Varicose veins are a fairly common pathological condition characterized by an increase in the diameter of the lumen, thinning of the vein walls and the appearance of "knots".
Translated from ancient Greek, "varicose veins" means "bloatedness".Theoretically, such a disease can appear on any part of the body, but the most common lesion is the legs.
The essence of the problem
Veins in the body play a very important role, they represent a network of branched reservoirs that deliver blood from tissues to the heart muscle.In the lower extremities, this network is expressed in the form of deep and superficial veins, interconnected by a system of emergency blood discharge.
As a rule, the main emphasis falls on deep veins, so they are noticeably stronger and more voluminous.And about 15% of the total amount of work remains on the surface.
The heart is a "pump" that pushes blood through the veins.Part of the blood flows through the veins against gravity (when walking, moving or squatting).When the muscles are relaxed (in a standing position), the blood rushes down, under the influence of the same gravity.But not everything is so simple;the valves located on the vessel walls do not allow it back.
In cases where the valves are "broken", the veins are dilated and inflamed, then they are unable to keep the blood flowing.This process causes swelling and bulging of the veins.Disruption of the blood supply becomes the root from which the varicose veins on the legs begin.
Causes of varicose veins
There are many reasons for this:
- Varicose veins can be inherited, that is, there is an inborn weakness of the blood vessel walls.
- The appearance of varicose veins can be related to a person's life activity and immunity.
One thing is certain, the disease does not just appear, something must serve as an incentive.
During sedentary work, blood stagnates in the veins, that is, in the pelvis, which subsequently manifests itself in health problems.Varicose veins are caused by a sedentary lifestyle, and even with work in a standing position, there are no obstacles to its appearance.
It is not for nothing that this disease is primarily called the professional disease of salespeople and hairdressers.
Obvious triggers also include:
- excess weight (obesity),
- frequent weight lifting,
- leg injuries.
Another factor is increased intra-abdominal pressure.The size of the veins is constantly changing, inhaling - the veins narrow, exhaling, on the contrary, they expand.When a person pushes hard, the veins experience great stress and begin to expand under the pressure created.
Of course, this does not mean that absolutely every person is at risk, but chronic constipation and coughing can cause varicose veins.
Varicose veins during pregnancy
Varicose veins can be found very often in pregnant women.The ever-enlarging uterus puts involuntary pressure on the veins coming from the legs.In this case, nature protected women from serious consequences and endowed the body during pregnancy with a sufficient amount of sex hormones that make the walls of blood vessels plastic and flexible.As a rule, the disease is reversible here;after childbirth, the veins return to their previous state.
Prevention methods
Absolutely any disease is much easier to prevent than to treat, and varicose veins are no exception.Let's look at the main preventive measures:
- Forget about tight and uncomfortable shoes.Women should remember that "everyday" heels should be no higher than five centimeters.In the evening, pamper your feet with a massage and a cold bath, then raise them higher and lie in that position for 15 minutes.
- Wear loose clothing that does not have tight elastic bands or belts.
- If possible, walk more barefoot on the pebbles.At least treat yourself to such therapy during your vacation.
- Control your diet.Eliminate or at least reduce the consumption of spicy, salty and smoked foods.The same goes for alcohol.
- An excellent prevention of varicose veins is sport.An exception may be the initial stage of the disease.If you notice the first signs and symptoms, then the load should be light and be sure to consult a doctor before starting training.
- If you have a sedentary job, try to get up and walk around the room as often as possible.Do basic exercises, at least jump a little.Do not cross your legs when sitting, it is very bad for circulation.
- Do not overdo it with baths, saunas and hot tubs.After "hot" procedures, be sure to rinse with cold water.
Stages of development of varicose veins
- The first stage.There is no pain or discomfort, only cosmetic defects are observed.A branched pattern of veins appears on the legs, "stars" and "webs" appear.By the evening my legs are very swollen.
- The second stage.Swelling in the area of the ankle joint and severe heaviness in the legs are obvious.Cramps, numbness, pins and needles may occur in the evening.
- The third phase.Constant severe swelling of the legs, accumulation on the skin, localized changes in pigmentation, itching and dermatitis.
- The fourth stage.Trophic ulcers appear on the skin of the legs.
What measures to take in the initial phase
Varicose veins of the lower extremities, if they are in infancy, respond well to treatment;it is quite possible that a competent "fight" will stop its development.
First, follow all the preventive measures described above.Inspect your wardrobe, if necessary, eliminate all "harmful" items, and do the same with shoes.Give your feet a contrast shower, walk more barefoot and balance your diet.
Second, at the first symptoms, buy compression clothes, they can be tights or socks.Their principle of action is the distribution of pressure along the legs in such a way as to normalize blood circulation and significantly reduce symptoms.
As for consultations, it is necessary to visit not only a phlebologist, but also a gynecologist (for women) and an orthopedist.It is likely that hormonal contraceptives or flat feet can cause circulation problems.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
Almost every woman faces problems with leg swelling and circulation problems during pregnancy.The enlarged uterus constantly puts pressure on the inferior vena cava, preventing its normal functioning.
But, as mentioned a little above, varicose veins in this case are reversible;the main thing is to take the necessary preventive measures in time.
- Buy comfortable orthopedic shoes in which your feet will not get tired while walking.
- Go for daily walks.Do not sit or stand for long periods of time.To prevent venous stagnation, put your feet on a hill while resting.
- To prevent swelling, wear a compression suit.
- Light physical exercises involving only your legs will be a good help.The simplest foot movements in different directions are enough.
- Vitamin C is very good at preventing varicose veins.It has many useful properties that will give elasticity to the veins, and at the same time reduce the risk of many diseases.
Treatment of varicose veins
Complete relief from the disease is possible only with surgery.Medicines and physical exercises are used as auxiliary methods.
Phlebectomy
Operations can be either surgical in nature or using the latest technologies.One of the first is phlebectomy, when varicose veins are removed.
Laser
In the second group is laser coagulation;no incisions;heat radiation is applied to the problem area of the body.
Sclerotherapy
Another way to get rid of varicose veins is sclerotherapy.A special solution is injected into the damaged vein with a thin needle, which glues the walls of the blood vessels and then dissolves them.
But as much as doctors want, they are simply not able to eliminate the main cause of varicose veins - the weakness of the walls of blood vessels.Only you have the power to prevent disease through preventive measures.
Special exercises
Below we will list a series of physical exercises that will not take much time, but the effect will be exceptional.You can make them at home.
- Exercise 1.Lie on the floor, raise your legs until they form a 90° angle with the floor and start moving your toes "from you to you".Repeat 10 times.
- Exercise 2.In a lying position, raise your legs and "draw" circles with your feet, 10 times in each direction.
- Exercise 3.The well-known "birch" works well.From a lying position, raise your legs and pelvis, rest them on your hands.Lock in this position for a few seconds.Repeat 4 times.
- Tip:take some time to stretch.Firstly, your body will always be flexible, and secondly, it will help expel blood from the veins.
- Exercise 4.Lie on the floor with your feet together, knees pointing in different directions.Grab your feet and pull them towards you.Stay in this position for a while.Repeat the exercise 4 times.
- Exercise 5.Lie on your left side and lean on your elbow, grab your right foot with your right hand.Make several springy movements with the hip back (trying to reach the heel to the buttocks) and hold for 10 seconds.Do similar manipulations with the left side.
Fats
The purpose of drugs in the treatment of varicose veins is to give the veins elasticity and a normal state.The specialist will recommend the necessary drug for complex treatment.
A cream containing an anticoagulant can have a good preventive effect.The role of the latter is to relieve pain in the affected areas, as well as to strengthen blood vessels.Often cream preparations against varicose veins contain a number of vitamins: C, B5 and B1, thanks to which the regeneration period is significantly reduced.
Tablets that are also common in treatment are:
- improve vascular tone;
- relieve the inflammatory process;
- accelerate blood and lymph flow;
- eliminate microcirculation disorders.
Tablets are divided into several groups: corticosteroids, phlebotonics, antithrombotics and non-steroidal analgesics.
Folk remedies
A conservative treatment method is effective in the first stage of varicose veins, when a person feels heaviness in the legs and notices the venous network on the skin.The sooner measures are taken to eliminate the problem, the sooner and more accurate the results will be.Below we present several simple but effective recipes.
Garlic compress
A paste is prepared from grated garlic and butter in a ratio of 1:2, which is then applied to the affected areas, secured with paper and a bandage.Duration of exposure is overnight;in the morning, wash your feet with warm water.
Chestnut
Chestnut tincture for internal use.Pour fifty grams of dry product with 500 ml of alcohol.The resulting product must be infused for 14 days and filtered.Take three times a day before meals with water.
Ointment based on Kalanchoe
The liter jar must be half filled with leaves, and the rest filled with 70% alcohol.The resulting tincture should be placed in a dark place for two weeks, but shaken daily.The prepared ointment is rubbed into the damaged areas every day.
Love yourself and be healthy!