Treatment regimen for varicose veins of the lower extremities

20 September 2020

Varicose veins are the scourge of modern mankind. But often the treatment of varicose veins, the scheme of which is selected individually, ends successfully. Sometimes it's all about therapy and medication, sometimes the only way to save the situation is through surgery. How can you get rid of this unpleasant and serious disease?

Varicose veins - basic information

Varicose veins are a pathological condition that is characterized by damage to the venous vessels.

There are special valves in the veins that act as a kind of occlusion and prevent blood from flowing down (venous blood in the legs flows from the bottom up).

A failure of the valve system leads to blood backflow and congestion.As a result of these processes, the veins weaken, stretch and deform and cannot cope with the rising blood pressure.

The result is a symptom that is familiar to many - bulging veins on the surface of the skin and indicates the dynamic development of the pathology.

The whole deceit of the disease lies in the fact that in the early stages it manifests itself as usual tiredness and heaviness in the legs.

Therefore, many are in no hurry to see a doctor, and they sound the alarm when strands of blue become visible on the skin and spoil the appearance of the legs.

Learn more about the symptoms of early varicose veins here.

The reasons for the development of this pathology are very diverse.This includes both congenital anomalies of the vascular system and some provoking factors: lack of exercise, obesity, uncomfortable shoes, professional activities related to prolonged standing.

The disease is always treated comprehensively.The required scheme is selected by a specialist based on the stage of development of the disease and the individual characteristics of the organism.

Which doctor treats veins?

Varicose veins are not only dilated veins, they are also serious valve dysfunction and a circulatory disorder that leads to serious complications throughout the body. And when the first symptoms appear - swelling of the veins, muscle spasms, constant heaviness of the legs - you should immediately make an appointment with a phlebologist.

Based on the severity of the case, the causes of the disease and the state of health, the doctor will select the most suitable course of treatment from the options available today.

Menacing symptoms

The main reasons for the appearance of varicose veins are: heredity, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, sedentary or standing work, hormonal imbalance in the body. According to statistics, 40% of adult women and 20% of men have signs of varicose veins.

A phlebologist is busy diagnosing the disease. You should contact him,, if you experience symptoms like this.:

A feeling of heaviness in the legs, which gets worse towards the end of the day.
The legs get tired quickly when walking for a long time.
pain in the legs.
The appearance of a fine vascular network on the legs.
swelling of the legs.
cramps, the intensity of which increases at night.
Itching of the skin of the lower extremities.

Atrophy of the muscle fibers of superficial veinsdevelops gradually, blood vessels elongate, expand, become tortuous, knots appear on them and protrude above the surface of the skin. The skin over the enlarged veins becomes bluish-red, dry and hot, ulcers appear due to malnutrition in the tissues.

Due to dystrophic changes in the subcutaneous fat layer, lipodermatosclerosis can develop - a dangerous complication of varicose veins in the legs, the treatment of which with conservative methods may not be successful.

To avoid the serious consequences of varicose veins, phlebologistsadvise their patients to start treatment on timewhen the first signs of the disease appear.

Treatment methods

Sclerosis is highly effective and consists in injecting a special sclerosing substance into the vessels using a syringe with the finest needle. The venous lumens are tightened, the edges of the cracks are soldered, which stops blood from seeping outside the vessels. The substance itself, which has performed its function, is absorbed.

This method removes all blemishes and gives an excellent cosmetic result. However, after the procedure, it is necessary to maintain the condition of the veins through additional therapy and wear compression clothing.

Almost 10 years ago, a laser, or rather an endovenous laser coagulation, was used very successfully in medicine to combat varicose veins. Treat veins as follows:

A small puncture is made in the vein under local anesthesia.
An optical fiber is inserted into the resulting hole.
The laser acts on damaged areas and seals the damage.
Then a new fabric appears at the sealed point.

The operation does not take place "blind" - the process is monitored by an ultrasound device so that there is practically no risk of failure. In addition, the absence of significant incisions excludes painful sensations, the formation of bleeding and injury to neighboring tissues.

After the procedure, you should bandage the affected areas or wear compression stockings and tights.

The technique of radio frequency ablation is widely used, and radio frequency current successfully treats varicose veins. It happens like this:

The vein has been pierced.
A catheter is inserted into the hole.
Radiation enters the vessel through them.
The conductor works on a molecular level and changes the protein molecules of the damaged vein.

This method allows you to quickly treat all venous nodes and does not require special post-operative therapy.

Methods of treating varicose veins

There are two of them: conservative and surgical. The patient is faced with an urgent question: how to treat varicose veins on the legs without surgery? When choosing a method, the doctor takes into account the signs, the stage of the disease, the presence of complications, concomitant diseases and the age of the patient. Non-surgical methods of getting rid of varicose veins of the lower extremities give good results only when the symptoms of the pathology are still weak.

To stop the degradation of the affected vessels, you can help:

drug therapy;
compression treatment;
physical therapy exercises;
physiotherapy;
massage;
recipes for traditional medicine;
diet.

Phlebologists try to choose exclusively non-medicinal agents for the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities for patients during pregnancy. First of all, these are compression underwear, gym exercises, physiotherapy, massage, diet. If there is still a need for medication, then only drugs for external use will be prescribed.

The debate continues about whether hirudotherapy helps with varicose veins. The hirudin produced by leeches, which penetrates the venous system of the lower extremities, thins the thickened blood. However, today there are many modern drugs with the same property. In addition, there are risk factors for the use of leeches - vascular infections, allergic reactions.

If necessary, the treatment of varicose veins is carried out using radical methods. This:

sclerotherapy;
ozone therapy;
cryotherapy;
electrocoagulation;
laser coagulation;
surgical intervention.

Sclerotherapy - injection of a drug into a diseased vein that "sticks" the enlarged vessel. It stops pumping blood and gradually dissolves. The maximum effectiveness of sclerotherapy is achieved at an early stage of the pathology. A similar method is ozone therapy: some of this gas is injected into the lumens of small veins with a syringe, and the vessels "stick together" too.

Cold is used during cryotherapy. During electrocoagulation, the vessels are supplied with a high-frequency current via a very thin electrode. Laser treatment of varicose veins is also an effective modern method, especially when combined with conservative methods. At the same time, the cosmetic result is high: after a few weeks the patient will have no scars or scars.

However, surgical removal is the most effective treatment that allows you to radically remove varicose veins when drug therapy does not produce the desired result. Diseased vessels are removed through local subcutaneous incisions. After the operation, the leg is firmly connected and the patient can walk after three to four hours.

Principles of medical treatment for varicose veins

Effective treatment of varicose veins is possible only if the selected drugs prevent the mechanisms of pathology development, the destruction of vascular walls and valves.

The main tasks of the medical treatment of varicose veins are:

restoration of blood circulation;
reinforcement of the vein walls;
increased vascular tone;
lowering blood viscosity;
prevention of blood clots;
normalization of the valve system;
elimination of inflammatory processes;
Normalization of the blood flow in the capillaries.

Medicines are indispensable for the complex treatment of the disease.

They are also widely used for prevention purposes, which is especially important for people who are at risk of developing pathology.

Today there are a large number of drugs used to treat varicose veins on the legs, and all of them differ in composition and mechanism of action.

Consult a doctor

Varicose veins are a serious diseasewhich, if treated incorrectly or not, can threaten various complications that endanger human health and life.

Help. Thromboembolism of vital vessels, thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers - this is not a complete list of complications of varicose veins that pose a threat to humans.

In that regard, you shouldn't even try to self-medicate.

Experiments at home with drug selection can either make the situation worse or ineffective.

In any case, time, health and money are lost.

Therefore, contact a phlebologist. Only a specialist can properly choose the drugs and compose the treatment regimen to achieve the maximum benefit for the patient.

Which drugs are used?

The complex treatment of varicose veins consists of the simultaneous use of several drug groups:

Phlebotonics.
anticoagulants.
Anti-inflammatory.
fibrinolytics.

In order to increase the therapeutic effect,agents for systemic and local influencing are also used.

Creams, gels, ointmentsare used as topical preparations. When choosing drugs for varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, it should be borne in mind that it is the agentin the form of an ointment, which is characterized by the highest content of the active substance.

Important!A common contraindication to all topical medicines is a violation of the integrity of the skin.

As a rule, such drugs are used several times a day, and the product should be rubbed in with light movements from the bottom up.

Groups of medicinal products and their effects

For venous varicose veins, drugs are classified intothree main groupsaccording to the type of effect:

venotonic or phlebotropic drugs;
Blood thinners (anticoagulants) and medicines that inhibit the adhesion of blood platelets (platelet aggregation inhibitors);
anti-inflammatory drugs.

Research and medical practice have proven the effectiveness of phlebotonics developed on the basis of natural flavonoids.- Diosmin and Hesperid. These substances not only protect the cells of the veins, but also stimulate the lymphatic drainage and stabilize the work of the capillaries. The simultaneous administration of combination preparations in which both flavonoids are present is particularly effective.

Most often phlebotropic agents are takenin coursesfor 2 to 3 months. It is important that the reception coincides with the hot season, when the load on ships increases due to the high temperature of the air and the use of large amounts of water. If varicose veins are accompanied by chronic venous insufficiency, then phlebotonics is constantly taken in half the dose.

A patient diagnosed with varicose veinsshould be treated systematically from the startto prevent the development of the disease and reduce the likelihood of complications.

The second task is achieved by drugs that thin the blood (anticoagulants) and improve its flow properties, thereby preventing the formation of thrombotic clots (platelet aggregation inhibitors).

The formation of blood clots, their separation from the vessel wall and movement along the venous bed lead to the overlapping of the vessels of the heart, lungs and human brain. As a result, the chances of developing a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, and ischemic stroke are very high.

Antiagretates are not a cure for varicose veins, but are used to prevent serious complications.- thrombosis and thrombophlebitis. We can say that these drugs save the patient's life and reduce the risk of disability to a minimum.

Operation

Damaged veins of the lower extremities or their parts are removed through incisions or punctures. Diseased vessels must be removed in the clinic if:

Veins in the legs are pathologically enlarged;
the skin is affected;
trophic ulcers appeared;
Thrombophlebitis worsened.

Surgical treatment of varicose veins of the legs is contraindicated:

for severe high blood pressure, diseases of the coronary arteries, infectious diseases, eczema;
if the patient has already reached old age;
during pregnancy (over 5 months).

Complementary therapy

In addition to medical and surgical treatment, additional therapy is of considerable importance, including a number of measures to restore the veins to normal:

The wrap has a relaxing effect and removes the feeling of heaviness in the legs. When buying the necessary funds, it should be remembered that hot wraps are contraindicated for varicose veins.
Foot baths are another way to take the strain off your feet. Using medicinal herbs and oils, you can strengthen blood vessels, get rid of swelling and redness. However, the effect will only appear with daily use of the method.
contrast shower. 10 seconds of cold soaking and 30 seconds of warm (hot water is best avoided) for 5-7 minutes each morning will help keep your veins in good shape. For these purposes, you can use the Alekseev or Charcot shower.

Phlebologists often include physiotherapy in complex treatments - laser, magnetotherapy, electrophoresis.

They cause no discomfort and pain, are inexpensive and very effective. In addition, the treatment is carried out under the supervision of healthcare professionals. The main condition is regular visits to the office.

Physiotherapy has a beneficial effect on the condition of the vein walls, muscle tissue and valve activity.

Compression therapy is not only an important part of treatment, but also of prevention and the postoperative phase. The use of bandages prevents stagnant processes, supports damaged vessels and stops the progression of the disease.

The application of bandages requires certain knowledge and skill, as excessive over-tightening can lead to deterioration and a weak bandage will not achieve the desired effect. Therefore, for the correct use of bandages, it is worth consulting a doctor.

Massage against varicose veins is not acceptable in all cases, so only a doctor can say whether it is worth using in a particular case. If the method is chosen correctly, then after the first session you can feel the result. This method can lead to an improvement in the microcirculation in the blood and relieve the main symptoms of the disease, including external ones.

The more advanced the disease, the more difficult it is to fight it, and sometimes patients are late and then there is only one way out - phlebectomy. To prevent this from happening, one should not wait for complications, but receive qualified support in good time.

Conservative method

Phlebologists in the treatment of varicose veins strive to avoid traumatic operations, which are not necessary in the early stages of the disease. This is typical, for example, of reticular varicose veins, the manifestation of which is limited to blue venous networks. Drugs help improve the condition of the valves and vessel walls. Men, like women, should wear compression stockings. The pathology cannot be completely cured. However, conservative methods stop the development of varicose veins and protect against complications.

Gymnastics

Movement therapy specialists know how to remove veins on the legs through physiotherapy exercises. This is possible provided the exercise that improves blood circulation in the legs is done systematically. For example:

While standing, the heels of the feet are alternately lifted vigorously.
In the same standing position, slowly rise on tiptoe and just as slowly descend.
Sit on a chair and roll a small ball back and forth on the floor with your feet.

Wearing special underwear

Doctors recommend combining medical treatment for varicose veins with the wearing of compression underwear - these are products made from a special type of knitwear that put pressure (compression) on the veins. The pressure of laundry on the walls of the vessels can be adjusted by buying products with different degrees of compression.

There are a total of four degrees of compression: The first is for prevention, the rest for treatment. If varicose veins of the lower extremities, tights, stockings, knee socks, and leggings are worn, the doctor will choose the required degree of compression.

Compression underwear creates a tight squeeze frame on the legs. Thanks to this, such effects develop.:

Weakened leg muscles are supported.
The walls of the blood vessels are squeezed, which prevents them from expanding.
Lymph flow and blood circulation are stimulated.
stagnation is eliminated.
The function of the venous valves is normalized.
The load on the enlarged veins is reduced.
Thrombophlebitis is prevented.

After the operation on varicose veins, it is mandatory to wear compression stockings. Underwear helps prevent the disease from recurring and provides extra support for the body during the rehabilitation period.

Compression sclerotherapy

Compression sclerotherapy is a modern method of treating varicose veins in which drugs are injected into the affected veins. As a result, sclerotherapy (adhesion) of the vein walls occurs, blood flow stops at the injection site, and the vein gradually dissolves or leaves a barely noticeable strand that does not bother the patient at all.

Most often, sclerotherapy is performed when spider veins appear and varicose veins are in the early stages. With the progressive development of varicose veins of the legs, treatment with sclerotherapy is carried out after analyzing the condition of the venous valves and vascular walls, the functional characteristics of the patient's circulatory system.

When a decision is made to have compression sclerotherapy, the patient is given a blood clotting test, an ultrasound scan of the veins. When performing sclerotherapy, the patient does not experience painful sensations, since the drug is injected into the vein with the thinnest needle. After the procedure is complete, a sterile bandage is placed on the drug delivery area and the patient puts on a compression garment. In the first week after sclerotherapy, the compression stockings must be worn around the clock, then they can be removed at night.

Positive results of sclerotherapy:

Restoration of effective blood flow.
Rule out blood clots in the damaged vein.
Prevention of trophic disorders in tissue.
Elimination of the clinical symptoms of varicose veins: edema, seizures, pain.
Excellent cosmetic effect due to the fact that bloated veins completely disappear.

Diet

For more effective treatment of varicose veins of the legs, it is important to properly organize your diet. Berries, apples, citrus fruits, which contain flavonoids, antioxidants and rutin, help improve the condition of blood vessels. By thinning the blood, a sufficient amount of fluid (1. 5 to 2 liters) is absorbed daily. A diet with varicose veins on the legs is incompatible with fatty, fried foods, hot spices, and alcohol.

Folk Remedies

Treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies at home in the summer is especially effective. The following recipes are popular:

15-20 minutes leg compresses with tomato paste. It is high in lycopene, which actively strengthens blood vessels and prevents blood clots. At the same time, it is useful to eat fresh tomatoes every day.
Infusion of sweet clover, a herb that is indispensable for varicose veins: Art. l. The raw materials are brewed with two glasses of boiling water, stored until cool and filtered. You drink half a glass three times a day, the rest of the volume is used as a lotion.

What not to do

When diagnosing varicose veins, attention must be paid to lifestyle, diet and exercise.Not allowed:

active physical activity, running, jumping (yoga classes are allowed);
prolonged standing or prolonged sitting;
Use of all medicines without consulting a phlebologist;
long flights with a forced motionless position of the legs. In addition, at high altitudes, there is a sharp thickening of the blood, which leads to the formation of blood clots;
takes a hot bath and visits a sauna;
Cupping and honey massage are strictly prohibited, only manual medical massages are allowed.

Possible complications

Trophic ulcersis a form of complication in varicose veins that manifests itself in the development and deepening of a long-term non-healing ulcer. Usually, a separate painful ulcer develops on the lower leg, in which "oozing" in the form of a discharge of serous bloody fluid is often observed, covering the affected tissue.

Urgent medical treatment

Immediate medical attention is required if any of the following symptoms occur:

Increased pain in the affected limbs, inability to get out of bed or to take some steps;
The skin on the leg is hot, swollen and feels firm.
The skin color changes from pale to bluish or bluish red.
Sudden shortness of breath, shortness of breath, sweating and severe weakness;
bleeding from affected skin or varicose veins.

Necessary medication for varicose veins of the lower extremities must be included in the complex treatment regimen.Even after surgery, several phlebotonic and antiplatelet drugs are needed,to prevent possible trophic disorders, inflammation and complications related to the disease.

Many multi-component drugs against varicose veins work in combination and have several functions. The effectiveness of such drugs is more pronounced.It is optimal to apply the treatment with courses in the correct dosage, calculated by the phlebologist.in combination with compression therapy, yoga classes, swimming in the pool and herbal medicine.

Conclusion

In the complex treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities, various therapeutic techniques are used.

Along with drugs, physical therapy, special exercises, massages, etc. are prescribed.