In the modern world, a large percentage of the population suffers from varicose veins.This pathology is included in the list of "diseases of civilization" by the World Health Organization.The disease occurs more often in women due to lifestyle and genetic predisposition.The disease affects not only adults, but also young people.In the case of varicose veins, the contraindications and restrictions are quite extensive, non-observance of which can lead to serious consequences.
When the first signs of varicose veins appear, you should be examined by a surgeon and strictly follow his instructions.It is not necessary to self-medicate, this can lead to irreversible changes.
Degrees
Varicose veins of the lower extremities appear gradually.There are 3 degrees.
Compensation stage.The legs become swollen and tense, especially after long walking or standing.Possible burning and pain in the vessels of the lower limbs and spasms in the calf muscles.Later, a small vascular network appears, manifesting as "stars".It is recommended to minimize a sedentary lifestyle and engage in preventive exercise.
Women should avoid wearing high heels.
Subcompensated stage.At this stage, the pain in the legs intensifies, the spasms and swelling become more intense.The veins become even more noticeable, swelling to nodes with a bluish tint;the wall becomes thinner and the vessel may burst.The skin is scaly and itchy in the affected area.It is impossible to comb the localized area, this can lead to microtraumas.It is better to avoid tight underwear and tight clothes.You should refrain from intense sports and lifting weights!
Decompensation stage.This phase is characterized by a difficult outflow of blood from the veins, which leads to severe swelling of the lower limbs.Long-lasting trophic ulcers and eczema may occur.This stage is often accompanied by inflammation and thrombosis of blood vessels.If the lumen is blocked by a thrombus, surgical intervention is required.During the decompensation stage, wearing compression clothing is mandatory.Intense physical activity should be avoided.
Restrictions
In case of pain, if the patient is overweight, he should lose weight.A diet is necessary to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood, which clogs the lumens of blood vessels and provokes the appearance of blood clots in them.
If you have the first signs of varicose veins - itching, burning, tingling of the muscles, you should give up alcohol and reduce salt intake.These products contribute to the formation of lipoproteins on the walls of blood vessels and the development of atherosclerosis.
With varicose veins, it is recommended to choose comfortable, "correct" shoes.Wearing shoes that are too tight, especially high heels, contributes to foot congestion.
The orthopedic doctor will help you choose orthopedic insoles and recommend compression clothing and special socks.
If the integrity of the skin is broken, hirudotherapy, acupuncture and physiotherapy are contraindicated.
Contraindicated procedures
Hot baths are not recommended for varicose veins;it is better not to visit baths and saunas.
In the initial phase of varicose veins, you can take a contrast shower and make foot baths.
In an advanced stage of the disease, you cannot do massages, especially cupping and honey.Wraps with various cosmetic preparations are prohibited.
Depilation of the legs is possible in the absence of eczema and ulcers, but sugaring and wax strips should be excluded.
Warming compresses are contraindicated;they can worsen trophic ulcers or cause allergies.
Prolonged exposure to the sun and solarium are extremely undesirable.Tattoos should not be placed on the affected areas of the body, especially if the integrity of the dermis is broken;this can lead to serious complications.
In the stage of decompensation, warming physiotherapy procedures are not prescribed.Magnetic therapy and darsonvalization help in the initial stages.
Prohibited drugs
Women with varicose veins should not take hormonal birth control pills.They contribute to blood thickening and there is a risk of blood clots.
You should not take diuretics or other drugs that help remove excess fluid from the body;this can negatively affect the metabolic process.
Taking any medication should be agreed with your doctor.
Physical activity
For mild varicose veins, non-intense physical activity is recommended.Hiking and cycling, swimming, yoga and qigong exercises are beneficial.
If there are no bulging blood vessels, you can practice callanetics and stretching.
In advanced cases of pathology, the following is strictly contraindicated:
- long-term static load;
- weight lifting over 5 kg, weight lifting and wrestling;
- Outdoor sports games, such as football or volleyball;
- mountaineering and tourism;
- professional dance classes;
- fast running, especially long distances;
- parachuting;
- step aerobics.
Prohibited products
It is vital for a person suffering from varicose veins to stick to proper eating habits.
Turn off:
- fatty foods;
- pickles;
- smoked meats;
- marinades;
- cans
Do not consume sweets, flour and butter products, products with a high content of palm oil.These foods provoke the appearance of atherosclerosis.
The diet of a patient with venous disease should not include fast food, semi-finished products, carbonated drinks, coffee and strongly brewed tea.
It is better to limit salt and hot or too spicy spices, celery and mint.
Dietary recommendations
With varicose veins, the patient should eat small portions, but often, up to five times a day.It is especially important for overweight people to monitor their diet.Due to excess weight, they are at risk of thrombophlebitis with subsequent embolism of the blood vessels.
Products should be subjected to gentle heat treatment, preferring baking, steaming and boiling.Smoking and frying food should be avoided.
A patient with varicose veins should drink the required amount of fluid per day, about 2.5 liters.If the drinking regime is not followed, the blood thickens and blood clots can form.
General recommendations
In order to improve the quality of life, a person suffering from venous insufficiency must follow certain rules:
- with advanced varicose veins, heavy physical activity is prohibited;
- sit and stand less, move more.If a person works sitting down, periodically get up and stretch;
- elimination of constipation, which leads to congestion in the pelvic organs;
- proper and complete nutrition, eat fresh vegetables and fruits to get the necessary trace elements and minerals;
- if there is congestion in the lower extremities, it is necessary to wear compression garments;
- refusal of alcohol, even in small quantities, and smoking.These bad habits lead to sclerosis of the vein lumen;
- taking anticoagulants prescribed by a doctor;
- full sleep, at least 8 hours;
- elevated position of the legs in a supine position;
- preventive gymnastics.
You can relieve the symptoms of the disease with the help of tinctures based on horse chestnut, angioprotective and cooling ointments and pain relievers.To improve blood circulation, the necessary drugs, vitamins C, E and P, antispasmodics are used.
At the first signs of pathology, you should contact a surgeon or phlebologist.Self-medication is completely unacceptable.
The use of pain-relieving ointments and tablets relieves a person's condition for a short time, but does not cure him.Only a specialist can assess the extent of the disease and direct the patient to the necessary tests and diagnostic procedures.Based on the results of the study, adequate therapy is prescribed.
In case of vein rupture or thromboembolism, surgical intervention is indicated, which cannot be delayed, as these conditions are life-threatening for the patient.