Phlebologist - a specialist in veins

Phlebologist – specialist in veins: spider veins and varicose veins on the legs are not only an aesthetic defect, but a very serious threat to health. The appearance of such changes on the legs indicates problems with the veins. The most serious disease is deep vein thrombosis, which can even lead to the death of the patient. In recent years, the number of cases of venous diseases has increased dramatically. Aching legs and various related ailments should prompt the patient to visit a phlebologist, i.e. a specialist in vein diseases.

Who is a phlebologist?

He is a doctor who specializes in diseases of the veins. The name “phlebology” comes from phlebos (“vein”) and logos (“science”) from the Greek words “phlebos” – vein and “logos” – science. Vein diseases are becoming a serious social problem. More and more people are interested in professional treatment by a specialist. Phlebology – as a medical specialty is developing dynamically and there is a lot of interest in advice on diseases of the veins. According to research, up to 40% and 30% of men suffer from various venous problems.

Wandering around the doctors of patients with venous problems

Patients with venous diseases usually had to wander around doctors of several specialties, and diagnosing their problems left much to be desired. From the internist, they heard that leg pain and calf cramps, swelling are a symptom of fatigue, lack of movement, the result of wearing high-heeled shoes. They go to a dermatologist to diagnose skin blemishes and non-healing wounds. They do not realize that changes on the skin of the legs are a symptom of venous insufficiency. They come to the hematologist with reduced blood clotting and the risk of pulmonary embolism and the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Both diseases can be fatal. Oncological patients also have to deal with thrombotic complications. People who want to eliminate varicose veins are looking for a vascular surgeon. Meanwhile, instead of visiting many doctor’s offices, you can only go tophlebologist and start proper diagnosis and treatment. The range of treatment methods is huge – from non-invasive to surgical.

Diseases treated by a phlebologist

Atherosclerosis, varicose veins and thrombosis are considered civilization diseases. They are caused by a sedentary lifestyle, office work, addictions, improper diet and stress. The above factors cause the development of diseases of the blood vessels. The best solution is to consult a phlebologist. Untreated venous problems can lead to very serious complications: blockages and blood clots. Leg ulcers are being diagnosed more and more often. It is not only a disease of the elderly, but also of professionally active people. Vein diseases affect the economic and social functioning of the patient . phlebologistcan suggest effective treatment methods, which usually allows you to avoid surgery. The signals that should alarm the patient and lead to a visit to a phlebologist are: the feeling of heaviness in the legs, swelling of the ankles, calves and feet, and spider veins. If the above symptoms are ignored, after some time there will be noticeable thickening of the vessels under the knees and around the ankles, and irreversible damage to the blood vessels may occur. Varicose veins make walking difficult. People who suffer from calf cramps, bruising, hemorrhoids (varicose veins) should go to a phlebologist . The basic examination performed by a phlebologist is Doppler ultrasound, i.e. imaging of veins and arteries. It is a painless, non-invasive test and takes several minutes.

Phlebological treatment

Treatment of varicose veins by a phlebologist depends on the stage of the disease and may be minimally invasive. The following treatments are used in phlebological treatment: laser therapy, echotherapy, ultrasounds, massage, lymphatic drainage, which improves blood and lymph circulation, as well as sclerotherapy and mini-phlebectomy – removal of inefficient vessels in the circulatory system.

Non-reimbursed treatment

Not very good news is the fact that treatment with a phlebologist is not reimbursed by the National Health Fund, which means that the patient has to pay from his own funds. This is a major impediment, even preventing effective treatment of vein diseases for people who cannot afford to pay for expensive treatments. Surgical treatment conducted by surgeons or vascular surgeons is reimbursed. Conservative treatment in Poland, especially by doctors of new specialties, is not noticed by the National Health Fund in practice. This is a big problem because many patients could avoid surgery and get rid of the problem with non-invasive treatments. Less suffering, easier recovery, however, these arguments do not convince the national payer to reimburse treatment by a phlebologist.

You do not need a referral to a phlebologist , but it is worth taking with you medical documentation regarding the course of treatment of venous diseases.

In many cases, vein diseases can be prevented in a simple way: by increasing physical activity, avoiding high-heeled shoes and proper nutrition, which consists primarily in eliminating fast-food and fried foods.