The information in this section may not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, diagnostic tests should be prescribed only by the attending physician. You should contact a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Varicose veins are one of the most common vascular diseases. It affects about 25% of women and 10% of men worldwide. This disease is a pathological process in which the blood vessels swell and come out. This is due to poor vascular permeability. As a result, blood collects and lengthens the walls. They are very thin, which manifests itself in a bluish mesh on the skin. The main reason for the development of the disease is hormonal changes. Menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause are the reasons why women are more prone to this disease and are more interested in its treatment than men.
Symptoms of varicose veins in women
Patients often miss the initial stage of the disease. Symptoms of the disease include general illness, uncomfortable shoes, bad weather, low atmospheric pressure, etc. connect with. Such tactics are wrong. It is very important to note the main symptoms of varicose veins in the early stages. In this case, its treatment will be easier and faster. The most common symptoms of the disease include:
- Swelling of the legs. It should be noted that the limbs will be shed both at the same time and separately.
- Vascular mesh on the skin of the legs.
- Itching and burning sensation in the calves.
- Increased skin pigmentation of the feet.
- The veins in the lower extremities are visible even to the naked eye.
- A feeling of heaviness in the legs, worsens in the evening.
- Convulsions in the lower extremities.
In addition to the characteristic manifestations mentioned above, the veins in the legs become increasingly sensitive. A woman experiences painful sensations while palpating them. Bruises and wounds on the feet do not heal for a long time. Even the slightest blows cause injuries. The limbs are eventually covered with wounds. All of these symptoms worsen after standing or exercising for a long time. If you find at least one or more of these manifestations at once, you should immediately contact a qualified professional.
Causes of the disease
As a rule, the disease occurs against the background of individual characteristics of the organism, which depends on the lifestyle of the patient and his genetic predisposition. The main congenital cause of the development of the disease is considered to be excessive weakness of the valve apparatus of the vessels. However, the factors that cause this disease are known in medicine. The most common:
- systematic standing in a standing position;
- sedentary work;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- overweight;
- excessive physical activity;
- uncomfortable shoes;
- bad habits.
In addition, women are more prone to this disease due to pregnancy. Varicose veins of the lower extremities can manifest themselves both during and after childbirth.
Often the pathology of the cardiovascular system is a motivating factor. They are accompanied by problems with blood flow through the arteries. This causes chronic valve insufficiency. Against the background of these processes, blood stagnates in the arteries. This overcomes them and helps to stretch. Knots and seals are formed. Deformation of the vessel walls occurs over time. Under the influence of these processes, the trophism of the legs is impaired. Complications appear in calves in the form of wounds that do not heal for a long time.
Which doctor should I go to?
The disease is not only an aesthetic problem, but also causes significant discomfort and can lead to dangerous consequences. Therefore, in the first non-characteristic changes in well-being, a woman should go to a medical institution. You should first consult a therapist. This is a doctor who listens to the patient's complaints and recommends contacting a specialist. Diagnosis and treatment of this pathology is carried out by:
- Phlebology
- Vascular surgeon
Before telling how to treat varicose veins in the legs in women, the doctor should be familiar with the clinical manifestations. To do this, he will conduct a survey of the patient:
- When did you start worrying about unpleasant feelings?
- How much time do you spend on your feet?
- Does swelling of the lower extremities bother you?
- What is your professional activity related to?
- What chronic diseases do you have in history?
- Is there a genetic predisposition to the disease?
- Do you use hormonal drugs?
After the interview, the doctor will examine and palpate the affected limbs. It will also determine the passage of instrumental and laboratory tests. Their results will allow you to make the most accurate diagnosis.
Conservative treatment of varicose veins in the legs in women
As soon as the doctor receives the test data, he will begin to develop a course of therapeutic procedures aimed at eliminating the disease. The method of treatment is selected individually. At the initial stage, specialists resort to conservative treatment. Such treatment involves the use of drugs of the following groups:
- Phlebotonics. They eliminate cramps.
- Analgesics. These medications relieve pain.
- Drugs that reduce the risk of thrombosis.
Also, many experts recommend that women wear compression underwear. Socks are selected by the doctor. He also tells how to use them properly. You should refrain from visiting saunas and taking hot baths during treatment. High temperatures dilate the wine and reduce its tone. Doctors recommend going to the pool 2-3 times a week.
Diet also plays an important role in eliminating the disease. A woman suffering from varicose veins should give up:
- un;
- coffee and tea;
- sweet;
- greasy and fried.
You should enrich your diet with freshly squeezed juices. These can be citrus, blueberry and apricot nectars. If the doctor finds a high risk of thrombosis, then he should recommend the use of pumpkin juice. Fasting days also have a beneficial effect. They will allow the body to get rid of toxins and excess weight. Such days should be spent no more than three times a month. In some cases, doctors prescribe hirudotherapy. It also has a positive effect on the condition of the vessels of the lower extremities.
Surgical treatment
If the disease is at an advanced stage, you can not do without the intervention of a vascular surgeon. This specialist will perform surgical treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities. The most popular and effective methods are:
- Coagulation. It can be a laser or a radio frequency. Today, such treatment is performed under local anesthesia and allows for outpatient treatment.
- Phlebectomy. Such treatment is aimed at cutting the nodes and removing the deformed vessels.
- Sclerotherapy. This provides point injection. In the most severe cases, the procedure is performed under the supervision of an ultrasound machine.
All of the above methods are aimed at removing knots and seals. It is important to make every effort to avoid recurrence after surgery. Therefore, all prescriptions of the attending physician should be followed.