Varicose veins are a fairly common pathological disease, which is characterized by an increase in the diameter of the lumen, thinning of the vein walls and the appearance of "nodules".
Translated from the ancient Greek language, "varicose veins" means "swelling". In theory, a similar disease can appear anywhere on the body, but the most common lesion is the legs.
The essence of the problem
Veins in the body play a very important role and represent a network of branched reservoirs that transport blood from the tissue to the heart muscle. In the lower extremities, this network is expressed in the form of deep and superficial veins connected by an emergency blood discharge system.
As a rule, the focus is on deep veins so that they are noticeably stronger and more voluminous. And on the surface, about 15% of all work is left over.
The heart is a "pump" that drives blood through the veins. Some of the blood flows through the veins against gravity (when walking, moving, or crouching). When the muscles are relaxed (while standing), the blood flows downwards under the influence of the same force of gravity. But not everything is so simple, valves on the walls of the vessels do not leave them behind.
In cases where the valves are "broken", the veins are dilated and inflamed, they cannot maintain blood flow. This process contributes to the puffing and bulging of the veins. An impaired blood supply becomes the root from which varicose veins begin on the legs.
The causes of varicose veins
There are many reasons for this:
- Varicose veins can be inherited, ie there is a congenital weakness of the vessel walls.
- The appearance of varicose veins can be linked to human activity and immunity.
One thing is certain, the disease does not just happen, something should act as a catalyst.
When working in the veins or in the pelvis while sitting, blood stagnates, which then manifests itself in health problems. Varicose veins are caused by a sedentary lifestyle, so there are no obstacles to their development when you are at work.
It is no coincidence that this disease is initially referred to as an occupational disease by salespeople and hairdressers.
The following provocateurs are also obvious:
- Overweight (obesity),
- Frequent weight lifting
- leg injuries.
Another factor is the increased intra-abdominal pressure. The size of the veins is constantly changing, inhalation - the veins narrow, exhalation, on the contrary, expands. When a person pushes hard, the veins are stressed and begin to expand under the pressure created.
Of course, that doesn't mean absolutely everyone is at risk, but chronic constipation and coughing can cause varicose veins.
Varicose veins during pregnancy
Very often varicose veins can be found in pregnant women. The ever-growing uterus puts pressure on the veins of the legs involuntarily. In this case, nature protected women from serious consequences and, during pregnancy, provided the body with a sufficient amount of sex hormones that would make the walls of blood vessels plastic and pliable. As a rule, here the disease is reversible, after childbirth the veins return to their previous state.
Prevention methods
Absolutely any disease is far easier to prevent than cure, and varicose veins are no exception. Let's take a look at the main preventive measures:
- Forget about tight and uncomfortable shoes. Women should remember that the "everyday" heel shouldn't be more than two inches. In the evening you can pamper your feet with a massage and a cool bath, then throw higher and lie in this position for 15 minutes.
- Wear loose fitting clothing without tight elastic bands or belts.
- If possible, walk barefoot on pebbles. Arrange these therapies at least when you are on vacation.
- Take control of your diet. Eliminate or at least reduce your consumption of spicy, salty, and smoked foods. The same goes for alcohol.
- Sport is an excellent way of preventing varicose veins. An exception can be the initial stage of the disease. If you notice the first signs and symptoms in yourself, then the load should be mild. Before you start exercising, you should consult your doctor.
- If you have a sedentary job, try to get up and walk around the room as often as possible. Do basic exercises, jump at least a little. Do not cross your legs while sitting, it is very bad for blood circulation.
- Don't go overboard with baths, saunas and whirlpools. After "hot" interventions, it is essential to rinse with cold water.
Stages of development of varicose veins
- First level.Pain and discomfort are absent, only cosmetic defects are observed. On the legs there is a branching pattern of veins, "stars" and "meshes" appear. The legs swell strongly in the evening.
- Second level.There is an obvious swelling in the ankle area and severe heaviness in the legs. Cramps, numbness, crawling and tingling may occur in the evening.
- Third level.Constant severe swelling of the legs, seals on the skin, changes in pigmentation in places, itching and dermatitis occur.
- Fourth level.Trophic ulcers appear on the skin of the legs.
What measures have to be taken in the early stages?
Varicose veins of the lower extremities, if they are in the initial stages and respond well to treatment, it is quite possible that a competent "fight" will stop their development.
First, follow all of the preventive measures described above. If necessary, check your wardrobe, get rid of any "harmful" things and do the same with shoes. Give your feet a contrast shower, go barefoot, and balance your meals.
Second, the first symptoms when buying compression underwear may be pantyhose or stockings. Its principle of action is to distribute the pressure on the legs in such a way that the blood circulation normalizes and the symptoms are significantly weakened.
For consultations, it is necessary to see not only a phlebologist, but also a gynecologist (for women) and an orthopedic surgeon. It is likely that hormonal contraceptives or flat feet caused circulatory problems.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
Almost every woman during pregnancy has problems with swelling of the legs and circulatory disorders. The enlarged uterus constantly presses the inferior vena cava and interferes with its normal function.
As mentioned above, varicose veins are reversible in this case. The main thing is that you need to take the necessary preventive measures in a timely manner.
- Buy comfortable orthopedic shoes so that your feet don't get tired while walking.
- Take walks every day. Don't sit or stand for long. To avoid venous stasis, place your feet on a hill at rest.
- Wear compression clothing to prevent swelling.
- A light exercise that only involves the legs is good help. The simplest foot movements in different directions are sufficient.
- Vitamin C is very good at preventing varicose veins. It has many beneficial properties that give elasticity to the veins while reducing the risk of many diseases.
Treatment of varicose veins
A complete cure of the disease is only possible in a functional way. Medicines and exercise are used as aids.
Phlebectomy
Operations can either be surgical in nature or use the latest technology. The former involves phlebectomy, when varicose veins are removed.
Laser
In the second group there is laser coagulation, there are no incisions here, heat radiation is applied to the problem area of the body.
Sclerotherapy
Another way to get rid of varicose veins is through sclerotherapy. A special solution is injected into the damaged vein with a thin needle, which sticks the walls of the blood vessels and then dissolves them.
But whatever the doctors want, they just aren't able to get rid of the main cause of varicose veins - the weakness of the vascular walls. It is only in your power to prevent the disease by taking preventive measures.
Special exercises
Below is a series of physical exercises that don't take much time but have a great effect. You can do them at home.
- Exercise 1.Lie on the floor, lift your legs at a 90 ° angle to the floor and start moving your toes "from you to you". Repeat 10 times.
- Exercise 2.In the prone position, lift your legs and "draw" circles with your feet 10 times in each direction.
- Exercise 3.The well-known "birch" has a good effect. From the prone position, lift your legs and pelvis and place them on your hands. Lock in this position for a few seconds. Repeat 4 times.
- Tip:Take some time to stretch. First, your body is always flexible and, second, it helps to displace blood from the veins.
- Exercise 4.Lie on the floor with your feet together and point your knees in opposite directions. Take your feet and pull them towards you. Stay in this position for a while. Play the exercise 4 times.
- Exercise 5.Lie on your left side and rest on your elbow. Grab your right foot with your right hand. Make a few spring motions with the back of your hips (try to reach your heel all the way down to your buttocks) and stay for 10 seconds. Do the same for the left side.
Ointments
The purpose of drugs in the treatment of varicose veins is to give the veins elasticity and normal condition. The necessary drug is recommended by a specialist in complex treatments.
A cream that contains an anticoagulant can have a good prophylactic effect. The latter have the task of relieving pain in the affected areas and strengthening the blood vessels. Anti-cramp cream preparations often contain a number of vitamins: C, B5 and B1, thanks to which the regeneration time is noticeably reduced.
Pills are also common in treatment that:
- improves vascular tone;
- relieves inflammation;
- accelerates blood flow and lymph flow;
- eliminates microcirculation disorders.
Tablets are divided into several groups: corticosteroids, phlebotonics, antithrombotic and nonsteroidal analgesics.
Folk Remedies
The conservative method of treatment is effective in the first stage of varicose veins, when a person feels heaviness in the legs and notices a venous network on the skin. The sooner corrective action is taken, the faster and more accurate the results will be. Below are some simple but powerful recipes.
Garlic compress
Gruel is made from grated garlic and butter in a ratio of 1: 2, which are then applied to the affected areas and fixed with paper and bandage. Duration of exposure - night, in the morning, rinse your leg 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 filtered for 14 days. Take with water three times a day before meals.
Kalanchoe ointment
Half of a liter glass should be filled with leaves and the rest with 70% alcohol. The resulting tincture should be kept in a dark place for two weeks, but shaken daily. The damaged areas are rubbed daily with the finished ointment.
Love yourself and be healthy!