Varicose veins are a common disease characterized by an increase in the lumen of blood vessels, alteration of the valvular apparatus and the appearance of reverse blood flow.The pathological process can be located in different places, so there are several types of disease:
- dilation 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 of the legs.According to some estimates, it affects more than 30% of the population, the majority being women.Varicose veins in the legs are not only unsightly protruding veins, but also a lot of unpleasant and inconvenient sensations.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, since they significantly impair 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 entirely clear.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 are unevenly dilated, stretched, long, tortuous and gnarled.There is an opinion that genetic predisposition plays a decisive role in the occurrence of the disease, 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 their causes:
- 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 blood vessels and wear of the valve apparatus is a natural phenomenon.
- Surgical interventions.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure due to excess weight, pregnancy, lifting heavy objects (bearers, weightlifters), frequent straining with chronic constipation and cough.
Treatment methods
Varicose veins are a chronic process that begins gradually and only progresses over time.Today it is impossible to completely defeat the disease, but it is possible to slow down its development and reduce symptoms if complex treatment is used, which includes:
- lifestyle changes;
- diet;
- physiotherapy;
- compression therapy;
- medicines (for internal use and local use);
- surgical intervention;
- thermal procedures;
- traditional methods.
You will have to fight against varicose veins all your life.You should not self-medicate.You should be examined by a phlebologist or vascular surgeon, who will make a diagnosis, determine the stage of the disease and the severity of the injury, and prescribe appropriate treatment.The main task is to eliminate or reduce clinical manifestations, stop 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 no pain yet, but night swelling, heaviness and fatigue in the legs and small spider veins have appeared on the skin.
Lifestyle correction
Without lifestyle changes, it is impossible to effectively combat varicose veins.The rules that must be followed are absolutely banal and non-compliance is usually associated with a lack of will or an irresponsible attitude towards health.
- Maintain a normal body weight.
- Say goodbye to bad habits: alcohol and smoking.
- Refuse to sunbathe, visit steam rooms and saunas, take hot baths (including footbaths).
- Rejection of high heels (not higher than 4-5 cm).
- Wear special elastic knitwear.
- Provide physical activity.This could be walking, swimming, physical therapy, or some sports.The main thing is to exclude squats, weight lifting, long-distance running, jumping and martial arts.
- Proper nutrition.The diet should contain more vegetables, fruits, herbs, whole grains and fresh seafood.It is recommended to reduce the amount of meat.It is necessary to abandon smoked, fried, salty and fatty foods.For drinks, give preference to green tea, clean water, fruit drinks, natural juices and limit coffee.
- Take every opportunity during the day to raise your legs at an angle of about 20 degrees.
- Buy a special pillow for your feet so that they are above the level of your heart while you sleep.
- Try to rinse your feet with cold water as often as possible.
Compression therapy
Today there are special stretch knitwear available in a wide range.These are knee-high socks, stockings, tights of different colors and densities, which practically do not differ from the usual ones.They have become a good alternative to elastic bandages that are uncomfortable to use and visually unsightly.
Special knitwear cannot treat varicose veins, but they improve microcirculation, reduce tension on the veins,
prevents blood stagnation, reduces the diameter of blood vessels, increases the outflow of venous blood and lymph.A person feels light legs, gets less tired at night, and there is no swelling.
At first, without the habit of putting on compression stockings on hand, it will be difficult.To facilitate your task, you can purchase a special device.
There are four kinds of therapeutic knitwear, depending on the pressure applied.You can only use class 1 compression products on your own, which are considered preventive and intended more for healthy people.The rest must be prescribed by a doctor based on the diagnosis and severity of the varicose veins.You should be aware that compression products may be contraindicated in some diseases.The doctor selects stockings or stockings strictly according to the size;Otherwise, the desired effect will not be achieved.
Pharmacological treatment
For the treatment of varicose veins, tablets and external agents in the form of gels, creams and ointments with various spectrums of action are used.They increase vascular tone, improve microcirculation, promote blood flow and prevent skin changes.The drugs are intended to eliminate 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 from horse chestnut, rutin and grape leaves and are almost always well tolerated by patients.Available in the form of tablets, capsules, gels.
To reduce blood viscosity and reduce the likelihood of developing thrombophlebitis, anticoagulants are used.These are ointments with refreshing additives in the form of menthol, camphor and eucalyptus.In addition to thinning the blood, they prevent the development of thrombophlebitis.
For skin changes that cause itching, antihistamines may be prescribed.For 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 in order to stop the discharge of blood from the superficial to the deep vein.The operation is called phlebectomy.In its classic form, it is used less and less today due to the emergence of new and less traumatic methods to combat varicose veins.This treatment is usually indicated for large diameter veins and advanced cases of the disease.
A gentler method is microphlebectomy, in which a section 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 of treating varicose veins, although it has some contraindications.The method involves the thermal effect of microwaves, as a result of which the venous lumen is closed.Main advantages:
- outpatient treatment;
- no anesthesia or incision is required;
- recovery does not take long;
- the procedure is easily tolerated;
- It can be done in summer;
- There is no bruising after treatment, swelling and pain are mild.
Laser coagulation is another method of treating varicose veins.During the procedure, a laser is applied to the vessel wall.The radiation causes the walls of the veins to stick together and completely close 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 in small veins and as part of a complex treatment along with surgery.The bottom line is that a special drug with a sclerosing effect is injected into a vein with a thin needle.As a result, the walls of the vessel stick together, close and stop blood flow.The affected vein becomes a fibrous cord.The main advantages of the method:
- outpatient treatment;
- low morbidity;
- ease of execution;
- The duration of the procedure is about 20 minutes;
- good cosmetic effect.
Traditional methods
walnut tincture
Pour the chopped green walnuts into a glass container and pour in the olive oil.Place in the sun for 40 days.Apply as needed, lubricating affected areas.Treatment should continue for about four months.
cabbage leaf
Cut a cabbage leaf, apply a layer of olive oil on one side, apply this side to the affected area, bandage it and leave it for a day.Continue treatment for one month.
horse chestnut
This is one of the most effective home remedies.To treat varicose veins, prepare a tincture from the fruits of the plant, which must be crushed, half filled in a glass container (three liters) and filled with vodka.Place in a dark place for a month, stirring occasionally.When you're ready, rub the sore areas overnight.Alcoholic chestnut tincture for external and internal use 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, since dynamic activity is beneficial for the veins and static activity is harmful.But it is equally important to consult a doctor about what sports you can play and what loads will be optimal.Additionally, the patient can be shown special therapeutic exercises, which are performed directly in a medical center.At home you can also do simple but effective exercises, which with regular exercise will help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins.
- Lie on your back, place pillows under your feet so that they are elevated at an angle of 20 degrees.Close your eyes, relax completely, breathe deeply.
- While lying on your back, raise your legs vertically and turn your feet 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 and feet together.Slowly rise up onto your toes and then lower yourself down just as slowly.
- Walk in place, keeping your socks on the ground.
- Sitting on 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 (alternately cold and warm).
Conclusion
Varicose veins are an irreversible process, but it is necessary to treat them, especially since there are many 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.