(Concern) Could I also have varicose veins?

I am very interested in health, so I read Dr. Gisa's articles regularly, gather information, and also try self-diagnosis and self-testing.

 

It is said that interest in legs increases during seasons when the temperature gradually rises or falls.

It is said to be a season when abnormal signals in the legs appear frequently, especially during times of large temperature fluctuations in the morning and evening.

I walk every day, so I tend to be quite interested in my legs~

When I notice abnormal signs in my leg, I start to wonder if I have varicose veins.

I'm also wondering, "Should I have surgery?"

The best thing to do is to visit the hospital first, get a check-up, and receive a diagnosis, which is the proper procedure. But unless you're really sick, I hesitate to go to the hospital for fear of wasting money or just in case I might need a diagnosis. I'm too scared to go to the hospital.

 

So today, I want to ask about the early symptoms of varicose veins, similar diseases, and how to deal with early-stage varicose veins.^^

 

What is varicose veins?

 

A disease in which blood flows backward due to damage to the valve that prevents blood reflux, which is necessary for veins, unlike arteries, that have no pressure and need to travel from the toes to the heart.

 

Once a valve in the varicose vein is damaged, it cannot heal on its own. The reflux of blood continues while walking and moving. That's why varicose veins are called a 'progressive disease,' but since I walk every day, I find it concerning.

Sometimes my legs feel a little tight or numb, so I unconsciously check my legs in front of the mirror.

Especially, compared to arteries, veins have thinner vessel walls and good elasticity, making them more stretchable, so the varicose veins also appear more prominent. I keep monitoring them after exercise.

 

Because the entrance wall is thin and elastic, when reflux caused by valve damage progresses, the blood vessels swell like balloons. Over time, as the accumulated blood volume increases, bulging and tortuous protrusions of the blood vessels become visible outside the skin, which seem to be the first visual signs of suspicion.

 

In fact, since blood vessels are not only outside the skin, the tortuous blood vessels do not appear outside the skin from the early stages of the disease. Therefore, during the 'early stages of onset,' only 'subjective symptoms' are felt rather than visible external signs.

 

Initial symptoms of early-stage varicose veins

 

• Severe swelling and fatigue are localized in the calf.
• There is no major difficulty on mornings after waking up or on holidays.
• Regardless of the intensity of exercise or labor, intermittent stabbing sensations and a pulling feeling on the inside and back of the calves are concentrated in the afternoon.
• I feel a dull, aching sensation throughout my leg, and massaging the leg quickly relieves it.

 

Among the symptoms I am aware of, two apply to me.

Occasionally, I feel a stabbing sensation and a tingling feeling in my legㅜㅜ

However, these symptoms are not necessarily indicative of vascular diseases like varicose veins, and since anyone can experience them at least once, it naturally leads to suspicion at least once.

 

Have those who have read this so far had similar experiences to mine? I am dealing with two issues, which makes my concern a bit greater.

However, there are also positive reports suggesting that it is difficult to suspect varicose veins based solely on a few symptoms!

 

Is there a family history of varicose veins?

Do you spend a lot of time standing while working?

In the case of office workers, do they spend a lot of time sitting with their legs crossed all day, and do they not enjoy tight-fitting clothing like high heels and skinny jeans?

Factors such as obesity, constipation, and childbirth

There are areas on the legs where red and blue thin blood vessels are particularly prominent, so you should check carefully.

 

[Photo: Naver Medical Image]

 

I have a family history.

I spend a lot of time standing for long periods.

Sitting in tight clothes⭕️😭

I am obese.⭕️

There are as many as four different ones😭

 

Am I in the early stages of varicose vein disease?

 

✅️ Initial management and treatment of early-stage varicose veins

 

There is no more effective method than early detection and treatment for all diseases.

If there is no family history of varicose veins in the legs and these symptoms have appeared without having done strenuous work for a long time, it is recommended to first try conservative treatment aimed at improving blood circulation rather than immediate treatment. However, I have a family history 😭

 

Venous circulation disorders caused by lack of exercise and poor eating habits can be sufficiently improved by 'enhancing blood circulation,' so diet habits are indeed the key.

I'm worried about missing the optimal time for treatment and having to seek hospital care, so I plan to do regular exercise and stretching.

I walk every day, but I think I need to improve my habit of sitting with my legs crossed.

I think I need to correct habits like standing with a crooked stance.

 

Read the text and take a look at your legs.

You may not notice any symptoms, but sometimes tiny capillaries appear unappealingly (spider veins, reticular veins). If you ignore them as just small capillaries, it could develop into a bigger problem.

 

However, if there is a family history of varicose veins, if the person does strenuous work, or if there are already visible bulging veins outside the skin, it is recommended to receive systematic treatment under a specialist's diagnosis as soon as possible. I don't see any visible enlargement of the veins in appearance yet.

 

The leg fatigue from walking exercise is quite high. It's so ambiguous that it makes me more worried.

Am I suffering from varicose veins?