The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-medication. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, diagnostic tests should only be ordered by the attending physician. For the diagnosis and the correct appointment of treatment, you need to contact a specialized specialist.
Varicose veins are one of the most common vascular diseases. It affects around 25% of women and 10% of men worldwide. This disease is a pathological process in which the veins swell and protrude. It is caused by poor vascular permeability. As a result, blood accumulates and stretches their walls. They become too thin, which results in a bluish mesh on the skin. Hormonal changes are considered the main reason for the development of the disease. The menstrual cycle, pregnancy, labor and menopause are all reasons why women are more prone to this disease and are more interested in its treatment than men.
Signs of varicose veins in women
Quite often, patients miss the initial stage of the disease. They attribute the symptoms that accompany the disease to general ailments, uncomfortable shoes, bad weather conditions, drops in air pressure, etc. Such tactics are wrong. It is very important to notice the main signs of varicose veins at 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 should be noted that the limbs will be cast simultaneously and separately.
- Vascular mesh on the skin of the legs.
- Itching and burning sensation in the calves.
- Increased pigmentation of the skin of the legs.
- The vessels of 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 limbs.
In addition to the above characteristic manifestations, the veins of the legs acquire increased sensitivity. A woman, feeling them, experiences painful sensations. Bruises and injuries to the legs do not heal for a long time. Injuries occur even at the slightest blow. The limbs end up covered with sores. All of these symptoms get worse 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 specialist.
The reasons for the development of the disease
As a rule, the disease occurs against the background of the individual characteristics of the organism, which depend 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 veins. However, the factors provoking this disease are known to medicine. 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 manifest themselves both directly during the childbearing period and after childbirth.
Very often the pathology of the cardiovascular system is a provoking factor. They are accompanied by problems with blood circulation in the veins. This leads to chronic valve failure. Against the background of these processes, the blood in the veins stagnates. It overwhelms them and promotes stretching. Knots and seals are formed. Over time, deformation of the walls of the vessels occurs. Under the influence of these processes, the trophism of the legs is disturbed. Complications appear on the calves in the form of long-term non-healing wounds.
Which doctor should I contact?
The disease is not only a cosmetic problem, but also brings significant discomfort and can lead to dangerous consequences. Therefore, at the first unusual changes in well-being, a woman should go to a medical institution. At first, you should consult a therapist. It is this doctor who will listen to the patient's complaints and recommend that she contact a restricted specialist. The diagnosis and treatment of this pathology are carried out by:
- Phlebologist
- Vascular surgeon
Before telling how to treat varicose veins on the legs in women, the doctor should familiarize himself with the clinical manifestations. To do this, he will carry out a survey, during which he will ask the patient:
- How long ago did you start to worry about unpleasant sensations?
- How long do you spend standing?
- Are you bothered by swelling of the lower limbs?
- What is your professional activity linked to?
- What chronic illnesses do you have in history?
- Is there a genetic predisposition to the disease?
- Are you using hormonal drugs?
After the interview, the doctor will examine and palpate the affected limbs. It will also name the passage of instrumental and laboratory tests. Their results will make it possible to make the most accurate diagnosis.
Conservative treatment of varicose veins of the legs in women
As soon as the doctor receives the data from the test, he will begin to develop a program of therapeutic procedures focused on eliminating the disease. The treatment method is chosen on a case-by-case basis. In the early stages, specialists resort to conservative therapies. This type of treatment involves the use of drugs from the following groups:
- Phlebotonikov. They relieve cramps.
- Analgesics. These drugs relieve pain.
- Medicines that reduce the risk of thrombosis.
Additionally, many experts recommend that women wear compression underwear. Stockings are chosen by the doctor. It also explains how to use them correctly. During treatment, you should refuse to visit saunas and take hot baths. High temperatures widen the veil and reduce its tone. Doctors recommend visiting the pool 2-3 times a week.
Diet also plays an important role in eliminating the disease. A woman with varicose veins should refuse:
- flour;
- coffee and tea;
- soft;
- fatty and fried.
You should enrich the diet with freshly squeezed fruit juices. It 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. You should not spend such days 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.
Operative 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 of the lower limbs. The most popular and effective methods are:
- Coagulation. It can be a laser or a radio frequency. Today, this type of treatment is performed under local anesthesia and allows outpatient convalescence.
- Phlebectomy. This type of treatment aims to excise the lymph nodes and remove the deformed veins.
- Sclerotherapy. It provides for a one-time injection. In some of the more serious cases, the procedure is performed under the supervision of an ultrasound machine.
All of the above techniques are aimed at removing nodules and seals. After surgery, it is important to do everything possible to avoid recurrence. Therefore, all appointments of the attending physician must be observed.