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 prescribed by the attending physician. For a diagnosis and the correct scheduling of treatment, 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 protrude. It is caused by poor vascular permeability. As a result, blood builds up and stretches your walls. They get very thin, which manifests itself in a bluish mesh on the skin. The main reason for the development of the disease is considered hormonal changes. The menstrual cycle, pregnancy, labor and menopause are reasons why women are more prone to this disease and are more interested in its treatment than men.
Signs of varicose veins in women
Often patients miss the initial stage of the disease. They attribute the symptoms accompanying the disease to general ailments, uncomfortable shoes, bad weather conditions, drops in atmospheric pressure, etc. These tactics are wrong. It is very important to note the main signs of varicose veins in the initial stage. In this case, your treatment will be easier and faster. The most common symptoms of the disease include:
- Swelling of the feet. It is worth noting that the members will be poured simultaneously and separately.
- Vascular mesh in the skin of the legs.
- Itching and burning sensation in the calves.
- Increased pigmentation of the skin of the legs.
- Vessels at the lower extremities become clearly visible even to the naked eye.
- Great feeling of heaviness in the legs, worse at night.
- Convulsions in the lower extremities.
In addition to the above characteristic manifestations, the veins of the legs acquire greater sensitivity. A woman, when touching them, experiences painful sensations. Bruises and wounds on the legs do not heal for a long time. Injuries occur with even the lightest blows. The limbs eventually become covered in sores. All of these symptoms get worse after long periods of standing or exercising. If you encounter at least one or more of these manifestations at the same time, immediately contact a qualified specialist.
The reasons for the development of the disease
As a rule, the disease occurs against the background of individual characteristics of the organism, which depend on the patient's lifestyle and 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 that cause this disease are known to medicine. The most common are:
- systematic foot standing;
- sedentary work;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- overweight;
- excessive physical activity;
- uncomfortable shoes;
- bad habits.
Also, women are prone to this disease due to pregnancy. Varicose veins of the lower extremities can manifest directly during the period of pregnancy and after childbirth.
Often, the pathology of the cardiovascular system is a provoking factor. They are accompanied by problems with blood flow in the veins. This leads to chronic valve failure. Against the background of these processes, the blood in the veins stagnates. This overloads them and promotes stretching. Nodes and seals are formed. Over time, deformation of the vessel walls occurs. Under the influence of these processes, the trophism of the legs is disturbed. Complications appear on the calves in the form of sores that do not heal in the long term.
Which doctor should I go to?
The disease is not only a cosmetic problem, but it also brings significant discomfort and can lead to dangerous consequences. Therefore, at the first uncharacteristic changes in well-being, the woman should go to a medical institution. Initially, you should visit a therapist. It is this doctor who will listen to the patient's complaints and recommend that she contact a close specialist. The diagnosis and treatment of this pathology is 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 worrying about unpleasant sensations?
- How long do you spend standing?
- Does lower extremity swelling bother you?
- What does your professional activity relate to?
- What chronic illnesses do you have in the story?
- Is there a genetic predisposition to the disease?
- Do you use hormonal medications?
After the interview, the doctor will examine and palpate the affected limbs. He will also indicate the passage of instrumental and laboratory tests. Your 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 exam data, he will begin to outline a roadmap of therapeutic procedures focused on eliminating the disease. The treatment method is selected on a case-by-case basis. In the early stages, specialists turn to conservative therapies. This type of treatment involves the use of drugs from the following groups:
- Phlebotonikov. They relieve cramps.
- Painkillers. These medications relieve pain.
- Medicines that reduce the risk of thrombosis.
Also, many experts recommend that women wear compression underwear. Socks are selected by the doctor. It also tells you how to use them correctly. During the treatment, you must refuse to visit saunas and take hot baths. High temperatures expand the wonw 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 suffering from varicose veins should refuse:
- flour;
- Coffee and tea;
- sweet;
- fat and fried.
You should enrich the diet with freshly squeezed juices. These can be citrus, blueberry and apricot nectars. If the doctor finds a high risk of thrombosis, he or she may recommend using pumpkin juice. Fasting days also have a beneficial effect. They will allow the body to get rid of toxins and excess weight. You need to spend these 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 cannot do without the intervention of a vascular surgeon. This specialist will perform the 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 allows for outpatient recovery.
- Phlebectomy. This type of treatment aims to excise nodules and remove veins that have been deformed.
- Sclerotherapy. It provides point injection. In some of the more severe cases, the procedure is performed under the supervision of an ultrasound machine.
All of the above techniques are meant to remove lumps and seals. After surgery, it is important to make every effort to prevent recurrence. Therefore, all the attending physician's appointments must be followed.