The information in this section may not be used for self-diagnosis and self-medication. In case of pain or other worsening of the disease, diagnostic tests should be prescribed only by the attending physician. For a diagnosis and the correct appointment of treatment you should contact a specialist.
Varicose veins are one of the most common vascular diseases. It affects approximately 25% of women and 10% of men worldwide. This disorder is a pathological process in which the veins swell and protrude. It is caused by poor vascular openness. As a result, blood accumulates and stretches their walls. They become too thin, which shows up in a bluish mesh on the skin. The main cause of the development of the disease is considered to be hormonal changes. Menstrual cycle, pregnancy, labor pains and menopause are all reasons why women are more prone to this disorder 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 disorder to general ailments, uncomfortable shoes, bad weather, drop in atmospheric pressure, etc. Such tactics are wrong. It is very important to note the main signs of varicose veins in the initial stage. In this case, his 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 poured both simultaneously and separately.
- Vascular mesh on the skin of the legs.
- Itching and burning sensation in calves.
- Increased pigmentation of the skin on the legs.
- The vessels on the lower extremities become clearly visible even to the naked eye.
- Great feeling of heaviness in the legs, worse in the evening.
- Cramps in the lower extremities.
In addition to the above characteristic manifestations, the veins in the legs get increased sensitivity. A woman when she palpates them experiences painful sensations. Bruises and sores on the legs do not heal for a long time. Injuries occur even at the slightest blow. The limbs are eventually covered with wounds. All of these symptoms worsen after prolonged standing or training. If you find at least one or more of these manifestations at once, contact a qualified specialist immediately.
The causes of the development of the disease
As a rule, the disease occurs on the basis of the individual characteristics of the organism, which depend on the patient's lifestyle and her genetic disposition. The main congenital cause of the development of the disease is considered to be excessive weakness in the valve apparatus of the veins. However, the factors that cause this disease are known by medicine. The most common are:
- systematically 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 in the lower extremities can manifest both directly during the period of giving birth to a child and after birth.
Very often, the pathology of the cardiovascular system is a provocative factor. They are accompanied by problems with blood flow through the veins. This leads to chronic valve failure. Due to these processes, the blood stagnates in the veins. It overwhelms them and promotes stretching. Knots and seals are formed. Over time, deformation of the vessel walls occurs. Under the influence of these processes, the trophism of the leg is disturbed. Complications occur on the calves in the form of long-lasting non-healing wounds.
Which doctor should I go to?
The disease is not only an aesthetic problem, but also brings significant discomfort and can lead to dangerous consequences. Therefore, at the first uncharacteristic changes in well-being, a 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 narrow specialist. The diagnosis and treatment of this pathology is performed 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 conduct a study in which he will ask the patient:
- How long have you been worrying about unpleasant sensations?
- How much time do you spend on your feet?
- Do the swelling of the lower extremities bother you?
- 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 designate the passage of instrumental and laboratory tests. Their results will make it possible to make the most accurate diagnosis.
Conservative treatment of varicose veins on the legs in women
As soon as the doctor receives the test data, he will start preparing a course of therapeutic procedures with a focus on eliminating the disease. The treatment method is chosen on a case-by-case basis. In the initial stages, specialists resort to conservative therapies. This type of treatment involves the use of drugs by the following groups:
- Phlebotonikov. They relieve cramps.
- Analgesics. These drugs relieve pain.
- Drugs that reduce the risk of thrombosis.
Many experts also recommend that women wear compression underwear. The socks are selected by the doctor. He also tells how to use them properly. During treatment, you should refuse to visit saunas and take hot baths. High temperatures extend 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 your diet with freshly squeezed juice. These can be citrus, blueberry and apricot nectar. If the doctor finds a high risk of thrombosis, 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 use 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 in the lower extremities.
Surgical 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 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 it possible to undergo outpatient recovery.
- Phlebectomy. This type of treatment is aimed at excising nodes and removing deformed veins.
- Sclerotherapy. It allows for 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 knots and seals. After surgery, it is important to do everything possible to avoid recurrence. Therefore, all appointments from the attending physician should be followed.