Today, the problem of varicose veins is relevant, since every fourth person is faced with this disease, which is accompanied by severe symptoms and often leads to a dangerous complication - thrombophlebitis.This article will talk about highly effective methods of treating and preventing varicose veins.
Varicose veins: causes and symptoms
With varicose veins, the functioning of the vessels that transport blood to the heart is disturbed.The disease occurs predominantly in women over 30 years of age.Due to the deformation of the venous vessels and closed valve flaps, blood cannot circulate normally, which leads to impaired blood flow to the heart.
The following factors may be prerequisites for the development of a pathological process in blood vessels:
- Genetic predisposition.If one of the parents suffered from varicose veins due to inferior valves and weak vessel walls, in 70% of cases the child will inherit this disease.
- Obesity.Excess weight increases the risk of developing varicose veins by 35%, since heavy load disrupts the normal blood flow in the leg veins.
- Pregnancy.Compression of the retroperitoneal veins by the dilated uterus and large volume of circulating blood causes varicose veins.
- Hormonal changes.The risk of developing varicose veins increases due to hormonal disorders that weaken the muscular system and blood vessels.
- Lifestyle.Limiting physical activity (hypodynamia) or remaining in static positions for a long time has a negative effect on blood flow.
Furthermore, the development of varicose veins can be caused by an unbalanced diet and a lack of coarse fibers, which leads to atypical changes in the structure of the venous walls.The possibility of developing this disease cannot be ruled out due to the use of shapewear that compresses blood vessels, as well as against the background of frequent stressful situations, alcohol abuse, smoking and leg injuries.
Symptoms depend on the stage of the disease.Even before the visual signs appear, there is a feeling of heaviness in the legs, which is attributed to normal tiredness.As varicose veins progress, a number of pronounced symptoms are observed: pain in the legs, swelling and cramps at night, darkening of the color of the skin on the legs, the appearance of compactions, telangiectasia (vascular veins), locally dilated veins on the legs, itching of the skin, indicating the imminent development of trophic disorders.Severe cases of varicose veins are accompanied by dizziness, hyperthermia, bleeding from venous nodes, thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers and phlebothrombosis.
Treatment of varicose veins in the legs
Before prescribing treatment for varicose veins, it is necessary to carry out the following diagnostic procedures: ultrasound of the leg veins (ultrasound and Doppler examination), as well as duplex angioscanning, rheovasography.After confirming the diagnosis, depending on the stage of the pathological process, the phlebologist may prescribe:
- An operation using microsurgical techniques.In the case of severe varicose veins, phlebectomy is performed - removal of the affected veins using a minimally invasive method.Laser or radiofrequency vein coagulation can also be used.Varicose veins in the initial phase are treated with photocoagulation and spider veins are removed with a laser.
- Sclerotherapy is the injection of medication into the dilated vein that glues the venous walls together.In this case, the patient wears compression stockings for about 2 months to form firm adhesions.
- Conservative treatment, which includes the use of phlebotonics, antiplatelet agents, antioxidants, anticoagulants and other medications.This method is relevant preoperatively and when surgical removal of veins is impossible.
During treatment and after procedures for a month, doctors recommend not lifting heavy objects, using compression stockings and elastic bandages, and reducing static loads.At the first symptoms of varicose veins, it is necessary to consult a phlebologist to prevent the development of a pathological process that leads to serious complications.
Disease prevention
To prevent the pathology in question and alleviate the initial symptoms, it is necessary to follow the basic prevention rules:
- Exercise regularly, swim and move more.An active lifestyle helps to strengthen venous walls and improve blood circulation.
- Do not abuse hot baths, sun exposure and saunas.Excessive exposure to heat reduces the tone of the leg veins and leads to blood stagnation.
- Giving up bad habits is an effective prevention of varicose veins.Many cardiovascular disorders are associated with unlimited alcohol consumption and smoking.
- Warm up during work involving constant static loads.For example, if your professional activity requires constant sitting in front of the computer, you can walk in place, squat and stretch your feet every hour for 10 minutes.
- Wear comfortable, non-tight clothing to avoid compressing the veins in your legs, hindering blood circulation.Also, you should not wear shoes with heels higher than 5 cm every day.
- Try to maintain your normal weight or normalize it through diet.
- Take a contrast shower to improve blood circulation, massage thighs, legs and feet.When lying down, raise your legs 15 cm above your body more often.
Also an excellent prevention of varicose veins is a balanced diet.To avoid disorders of venous and vascular blood flow, it is necessary to include foods rich in fiber in the diet and limit salt intake.For those at risk, experts recommend eating radishes, raspberries, carrots, rice, wheat and buckwheat porridge more often.In general, if you follow all the prevention rules, you can avoid the development of varicose veins even with a hereditary predisposition.