Varicose veins are one of the diseases that do not know who to choose as a victim, because both young and old can suffer from it.
Few people rush to doctors without thinking that it is easier to get rid of the problem in the first stage after the development of the disease.
To seek immediate help, you need to know what varicose veins in the legs look like, their symptoms and treatment, and a photo will help diagnose the disease and respond immediately.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins in the legs
Only women generally believe that they are worried about varicose veins in the legs, and that the symptoms are specific to both men and the fairer sex, because they are almost the same. You should not wait until the disease begins to develop, so you should contact your doctor as soon as the first signs of an insidious disease appear.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins in the legs that should be alarming? These are not so many:
- venous patterns on the legs and thighs;
- feeling of satiety and heaviness in the lower extremities;
- night cramps (often manifests itself during the day);
- swelling appears after a hard day's work;
- fatigue rises sharply;
- There is discomfort in the legs.
Even a single signal is enough to send immediate medical attention, the sooner it is done, the better the chances of successful treatment.
Varicose veins in the legs, symptoms during pregnancy
Problems with the arteries of the lower extremities often occur in women in an interesting position, because there is an additional load on the legs. There is a big problem here - the treatment should not harm the fetus, so you should not try to eliminate the disease alone. Only a doctor can accurately diagnose the disease and determine the safest treatment option for the baby.
If varicose veins are suspected in the legs, the symptoms during pregnancy are less different from the most common symptoms of the disease. These include:
- small "stars" visible on the feet;
- unpleasant discomfort in the lower extremities, felt not only in the evening, but during the day;
- severe swelling that can occur not only in the lower legs, but also in the thighs;
- aches and pains while walking;
- skin changes (peeling, appearance of age spots, changes in natural shade);
- The veins begin to protrude over the skin, causing severe pain when pressed.
Although there is no certainty that these are varicose veins in the legs, the symptoms should be shown to a doctor - only a specialist can accurately diagnose the disease and determine the degree of development.
Symptoms of internal varicose veins in the legs
According to doctors, internal varicose veins can cause serious complications, so it is especially important to recognize them in time. Even this treatment does not guarantee success.
Symptoms of internal varicose veins in the legs:
- Painful or dull pain in lower extremities;
- weight and burning with difficulty;
- seals appear on the skin;
- red or blue "stars" appear;
- The veins under the skin dilate, in places resembling grapes;
- Virtually incurable wounds appear, even the development of gangrene, which can lead to the loss of a joint.
The most dangerous stage is the deformation of muscles and bone masses. If left untreated, it can be fatal.
Varicose veins in the legs, symptoms
Varicose veins of the deep veins in the legs are less life-threatening, the symptoms are not expressed as in a common disease. How to independently determine the presence of a serious illness?
There are many symptoms of the disease, and if you know what to look for, almost each can be detected independently:
- discomfort in the lower extremities (burning, heaviness, aching pain);
- skin dries, scaly parts may appear;
- convulsions appear at night, which can last until morning;
- saphenous veins dilate, increase in diameter several times;
- There are many small wounds that do not respond to treatment and do not heal themselves.
Without immediate treatment, ulcers and eczema may develop soon, followed by gangrene. Blood clots are also possible with subsequent death.
Which doctor should I contact if I have symptoms of varicose veins
Although dangerous symptoms are detected in time, patients do not rush to the hospital without knowing which doctor to go to if they have symptoms of varicose veins. There is no choice - only a doctor can stop the development of the disease. Immediate consultation with a phlebologist significantly reduces the risk of complications.
If you are late to see a doctor, it is quite possible that the disease will spread to the lower extremities, so you will not be able to do it with the help of a phlebologist. If the specialist deems it necessary, he can contact his colleagues.
Among the specialists who will help in the treatment of varicose veins are:
- heart surgeon;
- angiosurgeon (specializing in the treatment of pathologies with surgical intervention);
- physiotherapist;
- dermatologist.
Multidisciplinary treatment can take months or even years. If the phlebologist is not able to cope with the disease on its own, it means that it has already passed the initial stage.
Ointment treatment: what medications should be used to get rid of the disease effectively
Ointment treatment at home is most often prescribed, but only if there are no complications and contraindications. It is better not to use such drugs alone, it is important to first consult a doctor about the disease.
Treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies
In the early stages of the disease you can treat with folk remedies, but only with a doctor's permission. The most effective here are compresses and rubs that you can make yourself from plant materials.
Green walnut has shown itself well in the fight against varicose veins. Grind about a cup of unripe fruit, pour equal parts of olive oil. Insist fragrant liquid for about a month and a half. Then apply a small amount of oily liquid daily to the affected areas.
Ground chestnut infusion can also be used. You will need the inflorescences and leaves of the plant to prepare the medicine. Grind them, pour high-quality vodka or alcohol (part of plant materials, 6-8 parts of alcohol). Insist for a week, rub on the skin of the feet before going to bed.
Consequences of varicose veins in the legs
Knowing the health consequences of varicose veins in the legs will help you start treatment faster. The disease can develop at an incredible rate without treatment and ends with thromboembolism. At best, it will lead to disability, but statistics show that almost a third of patients die from the disease.
Practically untreatable trophic ulcers may appear. The lesions may increase in size and depth and spread to large areas of the lower extremities in a short time. This inevitably causes gangrene. Even if you seek treatment, the therapy can be prolonged and without any guarantee of a successful outcome.
Varicose veins in the legs, symptoms and treatment, photos and results - all this can be studied alone to prevent a dangerous disease. You should not expect that it will be possible to prevent it until midnight, but timely treatment will be enough to not worry about the consequences or complications.