The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis and self-medication. In cases of worsening pain or other disease, diagnostic tests should be prescribed only by the attending physician. For diagnosis and proper treatment appointments, you should contact a specialist.
Varicose veins are one of the most common vascular diseases. It affects about 25% of women and 10% of men globally. This disease is a pathological process of swelling and protrusion of veins. It is caused by poor vascular patency. As a result, blood builds up and stretches their walls. They become too thin and appear as blue meshes on the skin. The main reason for the development of the disease is thought to be hormonal changes. Menstrual cycles, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause are all reasons why women are more likely than men to develop the disease and are more interested in treatment.
signs of varicose veins in women
Many times, patients miss the initial stages of the disease. They attribute accompanying illness symptoms to general illness, uncomfortable shoes, bad weather conditions, drop in atmospheric pressure, etc. Such a strategy is wrong. It is important to pay attention to the main signs of varicose veins in the initial stages. In this case, his treatment will be easier and faster. The most common symptoms of the disease include:
- Swollen feet. Notably, the limbs will be cast simultaneously and separately.
- A network of blood vessels on the skin of the legs.
- Itching and burning sensation in the calf.
- Increased skin pigmentation on the legs.
- The blood vessels of the lower extremities became clearly visible even with the naked eye.
- Heaviness in the legs feels good and is worse at night.
- Leg twitching.
In addition to the above-mentioned characteristic manifestations, the sensitivity of the leg veins is increased. A woman, when palpating them, experiences painful sensations. Bruises and wounds on the legs do not heal for a long time. Even the slightest blow can cause damage. The limbs eventually become covered with sores. All of these symptoms worsen after prolonged standing or exercise. If you notice at least one or more of these manifestations at a time, you should contact a qualified specialist immediately.
Cause of disease development
Usually, the disease occurs in the context of the individual characteristics of the organism, which depends on the patient's lifestyle and her genetic predisposition. The main congenital cause of the development of the disease is thought to be excessive weakness of the venous valve device. However, the factors that cause the disease are known medically. The most common are:
- stand systematically in a standing position;
- sedentary work;
- a sedentary lifestyle;
- overweight;
- excessive physical activity;
- uncomfortable shoes;
- bad habits.
In addition, women are susceptible to this disease due to pregnancy. Varicose veins of the lower extremities can manifest directly during and after childbirth.
Many times, the pathology of the cardiovascular system is a stimulating factor. They are accompanied by problems with blood flow through the veins. This can lead to chronic valve failure. In the context of these processes, the blood in the veins stagnates. It overwhelms them and promotes stretching. Knots and seals are formed. Over time, the walls of blood vessels deform. Under the influence of these processes, the nutrition of the legs is disturbed. Complications appear on the lower legs in the form of long-term non-healing wounds.
Which doctor should I see?
The disease is not only an aesthetic concern, but can cause significant discomfort and potentially dangerous consequences. Therefore, women should go to a medical institution when there is an abnormal change in happiness. Initially, you should see a therapist. It was this doctor who would listen to a patient's complaint and advise her to contact a narrow specialist. The diagnosis and treatment of this pathology is carried out by:
- Phlebologist
- vascular surgeon
Before telling how to treat varicose veins in a woman's legs, your doctor should familiarize yourself with the clinical presentation. To do this, he will conduct a survey, during which he will ask the patient:
- How often have you started worrying about unpleasant feelings?
- How much time do you spend on your feet?
- Does lower extremity swelling bother you?
- What is your professional activity related to?
- What chronic diseases are there in history?
- Is there a genetic predisposition to this disease?
- Do you use hormonal drugs?
After the interview, the doctor will examine and palpate the affected limb. He will also be appointed to pass instrumentation and laboratory tests. Their results will allow for the most accurate diagnosis possible.
Conservative treatment of female leg varicose veins
Once the doctor receives the test data, he will begin developing a treatment program focused on eliminating the disease. Treatment is chosen on a case-by-case basis. In the initial stage, specialists use conservative therapy. This type of treatment involves the use of drugs from the following groups:
- Frebotovnikov. They relieve cramps.
- Painkillers. These medicines can relieve pain.
- Drugs that reduce the risk of blood clots.
Additionally, many experts recommend that women wear compression underwear. Stockings are selected by the doctor. He also tells how to use them properly. During treatment, you should refuse to go to saunas and hot baths. The heat expands the wonw and lowers its pitch. Doctors recommend going to the pool 2-3 times a week.
Diet also plays an important role in eliminating disease. Women with 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, blueberry and apricot nectars. If a doctor finds that the risk of thrombosis is high, then he should recommend pumpkin juice. Fasting days also have beneficial effects. They will rid the body of toxins and excess weight. You need to spend such days no more than three times a month. In some cases, doctors prescribe leech therapy. It also has a positive effect on the state of the blood vessels of the lower extremities.
operation treatment
If the disease is in an advanced stage, you cannot do without the intervention of a vascular surgeon. The specialist will perform surgery on varicose veins in the lower extremities. The most popular and effective methods are:
- blood clotting. It can be laser or radio frequency. Today, this type of treatment is performed under local anesthesia, and outpatient rehabilitation is possible.
- phlebectomy. This type of treatment aims to remove lymph nodes and remove deformed veins.
- 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 aim to remove the nodule and seal. After surgery, it is important to do everything you can to avoid recurrence. Therefore, all appointments of the attending physician should be followed.