In the modern world, a large percentage of the population suffers from varicose veins.This pathology was included in the World Health Organization's list of “diseases of civilization”. 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 extensive and non-compliance with them can lead to serious consequences.
When the first signs of varicose veins appear, you must be examined by a surgeon and strictly follow his instructions.There is no need for treatment, this can lead to irreversible changes.
Degrees
Varicose veins of the lower extremities appear gradually.There are 3 degrees.
Compensation stage.Legs feel swollen and tense, 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, manifested as “stars”.It is advisable to minimize a sedentary lifestyle and practice preventive exercises.
Women should avoid wearing high-heeled shoes.
Undercompensated stage.At this stage, leg pain intensifies, cramps and swelling become more intense.The veins become even more visible, swelling into nodules with a bluish hue;the wall becomes thinner and the vessel may burst.The skin peels and itches in the affected area.It is impossible to comb the localized area, as this can cause microtrauma.It is best to avoid underwear and tight clothing.You should avoid intense sports and weight lifting!
Decompensation stage.This phase is characterized by difficulty in the flow of blood from the veins, which leads to severe swelling in the lower extremities.Long-lasting trophic ulcers and eczema may appear.This phase is often accompanied by inflammation and thrombosis of blood vessels.If the lumen is blocked by a thrombus, surgical intervention is required.During the decompensation phase, the use of compression straps is mandatory.Intense physical activity should be avoided.
Limitations
In case of pain, the patient, if overweight, needs to lose weight.A diet is necessary to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood, which obstructs 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 need to give up alcohol and reduce your salt intake.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 very tight shoes, especially high heels, contributes to leg congestion.
An orthopedic doctor will help you choose orthopedic insoles and recommend compression garments and special socks.
If the integrity of the skin is compromised, hirudotherapy, acupuncture and physiotherapy are contraindicated.
Contraindicated procedures
Hot baths are not recommended for varicose veins;it is better not to go to baths and saunas.
At the initial stage of varicose veins, you can take a contrast shower and do foot baths.
In an advanced stage of the disease, it is not possible to do massages, especially cupping and honey.Wraps with various cosmetic preparations are prohibited.
Leg waxing is possible in the absence of eczema and ulcers, but the application of sugar and wax strips should be excluded.
Heated 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 decompensation phase, no warming up physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed.Magnetic therapy and darsonvalization help in the early stages.
Prohibited drugs
Women with varicose veins should not take hormonal birth control pills.They contribute to thickening of the blood and there is a risk of blood clots.
You should not take diuretics or other medications that help remove excess fluid from the body;this can negatively affect the metabolic process.
Taking any medication must be agreed with your doctor.
Physical activity
For mild varicose veins, non-intense physical activity is recommended.Walking and cycling, swimming, yoga and qigong exercises are helpful.
If there is no bulging of the blood vessels, you can practice callanetics and stretching.
In advanced cases of pathology, it is strictly contraindicated:
- long-term static load;
- weightlifting over 5 kg, weightlifting and wrestling;
- outdoor sports games, such as football or volleyball;
- mountaineering and hiking;
- professional dance classes;
- fast running, especially over long distances;
- skydiving;
- stepaerobics.
Prohibited Products
It is vital that a person suffering from varicose veins follows correct eating habits.
Delete:
- fatty foods;
- pickles;
- smoked meats;
- marinades;
- canned food
Do not consume sweets, flour and butter, products with a high palm oil content.These foods provoke the occurrence of atherosclerosis.
The diet of a patient with venous disease should not include fast food, processed foods, soft drinks, coffee and strong tea.
It is better to limit salt and hot or very spicy seasonings, celery and mint.
Dietary recommendations
With varicose veins, the patient 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 being overweight, they are at risk of thrombophlebitis with subsequent vascular embolism.
Products must be subjected to gentle heat treatment, preferably baking, steaming and boiling.Smoking and frying foods should be avoided.
A patient with varicose veins should drink the required amount of fluids per day, about 2.5 liters.If the drinking regimen is not followed, the blood thickens and blood clots may form.
General recommendations
To improve the quality of life, a person suffering from venous insufficiency must adhere to some rules:
- with advanced varicose veins, intense physical activity is prohibited;
- sit and stand less, move more.If a person works sitting, get up and stretch periodically;
- eliminate constipation, which leads to congestion in the pelvic organs;
- eat properly and fully, eat fresh vegetables and fruits to get the necessary microelements and minerals;
- if there is congestion in the lower extremities, it is necessary to use compression belts;
- give up alcohol, even in small quantities, and smoke.These bad habits lead to sclerosis of the veins;
- take blood thinners prescribed by a doctor;
- complete sleep, at least 8 hours;
- elevated position of the legs in the lying position;
- preventive gymnastics.
You can alleviate the symptoms of the disease with the help of tinctures based on horse chestnut, angioprotective and cooling ointments and pain relievers.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-treatment is completely unacceptable.
The use of analgesic ointments and tablets briefly alleviates the 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 vein rupture or thromboembolism, surgical intervention is indicated, which cannot be postponed, as these conditions put the patient's life at risk.