Varicose veins are a condition in which a person has a defect in the veins, as a result, the blood stagnates, nodules form and blood clots form. Blood through the veins does not flow in a constant flow, but increases over time with the heart rate. Throughout the vein there are valves that do not allow venous blood to flow in the opposite direction. In violation of the valves, blood growth 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 risk 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 continue even among doctors. After noticing the symptoms of varicose veins, patients reject a sedentary lifestyle or, conversely, enhanced sports. But in all important studies, no correlation was found between physical activity and the development of varicose veins. Not moving at all or being diligent with exercise is not really helpful, but it has little to do with varicose veins.
To determine a risk group, the following factors must be considered:
- old age;
- belonging to the female gender;
- excess weight;
- family history (genetic predisposition);
- smoking;
- multiple births.
The impact 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 appear.
A causal link between the use of oral hormonal contraception and the development of the disease has not been established. It is believed that wearing tight clothing and high heels interferes with venous flow, 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. Ajo:
- pathological swelling and fatigue of the limbs, a feeling of stiffness and heaviness, which is sometimes accompanied by itching;
- the appearance of spider veins and swollen veins;
- in advanced cases - skin discoloration, the appearance of ulcers and dermatitis.
The risk of the disease is that blood clots can form in the damaged areas. By detaching, they, along with blood flow, 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 the internal veins: unilateral swelling of the legs and changes in varicose veins - if before they were painless and soft, but now they abscess, this isa reason for urgent medical care.
It should be noted that the symptoms of varicose veins in men and women do not change, but special monitoring is required during pregnancy. Pregnant women often experience complications, so it is important to accurately 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 searching for "how to treat varicose veins", you can find hundreds of pages leading to varicose vein medicine pages.
The ointment reduces fatigue and swelling, but does not eliminate cosmetic defects and serious complications.
With a mild degree of illness, wearing compression stockings and aerobics helps.
For thrombosis, anticoagulants are prescribed, but only if there is no risk of hemorrhagic complications.
In severe cases, surgery alone helps. Depending on the indications, one of three methods can be prescribed: sclerotherapy, phlebectomy or endovascular resection. Laser disappearance more often and successfully is a frugal technique in which the vein is "welded" and excluded from the bloodstream. Within a few hours after surgery, the patient can return to his normal way of life, and even the use of sedatives 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 treating varicose veins will prescribe a range of diagnostic procedures, mainly a duplex scan, so as not to miss deep vein thrombosis. Conservative treatment, minimally invasive procedure or surgery is then prescribed. Whatever the symptoms of varicose veins that bother you, do not ignore a visit to the doctor - it can save your life.