Varicose veins are a common disease characterized by an increase in the lumen of blood vessels, rupture of the valve apparatus and the occurrence of reverse blood flow.The pathological process can be localized in different places, therefore there are several types of the disease:
- dilation of the esophageal veins;
- rectal veins (hemorrhoids);
- pelvic veins;
- spermatic cord veins (varicocele);
- veins of the lower extremities.
The most common are varicose veins in the legs.According to some estimates, it affects more than 30% of the population, the majority of which are women.Varicose veins on the legs are not only bulging and unsightly veins, but also many 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, as they significantly affect 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 exactly 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 become dilated, stretched, long, tortuous, and unevenly 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 defective valves from birth.
There are several 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 the use of 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, heavy lifting (porters, weightlifters), frequent exertion with chronic constipation and coughing.
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 you use complex treatment, 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 varicose veins all your life.You should not self-medicate.You need to be examined by a phlebologist or vascular surgeon, who will diagnose, determine the stage of the disease and the severity of the lesion, and prescribe 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 early, when there is still no pain, but nighttime swelling, heaviness and tiredness in the legs and small spider veins on the skin have already appeared.
Lifestyle correction
Without lifestyle changes, it is impossible to effectively combat varicose veins.The rules that must be followed are absolutely banal, and failure to follow them is usually associated with a lack of willpower or an irresponsible attitude towards one's health.
- Maintain normal body weight.
- Giving up bad habits: alcohol and smoking.
- Refusal from sunbathing, visiting Turkish baths and saunas, hot baths (including foot baths).
- Refusal of high heels (no higher than 4-5 cm).
- Using special elastic meshes.
- Providing physical activity.It could be walking, swimming, physiotherapy 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 fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, whole grains and seafood.It is recommended to reduce the amount of meat.You need to give up smoked, fried, salty and fatty foods.For drinks, give preference to green tea, clean water, fruit juices, 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 feet so that they are above heart level while you sleep.
- Try to rinse your feet with cool water as often as possible.
Compression Therapy
Special stretch knitwear is available today in a wide range.These are knee-high socks, stockings, tights of different colors and densities, which practically do not differ from regular ones.They have become a good alternative to inconvenient to use and visually unsightly elastic bandages.
Special meshes do not treat varicose veins, but they improve microcirculation, reduce stress on the veins,
prevents blood stagnation, reduces the diameter of blood vessels, increases venous and lymphatic blood flow.The person's legs feel light, they are less tired at night and there is no swelling.
At first, without the habit of putting on compression socks manually, it will be difficult.To make your task easier, you can purchase a special device.
There are four classes of therapeutic mesh, depending on the pressure applied.You can only use compression class 1 products, which are considered preventative and are more geared towards healthy people.The rest must be prescribed by a doctor depending 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 tights or stockings strictly according to 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 spectrums of action are used.They increase vascular tone, improve microcirculation, promote blood flow and prevent skin changes.Medications aim to eliminate fatigue, heaviness, discomfort, swelling, itching, cramps and pain in the legs.Your appointment is strictly individual.
The main means of treating varicose veins are venotonics.They are made from horse chestnut, rutin, 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, 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 vein 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 of combating 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 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;
- 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.Radiation leads to gluing 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 delivered.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 along with surgery.The end result is that a special medicine with a sclerosing effect is injected into the 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 procedure takes about 20 minutes;
- good cosmetic effect.
Traditional methods
Nut tincture
Pour the chopped green walnuts into a glass bowl and pour in the olive oil.Place in the sun for 40 days.Apply as needed, lubricating the affected areas.Treatment should continue for approximately four months.
Cabbage leaf
Cut a cabbage leaf, apply a layer of olive oil on one side, apply that side to the affected area, bandage it and leave it for a day.Continue the treatment for a month.
horse chestnut
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, placed halfway 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 painful 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 as to whether it is possible to practice physical education and sports and which exercises are useful.Most doctors agree that physical activity is very important for this disease, as dynamics are beneficial for the veins and statics are harmful.But it is equally important to consult a doctor about what sports you can do and what loads will be ideal.In addition, the patient can be introduced to special therapeutic exercises, which are carried out directly in a medical center.At home, you can also perform 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 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 feet alternately in and out.
- Lie on your back and move your legs as if you were riding a bicycle.
- Lying on your back, lift your legs and cross them (scissors).
- Stand straight, arms down and feet together.Raise yourself slowly on your toes and then lower them just as slowly.
- Walk in place, keeping your socks on the floor.
- Sitting on a chair, bend your legs at the ankle towards you and in the opposite direction, then bend your toes in the same way.
- Pouring your feet with an elastic jet of water (alternately cold and hot).
Conclusion
Varicose veins are 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 such a dangerous condition that can result in death like pulmonary embolism.