Varicose veins are a common disease characterized by an increase in the lumen of the blood vessel, a malfunction of the valve apparatus and the occurrence of reverse blood flow.The pathological process can be localized in different places, so there are several types of the disease:
- fusion of the esophageal veins;
- rectal veins (hemorrhoids);
- pelvic veins;
- veins of the spermatic cord (varicocele);
- lower leg veins.
The most common is varicose veins of the legs.According to some estimates, it affects more than 30% of the population, with the majority being women.Varicose veins on the legs are not only not surprising, but also many unpleasant sensations and difficulties.The pathological process is accompanied by heaviness, pain, swelling, and often leads to dangerous complications: thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers.Many people want to know how to get rid of varicose veins forever, because they can affect the quality of life.But, unfortunately, this phenomenon cannot be restored, and the only thing that can be achieved is to stop or slow down the development of this disease.
Reason
The cause of varicose veins is still unclear.It is clear that this disease is associated with thinning, weakness and loss of elasticity of the vascular walls, as well as inefficient valves.As a result, the veins become dilated, stretched, long, widespread, and interspersed.There is an opinion that the decisive role in the occurrence of this disease is played by genetic predisposition, that is, weak blood vessels and defective valves from birth.
There are several factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins, although they are not the cause:
- Heredity (according to experts, the risk of developing the disease in people whose parents suffer from it is up to 70%).
- Belongs 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 or sitting (hairdresser, salesperson, surgeon, waiter, driver, accountant, programmer and others).
- Old age, where the weakening of blood vessel walls and wear of valve devices is a natural phenomenon.
- Surgical intervention.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure due to excess body weight, pregnancy, heavy lifting (loaders, weightlifters), often slows down with chronic constipation and cough.
Treatment methods
Varicose veins are a chronic process that starts gradually and only progresses over time.Today it is impossible to completely defeat this disease, but it is possible to slow down the development and reduce the symptoms if you use complex treatment, including:
- lifestyle changes;
- diet;
- physical therapy;
- compression therapy;
- medicines (for internal use and local use);
- surgical intervention;
- thermal procedures;
- Traditional method.
You have to fight varicose veins for the rest of your life.You can't bury yourself.You should be examined by a phlebologist or vascular surgeon, who will make a diagnosis, determine the extent of the disease and the severity of the lesion, and prescribe the appropriate treatment.The main task is to eliminate or reduce clinical manifestations, stop progression, prevent relapse and development of complications.
The effectiveness of treatment depends on the patient's compliance with all the doctor's recommendations.It is important to seek help at the initial stage, when there is no pain, but night swelling, heaviness and fatigue of the legs, and small spider veins on the skin have appeared.
Lifestyle correction
Without lifestyle changes, it is impossible to fight varicose veins effectively.The rules to be followed are really shallow, and failure to follow them is usually associated with a lack of strength or an irresponsible attitude towards one's health.
- Maintain a normal weight.
- Break with bad habits: Alcohol and smoking.
- Refusal to sunbathe, visit steam rooms and saunas, take hot baths (including foot baths).
- Rejection of high heels (no higher than 4-5 cm).
- Wear special elastic knitwear.
- Provide physical activity.This can be walking, swimming, physical therapy, or some sport.The main thing is to exclude squats, lifting weights, long distances, jumping, and 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 need to give up fried, salty, fatty foods.For drinks, give preference to green tea, clean water, fruit drinks, natural fresh 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 legs so that they are above the level of your heart while sleeping.
- Try to rinse your feet with cold water as often as possible.
Compression therapy
Special elastic garments are available today in a variety of areas.These are knee socks, stockings, tights of different colors and densities, which are practically no different from the usual ones.They have become a good alternative to cumbersome to use and visually unclear elastic bandages.
Special knitwear cannot treat varicose veins, but it improves microcirculation, reduces pressure on the veins,
Prevents blood from stagnation, reduces the diameter of blood vessels, increases the outflow of venous blood and lymph.A person feels light in his legs, less tired in the evening, and there is no swelling.
At first, without the habit of wearing compression stockings by hand, it will be difficult.To make your task easier, you can buy a special device.
There are four classes of therapeutic knitwear, depending on the pressure applied.You can only use Class 1 self-compression products, which are considered preventive and are more intended for healthy people.The rest should be prescribed by the doctor depending on the diagnosis and severity of the varicose veins.You should be aware that compression products may be contraindicated in some diseases.Doctors choose tights or stockings strictly according to size, otherwise, the desired effect will not be achieved.
Drug treatment
To treat 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, promote blood flow, and prevent skin changes.Medicines are intended to relieve fatigue, heaviness, discomfort, swelling, itching, cramps and pain in the legs.Their appointments are strictly individual.
The main way to treat varicose veins is venotonic.They are made on the basis of horse chestnut, rutin, grape leaves and are almost always well received by patients.Available in the form of tablets, capsules, gels.
To reduce blood viscosity and reduce the possibility of developing thrombophlebitis, anticoagulants are used.This is an ointment with additives in the form of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus.In addition to thinning the blood, they prevent the development of thrombophlebitis.
For skin changes that cause itching, antihistamines can be prescribed.For inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets are prescribed.
Surgical intervention
To remove varicose veins, an operation is performed to remove the affected part of the vessel to stop the flow of blood from the superficial veins into the deep ones.This operation is called phlebectomy.In its classic form, it is used less and less today due to the emergence of new, less traumatic ways to combat varicose veins.Such treatment is usually indicated for large diameter veins and advanced cases of the disease.
A gentler method is microphlebectomy, where a section of the vein is removed in parts and not through an incision, but through a puncture.
Thermal method
Radiofrequency ablation is considered the safest and least traumatic method to treat varicose veins, although it has some contraindications.This method involves the thermal effect of microwaves, as a result of which the lumen of the vein is closed.Main advantages:
- outpatient treatment;
- no anesthesia or incision is required;
- Recovery does not take much time;
- This procedure is easy to accept;
- can be done in summer;
- There is no bruising after the treatment, swelling and pain is minor.
Laser coagulation is another method of treating varicose veins.During the procedure, a laser is applied to the vessel wall.Radiation leads to adhesion of the vein wall and complete closure of the lumen.It is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia without an incision.A catheter is inserted into the lumen of the vein, where an LED is inserted and radiation is applied.This procedure is minimally traumatic and complications are very rare.
Sclerotherapy
This non-surgical method is one of the most common.It is used on small veins and as part of complex treatment together with surgery.The point is that a special drug with a sclerosing effect is injected into the vein using a thin needle.As a result, the walls of the vessels stick together, closing and stopping blood flow.The affected vein turns into a fibrous cord.The main advantages of the method:
- outpatient treatment;
- low morbidity;
- ease of implementation;
- The duration of the procedure is about 20 minutes;
- good cosmetic effect.
Traditional method
Walnut Tincture
Pour the unripe walnuts into a glass bowl and pour olive oil.Place in the sun for 40 days.Apply as needed, lubricating the affected area.Treatment should be continued for about four months.
Cabbage leaves
Cut a cabbage leaf, apply a layer of olive oil on one side, apply this side to the affected area, wrap it and leave it for a day.Continue treatment for a month.
Chestnut horse
This is one of the most effective folk remedies.To treat varicose veins, prepare a tincture from the fruits of the plant, which must be crushed, half full in a glass container (three liters) and filled with vodka.Place in a dark place for a month, stirring from time to time.When ready, rub the sore area overnight.Chestnut alcohol reviews for external and internal use for varicose veins can be purchased at the pharmacy.
Training
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, because dynamic is beneficial for veins and static is harmful.But it is equally important to consult a doctor about what sports you can do and what load will be optimal.In addition, patients can be shown special therapeutic exercises, which are performed directly in the medical facility.At home, you can also do simple but effective exercises, which with regular exercise will help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins.
- Lying on your back, place a pillow under your legs so that they rise at an angle of 20 degrees.Close your eyes, relax completely, breathe deeply.
- While lying on your back, lift your legs vertically and rotate your legs alternately in and out.
- Lie on your back and make movements with your legs as if riding a bicycle.
- Lie on your back, lift your legs and cross them (scissors).
- Stand straight, arms down, feet together.Slowly rise to your toes, then slowly lower.
- Walk in place, keeping your socks on the floor.
- 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 (often cold and warm).
Conclusion
Varicose veins is an irreversible process, but it is necessary to treat it, especially since there are many modern methods that need to 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 dangerous conditions that can lead to death as pulmonary embolism.