Varicose veins are a common disease characterized by an increase in the lumen of blood vessels, destruction of the valve apparatus and occurrence of reverse blood flow.The pathological process can be localized in different places, so there are several types of the disease:
- expansion of the veins of the esophagus;
- rectal veins (hemorrhoids);
- pelvic veins;
- veins of the spermatic cord (varicocele);
- veins of the lower extremities.
The most common are varicose veins in the legs.According to some estimates, it affects more than 30% of the population, the majority being women.Varicose veins on the legs are not only ugly bulging veins, but also many unpleasant sensations and inconveniences.The pathological process is accompanied by heaviness, pain, swelling and often leads to dangerous complications: thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers.Many would like to know how to get rid of varicose veins forever, as they significantly reduce the quality of life.But, unfortunately, this phenomenon is irreversible and the only thing that can be achieved is to stop or slow down the development of the disease.
Reasons
The causes of varicose veins are still not fully understood.It is clear that the disease is associated with thinning, weakness and loss of elasticity of the vascular wall, as well as incompetent valves.As a result, the veins become unevenly dilated, stretched, long, curved and knotted.There is an opinion that a decisive role in the appearance of the disease is played by genetic predisposition, that is, weak blood vessels and defective valves from birth.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins, although they are not the causes of it:
- Heredity (according to experts, the risk of developing the disease in people whose parents suffer from it is up to 70%).
- Belonging to the female gender.This is due to hormonal changes during puberty, during pregnancy and menopause, as well as taking hormonal contraceptives and wearing high-heeled shoes.
- Work activities associated with long periods of standing or sitting (hairdressers, salespeople, surgeons, waiters, drivers, accountants, programmers and others).
- Old age, in which the weakening of the walls of the blood vessels and wear of the valve apparatus is a natural phenomenon.
- Surgical interventions.
- A sedentary lifestyle.
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure due to excess weight, pregnancy, weight lifting (lifters, weightlifters), frequent straining with chronic constipation and cough.
Methods of treatment
Varicose veins are a chronic process that starts gradually and progresses only with time.Today it is impossible to completely defeat the disease, but it is possible to slow down the development and reduce the symptoms if complex treatment is used, which includes:
- lifestyle changes;
- diet;
- physical therapy;
- compression therapy;
- drugs (for internal and local use);
- surgical intervention;
- heat treatments;
- traditional methods.
You will have to fight with varicose veins for the rest of your life.You should not self-medicate.You should be examined by a phlebologist or a vascular surgeon who will make a diagnosis, determine the stage of the disease and the severity of the lesion and prescribe appropriate treatment.The main task is to eliminate or reduce the clinical manifestations, stop the progression, prevent relapses and the development of complications.
The effectiveness of the treatment will depend on the patient's compliance with all the doctor's recommendations.It is important to seek help at an early stage, when there is still no pain, but there are evening swellings, heaviness and fatigue of the legs and small spider webs on the skin.
Lifestyle adjustment
Effective fight against varicose veins is impossible without lifestyle changes.The rules that must be followed are absolutely banal, and their non-compliance is usually associated with a lack of will or an irresponsible attitude to health.
- Maintaining a normal body weight.
- Breaking bad habits: alcohol and smoking.
- Avoid sunbathing, visiting steam baths and saunas, taking hot baths (including foot baths).
- Refusal of high heels (no higher than 4-5 cm).
- Wearing special elastic knitwear.
- Providing physical activity.This could be walking, swimming, physical therapy or some kind of sport.The main thing is to exclude squats, weight lifting, long distance running, jumping and martial arts.
- The right nutrition.The diet should include more fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, whole grains and seafood.It is recommended to reduce the amount of meat.You should give up smoked, fried, salty, fatty foods.From drinks, prefer green tea, pure water, fruit drinks, natural fresh juices and limit coffee.
- Take every opportunity during the day to raise your legs up at an angle of about 20 degrees.
- Buy a special pillow for your legs so that they are above the level of your heart while you sleep.
- Try to rinse your feet with cool water as often as possible.
Compression therapy
Special elastic knitwear is available in a wide range today.These are knee socks, socks, tights of different colors and density, which are practically no different from ordinary ones.They have become a good alternative to inconvenient to use and visually unaesthetic elastic bandages.
Special knitwear cannot cure varicose veins, but it improves microcirculation, reduces tension on veins,
prevents blood stagnation, reduces the diameter of blood vessels, increases the outflow of venous blood and lymph.One feels lightness in one's legs, one gets less tired in the evening and there is no swelling.
At first, without the habit of putting on compression stockings by hand, it will be difficult.To facilitate your task, you can purchase a special device.
There are four classes of therapeutic hosiery depending on the pressure applied.You can only wear compression class 1 products on your own, which are considered preventative and are intended more for healthy people.The rest should be prescribed by a doctor depending on the diagnosis and severity of varicose veins.You should know that compression products may be contraindicated in some diseases.The doctor chooses tights or socks strictly according to the size, otherwise the desired effect will not be achieved.
Drug treatment
For the treatment of varicose veins, tablets and external agents in the form of gels, creams and ointments with a different spectrum of action are used.They increase vascular tone, improve microcirculation, stimulate blood flow and prevent skin changes.Medicines are designed to relieve fatigue, heaviness, discomfort, swelling, itching, cramps and pain in the legs.Their appointment is strictly individual.
The main means of treating varicose veins are venotonics.They are made on the basis of horse chestnut, rutin, grape leaves and are almost always well tolerated by patients.It is available in the form of tablets, capsules, gels.
Anticoagulants are used to reduce blood viscosity and reduce the likelihood of developing thrombophlebitis.These are ointments with cooling additives in the form of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus.In addition to thinning the blood, they prevent the development of thrombophlebitis.
For skin changes that cause itching, antihistamines may be prescribed.In case of inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets are prescribed.
Surgical intervention
To get rid of varicose veins, operations are performed to remove the affected part of the vessel to stop the flow of blood from the superficial vein to the deep one.The operation is called a phlebectomy.In its classic form, it is used less and less today due to the emergence of new, less traumatic ways to fight varicose veins.Such treatment is usually indicated for large diameter veins and advanced cases of the disease.
A gentler method is microphlebectomy, in which part of the vein is removed in parts and not through an incision, but through a puncture.
Thermal methods
Radiofrequency ablation is considered the safest and least traumatic method for treating varicose veins, although there are some contraindications.The method involves the thermal effect of microwaves, as a result of which the venous lumen closes.Main advantages:
- outpatient treatment;
- no anesthesia or incision required;
- recovery does not take much time;
- the procedure is easily tolerated;
- can be done in summer;
- There is no bruising after treatment, swelling and pain are negligible.
Laser coagulation is another method of treating varicose veins.During the procedure, a laser is applied to the vessel wall.Radiation leads to adhesion of the vein walls and complete closure of the lumen.It is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia without incisions.A catheter is inserted into the lumen of the vein, through which an LED is inserted and radiation is applied.The procedure is minimally traumatic and complications are very rare.
Sclerotherapy
This non-surgical method is one of the most common.It is used for small veins and as part of complex treatment together with surgery.The main thing is that a special drug with a sclerosing effect is injected into a vein using a thin needle.As a result, the walls of the vessel stick together, close and stop the blood flow.The affected vein becomes a fibrous cord.The main advantages of the method:
- outpatient treatment;
- low morbidity;
- ease of implementation;
- Duration of the procedure about 20 minutes;
- good cosmetic effect.
Traditional methods
Walnut tincture
The crushed unripe walnuts are poured into a glass bowl and poured with olive oil.Place in the sun for 40 days.Apply as needed by massaging the affected areas.Treatment should last about four months.
cabbage leaf
Cut a cabbage leaf, smear one side with olive oil, apply this side to the sore spot, bandage it and leave it for a day.Continue treatment for one month.
horse chestnut
This is one of the most effective folk remedies.For the treatment of varicose veins, prepare a tincture from the fruits of the plant, which must be crushed, filled to half in a glass container (three liters) and filled with vodka.Place in a dark place for a month, stirring occasionally.When ready, rub the affected areas overnight.Alcohol tincture of chestnut for external and internal application for varicose veins can be purchased at the pharmacy.
Exercises
When varicose veins appear, the question may arise whether it is possible to engage in physical education and sports and what exercises are useful.Most doctors agree that physical activity is very important for this disease, because dynamics are good for veins, and static is harmful.But it is equally important to consult a doctor about what sports you can do and what loads will be optimal.In addition, the patient can be shown special therapeutic exercises that are performed directly in a medical facility.At home, you can also perform simple but effective exercises that, with regular exercise, will help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins.
- Lie on your back, place pillows under your legs so that they rise at an angle of 20 degrees.Close your eyes, relax completely, breathe deeply.
- While lying on your back, lift your legs vertically and rotate your legs alternately in and out.
- Lie on your back and make movements with your legs as if you were riding a bicycle.
- Lying on your back, raise your legs and cross them (scissors).
- Stand straight, arms down, feet together.Slowly rise up onto your toes, then lower just as slowly.
- Walk in place, keeping your socks on the floor.
- Sitting in a chair, bend your legs at the ankles towards you and away from you, then bend your toes in the same way.
- Pour your feet with an elastic stream of water (alternating between cool and warm).
Conclusion
Varicose veins are an irreversible process, but it is necessary to treat them, especially since there are quite a few modern methods that must be used in combination.Without treatment, there is a high risk of developing complications such as chronic venous insufficiency, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers and even such a dangerous condition that can lead to death as pulmonary embolism.