Varicose veins are one of the most common conditions of the human vascular system.
The favorite spot for varicose veins is the lower extremities. Many modern treatments are designed to combat varicose veins. Frequent medical clinics offering various injections, lasers and surgical procedures.
Predisposing factors for the development of varicose veins
Although susceptibility to varicose veins is inherited (it has a 90% chance of developing in offspring if both parents in the family have the disease), the disease develops under the influence of external factors that increase pressure in the veinsof. Where:
- Overweight - Violation of lipid metabolism can trigger many vascular diseases, including varicose veins.
- Static Loads - Work Sitting or Standing. But instead, walking activates a "muscle pump" that stimulates blood flow through the veins.
- High heels - limit the work of the calf muscles and, therefore, reduce the activity of the muscle pump.
- Chronic constipation - increased intra-abdominal pressure, which in turn increases pressure on the veins of the lower extremities.
- Pregnancy and childbirth - All vital systems of a woman's body, including the cardiovascular system, are under increased stress during pregnancy and childbirth.
First, venous valves cannot handle high loads, which should normally ensure blood flow in only one direction - from bottom to top. The valve begins to pass the blood in the opposite direction (top to bottom), and in the area bounded by it, the pressure in the vein increases significantly: the blood vessel dilates, varicose veins appear. The valves in this area eventually stop working, and the pressure in the veins becomes higher—the vicious circle closes and the changes begin to spread to adjacent areas.
Sooner or later, chronic venous insufficiency—a disease caused by persistent stagnation of blood in the altered veins—will appear.
symptom
The symptoms of varicose veins are characterized by gradual progression. There are no obvious signs immediately; in the first stage, the disease manifests by:
- Leg swelling, especially after sitting or standing for long periods of time, usually goes away on its own in the morning -- the first sign that the deep veins aren't working properly;
- Leg cramps and numbness, especially in the evening and morning;
- Feelings of heaviness, burning, itching and pain in the legs, especially in the second half of the day;
- The first visible sign is the characteristic red-blue vascular network and asterisks, fully visible on the skin.
Other symptoms appear as varicose veins progress
- Thickening and darkening of the skin of the lower legs: in this case, spots and peeling occur;
- Veins become painful when probing;
- severe muscle pain, increased intensity when walking;
- The appearance of venous knots protruding above the skin of the legs and feet.
If effective treatment is not given even at this stage, patients will inevitably face serious complications, which will be discussed later.
How to treat varicose veins?
Women's legs belong to a special risk group. According to statistics, varicose veins affect women in more than 70% of the disease cases. Diseases don’t just have a negative impact on health. It ruins the look significantly and makes fair sex uncomfortable.
Treatment should be started immediately at the first signs of varicose veins in the legs (swelling, heaviness in the legs, swollen veins and the appearance of spider veins). How to treat varicose veins in women's legs? There are several ways:
- using intravenous ointments and gels;
- taking pills to increase the tone of the veins;
- Advice on the use of traditional medicine;
- Correction of the working of the veins using medical procedures (sclerotherapy, laser coagulation);
- Surgery to solve the problem at the root (phlebectomy).
Ointments, gels, and tablets are very effective in the early stages of varicose veins. Traditional medicine can accompany women and support the body throughout treatment, regardless of the primary treatment method. In cases where varicose veins begin to progress aggressively, conservative, minimally invasive treatments (sclerotherapy, laser irradiation) are used. Surgical intervention is an extreme measure when a woman's health and life is at risk due to severe venous disease.
medical treatement
In the complex treatment of varicose veins, special drugs must be used. In most cases, these are capsules or tablets that have multiple effects on the body. especially:
- intravenous injection. These drugs increase blood flow, prevent blood clots from forming, and increase the tension in the walls of blood vessels. Varicose veins cannot be eliminated with these medications, but they can eliminate swelling in the legs and eliminate burning and pain. For varicose veins, usually 2 tablets per day are taken for the duration of treatment at the discretion of the doctor.
- blood thinning drugs. These drugs thin the blood and promote its better circulation, preventing blood clots from forming. These drugs are prescribed for individuals only, and the terms of use are set by the doctor.
- Anti-inflammatory drugsThese include pills, ointments, and gels that relieve pain, reduce swelling, and prevent platelets from sticking together. But more importantly, such drugs prevent inflammation of the veins that lead to thrombophlebitis.
Medications are prescribed in cases where milder exposure methods do not help. However, don't rush to drugs, as they can damage not only the stomach but also the heart and liver.
Modern medicines for treating varicose veins in the legs
Modern treatments for varicose veins are nothing short of miracles. To prescribe the right medication, you need to consult a specialist.
ointments and creams for varicose veins
They play a role in the prevention and adjunctive treatment of disease at an early stage. They are helping:
- relieve pain;
- reduce swelling;
- Improve the activity of the valve system;
- increase the tone of blood vessel walls;
- restore normal blood flow;
- Prevent the development of complications.
The only contraindication is that varicose vein ointment should not be used if there is skin damage.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins
Some patients require improved and more thorough treatment of varicose veins. This strategy is often associated with removal or occlusion of the affected vein.
These are open and minimally invasive procedures, which include:
- Microsclerosis- According to the name, the procedure is designed to treat small varicose veins. The amount of chemical fluid injected is also small, and the process has the same results as sclerotherapy.
- Sclerotherapyis a simple procedure that involves closing varicose veins by injecting chemical fluids into the dilated blood vessels. Under the influence of the substance, irritation and eventual venous blockage (occlusion) occurs. This type of surgical intervention is best for small, less visible varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is usually given every 4 weeks; during this time, the patient's leg should be wrapped with an elastic bandage to reduce the severity of the pathological process.
- laser surgery– This treatment does not include surgery or injections of liquid chemicals. To remove varicose veins from the affected area, a laser beam is used.
- endovascular surgery– As with ablation, during this procedure the doctor must cut open the affected part and then use a surgical instrument with which the vein is occluded. This treatment is primarily intended to remove severe varicose veins that cause skin wounds to form.
- Endovascular ablation therapy- With this method of treating varicose veins, doctors use laser radiation or radio waves. Unlike laser surgery, which is powered by light, the procedure generates heat, which causes the veins to dilate and close, eventually becoming chains of connective tissue. In this case, the doctor cuts the skin around the affected vein and inserts a catheter whose tip provides the heat needed for the healing process. Since the procedure is not complicated, the only areas that require post-operative care are the affected tissue for trimming.
Stockings and tights for varicose veins
Women are more prone to varicose veins than men. This is due to the hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause) they experience throughout their lives. The most comfortable and easiest way to treat varicose veins is to wear special tights or stockings to protect the legs from pain, swelling and fatigue.
The effectiveness of a compression bra is due to the fact that it compresses the legs, which can cause varicose veins to compress. Wearing compression stockings is an excellent way to prevent varicose veins. There are product models designed to treat venous dilation in men and pregnant women.
Spa
The treatment of varicose veins with water has been known since ancient times. Under the influence of different temperatures, the veins narrow and dilate, which helps increase their elasticity. Knowing this, modern doctors use hydrotherapy in the early stages of varicose veins, when the network of blood vessels is just starting to appear on the skin.
Also, depending on the problem, bathing can be topical (for the legs only) or generic (for the whole body). The water temperature in this bath varies from 20 to 40°C.
active lifestyle
Avoid staying in one place for long periods of time, whether sitting or standing! Staying in one place for a long time (sitting in a chair or standing on your feet) can cause blood to build up in your legs.
If there is a pause at work, try using it to walk. The truth is that when walking, the leg muscles are more efficient at directing blood to the heart. Whether you're sitting or standing a lot at work, try taking hourly breaks for simple exercises. Stand up on your heels, then on your toes for 10 minutes. These exercises help direct blood upwards and reduce swelling.
Exercise for 20 minutes at least 3 times a week. This will help you stay in shape and even add some extra weight. Walking is a particularly valuable exercise for the legs, because with each step, the muscles in the legs act on the veins, causing the blood to rise.
Keep your legs as high as possible while resting
At rest, try to keep your legs as high as possible relative to your heart.
The cause of varicose veins is the tendency of blood to build up at the level of the legs. During their ascent, blood returns to the heart more easily and reduces the load on the veins.
Ideally, it's between work breaks or tasks at home.
foot massage
A light foot massage promotes blood circulation. To do this, massage your leg muscles with two fingers (but not veins! ), working your way from your heels to your buttocks.
don't cross your legs
When sitting in a chair, it is strictly forbidden to cross your legs. Putting one foot on the other puts extra unnecessary pressure on the leg and restricts blood from rising through the veins.
Folk remedies for treating varicose veins
Treating varicose veins at home with folk remedies is particularly effective in summer. Popular recipes are:
- Buckeye flowers.Pour 50 grams of flowers into 0. 5 liters of alcohol and let it brew for 14 days, shaking the bottle every day. Pass the resulting tincture through a mesh and use 1 tbsp. Take with a spoon 3 times a day before meals with water. After one week of treatment, take a 2-week break. Then repeat again.
- Longevity plumes.Wash the Kalanchoe pinnate leaves and place in a one-liter jar (the leaves should be half the size of the jar). Fill it with 70% alcohol and keep it in a dark place for 14 days. Shake the jar before applying. Lubricate your legs and feet every day before bed. The pain goes away after the first use. If varicose veins are running, 4 months of treatment is required.
- Potato.Peel and grate 5 potatoes. Grind the resulting puree and apply it to the feet. After 4 hours, the pain is completely gone, then rinse the potatoes with lukewarm water.
- apple.Place 3 apples in boiling 1 liter of water, cover and place in a warm place for 4 hours. Next, without removing the apples, break them up, mix the solution and strain. Add 1 tablespoon. A spoonful of honey, half a cup (50 grams), before meals in the morning and before going to bed at night. The tool also cleans the blood and improves sleep and appetite.
- Garlic with butter.Take the white-shelled garlic and grind it. Mix it with two parts butter. Apply at night to prominent veins, place parchment on top and secure with a bandage or warm scarf. Rinse off in the morning and put something warm and soft on your feet.
Treating varicose veins at home is not always possible. For the treatment to be successful, it is necessary to consult a doctor and strictly follow his instructions.
Otherwise, the negative consequences of treatment are as follows:
- Ineffective treatment and worsening of the condition of the veins;
- Allergic reactions and intolerance to the means used;
- Skin burns due to improper dressings with burning substances;
- Vascular rupture and thromboembolism if treatment is performed against the background of existing contraindications.
Contraindications to the treatment of varicose veins include grade 3 and 4 pathology. In this case, the disease can only be eliminated by surgery. In addition, traditional medicine is not applicable in the case of thromboembolism, worsening vascular insufficiency, severe disease of calf muscle spasm, massive blood deposits in the involved vessels and large areas of involvement.
How to use apple cider vinegar for varicose veins?
Some simple tips and reviews on how to treat leg varicose veins with vinegar at home:
- Wet a cotton pad with vinegar and rub your feet on the problematic areas. Repeat the process as often as possible, 5-7 times a day.
- Pour warm water into the tub and pour in a liter of vinegar. Immerse your feet in the water, and after half an hour, complete the watering procedure. Doctors do not recommend drying your feet with a towel. It's best to lie in bed with your legs elevated above your head (for example, against a wall) and let them dry naturally.
- Fold the gauze in several layers and moisten it well with vinegar. Put the foot in the problem area, wrap it in plastic wrap (or plastic bag), and wrap it in a warm scarf. Remove the compress after one hour.
- You can also take apple cider vinegar by mouth. Mix a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink it on an empty stomach half an hour before breakfast. It is important to remember that this formula should not be used for medication in the case of gastrointestinal problems.
Apple cider vinegar contains a lot of vitamins, trace elements, minerals. They are good for the body and help to deal effectively with varicose veins. Apple cider vinegar does not cause harm to people, and if used regularly, there will be noticeable positive effects after a month.
Comment
- Female, 33 years old. "I use apple cider vinegar and massage for varicose veins: I do a half-hour wrap every day, then 5 minutes to massage the swollen veins for two months. First, the pain in the legs disappeared in the morning, and after three weeks the varicose veins disappearedNo more deep veins now. I'm glad we managed to avoid surgical intervention and now I recommend apple cider vinegar to all my friends for varicose veins.
- girl, 21 years old. "I had to turn to a phlebologist after a long period of pain in my legs. He suggested laser surgery to remove my varicose veins and I overcame my fear and agreed. Laser removal of my varicose veins under local anesthesia lasted 40 minutes, and after the surgery, the swelling and bruising continued for another week. I am happy with the results of the treatment and I no longer feel pain. "
- Male, 40 years old. "A phlebologist recommended that I use leeches to treat varicose veins. I'm not afraid of these creatures, so I easily agree. Leech saliva contains useful hirudin, which cleans and thins the blood and slows blood clotting. The course is 8 sessions at intervals of 3Days. After a 3-month break, I'll go through repeat sessions because after 2 sessions, I've noticed that the swelling in my legs has subsided and walking has become easier. "
What happens if there is no treatment?
There is an adage about varicose veins that doctors coined - "a disease that manifests in the legs and sprouts in the heart. " In fact, the disease is not just an aesthetic problem, it can cause trouble and reduceQuality of Life. Varicose veins are fraught with serious complications and even death without qualified medical assistance.
Therefore, the consequences of varicose veins in the legs can be:
- Thrombophlebitis - the disease is accompanied by the development of inflammatory processes in the affected veins;
- bleeding;
- tissue malnutrition;
- increased pigmentation;
- Increased thrombosis is a complication that not only endangers health, but also life.
In addition, it is worth mentioning that the common "companion" of leg varicose veins is trophic ulcer. It occurs because of persistent venous insufficiency and increased venous pressure.
prevention
There is no doubt that varicose veins can be cured. We'll discuss how to do it so it doesn't have to be treated.
- Hide all uncomfortable shoes and stilettos in drawers. Occasional wear only allowed - for special occasions.
- Don't forget to take a 5-minute break when working on the computer for a long time. Special exercises are possible even in the office. If possible, try to walk to work.
- If you're prone to constipation, don't ignore the problem. As the pelvis continues to be heavy, blood circulation begins to suffer. Work with interested friends and schedule regular rides, swimming pools, and exercising in the fresh air.
- Control your weight. Check your diet if necessary. It should not contain a lot of fat or fried foods.
- After a tiring day, settle down on the sofa and place a roller about 15 cm high under your feet, so that the blood flow in the blood vessels of the legs will return to normal.
- If your occupation involves prolonged standing and physical activity - take a break. If you're used to putting one foot on the other, try to control yourself. This habit can easily cause inflammation.
- Wear only comfortable, unrestricted clothing. Don't buy tight jeans or tight-fitting stockings. This rule applies especially to women. Uncomfortable skinny jeans have a negative effect not only on the health of the legs, but also on the work of the genitourinary system.
Compression underwear is not only used to treat varicose veins, but also to prevent varicose veins. So, for example, if someone in the family has this condition, during pregnancy, on a flight, and on long journeys by bus or train, during training, he'd be better off using compression stockings or wrapping his legsElastic bandage.
When to see a doctor?
You should contact your doctor about varicose veins as soon as possible. The more severe the disease at this point, the less likely the patient will be completely cured. Ideally, if a person comes to the clinic at the first signs: heavy legs, flying pains when standing for long periods of time, swelling.