How to treat varicose veins

Varicose veins are a common disease characterized by an increase in the lumen of blood vessels, breakdown 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:

• expansion of the veins of the esophagus;
• rectal veins (hemorrhoids);
• pelvic veins;
• spermatic cord veins (varicocele);
• veins of the lower extremities.

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 in the legs are not only ugly elongated veins, but also a lot of discomfort and discomfort.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, as 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.

reason

The causes of varicose veins are still not exactly clear.It is clear that the disease is associated with thinning, weakness and loss of elasticity of the vascular wall, as well as with incompetent valves.As a result, the veins become unevenly dilated, stretched, long, twisted and knotted.There is an opinion that a decisive role in the occurrence of the disease is played by genetic predisposition, that is, weak blood vessels and valves damaged from birth.

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

• 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 of standing or sitting (hairdressers, salesmen, surgeons, waiters, drivers, accountants, programmers and others).
• Old age, in which the weakening of the blood vessel walls and wear of the valve apparatus is a natural phenomenon.
• Surgical interventions.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Increased intra-abdominal pressure due to excess weight, pregnancy, lifting weights (loaders, 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 the development and reduce the symptoms if you use complex treatment, which includes:

• lifestyle changes;
• diet;
• physical therapy;
• compression therapy;
• medications (for internal use and local use);
• surgical intervention;
• thermal procedures;
• traditional methods.

You will have to fight varicose veins for the rest of 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 lesion and prescribe the appropriate treatment.The main task is to remove 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 still no pain, but evening 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 effectively fight varicose veins.The rules that must be followed are absolutely banal, and their non-compliance is usually accompanied by a lack of will or an irresponsible attitude to health.

• Maintaining normal body weight.
• Breaking bad habits: alcohol and smoking.
• Refusal of sunbathing, visiting steam rooms and saunas, taking hot baths (including foot baths).
• Rejection of high heels (no higher than 4-5 cm).
• Dressed in special elastic knitwear.
• Providing physical activity.This can be walking, swimming, physical therapy or some sports.The main thing is to exclude squats, lifting weights, running long distances, dancing and martial arts.
• The right food.The diet should contain more fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, grains and seafood.It is recommended to reduce the amount of meat.You should give up smoked, fried, salty and fatty foods.For drinks, give preference to green tea, pure water, fruit drinks, fresh natural juices and limit coffee.
• Use every opportunity during the day to raise your legs up 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 you sleep.
• Try to rinse your feet with fresh water as often as possible.

Compression therapy

Special elastic knitwear is available today in a wide range.These are knee socks, stockings, tights of different colors and densities, which practically do not differ from ordinary ones.They have become a good alternative to the inconvenient and visually unsightly elastic bandage.

Special knitwear cannot treat varicose veins, but they improve microcirculation, reduce stress on veins,prevents blood stagnation, reduces the diameter of blood vessels, increases the flow of venous blood and lymph.A person feels light on his feet, gets less tired in the evening and has no swelling.

At first, without the habit of putting on 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 wear compression class 1 products, which are considered preventive and are intended more 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 may be contraindicated in some diseases.The doctor chooses tights or stockings strictly according to the size, otherwise the desired effect will not be achieved.

Drug treatment

For the treatment of varicose veins, tablets and external agents in the form of gels, creams and ointments of different spectrum of action are used.They increase vascular tone, improve microcirculation, promote blood flow and prevent skin changes.Medicines aim to eliminate fatigue, heaviness, restlessness, swelling, itching, cramps and pain in the legs.Their appointment is strictly individual.

The main means for treating varicose veins are venotonics.They are made on the basis of horse chestnut, rutin, grape leaves and are almost always well tolerated by patients.Available in the form of tablets, capsules, gels.

Anticoagulants are used to reduce blood viscosity and reduce the likelihood of developing thrombophlebitis.These are ointments with cooling 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 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, less traumatic ways to fight varicose veins.Such treatment is usually indicated for large vein diameters and advanced cases of the disease.

A gentler method is microphlebectomy, in which part of the vein is removed piecemeal, not through an incision, but through a hole.

Thermal methods

Radiofrequency ablation is considered the safest and least traumatic method for 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 much time;
• the procedure is easily tolerated;
• can be done in summer;
• There is no bruising after treatment, swelling and pain are minor.

Laser coagulation is another method for treating varicose veins.During the procedure, a laser is applied to the vessel wall.Radiation leads to adhesion of the vein walls and complete closure of 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 complex treatment together with surgery.The bottom line is that a special drug with a sclerosing effect is injected into a vein using a thin needle.As a result, the vessel walls stick together, close and stop blood flow.The affected vein turns into 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

Tincture of walnut

Pour the chopped unripe walnuts into a glass container and pour in the olive oil.Place it in the sun for 40 days.Apply as needed, lubricating the affected areas.Treatment should continue for about four months.

Cabbage leaf

Cut a cabbage leaf, put a layer of olive oil on one side, apply this side to the affected area, bandage and leave it for a day.Continue treatment for one month.

horse chestnut

This is one of the most effective folk remedies.To treat varicose veins, prepare a solution 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 are ready, rub the affected areas at night.Chestnut alcoholic tincture for external and internal use for varicose veins can be purchased at the pharmacy.

exercise

When varicose veins appear, the question may arise whether it is possible to engage in physical education and sports and which exercises are useful.Most doctors agree that physical activity is very important for this disease, since dynamics 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 loads will be optimal.In addition, the patient can be shown special therapeutic exercises, which are performed directly in a medical institution.You can also perform simple but effective exercises at home, which with regular exercise will help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins.

1. Lie on your back, place pillows under your legs so that they rise at an angle of 20 degrees.Close your eyes, relax completely, breathe deeply.
2. While lying on your back, lift your legs vertically and rotate your legs alternately inward and outward.
3. Lie on your back and make movements with your legs as if riding a bicycle.
4. Lying on your back, lift your legs and cross them (scissors).
5. Stand straight, arms down, feet together.Slowly rise onto your toes, then lower just as slowly.
6. Walk in place, keeping your socks on the floor.
7. Sitting in a chair, bend your legs at the ankles towards you and away from you, then bend your toes in the same way.
8. Pour your feet with an elastic stream of water (alternatively cold and warm).

CONCLUSION

Varicose veins are an irreversible process, but its treatment is necessary, 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 result in death as pulmonary embolism.