Niewydolność żylna kończyn dolnych – objawy, przyczyny i leczenie żylaków

Czym jest niewydolność żylna kończyn dolnych?

Niewydolność żylna kończyn dolnych to jedna z najczęstszych chorób układu krążenia, prowadząca do powstawania żylaków nóg, obrzęków oraz uczucia ciężkości pod koniec dnia. Wczesne rozpoznanie i odpowiednie leczenie żylaków pozwala uniknąć powikłań takich jak zakrzepica czy owrzodzenia żylne. Sprawdź, jakie są pierwsze objawy niewydolności żylnej i kiedy zgłosić się do flebologa.

Venous insufficiency is a disease phenomenon, during which, if you do not react quickly enough, you will experience worsening symptoms of circulatory stasis in your legs. Therefore, it is worth remembering that if you start to be alarmed by the symptoms characteristic of this ailment, you should visit a specialist as soon as possible, who will implement the appropriate treatment.

Venous insufficiency in the lower limbs occurs due to increased pressure in the venous bed. This occurs as a result of overload (e.g. during pregnancy in women), under the influence of too much physical exercise or due to disturbances in venous blood outflow. The veins in the legs then dilate, as a result of which a backward flow of blood is forced. One of the first symptoms of this process is the formation of visible under the skin vascular spider veins. This is a symptom that is most often ignored and seen as a cosmetic defect. However, it is the first warning sign that something worrying is going on in your body. It is worth bearing in mind because effective treatment can already be started.

Who is more likely to develop venous insufficiency?

Venous insufficiency of the lower limbs affects women much more often than men and its risk increases with age. In addition, hereditary factors influence the development of the disease. If someone in your family has suffered from this problem, do not underestimate the symptoms and see a doctor as soon as possible. Obesity or weight gain also during pregnancy favour the appearance of venous disease, the most common symptoms of which are spider veins and varicose veins. People who lead sedentary lifestyles or have standing jobs that put a lot of strain on their limbs (e.g. hairdressers) should pay more attention to their legs. In addition, those who have been taking hormone therapy for a long time or who struggle with flat feet or other postural defects will also be susceptible to venous insufficiency problems.

Symptoms of venous insufficiency - stay alert and watch your body!

Are you worried that the problem may also affect you? Then you need to pay particular attention to the early signs of venous disease. If your legs seem heavy and tense and these sensations diminish when you assume a lying down position, especially when you hold your legs up, it is essential to see a phlebologist. A phlebologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases of the veins.

Real phlebology consultation should always be combined with an examination of Doppler ultrasound of the veins. In this way, the state of the venous system in the legs can be checked quickly and non-invasively.

Additional worrying symptoms that should come to your attention may be the presence of restless legs syndrome or nocturnal calf cramps.

Why is it important to start treating venous insufficiency quickly?

Venous insufficiency in its initial phase can be alleviated by making a few lifestyle modifications. That's why it's a good idea to speak to your doctor quickly to suggest suitable solutions. You have a good chance that your ailment will stop developing when you implement a few changes to your daily habits. Above all, avoid a static, sedentary lifestyle, save your legs and don't expose yourself to long periods of standing in one place. This can be counteracted by well-chosen compression therapy, which is getting nicer and more comfortable these days.

It is also worth paying attention to such small things as frequent changes of position while sitting or not putting the leg over the leg. Generally speaking, any positioning of the legs that impedes blood flow and may aggravate the condition is not advisable for people diagnosed with venous insufficiency. Also avoid saunas, hot baths or prolonged exposure to the sun. It is also worth bearing in mind that although the formation of varicose veins on the legs is not a contraindication to sports, not every activity is desirable. Areas of sport, especially strength-based ones that put a lot of strain on the legs and small pelvis, such as weightlifting or crossfit, can seriously harm you. So it is worth knowing your limitations in advance, before your ailments make themselves known!

Untreated venous insufficiency - what does it lead to?

Untreated venous insufficiency can, in the long term, result in various complications, so it is worth getting diagnosed as soon as possible and implementing appropriate prophylaxis. If the doctor finds that a change in lifestyle has not brought the desired results and the condition is still developing, medical compression therapy becomes necessary. It is important that the appropriate product (knee-length socks, stockings or tights) is selected by a phlebologist. It should be remembered that compression products are only a form of prevention and slowing down of venous disease. However, they do not cure the patient's condition.

If the patient has developed varicose veins, varicose skin eczema, venous ulcers or advanced swelling of the lower legs, then more radical treatment methods will need to be implemented and, ultimately, surgical intervention may be required.

Nowoczesne metody leczenia żylaków nóg

Współczesna flebologia oferuje małoinwazyjne metody leczenia niewydolności żylnej kończyn dolnych. Do najczęściej stosowanych należą: laserowe zamykanie żył (EVLT), klejenie żylaków, skleroterapia oraz ablacja falą radiową. Zabiegi te wykonywane są w znieczuleniu miejscowym, bez hospitalizacji i pozwalają na szybki powrót do codziennej aktywności. W przeciwieństwie do klasycznej operacji żylaków nie wymagają dużych nacięć ani długiej rekonwalescencji.

As is usually the case with health, prevention is better than cure, and when it comes to the course of venous insufficiency, a great deal depends on you. So if you notice worrying symptoms, don't delay - see an expert who can guide you through the treatment process in the ideal way for you. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the better.

Jeśli mieszkasz w Warszawie i zauważasz u siebie objawy niewydolności żylnej, umów się na konsultację z flebologiem. Wczesna diagnostyka pozwala uniknąć poważnych powikłań.

Najczęstsze pytania o niewydolność żylną kończyn dolnych

Czy niewydolność żylna to to samo co żylaki?

Nie. Żylaki są jednym z objawów niewydolności żylnej.

Czy niewydolność żylna jest uleczalna?

Tak – nowoczesne metody zabiegowe pozwalają skutecznie zamknąć niewydolne żyły.

Czy same pończochy uciskowe wystarczą?

W początkowej fazie mogą spowolnić rozwój choroby, ale nie usuwają przyczyny problemu.

Kiedy zgłosić się do flebologa?

Gdy pojawi się uczucie ciężkości nóg, obrzęki, pajączki naczyniowe lub widoczne żylaki.