Treatment of varicose veins

Varicose veins in the legs are not only a cosmetic problem that worries people about their attractiveness, but also a dangerous disease that requires adequate treatment and adherence to preventive measures.

Causes of varicose veins are many: from a sedentary lifestyle, physical overload and ending with hormonal disorders, congenital weakness of the blood vessel wall, pregnancy. What happens during varicose veins? With varicose veins in the lower part of the leg, they lose their normal elasticity, and stretch under blood pressure.

The valve in the vein is usually locked, and as blood flows through it, it closes and lets the blood flow out and out. If the valve does not work, blood can be sent freely down, causing blood stasis.

Reason

Why do varicose veins occur, and what are they? The main risk factors for the development of this disease are considered to be genetic and gender predisposition. Because of high heels, hormonal changes during pregnancy and taking birth control pills, women fall victim to varicose veins twice as often as men.

Disease development is promoted by:

1. Descendants. It is not the disease itself that is inherited, but the genetically determined vein structure: weak connective tissue from the venous wall, congenital venous defect valves. That is why varicose veins can be observed in young, healthy and active people (regardless of gender) and even in children. According to scientists, genetic predisposition is a major factor that causes varicose veins in the legs.
2. Hormonal changes. Due to the characteristics of the body in women, the period of hormonal disorders is the cause of blood stagnation. For them, the most dangerous period is puberty, pregnancy, time after childbirth. The time when menopause comes is also dangerous. This gender category of patients visit the doctor 2-3 times more often. There is not enough hormone in the female organ called estrogen. Instead, the so-called corpus luteum hormone will occur. It is believed that he is the one who gives a relaxing effect on the muscles. This smoothes out varicose veins.
3. Lifestyle, or a non-permanent job, or a job that requires a long period of time, contributes to the development of varicose veins.
4. Age. Over time, the walls of the valves and veins become thinner, causing disruption of their work.
5. Obesity. Being overweight causes increased pressure on the veins in the legs.

Level

There are 3 stages of symptom development in the development of varicose veins.

1. Compensation level. No complaints. On examination, varicose veins on one or two legs were observed.
2. Subcompensation level. On examination, significant varicose veins can be seen on the legs. Patients complain of feeling full, paresthesia ("shivering") in the dry bones, night cramps. There is slight swelling of the feet, ankles and lower legs at night. The swelling disappears in the morning.
3. Decompensation stage. Dermatitis, eczema combined with the listed symptoms. Patients are worried about itching. The skin becomes dry, shiny, tightly attached to the subcutaneous tissue. Minor bleeding and subsequent hemosiderin deposition cause hyperpigmentation.

By itself, varicose veins are not considered a very serious disease, but if they do develop, they will not go away on their own, and moreover, the disease will develop, leading to a variety of complications that pose the greatest danger.

Sign

The first signs of the onset of varicose vein development:

• rapid leg fatigue;
• swelling of the lower extremities;
• heaviness in the legs.

At a later stage, spider veins appear on the skin, protruding veins and various seals, indicating congestion in the vessel.

Symptoms of varicose veins in the legs

At different stages of varicose veins, the symptoms can vary - from small spider veins that are almost asymptomatic to severe and painful manifestations.

You may suspect an early stage of development with the following symptoms:

• the appearance of pain in the legs, a feeling of warmth, and sometimes burning in the veins of the legs;
• weight on the legs;
• swollen feet appear in the evening;
• leg cramps begin at night;
• varicose veins;
• The skin of the lower leg acquires a dark color, seals appear, trophic ulcers are possible.

Once you find the main symptoms, you should immediately treat varicose veins - the symptoms will not go away on their own.

Diagnostics

To diagnose varicose veins in the lower part of the leg and prescribe appropriate treatment, the specialist will offer the patient to undergo a thorough examination, which includes a variety of methods.

1. Duplex scan (vein ultrasound) is the most informative method for diagnosing leg varicose veins, which makes it possible to get an idea of ​​the level of varicose veins, the direction of blood flow through their veins and patency, as well as detect the presence of blood clots (thrombi).
2. Contrast venography, which is a method of examination that allows you to detect varicose veins and find out how strong they are against blood.

Only a highly qualified phlebologist can diagnose deep varicose veins.

Varicose veins in women

Many women experience varicose veins. This is due to the tendency of women to this disease due to the uniqueness of the female hormonal system. In addition, pregnancy and childbirth in many cases cause the appearance of varicose veins, as there are effects of increased pressure and increased blood flow to the pelvic organs.

In addition to varicose veins in the lower legs, women often develop varicose veins in the perineum area, which affects the external genitals, which is the result of congenital weakness or lack of vascular walls and lack of valves. Exposure to external (prolonged static stress, significant physical activity) or internal factors (overweight, pelvic organ disease in chronic form) leads to the formation of varicose veins.

Important! Questions about the effects of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy remain open.

Development of varicose veins during pregnancy

Carrying out each subsequent pregnancy dramatically increases the chances of developing venous insufficiency in women and the formation of varicose veins. This is due to hormonal changes in the female body and a significant increase in the load on the veins.

Pregnancy increases the risk of developing varicose veins in the lower leg, this is facilitated by the following reasons:

1. Hormones circulating in the blood during pregnancy increase the elasticity of the venous wall and contribute to venous blood congestion in the legs.
2. Increased intra-abdominal pressure at the end of pregnancy makes it difficult for blood to flow through the leg veins.
3. Varicose veins that occur during pregnancy can disappear completely after giving birth, or develop further, depending on individual factors (heredity, the presence of other contributing factors).

Varicose veins in men

Varicose veins often occur in men in the form of varicocele - varicose veins on the spermatic cord. Symptoms of the disease:

• pain in the testicles and a feeling of heaviness, scrotum, along the spermatic cord, which increases with physical exercise and long standing;
• during scrotal palpation, spermatic artery veins are determined.

The development of varicoceles causes male infertility due to impaired blood circulation and associated pathological changes in the normal function of the testicles:

• there is an increase in testicular temperature to body temperature. High temperatures affect the course of spermatogenesis;
• testicular hypoxia (oxygen starvation, ischemia);
• accumulation of free radicals in the testicular tissue, interfering with their activity.

Treatment of varicose veins in men consists of surgery if there are indications: pain in the testicles, infertility, aesthetic defects in the scrotum, lack of testicular growth affected during pubertyHowever, the disease may not be symptomatic and does not cause significant discomfort to the man.

In adolescents and children, when diagnosing varicocele, surgery is required at every stage of the disease, this can prevent further development of infertility.

Surgery is performed by regular open and endoscopic procedures. It is possible to perform surgical interventions from mini-and microsurgical access testis revascularization.

Varicose veins in children

Children are also prone to the development of varicose veins. For them, this phenomenon is very rare and in most cases is the result of congenital pathology - angiodysplasia, an anomaly of the peripheral vascular system. The disease mainly affects the lower legs. As a result, significant anatomical dysfunction occurs. This leads to irreversible changes and early defects.

Important! The effectiveness of treatment depends on the age of the child. Requires immediate hospital treatment at the first signs of varicose veins. In this case, surgery is indicated.

In addition, the development of varicose veins in adolescence has become a fairly common occurrence. The disease strikes mainly girls. This can be provoked by:

• hormonal changes in the adolescent body;
• hereditary tendencies.

Among the factors that affect the appearance of varicose veins in children, there are:

• squinting, flat feet, hernias;
• poor posture;
• shoes are not properly installed;
• overweight.

For preventive purposes, to prevent the development of varicose veins, it is necessary to monitor the nutrition of the child. The diet should be balanced, beneficial to include in a rich diet routine. It is found in large quantities in hazelnuts, horse chestnuts, and even berries - rose hips, sea buckthorn, black currants. Decoction and juice from these berries can have a general prevention and strengthening effect on the body.

Pelvic varicose veins

Varicose veins can also occur in the pelvic area. In this form, it is found in most cases in women, which is related to the peculiarity of the blood supply to the female body. Enlarged veins cause pain and heaviness in the pelvic area, which can be caused by venous congestion.

The development of varicose veins in the small pelvis occurs for several reasons:

• pregnancy and childbirth;
• uterine deformity;
• lifting and carrying weights;
• hereditary tendencies;
• lack of physical activity;
• inactive work;
• take birth control pills.

If there are risk factors and symptoms of the disease, it is necessary to undergo an examination. In the early stages, it is possible to detect small pelvic varicose veins with ultrasound diagnostics. Early diagnosis may also be made by gynecological examination during standard procedures.

Treatment of the disease includes taking venotonic drugs, wearing special compression clothing, and performing therapeutic and prophylactic exercises. It is also necessary to exclude risk factors and be periodically monitored by a gynecologist. With the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment methods, surgical intervention is indicated.

Treatment of varicose veins in the legs

For varicose veins in the legs, treatment may not be a medical necessity but the symptoms are problematic.

However, some people may want to be treated for varicose veins for cosmetic reasons because they are not happy with their appearance.

Let's look at the main methods that will help get rid of this problem.

1. Sclerotherapy. This method of treatment is used independently and in conjunction with conservative procedures. The point lies in the fact that a specially filled preparation is injected into a vein with a thin needle or syringe, then the vein disappears completely. Sessions are held once a week, 3 to 6 sessions are required. Methods to prevent scars and scars.
2. Non-surgical treatment. If the varicose veins are in the early stages and not too uncomfortable, then elastic compression stockings may be recommended. It is worn during daily activities. They help narrow the veins, prevent them from stretching and limit discomfort or pain.
3. Medical treatment of varicose veins relieves symptoms, reduces swelling and pain, slows down the developmental process, but does not completely stop the disease and restore damaged veins.
4. Laser treatment for varicose veins in the legs can be used on the surface of the skin. With a slight flash of laser light, the process of sclerosis develops in the vein wall and the varicose veins disappear as if removed.

Physical activity - brisk walking, gymnastics, swimming and water exercise (excluding exercise with heavy loads on the legs - tennis, weightlifting, jumping) play an important role in treatment and prevention.

Venotonic Drugs

The action of this drug is aimed at increasing the smooth muscle tone in the walls of blood vessels, which allows them to maintain its elasticity and normalize blood circulation in the affected area.

A large number of venotonics are complex drugs. The effect achieved while using it extends not only to the veins, but also to all the channels in our body.

How to treat varicose veins with traditional medicine

There are a large number of methods for treating varicose veins on the legs with folk remedies, both for external and internal use. Here are the most common:

1. Horse chestnut flower (50 grams), you need to pour 500 g of alcohol, then leave for 14 days, shaking the bottle daily. Squeeze the tingtur through the mesh and eat one tablespoon with water three times a day before meals. How to heal for a week - rest for two weeks. Then treatment can be restarted.
2. Infusion of dried nettle is used for varicose veins. Crushed dried leaves are poured into a thermos with 1/2 liter of boiling water, put on for 30-40 minutes, filtered and taken 1/3 cup 3 times a day 1 hour after meals.
3. Compress tomato. Finely chop the tomatoes, place on a bandage, gauze, and apply to the sore spot. For convenience, you can tie it with an elastic bandage or other. Such compresses last on the veins for 2 hours, then change into new ones, and so on 3 times. The convenience of this compress is that it can be repeated every day.
4. Walnut oil tincture: cut uncooked beans, pour into a glass container, add olive oil and leave in a sunny place for 40 days. Lubricate the sore spots with the finished color. The course of treatment is long, as is the use of Kalanchoe.

In addition to folk remedies, many varicose vein patients complete therapy with special gymnastics - Mikulin training allows you to feel a significant improvement.

Varicose veins are a major disease of women, associated with the wearing of high-heeled shoes, pregnancy, childbirth and several other persistent conditions. But the disease can also strike men, especially if they do work activities that require more physical effort. Because varicose veins cause wear and tear on severe veins, which can provoke atrophy and thrombosis, it is important to diagnose the disease in a timely manner and overcome it. It can be done with operational and conservative methods. Treatment can only be selected by the attending physician.

Traditional methods for treating varicose veins

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can relieve pain from varicose veins

This home remedy is used in two ways. The first involves rubbing a little apple cider vinegar into the affected area 1-2 times a day. The last technique is best done before bed, so that you can soothe limb pain and improve sleep. If the varicose veins are localized, you can soak a clean gauze with vinegar and apply to the sore spot for 5-10 minutes. Such manipulations are also repeated 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment is 2-3 weeks. A mandatory monthly break is required between courses.

Honey ointment

To make an effective home remedy, you need to use beeswax, propolis and olive oil. These ingredients must be taken in a 2: 1: 1 ratio, respectively. After stirring the components thoroughly, they must be stored in the refrigerator. Homemade ointment is used twice a day in the morning and in the evening, it is not necessary to wash the product. Therapy can be carried out for 3-4 weeks, after which it is necessary to rest for the same period.

Chestnut Horse

Horse chestnut solution is an effective remedy for varicose veins

To prepare the solution, you need to collect a half-liter chestnut jar and peel the fruit. After that, the plant should be poured with 200 ml of alcohol or vodka, the resulting solution only insist in a dark, cool place for 14 days, for this you can use a drawer under the refrigerator. After settling, it is necessary to take 30 drops of infusion produced three times after the main meal. The duration of such treatment is 20-30 days.

Tingtur can also be used as a scrub, in which case this product cannot be taken internally. They rub the feet before bed, it is recommended to wash them first. After the product is used, you should go to bed immediately. Use chestnut tincture this way every day for a month. In both cases, a three-month break is required between treatments.

Potato juice

Potato juice for varicose veins is used in the form of compresses

This medicine can be used for the early stages of varicose veins, as well as for the appearance of boils in the affected area. To do this, you need to wipe the raw potatoes and then saturate with a clean gauze bandage. It is applied to ulcerative lesions for five hours. After that, the compress needs to be changed. You can use the potato application 1-2 times a day for two weeks. The interval between therapies is at least three to four weeks.

Attention!The real effectiveness of folk remedies for varicose veins is still in doubt. Therefore, it is recommended to use such methods only with the permission of a doctor and combined with traditional medicine.

When is the urgent need to see a doctor?

In case of severe varicose vein swelling, a condition may arise that requires immediate medical attention. These cases include the following process:

• the pain in the affected area is so severe that it is impossible to move the limbs and get out of bed;
• The skin on palpation is characterized by an increase in temperature, a swollen and very dense sore spot;
• skin has changed from normal to bluish or almost red and purple;
• sudden shortness of breath, difficult to breathe despite shortness of breath;
• there is an increase in sweating and severe weakness throughout the body;
• there is bleeding from the affected vein or the entire area.

Attention!A similar condition can occur not only in women, but also in men and children, if they suffer from varicose veins. Delays in this case can threaten the death of the patient if the necessary medical assistance is not provided.

Complications (consequences) of varicose veins

Varicose veins can cause serious complications. In the last stage of the development of varicose veins, excessive thinning of the walls of blood vessels is observed, in this case, the risk of the emergence of trophic ulcers - opening a bad healing wound on the vessel, which arises even with minor trauma, increases.

The result of the rupture of varicose veins is the development of thrombophlebitis. During appearance, thrombosis formation occurs with inflammation of the venous wall and thrombus forming that closes its lumen.

With the development of acute thrombophlebitis, severe pain appears in the area of ​​thrombotic veins, body temperature rises, accompanied by chills. With superficial vein thrombophlebitis, painful sealing with redness of the skin along the vein is characteristic. Deep vein thrombophlebitis is accompanied by edema of the extremities due to violation of the sharp venous outflow.

Disease Prevention

Preventive measures play an important role if there are risk factors for the development of varicose veins. Therefore, you can not ignore their observations even with varicose veins that have been diagnosed. This will save from its further development and the need for surgical intervention.

To reduce the risk of getting varicose veins, you must:

• moderate physical activity, a visit to the pool are very useful. Swimming has a massage effect, has a beneficial effect on blood vessels without unnecessary stress;
• strengthens blood vessel walls with contrast showers. Complete the hygiene procedure with a different foot bath. To do this, water your feet for 10 minutes, alternating between cold and warm water;
• changing diet - reducing the intake of fatty foods, including in a diet rich in routines;
• wearing compression underwear, especially with increased physical activity on the feet;
• intake of vitamins and mineral complexes that enhance immunity, strengthen vessel walls and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Exercises

Prevention and treatment of varicose veins also consists in performing prophylactic therapy and gymnastics exercises aimed at improving blood circulation and getting rid of the signs of blood stagnation.

Important! It is beneficial to do this exercise regularly every day.

You should start the class with the initial preparation of the legs: for this, you need to lie on your back, place your feet on a pillow or the back of a sofa. Remain in this position for 10-15 minutes.

Next, while lying down, start training:

1. bike - bend the knee to mimic pedaling;
2. bending of the foot at the ankle joint - the leg is extended, alternately performing bending and lengthening movements;
3. then use the toes in the same way;
4. lift your legs at an angle and rotate the legs in and out;
5. in a prone position, do a pair of scissors exercises: cross the legs alternately;
6. while standing, do walking in place, while still wearing socks;
7. Staying in a standing position, we do a raise on the toes: while inhaling, up, while exhaling, we go down.

Varicose vein disease develops for a long time, so when the first signs appear, it is possible to stop its course. But the only method to get rid of varicose veins is to remove the vein surgery.