The information in this section may not be used for self-diagnosis or self-medication. In case of pain or other aggravation of the disease, diagnostic tests should be prescribed only by the attending physician. You should consult a specialist to make a diagnosis and the correct treatment.
Varicose veins are one of the most common vascular diseases. It affects about 25% of women and 10% of men in the world. This disease is a pathological process in which the veins swell and come out. This is caused by poor vascular permeability. As a result, blood collects and clings to their walls. They become very thin, which manifests itself in a bluish mesh on the skin. Hormonal changes are considered to be the main reason for the development of the disease. Menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth 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
Often patients miss the initial stage of the disease. The symptoms accompanying the disease they attribute to general illnesses, uncomfortable shoes, bad weather, drop in atmospheric pressure, and so on. Sh. Such tactics are wrong. It is very important to notice the main signs of varicose veins at an early stage. In this case, its treatment will be easier and faster. The most common symptoms of the disease are:
- Swelling of the legs. It should be noted that the limbs will be cast simultaneously and separately.
- A vascular network on the skin of the feet.
- Itching and burning sensation in calves.
- Increased pigmentation of the skin of the feet.
- The vessels on the lower extremities are clearly visible even to the naked eye.
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs, worse in the evening.
- Convulsions in the lower extremities.
In addition to the above characteristic manifestations, the veins in the legs acquire hypersensitivity. The woman experiences painful sensations on palpation. Bruises and wounds on the legs will not heal for a long time. Injuries occur even from the slightest blow. The limbs are eventually covered with ulcers. All of these symptoms get worse after a long day of standing or exercising. If you find one or more of these manifestations at the same time, you should seek professional help immediately.
Causes of disease development
Typically, the disease develops against the background of individual characteristics of the organism, depending on the patient's lifestyle and his genetic predisposition. Excessive weakness of the venous valve apparatus is considered to be the main congenital cause of the disease. However, the factors that provoke this disease are known in medicine. The most common:
- Systematic standing;
- Sedentary work;
- A lifeless lifestyle;
- Excess weight;
- 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 be detected both immediately after childbirth and after childbirth.
Very often pathology of the cardiovascular system is a provoking factor. They are accompanied by problems with blood flow through the veins. This leads to chronic valve failure. Against the background of these processes, the blood in the veins becomes stagnant. It overcomes them and promotes stretching. Knots and rings are formed. Deformation of the vessel walls occurs over time. Under the influence of these processes the trophism of the legs is violated. Complications on calves appear in the form of long untreated wounds.
Which doctor did I go to?
The disease is not only an aesthetic problem, but also brings significant discomfort and can lead to dangerous consequences. Therefore, during the first uncharacteristic changes in well-being, a woman should go to a medical facility. First, you need to visit a therapist. It is this doctor who hears the patient's complaints and advises to contact a narrow specialist. Diagnosis and treatment of this pathology is carried out:
- Phlebologist
- Vascular surgeon
Before telling you how to treat varicose veins in the legs in women, the doctor should be familiar with the clinical manifestations. To do this, he will conduct a survey in which he asks the patient:
- How long have you been worried about unpleasant feelings?
- How much time do you spend on your feet?
- 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 injured limbs. He will also schedule instrumental and laboratory tests. Their results will make it possible to make the most accurate diagnosis.
Conservative treatment of varicose veins in the legs in women
As soon as the doctor receives the test data, he or she will begin to develop a course of disease-oriented therapeutic procedures. The method of treatment is selected on a case-by-case basis. At the initial stage, specialists resort to conservative therapy. This type of treatment involves the use of the following groups of medications:
- Phlebotonikov. They relieve seizures.
- Analgesics. These drugs relieve pain.
- Medications that reduce the risk of thrombosis.
Also, many experts advise women to wear compression underwear. The socks are chosen by the doctor. It also tells us how to use them properly. You should avoid saunas and hot baths during treatment. The high temperature expands and decreases its tone. Doctors recommend a 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;
- Sweet;
- Greasy and fried.
The diet should be enriched with freshly squeezed juices. It can be citrus, blueberry and apricot nectar. If the doctor finds a high risk of thrombosis, then he should advise the use of pumpkin juice. Fasting days also have a beneficial effect. They allow the body to get rid of toxins and excess weight. You should spend such 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 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 aims to excise the nodes and remove the deformed veins.
- Sclerotherapy. It involves 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 intended to remove knots and seals. After surgery it is important to make every effort to prevent recurrence. Therefore, all appointments of the attending physician should be followed.