, but rises in accordance with the heart rhythm. There are valves through the vein that do not allow venous blood to flow in the opposite direction. When the valves are broken, the growth of blood is difficult, stagnation begins and varicose veins develop. Symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities are visible to the naked eye. Consider 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 survive even among doctors. Noticing the symptoms of varicose veins, patients refuse a sedentary lifestyle or, conversely, intensified sports. But in all significant studies, no correlation was found between physical activity and the development of varicose veins. Not moving at all or training diligently is not really useful, but it doesn't have much to do with varicose veins.
The following factors need to be considered to determine the risk group:
- old age;
- female affiliation;
- excess weight;
- 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 a steam bath, 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 believed to interfere 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 any other disease. To:
- swelling and pathological fatigue of the limbs, a feeling of stiffness and heaviness, which is sometimes accompanied by itching;
- appearance of arachnoid veins and bulging veins;
- in advanced cases - skin discoloration, ulcers and dermatitis.
The danger of the disease is that blood clots can form in the damaged areas. Interrupting, together with the bloodstream, they enter the lungs. And that is already a dangerous condition, because thromboembolism can lead to death. To prevent death, you should pay attention to the symptoms of varicose veins: unilateral swelling of the legs and changes in varicose veins - if they used to be painless and soft, but now have an abscess, that is the reason for emergency medical help.
It should be noted that the symptoms of varicose veins in men and women do not differ, but special monitoring is needed during pregnancy. Pregnant women often have 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 fat. When you search for "how to treat varicose veins" you can find hundreds of pages that link to varicose vein medication pages.
The ointment reduces fatigue and swelling, but does not eliminate cosmetic defects and severe complications.
Wearing compression stockings and gymnastics helps with mild 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 may be prescribed: sclerotherapy, phlebectomy or endovascular obliteration. The most common and most successfully used laser obliteration is a cost-effective technique in which the vein is "welded" and disconnected from the bloodstream. Within a few hours after surgery, the patient can return to his normal lifestyle, even the use of painkillers is not necessary.
Which doctor treats varicose veins
At the first symptoms of varicose veins in the legs, consult a phlebologist. The doctor treating varicose veins will prescribe a series of diagnostic procedures, primarily duplex scanning, 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, do not neglect a visit to the doctor - it can save your life.