Many people have encountered the problem of varicose veins in the lower limbs.Over the years, the disease has become increasingly common regardless of gender and age.The reasons may be the lifestyle of office workers, who spend most of their time sitting in front of a computer without moving, and the segment of the population who stand during working hours - salespeople, surgeons, chefs, waiters, models, etc.
The symptoms of varicose veins vary.It is rare for multiple patients to experience the same symptoms.Most often, the occurrence of this venous disease has individual characteristics.However, all people with this disease have one common symptom - "heavy legs" symptoms, which include swelling, heaviness, and painful veins in the legs. The veins themselves may be normal in size and not prominent.Later, visible dilated veins appear in the legs.This is an undisputed sign of varicose veins.
Varicose veins: brief information about the disease
Varicose veins of the legs are a condition that has long been known to doctors; it has its own history, full of interesting facts.Ancient Egyptian physicians were involved in the treatment of varicose veins, as evidenced by the discovery of signs of varicose veins in mummies and traces of complications from treatment of the disease.Avicenna, Galen, Hippocrates and other famous people also mentioned the existence of varicose veins in their works.
The word "varicose veins" itself translates from Latin as "swelling," reflecting the clinical manifestations of this pathology.
Treatment of varicose veins was interesting and scary at the same time.Doctors realized that dilated and thrombosed veins had to be removed to avoid complications.However, the technology at the time was not yet complete.Venous surgery is very invasive: to reach the altered veins, large incisions are made on the limbs, which run in the form of stripes or spiral incisions along the entire length of the leg.Not surprisingly, these patients often die not from the disease itself but from complications related to the surgery.
After the active development of venography began, a revolution occurred in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities.With the introduction of X-rays and ultrasound into medical practice, it has become easier to diagnose the extent of blood vessel damage and surgery can be more targeted.The risk of postoperative complications is reduced and recovery rates are significantly improved.
Over time, less invasive techniques have emerged, as incisions that are too large can lead to postoperative complications and often leave the patient disabled (in the case of accidental damage to nerves and tendons).This is how the "minimally invasive" treatment methods currently used were developed, which do not require the use of a scalpel.
We are luckier than our ancestors because this condition is currently being successfully treated.Even surgical treatment does not pose a great risk to health.Patients after surgery can easily return to their normal lives within a short period of time.Some interventions can make patients forget about their problems as soon as they leave the health care facility.As with any illness, the most important thing is to have time to seek medical help in the early stages of the disease's development.
Dilated veins in the legs are not dangerous, thrombophlebitis is!
Almost all the media educates us about varicose veins, promoting new miracle drugs that promise to eliminate the disease in the shortest possible time.So why is this disease so dangerous and why are we encouraged to spend a lot of money on expensive ointments and creams to get rid of it?
Varicose veins can reduce our quality of life.Symptoms such as leg pain and heaviness, swelling, changes in skin color, and the appearance of non-healing ulcers can be very unpleasant and difficult.It is difficult for people with this disease to lead an active lifestyle, and they must look for jobs with easier working conditions, etc.But that's not the worst thing.
Varicose veins in the legs are accompanied by the formation of blood clots in the veins.When ruptured, this blood clot can travel to the pulmonary arteries and cause a serious condition called pulmonary embolism.Treatment is very difficult, and in most cases patients with thromboembolism do not even have time to go to a medical facility - death can occur suddenly.
Varicose veins of the lower limbs are a disease with serious complications.Self-medication can be life-threatening.Only experienced experts and regular monitoring can protect your health and life!
Treatment of Varicose Veins: Vein Surgery
Dilated veins in the legs are a reason to seek help from a surgeon.Varicose veins are the domain of surgical specialists.Every patient tries to avoid surgical intervention until the last moment, but you should know that varicose veins are curable, while the complications associated with the disease can only be cured by radical treatment.Of course, you shouldn't give up on conservative treatment entirely, but you shouldn't really rely on it either.Medication is used in conjunction with surgical methods.It’s hard to imagine one without the other.Conservative treatment can ease the course of the disease, minimize unpleasant symptoms, allow for faster postoperative recovery, and reduce the risk of postoperative complications.
As an independent method, medical treatment can be used if there are contraindications to surgery.This treatment only slows the progression of the disease but does not eliminate the cause.
Vein surgery is a fairly common procedure these days.There are many treatments for varicose veins.The choice of one or another intervention method is determined by the physician based on the patient's disease stage, medical history, and examination results.
Operation type:
- Phlebectomy.
- Sclerotherapy.
- Laser coagulation.
In a procedure called a phlebectomy, damaged veins are removed through small incisions in the limbs.Venous surgery is performed under general anesthesia.The risk of recurrence after this treatment is very low.The surgery itself does not cause much damage to the patient's health, and recovery is fairly quick.Patients usually only stay in the hospital for a few days.After the intervention, medication and the wearing of a compression garment are required.
Sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive method of treating varicose veins, has its roots in the distant past.Many doctors attempt to treat this condition by introducing various compounds into the dilated venous lumen.Through trial and error, we have succeeded in this direction.A drug was discovered that is still used successfully today.The substance is administered intravenously under ultrasound guidance.The procedure is painless.Under the influence of the drug, the damaged vein walls stick together and then recede.This surgery should be performed by an experienced specialist, as excessive amounts of medication or drugs entering the soft tissue can cause serious complications.
Laser coagulation is a minimally invasive vein procedure that requires no incisions.The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, and patients immediately resume their normal lifestyle following certain recommendations.The essence of the method is the insertion of a laser light guide into the dilated vein under ultrasound control.Under the influence of the laser beam, the vein walls are welded together and blood cannot flow.Perhaps it is the most effective and safest treatment of our time.Of course, laser coagulation cannot be performed on everyone without exception.As with any treatment, it has its indications and contraindications.
A phlebologist is a varicose vein patient’s best friend
People with varicose veins, as well as those who are genetically predisposed or at risk for the disease, should consult a phlebologist annually to monitor the condition of their leg veins.
A phlebologist is a professional doctor who specializes in treating venous and vascular problems.
The doctor will recommend an ultrasound examination of the veins of the lower limbs, which can show the condition of the vein walls and valves, check the patency of the blood vessels, rule out the presence of blood clots, and assess the severity of the disease.This information will help prevent the development of varicose veins at an early stage, avoid surgical intervention altogether, or allow you to eliminate the pathology using minimally invasive methods.The earlier the disease is detected, the more effective the treatment will be.
Don't be afraid to ask the experts for help.A venous ultrasound is a painless procedure; you just need to be patient as it takes quite some time.