In the modern world, a large percentage of the population suffers from varicose veins.This pathology was included in the list of “diseases of civilization” by the World Health Organization.The disease is more common in women due to lifestyle and genetic predisposition.The disease affects not only the elderly, but also the young.For varicose veins, contraindications and restrictions are quite wide, non-compliance with which can lead to serious consequences.
When the first signs of varicose veins appear, it is necessary to be examined by a surgeon and strictly follow his instructions.You do not need to treat yourself, this can lead to irreversible changes.
Degrees
Varicose veins of the lower extremities appear gradually.There are 3 grades.
Compensation stage.The legs become swollen and tight, especially after walking or standing for a long time.Possible burning and pain in the vessels of the lower extremities and cramps in the calf muscles.Subsequently, a small vascular network appears that appears in the form of “stars.”It is advisable to minimize sedentary lifestyle and perform preventive exercises.
Women should avoid wearing high heels.
Undercompensated stage.At this stage, the pain in the legs intensifies, cramps and swelling become more intense.The veins become even more noticeable and swell until they form nodes with a bluish tint;the wall becomes thinner and the glass may burst.The skin peels and itches in the affected area.It is impossible to comb the localized area, this can cause microtrauma.It is best to avoid tight underwear and tight clothing.You should refrain from playing intense sports and lifting heavy objects!
Decompensation stage.This phase is characterized by difficulty in the outflow of blood from the veins, which causes intense swelling in the lower extremities.Long-lasting trophic ulcers and eczema may appear.This stage is usually accompanied by inflammation and thrombosis of blood vessels.If the lumen is blocked by a thrombus, surgical intervention is required.During the decompensation stage, the use of compression garments is mandatory.Intense physical activity should be avoided.
Limitations
In case of pain, the patient, if he is overweight, needs to lose weight.A diet is necessary to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood, which clogs the lumen of blood vessels and causes blood clots to appear in them.
If you have the first signs of varicose veins (itching, burning, numbness in the muscles), you should give up alcohol and reduce salt consumption.These products contribute to the formation of lipoproteins in the walls of blood vessels and the development of atherosclerosis.
For varicose veins, it is recommended to choose comfortable and "correct" shoes.Wearing shoes that are too tight, especially those with high heels, contributes to congestion in the legs.
An orthopedic doctor will help you choose orthopedic insoles and recommend compression garments and special stockings.
If skin integrity is compromised, hirudotherapy, acupuncture, and physical therapy 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 do foot baths.
In an advanced stage of the disease, massages, especially cupping and honey, cannot be performed.Wraps with various cosmetic preparations are prohibited.
Hair removal on the legs is possible in the absence of eczema and ulcers, but wax and sugar strips should be excluded.
Hot compresses are contraindicated;They can aggravate trophic ulcers or cause allergies.
Prolonged exposure to the sun and solarium is extremely undesirable.Tattoos should not be placed on affected areas of the body, especially if the integrity of the dermis is damaged;This can lead to serious complications.
In the stage of decompensation, warm-up physiotherapeutic procedures are not prescribed.Magnetotherapy 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 medications that help eliminate 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 useful.
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 charge;
- lifting weights over 5 kg, powerlifting and wrestling;
- outdoor sports games, such as soccer or volleyball;
- mountaineering and hiking;
- professional dance classes;
- run fast, especially over long distances;
- skydiving;
- stepaerobics.
Prohibited products
It is vital that a person suffering from varicose veins follow correct eating habits.
Exclude:
- fatty foods;
- pickles;
- smoked meats;
- marinades;
- canned food
Do not consume sweets, flour and butter products, products with high palm oil content.These foods cause the appearance of atherosclerosis.
The diet of a patient with venous disease should not include fast food, processed foods, carbonated drinks, coffee or strong tea.
It is better to limit salt and hot or too spicy spices, celery and mint.
Dietary recommendations
With varicose veins, a sick person needs to 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 blood vessels.
Products must undergo gentle heat treatment, preferring baking, steaming and boiling.Smoking and frying foods should be avoided.
A patient with varicose veins should drink the necessary amount of fluid per day, about 2.5 liters.If the drinking regimen is not followed, the blood thickens and clots may form.
General recommendations
To improve the quality of life, a person suffering from venous insufficiency must adhere to certain rules:
- with advanced varicose veins, intense physical activity is prohibited;
- sit and stand less, move more.If a person works sitting, get up periodically and stretch;
- eliminate constipation, which causes congestion in the pelvic organs;
- eat properly and fully, eat fresh vegetables and fruits to obtain the necessary microelements and minerals;
- if there is congestion in the lower extremities, it is necessary to use compression garments;
- give up alcohol, even in small quantities, and smoke.These bad habits cause sclerosis of the lumen of the veins;
- take blood thinners as prescribed by a doctor;
- full sleep, at least 8 hours;
- elevated position of the legs while lying down;
- preventive gymnastics.
You can relieve the symptoms of the disease with the help of tinctures based on horse chestnut, angioprotective and cooling and analgesic ointments.To improve blood circulation, the necessary medications, vitamins C, E and P, and antispasmodics are used.
At the first signs of pathology, you should contact a surgeon or phlebologist.Self-medication is completely unacceptable.
The use of analgesic ointments and tablets briefly relieves a person's condition, but does not cure it.Only a specialist can assess the extent of the disease and refer the patient for the necessary diagnostic tests and procedures.Based on the results of the examination, appropriate therapy is prescribed.
In case of ruptured vein or thromboembolism, surgical intervention is indicated, which cannot be delayed, because these conditions endanger the patient's life.