How to treat varicose veins

Women's legs without varicose veins

Varicose veins are a common disease characterized by an increase in the lumen of blood vessels, damage to the valve apparatus and the occurrence of reverse blood flow. Pathological processes can be localized in different places, so there are several types of disease:

  • expansion of esophageal veins;
  • rectal vein (hemorrhoids);
  • small pelvic veins;
  • spermatic nerves (varicocele);
  • veins in the lower leg.

Varicose veins on the legs are considered the most common. It is estimated that more than 30% of the population suffers from this disease, with the majority being women. Varicose veins on the legs are not only bad prominent veins, but also a lot of unpleasant sensations and discomfort. Pathological processes are accompanied by severity, pain, edema, and often lead to dangerous complications: thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers. Many want to know how to get rid of varicose veins forever, as it significantly disrupts quality of life. But, unfortunately, this phenomenon is irreversible, and the only thing that can be achieved is to stop or slow down the progression of the disease.

Reason

The cause of varicose veins is still not fully understood. It is understood that the disease is associated with thinning, weakness and loss of elasticity of the vascular wall, as well as inefficient valves. As a result, the veins become dilated, stretched, long, twisted, nodular unevenly. It is believed that genetic predisposition plays an important role in the onset of the disease, i. e. , from birth, weak ducts and damaged valves.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins, although not the cause:

  • Heredity (according to experts, the risk of disease in people whose parents suffer from the disease is up to 70%).
  • Being a woman. This is due to hormonal changes during puberty, during pregnancy and during menopause, as well as taking hormonal contraceptives and wearing high-heeled shoes.
  • Long-term related labor activities on the feet or in a sitting position (hairdresser, salesman, surgeon, waiter, driver, accountant, programmer, etc. ).
  • Old age, when the walls of blood vessels are weakened and the wear of valves is a natural phenomenon.
  • Operation intervention.
  • Inactive lifestyle.
  • Increased intra-abdominal pressure due to overweight, pregnancy, weightlifting (loader, weightlifting), frequent stress with chronic constipation and cough.

Methods of treatment

Varicose veins are a chronic process that begins gradually and only progresses over time. To date, it is impossible to completely overcome this disease, but it is possible to slow the progression and reduce symptoms if you use complex treatments, which include:

  • lifestyle changes;
  • diet;
  • physiotherapy training;
  • compression therapy;
  • drug
  • (for internal and local use);
  • surgical intervention;
  • thermal procedures;
  • folk methods.

You should fight varicose veins throughout your life. Do not self-medicate. Should be examined by a phlebologist or vascular surgeon who will diagnose, determine the extent of the disease and the severity of the lesion, and prescribe appropriate treatment. The main task is to eliminate or reduce clinical manifestations, stop development, prevent relapse and the development of complications.

The effectiveness of treatment will depend on the patient's compliance with all doctor's recommendations. It is important to get help at an early stage, when there is still no pain, but night swelling, heaviness and fatigue of the legs, small spider veins on the skin have appeared.

Lifestyle correction

Without changing your lifestyle, it is impossible to fight varicose veins effectively. The rules that must be followed are completely superficial, and failure to follow them is usually associated with a lack of will or irresponsible attitude towards one’s health.

  • Maintain a normal weight.
  • Break up with bad habits: alcohol and smoking.
  • Refusal to sunbathe, visit steam room and sauna, hot showers (including foot baths).
  • Rejection of high heels (not higher than 4-5 cm).
  • Wear a special stretch jersey.
  • Provides physical activity. This can be walking, swimming, physiotherapy training, some sports. The main thing is to exclude squatting, lifting weights, long distance running, jumping, martial arts.
  • Proper nutrition. The diet should contain more fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, grains, and seafood. It is recommended to reduce the amount of meat. You should quit smoking, fried, salty, fatty. From drinks, choose green tea, clean water, fruit drinks, natural fresh juices and limit coffee.
  • Use every opportunity during the day to lift your legs at an angle of about 20 degrees.
  • Buy a special pillow for your feet to stay above heart rate while sleeping.
  • Try rinsing your feet with cold water as often as possible.

Compression therapy

Special knitwear is available today in a variety of styles. These are knee-high, stockings, tights with different colors and densities, which are practically no different from the usual. They are a good alternative to elastic bandages, are not comfortable to use and are not aesthetically pleasing externally.

Special jerseys can not treat varicose veins, but they increase microcirculation, reduce pressure on the veins,Special device for wearing compression garmentsprevent blood from stopping, reduce the diameter of blood vessels, increase venous and lymphatic blood flow. Someone feels light in his legs, in the evening he becomes less tired, there is no swelling.

At first it will be difficult without the habit of wearing compression socks by hand. To simplify your task, you can purchase a special device.

There are four classes of medical knitwear, depending on the pressure applied. You can only wear products from the first compression class, which are considered prophylaxis and intended for healthy people. The rest should be prescribed by a doctor, depending on the diagnosis and severity of varicose veins. You should be aware that compression products can be contraindicated for certain diseases. Underwear or stockings are chosen by the doctor strictly according to the measurements, otherwise the desired effect will not occur.

Medicine

For the treatment of varicose veins, tablets and external agents in the form of gels, creams and ointments of various spectrum of action are used. They improve vascular tone, improve microcirculation, improve blood flow, and prevent changes in the skin. Medications are designed to relieve fatigue, heaviness, discomfort, swelling, itching, cramps, and pain in the legs. Their appointments are individual.

Apply healing cream on the feet with varicose veins

The main method of treating varicose veins is venotonic. They are made based on horse chestnuts, rutin, grape leaves and are almost always well received by patients. Available in tablets, capsules, gels.

Anticoagulants are used to reduce blood viscosity and reduce the likelihood of thrombophlebitis. This is an ointment with cooling additives in the form of bulbs, camphor, eucalyptus. In addition to thinning the blood, they prevent the development of thrombophlebitis.

Antihistamines may be prescribed for itchy skin changes. In case of inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pills are prescribed.

Surgery

To get rid of varicose veins, surgery is performed to remove the affected part of the vessel to stop the flow of blood from the superficial veins into the deep. This operation is called phlebectomy. In its classic form, it is being used less and less today in connection with the advent of new, less traumatic methods of dealing with varicose veins. Such treatment, as a rule, is indicated for the diameter of large veins and cases of further disease.

A softer method is microflebectomy, in which the venous part is removed in part and not through an incision, but through a puncture.

Thermal methods

Radio frequency ablation is a low trauma method for treating varicose veins

Radio frequency ablation is considered the safest and least traumatic way to treat varicose veins, although it has some contraindications. This method consists of the effect of microwave heat, as a result of which the venous lumen is closed. Main benefits:

  • outpatient treatment;
  • does not require anesthesia and incision;
  • recovery does not take long;
  • The
  • procedure is easy to carry;
  • can be done in the summer;
  • no bruising after treatment, swelling and minor pain.

Laser coagulation is another method of treating varicose veins. During the procedure, a laser is applied to the vessel wall. Radiation leads to venous wall adhesion and complete lumen closure. It is performed outpatiently under local anesthesia without incision. A catheter is inserted into the venous lumen, where an LED is inserted and radiation is supplied. The procedure is less traumatic, complications are very rare.

Sclerotherapy

Deep vein thrombosis

This nonoperative method is one of the most common methods. It is used on small veins and as part of complex treatments along with surgical interventions. The bottom line is that special drugs with sclerosing effect are injected into the veins using a thin needle. As a result, the walls of the vessels stick, close and stop the flow of blood. The affected vein becomes the umbilical cord. The main advantages of the method:

  • outpatient treatment;
  • low invasive;
  • ease of implementation;
  • duration of the procedure - about 20 minutes;
  • good cosmetic effect.

Traditional methods

Walnut texture

Pour the chopped walnuts into a glass plate and pour in the olive oil. Enter sunlight for 40 days. Apply as needed, lubricating the affected area. Continue treatment for about four months.

Cabbage leaves

Beat the cabbage leaves, apply a layer of olive oil on one side, apply this part to the affected area, bandage and leave for a day. Continue treatment for a month.

Physiotherapy training - an important part of the complex treatment for varicose veins

Chestnut Horse

This is one of the most effective folk remedies. For the treatment of varicose veins, the tincture is prepared from the fruit of the plant, which must be crushed, half filled in a glass container (three liters) and filled with vodka. Transfer to a dark place for a month, stirring from time to time. Once ready, rub the sore spots overnight. Alcoholic beverages for external and internal use with varicose veins can be purchased at the pharmacy.

Exercises

When varicose veins appear, the question may arise as to whether it is possible to engage in physical education and sports and what exercises are useful. A large number of doctors agree that physical activity in such diseases is very important, as the dynamics are beneficial for the veins and static are dangerous. But it is just as important to see a doctor as to what type of exercise you can do and what type of load is most optimal. In addition, patients can be shown special medical gymnastics, which is carried out directly in the medical institution. At home, you can also do simple but effective exercises that, with regular exercise, will help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins.

  1. Lying on your back, place the pillow under your feet until it rises at a 20 degree angle. Close your eyes, relax completely, take a deep breath.
  2. In the supine position, lift your legs vertically and rotate the legs alternately in and out.
  3. Lie on your back and move your legs like riding a bicycle.
  4. Lie on your back, lift your legs and cross (scissors).
  5. Stand up straight, lower your arms, your legs together. Slowly lift your toes, then lower slowly.
  6. Walk in place, do not tear your socks off the floor.
  7. Sit on a chair, bend your ankles towards you and away from you, then bend your toes in the same way.
  8. Pour a stream of elastic water over the feet (alternately cold and warm).

Conclusion

Varicose veins are an irreversible process, but they must be treated without fail, especially since there are several modern methods that must be used in combination. Without treatment, there is a high risk of complications such as chronic venous insufficiency, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers, and even dangerous conditions that can lead to death, such as pulmonary embolism.

10.11.2020