Signs of varicose veins in the legs in women are often found - this pathology is detected in almost every third woman. This disease, accompanied by an enlargement of the lumen and thinning of the walls of the venous vessels, not only leads to the appearance of cosmetic defects, but is also accompanied by pain and malnutrition of tissues of the lower extremities. As a result, if left untreated, a woman can develop trophic wounds on her legs, leading to even more serious complications. Therefore, the beginning of the treatment of varicose veins should always be timely.
Signs of varicose veins in the legs in women are not always noticeable in the initial stages - sometimes the disease lasts for a long time.
Causes and early signs
Veins on the legs are affected by varicose veins under the influence of the following factors:
- overweight;
- heredity;
- sedentary lifestyle
- long stay in static position;
- pregnancy
- birth
- is taking high-dose contraceptives
- hypertension with frequent or prolonged cough, sneezing or constipation
- overload during physical exercise or exertion
- leg injuries
- pelvic pathology;
- over-consumption of tanning or thermal treatment;
- wearing uncomfortable shoes
- the habit of sitting across the legs;
- alcohol abuse
- old age.
Due to the increase in pressure in the venous vessels and blood stagnation, the vessels become scattered, the blood flows in them change their direction and flow rate as the vessel walls change tone and the valves stop functioning normally. As a result, changes in the veins lead to the development of a vicious circle in hemodynamics and other functions in the venous vessels.
In the initial stages of varicose veins, blood flow can still be compensated by conservative means - wearing compression clothing, gymnastics and the use of venotonic drugs. However, as the disease progresses, changes in the structure of the veins become irreversible and can only be removed surgically.
The symptoms of varicose veins can significantly disrupt the usual rhythm of life.
The following manifestations may be the first signs of varicose veins in the legs:
- weight in the legs
- the appearance of telangiectasias - spider veins and masks in different colors (bluish, red, black);
- feeling of fullness during a prolonged stay in an immobile position (sitting, standing)
- cramps at night
- relief of symptoms after walking or resting in a horizontal position.
Often the first manifestations of this common disease are attributed to fatigue, and visits to the doctor may be postponed until the severe consequences of the disease appear. As the expansion of the venous walls progresses, the symptoms become more pronounced and then new ones are added to the above manifestations.
Symptoms
Prevalence of varicose veins in later stages is manifested by the following symptoms:
- rapid leg fatigue
- pain
- feels full of fluid
- soft tissue swelling after exertion
- translucency and protrusion of large veins over the skin;
- itchy skin
- bruises due to rupture of large vessels
- peeling of the skin
- hair loss
- trophic wounds.
Due to varicose veins in women, blood clots - thrombi - can form in the lumen of the veins. As they travel through the bloodstream, consequences of varying degrees of severity develop: thrombosis, flembotrombosis, development of cardiovascular disease, opening and suppuration of wounds, penetration of blood clots into blood vessels in the heart or lungs.
Diagnosis and treatment
To confirm the diagnosis, a woman should contact a vascular surgeon and undergo an examination. Diagnostic plan includes a study with instrumental studies:
- Doppler ultrasound of the benches;
- duplex angioscanning;
- reovasography;
- X-ray and radionuclide methods.
The tactics for treating varicose veins in the legs are determined by the stage of the disease. Conservatives can be used early:
- wearing compression tights or bandaged with elastic bandages
- adequate physical activity
- wearing comfortable shoes;
- physiotherapy exercises;
- elimination of static load on the legs
- use of venotonics.
The duration of conservative treatment is individual and depends on the progression of the disease and compliance with the doctor's recommendations. It can be supplemented with a special diet that involves the introduction of foods into the diet that help strengthen the walls of the blood vessels.
The likelihood that varicose veins will decrease during the onset of conservative treatments is determined by each clinical case. In many ways, the success of the therapy depends on the topicality of a visit to a doctor.
These therapies are also recommended during the preparatory phase for surgical treatment or for those patients who are contraindicated for invasive intervention.
Occasionally, prevention of varicose veins progression may consist of performing minimally invasive procedures. They only apply to severe indications, which are determined during the examination of the patient.
Treatment of varicose veins in advanced stages usually involves performing a surgical operation - minimally invasive or classic.
If possible, a woman is recommended radical treatment of varicose veins in the legs:
- compression sclerotherapy;
- laser coagulation;
- photocoagulation;
- radiofrequency coagulation.
If the effect of these minimally invasive techniques is not sufficient, classical surgeries for more radical surgical treatment are performed:
- miniflebectomy;
- phlebectomy;
- Trendelenburg method (with complications of thrombosis and infection).
Sometimes classical surgical techniques are supplemented by the use of minimally invasive techniques. This combination can reduce trauma during surgeries and shorten the period of postoperative rehabilitation.
Varicose veins in the lower extremities can be treated successfully, especially in the early stages. Therefore, the first signs of this disease should always be a reason to visit a vascular surgeon. Varicose veins can occur at different ages, and observations show that women are more likely to suffer from this disease. Signs of varicose veins on the legs in women are the same as in men.