Asymptomatic varicose veins: when to sound the alarm and see a doctor

Phlebologist, cardiovascular surgeon “CM-Clinic”.

Frequent illness

Varicose veins are a problem for a large number of people. This is a transformation of superficial veins – they become inflamed, swell, nodules appear on them. There are two main reasons for the development of the disease. The first is genetics. Varicose veins appear due to the structural features of the walls of the veins. Disruption of collagen synthesis leads to a decrease in their elasticity, the veins are prone to overstretching. The second reason is various unfavorable factors. For example, regular work while sitting and standing, carrying heavy weights. This can lead to stagnation of venous blood, and in places of stagnation – to the development of inflammation of the walls of the veins.

The data on the spread of varicose veins is impressive. According to statistics, it occurs in 56 percent of adult men and 60 percent of adult women. To explain to patientsHow often venous disease develops, I give an example: “Imagine, you live in a nine-story building, there are seven apartments on each floor, each apartment has two residents. This means that there are about seventy tenants with varicose veins in your entrance alone. “

Patients run on varicose veins

There is a negative trend among patients with varicose veins. People sometimes ignore the symptoms and drag out for 5, 10, 15 years. By this time, pronounced changes in the veins may develop, which will require volumetric surgical treatment. Communicating with patients, I often find out that their veins began to appear in their youth, after a pregnancy. But they did not go to the doctor. Men suffer from varicose veins less often, but they take longer to turn to specialist.

Do not be afraid to go to the doctors in the early manifestations of the disease. The modern fight against varicose veins is a safe, painless procedure that takes no more than two hours.

When to sound the alarm

If veins in any form appeared on the legs – spider veins, large veins – it is worth contacting a specialist for diagnosis. It is not worthwhile to independently assess the significance or insignificance of the symptoms. It is because of self-diagnosis and self-medication that the risk of getting a neglected disease increases.

A sign of pronounced, neglected varicose veins is strongly dilated veins of the legs, which have a saccular and serpentine appearance. In this case, on ultrasound, we reveal the failure of the valve apparatus of the veins, that is, the valves do not work, the blood is moving incorrectly. With advanced varicose veins, the risk of developing leg ulcers, thrombosis in altered and deep veins increases.  

How is the diagnosis

How to treat varicose veins:

– find a good phlebologist;

– undergo diagnostics, “repair” or remove those parts of the venous system that harm the body. Cure healthy areas;

– to engage in prevention in order to exclude the return of the disease. Carry out a timely diagnosis of varicose veins, even if it seems to you that the changes are minor.

Modern treatment

I will say right away: there are no pills or ointments that can cure varicose veins. They would rather temporarily hide the symptoms. However, drug therapy plays a supportive role in the integrated approach. The main method of treating the disease is surgical. You should not be afraid of it, because modern techniques allow you to avoid anesthesia, incisions, hospitalization and hematomas. The patient leaves the clinic immediately after the procedure, does not need a sick leave, and can even start physical exercises after a couple of weeks. The most modern techniques are laser removal of varicose veins and adhesive obliteration. With the right technique, they can give excellent treatment results.