For most people, especially women, varicose veins are primarily an aesthetic problem. In the early stages, the disease does not pose a threat to health. Swollen and ugly veins can ruin the appearance of certain body parts, but if you do not pay attention to the treatment and prevention of varicose veins, complications can develop over time.
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of getting varicose veins:
In addition to the characteristic dark blue or purple vein formation, the following are the main signs of varicose vein development:
To effectively deal with varicose vein problems, an integrated approach is needed, which includes:
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is recommended to start wearing compression garments - stockings, tights or leggings using light pressure from the bottom of the legs up, reducing blood accumulation and reducing swelling. You need to wear such compression clothes continuously, only in this case a positive effect can be achieved. Wearing compression clothing will not cure existing varicose veins, but will help prevent or reduce varicose veins and further complications.
Laser endogenous ablation (radio or laser frequency)
The laser endogenous ablation method is the most effective and safe method to treat varicose veins. This is the use of laser or radio frequency therapy, with the help of varicose veins closed or removed. The doctor makes a small incision in the skin near the vein and inserts a catheter into it, then a special device is connected to the end of the catheter, with which the catheter heats up and closes or removes varicose veins (depending on the method of ablation chosen). This procedure is performed using local anesthesia and the patient usually returns home on the same day.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy refers to a gentle method of treating varicose veins. During the procedure, a special substance is injected into a varicose vein, which damages the lining of the vein and causes blood to clot in it. After a while, the veins collapse and disappear.
Surgical method
In the case of advanced varicose veins, some very gentle treatment methods are no longer effective. In this case, the patient suffering from varicose veins can be assisted with surgery, in which the superficial veins are removed surgically. Indications for surgery are boils, bleeding, phlebitis. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, as a rule, the patient returns home on the same day. Pain and discomfort may occur for 2 weeks after surgery, this is normal.
Exercises for varicose veins
Many movements and moderate exercise are key allies in the fight against varicose veins. Not all exercises are equally beneficial, and some can even harm someone suffering from varicose veins.
Simple, rhythmic physical activities such as walking prevent the development of disease and complications because dynamic muscle movement helps direct blood from the periphery to the heart.
Walking very well for the prevention of varicose veins, this type of physical activity promotes healthy blood circulation by stretching and contracting the venous pump on the calf muscles. Walk at least 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.
Low intensity running
Running at low speeds works well for the calf muscles, but has one drawback - running puts pressure on our joints. If you are not ready to replace the run with other activities, run on grass or rubber roads, not on hard asphalt.
Elliptical bike and exercise
Exercise with elliptical trainers and stationary bikes actively binds the calf muscles, this contributes to normal blood circulation.
Strength training
Patients with varicose veins should avoid a lot of very strong endurance exercises, squatting, lungs and headaches. All of them have a negative impact on the course of the disease and contribute to its development. During prolonged muscle tension, blood accumulates in the veins of the legs, blood circulation deteriorates, all of which provokes the development of complications. It is recommended to wear compression stockings during and after strength training.
Today, pharmacies offer a wide range of medicines for the treatment of varicose veins in the form of tablets, drops, ointments, creams, gels.
The main group of drugs used to treat varicose veins
For the treatment of varicose veins, several groups of drugs are used: ointments, creams, tablets, infrequent injections.
Features of each group listed:
To solve the problem, it is necessary to increase the tone of the veins. Therefore, patients with varicose veins are prescribed phlebotonics (venotonics). The main task of drugs with venotonic properties is to strengthen weak blood vessels and normalize blood circulation.
Phlebotonics varies in composition and price range, therefore, for the treatment of varicose veins, you can get the most appropriate choice of medication in terms of cost.
Phlebotonics containing Diosmin
Diosmin belongs to the bioflavonoid representative and is found in many medicines to combat varicose veins. It has a venotonic effect, improves lymphatic drainage, improves microcirculation, reduces the adhesion of leukocytes to venous walls and their migration to paraffin tissue, increases the diffusion of oxygen and perfusion on skin tissue, and has anti-inflammatory effects. Inhibits the production of free radicals, the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane.
Experimental studies show that diosmin doubles lymph outflow, improves venous wall tone, suppresses leukocyte activity and prevents inflammation.
This is a group of drugs that affect the blood clotting system, preventing the adhesion of formed elements, platelets. Antiplatelet agents are another name for drugs in this group, because, in fact, natural or synthetic substances inhibit platelet adhesion and prevent the formation of blood clots, which are often needed in the treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities.
Antioxidants are substances that inhibit the oxidation of lipids and proteins in cell membranes, bind free radicals and thus slow down the oxidation and aging processes. Drugs in this group can be prescribed in the complex treatment of varicose veins. They help increase the length and elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, strengthen them and extend the normal lifespan of each cell in the wall even the smallest veins.
Often, varicose veins are accompanied by pain and swelling. To restore lightness in the legs, decongestants are often prescribed in the complex treatment of varicose veins. They increase the outflow of lymph from the affected area, removing excess fluid from the body.
As a rule, phlebologists are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. Unfortunately, not all medical institutions offer physicians with this expertise. Keep in mind that some narrow specialists can also help in the treatment of varicose veins - these are angiologists and vascular surgeons. General practitioners can also help diagnose the disease and refer the patient to the appropriate specialist.
Remember that in the early stages of the disease, obvious clinical manifestations are usually absent. Therefore, if you suspect varicose veins, you should immediately contact a qualified specialist who will make a diagnosis. As a rule, the diagnosis of varicose veins is made by considering the patient's complaints, examination of the lower extremities, as well as data from laboratory and instrumental research methods. It is possible to be confident in the development of the disease and take timely action to prevent it only after a thorough examination of the patient.
All modern ointments are prescribed in addition to the main treatment of varicose veins with medication. Local treatment helps achieve a complex effect on the problem.
We recommend using creams, gels and ointments in complex treatments, as well as for prophylactic purposes. Especially for people who have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins. However, when the first symptoms appear, immediate steps must be taken. Otherwise, the disease can develop and cause severe discomfort.
Local treatment of varicose veins is an important therapeutic agent, which, along with medication, exercise therapy and prevention, helps restore a healthy circulatory system:
The use of ointments for the treatment of varicose veins is regulated by a phlebologist, who takes into account the indications and contraindications for its use. Therefore, despite the simplicity of such a drug, its own use, without consulting a doctor, is unacceptable.
Ointments for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins based on heparin are produced by different names, they differ from each other in the presence of excipients in compositions that change the action and effect significantly, and also have different manufacturers.
Heparin is a unique ingredient, so it is included in many medicines for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins. Your doctor will tell you which ointment to choose for the treatment of varicose veins on the legs. In addition to heparin-based ointments, there are herbal preparations that are no less effective in preventing the development of varicose veins.
The herbal component of the ointment is a complex natural substance that acts in a complex with varicose veins, strengthens the walls of blood vessels and improves blood circulation.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to relieve pain and inflammation in varicose veins. NSAID-based ointments ease the general condition of patients with varicose veins and can speed up the healing process.
There is no significant difference between topical preparations in the form of ointments, gels or creams, however ointments and creams are made based on vegetable or animal fats, and the active ingredients in them are not completely soluble.
The gel is produced on the basis of water, for this reason, all active components in it are completely soluble, without residue, which contributes to faster penetration and absorption into the skin.
Topical varicose veins should always be used on clean skin. They must be used periodically, especially in severe forms of the disease. Remember, varicose vein disease is not a simple disease, and a comprehensive approach is needed here. Expert consultation is required, you can not cure yourself. Only after the diagnosis is made will the doctor be able to prescribe treatment, which includes medication for internal and external use. In this case, the patient with varicose veins must lead a healthy lifestyle.