Varicose veins appear when the veins stretch and enlarge, they take on a blue-purple or red tint, due to the accumulation of large amounts of blood. Varicose veins are a widespread disease and most often occur on the legs, but at the same time can form on other parts of the body.
For most people, especially women, varicose veins are primarily a cosmetic problem. In the early stages, the disease does not pose a threat to health. Swollen and ugly veins can spoil the appearance of some parts of the body, but if you are not careful with the treatment and prevention of varicose veins, complications can develop over time.
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing varicose veins:
In addition to the characteristic formation of dark blue or purple bulging veins, the following are the main signs of the development of varicose veins:
To effectively treat the problem of varicose veins, an integrated approach is needed, which includes:
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is recommended to start wearing compression garments - stockings, tights or leggings apply slight pressure from the lower leg upwards, which reduces the accumulation of bloodand swelling. It is necessary to wear such compression clothes all the time, but in this case a positive effect can be achieved. Wearing compression garments will not cure existing varicose veins, but it will help prevent or reduce enlarged veins and other complications.
Endovenous laser ablation (radiofrequency or laser)
The endovenous laser ablation method is by far the most effective and safest way to treat varicose veins. It is the use of laser or radiofrequency therapy, with the help of which a varicose vein is closed or removed. The doctor makes a tiny incision in the skin near the vein and inserts a catheter there, then a special device is connected to the tip of the catheter, with which the catheter heats and closes or removes the varicose vein (depending on the method of ablationchosen). The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the patient usually goes home the same day.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy refers to gentle methods of treating varicose veins. During the procedure, a special substance is injected into the vein affected by varicose veins, which destroys the internal lining of the vein and causes blood to clot inside. Over time, the vein collapses and disappears.
Surgical method
In advanced cases of varicose veins, some particularly gentle treatment methods are no longer effective. In this case, a patient with varicose veins can be helped by an operation in which the superficial vein is surgically removed. The indications for surgery are ulcers, bleeding, phlebitis. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, as a rule, the patient goes home on the same day. Pain and discomfort may occur for 2 weeks after surgery, this is normal.
Training on varicose veins
A lot of movement and moderate exercise are the main allies in the fight against varicose veins. Not all workouts are equally beneficial, and some can even harm someone with varicose veins.
Moderate, brisk physical activity, such as walking, prevents disease progression and complications, as dynamic muscle movements help direct blood from the periphery to the heart.
Walking is great for preventing varicose veins, this type of physical activity promotes healthy blood circulation by stretching and contracting the venous pump in the calf muscles. Walk for at least 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.
Running at low intensity
Running at a slow pace works well for the calf muscles, but it has a downside - running puts a strain on our joints. If you're not ready to substitute running for another activity, run on grass or rubber tracks, not hard asphalt.
Elliptical and exercise machine
Exercising on the elliptical trainer and stationary bike actively engages the calf muscles, which contributes to normal blood circulation.
Bodybuilding
Patients with varicose veins should avoid a lot of very intense resistance training, squats, lunges and crunches. All of them negatively affect the course of the disease and contribute to its further development. During prolonged muscle tension, blood accumulates in the veins of the legs, blood circulation deteriorates, all this causes the development of complications. It is recommended to wear compression stockings during and after strength training.
Today, pharmacies offer a wide range of drugs for the treatment of varicose veins in the form of tablets, drops, ointments, creams, gels.
The main groups of drugs used to treat varicose veins
For the treatment of varicose veins, several groups of drugs are used: ointments, creams, tablets, less often injections.
Characteristics of each of the listed groups:
To solve the problem, it is necessary to increase the tone of the veins. Therefore, patients with varicose veins are prescribed phlebotonics (venotonics). The main task of drugs with venotonic properties is to strengthen weak blood vessels and normalize blood circulation.
Phlebotonics differ in composition and price range. Therefore, for the treatment of varicose veins, you can find the most suitable drug option in terms of cost.
Phlebotonic containing Diosmin
Diosmin belongs to the representatives of bioflavonoids and is found in many medicines to combat varicose veins. It has a venotonic effect, improves lymphatic drainage, improves microcirculation, reduces the adhesion of leukocytes to the venous wall and their migration to paravenous tissues, improves oxygen diffusion and perfusion in skin tissues, and aan anti-inflammatory effect. Blocks the production of free radicals, the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane.
Experimental studies have shown that diosmin doubles the flow of lymph, increases the tone of the venous wall, suppresses leukocyte activity and prevents inflammation.
This is a group of medicines which affect the blood coagulation system, preventing the adhesion of formed elements, platelet plaques. Antiplatelet agents are another name for drugs in this group, because, in fact, natural or synthetic substances block the adhesion of platelets and suppress the formation of blood clots, which is often necessary in the treatment of varicose veins in the limbs. lower.
Antioxidants are substances which inhibit the peroxidation of lipids and proteins in the cell membrane, bind free radicals and thus slow down the processes of oxidation and aging. Drugs of this group can be prescribed in the complex treatment of varicose veins. They help to improve the extensibility and elasticity of the walls of the blood vessels, to strengthen them and to prolong the normal life of each cell of the walls of the smallest veins.
Often varicose veins are accompanied by pain and swelling. To restore lightness to the legs, decongestants are often prescribed in the complex treatment of varicose veins. They improve the flow of lymph from the affected areas, remove excess fluid from the body.
Typically, a phlebologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. Unfortunately, not all medical establishments offer a doctor of this specialty. It should be borne in mind that there are also some narrow specialists who are able to provide assistance in the treatment of varicose veins - this is an angiologist and a vascular surgeon. The general practitioner can also help diagnose the condition and refer the patient to the appropriate specialist.
Remember that in the early stages of the disease, pronounced clinical manifestations are usually absent. Therefore, if you suspect varicose veins, you should immediately contact a qualified specialist who will diagnose. As a rule, the diagnosis of varicose veins is carried out taking into account the patient's complaints, examination of the lower extremities, as well as data from laboratory and instrumental research methods. It is possible to ensure the development of the disease and to take timely measures to prevent it only after a careful examination of the patient.
All modern ointments are prescribed in addition to the main treatment of varicose veins with drugs. Local treatment helps to achieve a complex effect on the problem.
It is recommended to use creams, gels and ointments in complex treatments, as well as for prophylactic purposes. Especially for people who have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins. In any case, as soon as the first symptoms appear, urgent measures should be taken. Otherwise, the disease can develop and cause severe discomfort.
Local treatment of varicose veins is an important therapeutic tool which, together with medication, exercise therapy and prevention, contributes to the return to a healthy state of the circulatory system:
The use of ointments for the treatment of varicose veins is regulated by a phlebologist, who takes into account the indications and contraindications for their use. Therefore, despite the simplicity of such a drug, its use independently, without consulting a doctor, is unacceptable.
Ointments for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins based on heparin are produced under different names, they differ from each other in the presence of excipients in the composition that modify the action and manifested effects, and also have different manufacturers.
Heparin is a unique substance, so it is included in many medicines for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins. The doctor will tell you which ointment to choose for the treatment of varicose veins on the legs. In addition to ointments based on heparin, there are herbal preparations that are no less effective in preventing the development of varicose veins.
The herbal components of ointments are complex natural substances that work in a complex with varicose veins, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to relieve pain and inflammation in varicose veins. NSAID ointments facilitate the general condition of the patient with varicose veins and can speed up the healing process.
There are no significant differences between topical ointment, gel or cream formulations, however, ointments and creams are made from vegetable or animal fats and the active ingredients they contain. contain do not dissolve completely.
The gels are produced on a water basis, for this reason all the active components in them dissolve completely, without residue, which contributes to faster penetration and absorption into the skin.
Topical varicose veins should always be applied to clean skin. They should be used regularly, especially in severe forms of the disease. Remember that varicose veins disease is not a simple disease and a comprehensive approach is needed here. Consultation with a specialist is necessary, you do not have to self-medicate. Only after the diagnosis can the doctor prescribe treatment, which includes drugs for internal and external use. In this case, a patient suffering from varicose veins needs to lead a healthy life.