At the mention of varicose veins, many people think that this disease can only develop in the elderly. However, this opinion is erroneous. Disease of the veins of the lower extremities can occur in both young and middle-aged people. Representatives of the beautiful half of humanity are at risk, and it's not just about high heels. Most often, varicose veins affect women of high stature, as well as those who spend a lot of time standing or sitting.
Why does varicose veins appear?
Generally speaking, this disease appeared in people due to upright walking. It might not exist if people moved like animals. Since the heart is located in the upper body, blood must return to it from the lower extremities. For this purpose, special valves are provided in the veins that prevent blood from remaining in the legs.
If any violations occur, stagnation of blood in the legs occurs, edema occurs, the tone of the veins decreases, and all this ends with varicose veins. In order for the circulatory system to work without failures, we need to constantly move and not remain in a static position for a long time. Only then will the "blood lift" mechanism work like clockwork.
Risk factors
The risk of developing varicose veins is very high in overweight people suffering from physical inactivity, as well as in those whose profession is associated with the need to stay in one position for a long time (accountants, teachers, stewardesses, salesmen, cooks, etc. ). Varicose veins can also develop in pregnant women. Varicose veins of the lower extremities are often called the disease of civilization.
How to recognize varicose veins?
The development of the disease occurs gradually, so you can start fighting it already in the first stages. The most important thing is to recognize it in time and take measures for treatment.
Women often attribute the first symptoms of varicose veins to general fatigue or to the fact that they spend all day on their feet. Of course, with heavy loads in the evening, heaviness may appear in the legs and forces are almost running out. However, if this condition occurs frequently, then it is better to consult a doctor and do all the necessary examinations.
So, if you often experience the listed symptoms in the legs, then they may indicate the development of the disease:
- pain;
- heaviness;
- bursting;
- convulsions;
- swelling;
- fatigue.
If you notice a change in the color of the skin on your legs, swelling of the veins or spider veins, then do not put off going to the doctor for a long time. In order to get medical advice, you can contact a therapist, phlebologist or vascular surgeon.
Why is early treatment important?
If varicose disease is diagnosed in the early stages and treatment is started on time, then surgery can be avoided and the disease can be completely cured with medical methods.
Qualified specialists use an individual approach to each patient and draw up a treatment regimen based on the results of the examination.
For the treatment of the disease, venotonics are used in the form of ointments and gels, as well as tablet forms of drugs for oral administration, which are prescribed as a course.
In addition to medications, doctors usually recommend dietary and lifestyle changes. In order to cope with varicose veins, you need to play sports, move more, constantly change the position of your legs during the day. As for the diet, it should have more fiber, and the amount of salt should be minimized.