The information in this section may not be used for self-diagnosis and self-medication. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, diagnostic tests should only be prescribed by the attending physician. For a proper diagnosis and treatment appointment, you should contact a specialized specialist.
Varicose veins are one of the most common vascular diseases. It affects approximately 25% of women and 10% of men worldwide. This disease is a pathological process in which the veins swell and come out. Caused by poor permeability of blood vessels. As a result, blood collects and stretches their walls. They become very thin, which manifests itself in a bluish mesh on the skin. The main reason for the development of the disease is considered to be hormonal changes. Menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause are all reasons why women are more prone to this disease and are more interested in treating it than men.
Signs of varicose veins in women
Very often, patients miss the initial stage of the disease. The symptoms that accompany the disease are attributed to general diseases, uncomfortable shoes, bad weather conditions, drop in atmospheric pressure, etc. Such tactics are wrong. It is very important to notice the main signs of varicose veins in the initial stage. In this case, its treatment will be easier and faster. The most common symptoms of the disease include:
- Swelling of the feet. It is worth noting that the limbs will be shed simultaneously and separately.
- Vascular network in the skin of the feet.
- Itching and burning sensation in calves.
- Increased pigmentation of the skin of the feet.
- The vessels in the lower extremities become clearly visible even to the naked eye.
- Great feeling of heaviness in the legs, worse in the evening.
- Convulsions in the lower extremities.
In addition to the above characteristic manifestations, the leg veins gain increased sensitivity. A woman, when she touches them, experiences painful sensations. Bruises and leg wounds do not heal for a long time. Injuries occur even from the smallest blows. The limbs are eventually covered with sores. All of these symptoms get worse after a long day of standing or exercising. If you find at least one or some of these manifestations right away, you should contact a qualified specialist immediately.
Causes of disease development
As a rule, the disease appears against the background of individual characteristics of the organism, which depend on the patient's lifestyle and her genetic predisposition. The main congenital cause of disease development is considered to be excessive weakness of the venous valve apparatus. However, medicine recognizes the factors that provoke this disease. The most common are:
- systematic standing in a standing position;
- sedentary work;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- overweight;
- excessive physical activity;
- uncomfortable shoes;
- bad habits.
In addition, women are prone to this disease due to pregnancy. Varicose veins of the lower extremities can appear both directly during the period of childbirth and after childbirth.
Very often, the pathology of the cardiovascular system is a provocative factor. They are associated with problems with blood circulation through the veins. This leads to chronic valve failure. Against the background of these processes, the blood in the veins stagnates. It defeats them and promotes alignment. Knots and seals are formed. Over time, deformation of the walls of blood vessels occurs. Under the influence of these processes, foot trophism is disturbed. Complications appear in calves in the form of long wounds that do not heal.
Which doctor should I go to?
The disease is not only an aesthetic problem, but also brings considerable inconvenience and can lead to dangerous consequences. Therefore, in the first non-characteristic changes in well-being, a woman should go to a medical institution. First, you need to visit a therapist. It is this doctor who will listen to the patient's complaints and recommend her to contact a specialist closely. Diagnosis and treatment of this pathology is performed by:
- Phlebologist
- Vascular surgeon
Before showing how to treat varicose veins in women, the doctor should be familiar with the clinical manifestations. To do this, he will conduct a survey, during which he will ask the patient:
- How long have you been worried about uncomfortable feelings?
- How much time do you spend walking?
- Are you bothered by swelling of the lower extremities?
- 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. He will also schedule the passing of instrumental and laboratory tests. Their results will make it possible to establish a more accurate diagnosis.
Conservative treatment of varicose veins in women
Once the physician receives the test data, he or she will begin to design a course of therapeutic procedures focused on eliminating the disease. The method of treatment is chosen on a case-by-case basis. In the initial stages, specialists use conservative therapy. This type of treatment includes the use of drugs of the following groups:
- Flebotonikov. They relieve cramps.
- Analgesics. These drugs relieve pain.
- Drugs that reduce the risk of thrombosis.
Also, many experts recommend that women wear compression underwear. Socks are chosen by the doctor. It also shows you how to use them correctly. During treatment, you should refuse to visit the sauna and take hot baths. High temperatures expand the gain and lower its tone. Doctors recommend visiting the pool 2-3 times a week.
Diet also plays an important role in eliminating the disease. A woman suffering from varicose veins should refuse:
- Flour;
- coffee and tea;
- sweet;
- greasy and fried.
You should enrich your diet with freshly squeezed juices. These can be citrus nectars, blueberries and apricots. 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. You should spend such days 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, then 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 laser or radio frequency. Today this type of treatment is performed under local anesthesia and makes outpatient recovery possible.
- Phlebectomy. This type of treatment aims at removing the joints and removing the veins that are deformed.
- Sclerotherapy. It provides point injection. In some of the most severe cases, the procedure is performed under the supervision of an ultrasound machine.
All of the above techniques are aimed at removing joints and seals. After surgery, it is important to make every effort to avoid recurrence. Therefore, all appointments of the attending physician should be followed.