How to treat varicose veins

Female legs without varicose veins

Varicose veins are a common disease characterized by an increase in the lumen of the blood vessels, dysfunction of the valve system, and the appearance of reverse blood flow. The pathological process can be localized in different places, therefore there are several types of the disease:

  • expansion of the veins of the esophagus;
  • rectal veins (hemorrhoids);
  • veins of the small pelvis;
  • veins of the spermatic cord (varicocele);
  • veins of the lower limbs.

Varicose veins of the legs are considered the most common. It is estimated that more than 30% of the population suffers from it, the majority being women. Varicose veins on the legs are not only ugly protruding veins, but also many unpleasant sensations and inconveniences. The pathological process is accompanied by severity, pain, edema and often leads to dangerous complications: thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers. Many would like to know how to get rid of varicose veins forever, as it significantly affects the quality of life. But, unfortunately, this phenomenon is irreversible and the only thing that can be achieved is to stop or slow down the development of the disease.

Reasons

The causes of varicose veins are still not clearly understood. It is understood that the disease is associated with thinning, weakness and loss of elasticity of the vascular wall, as well as valve incompetence. As a result, the veins become unevenly dilated, stretched, long, twisted, nodular. It is believed that a genetic predisposition plays a decisive role in the onset of the disease, that is, from birth, weak vessels and defective valves.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins, although they are not the cause:

  • Heredity (according to experts, the risk of disease in people whose parents suffer from it can reach 70%).
  • To be a woman. This is due to hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, as well as taking hormonal contraceptives and wearing high-heeled shoes.
  • Work activity associated with a long stay on the legs or in a sitting position (hairdressers, salespeople, surgeons, waiters, drivers, accountants, programmers and others).
  • Old age, when the weakening of the walls of the blood vessels and the wear and tear of the valve system is a natural phenomenon.
  • Operational interventions.
  • Sedentary lifestyle.
  • Increased intra-abdominal pressure due to overweight, pregnancy, heavy lifting (loaders, weightlifters), frequent exertion with chronic constipation and cough.

Processing methods

Varicose veins are a chronic process that begins gradually and only progresses over time. To date, it is impossible to completely defeat the disease, but it is possible to slow down the development and reduce the symptoms if we apply a complex treatment, which includes:

  • lifestyle change;
  • diet
  • ;
  • physiotherapy exercises;
  • compression therapy
  • ;
  • drugs (for internal and topical use);
  • surgical intervention;
  • thermal procedures;
  • folk methods.

You will have to fight varicose veins all your life. Don't heal yourself. It is necessary to be examined by a phlebologist or vascular surgeon, who will diagnose, determine the stage of the disease and the severity of the lesion and prescribe the appropriate treatment. The main task is to eliminate or reduce clinical manifestations, stop the progression, prevent relapses and the development of complications.

The effectiveness of treatment will depend on the patient's compliance with all of the doctor's recommendations. It is important to seek help at an early stage, when there is still no pain, but evening edema, heaviness and fatigue in the legs, small spider veins on the skin have appeared.

Lifestyle fix

Without changing your lifestyle, it is impossible to effectively fight varicose veins. The rules to be followed are completely banal and failure to follow them is usually associated with a lack of will or an irresponsible attitude towards one's health.

  • Maintain normal body weight.
  • Get rid of bad habits: alcohol and smoking.
  • Refusal to sunbathe, visit hammams and saunas, take hot baths (including foot baths).
  • Refusal of high heels (no higher than 4-5 cm).
  • Wear special stretch jersey.
  • Provide physical activity. It can be walking, swimming, physiotherapy exercises, some sports. The main thing is to exclude squats, lifting weights, running long distances, jumping, martial arts.
  • Good nutrition. The diet should contain more fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, whole grains and seafood. It is recommended to reduce the amount of meat. We must give up smoked, fried, salty, fat. Among the drinks, choose green tea, clean water, fruit drinks, natural fresh fruit juices and limit coffee.
  • Take every opportunity during the day to raise your legs to an angle of about 20 degrees.
  • Buy a special pillow for your legs so that they are above heart level while sleeping.
  • Try to rinse your feet with cold water as often as possible.

Compression therapy

The special stretch jersey is now available in a wide range. These are knee-highs, stockings, tights of different colors and densities, which practically do not differ from ordinary tights. They have become a good alternative to elastic bandages, inconvenient to use and unsightly on the outside.

The special jersey cannot treat varicose veins, but it improves microcirculation, reduces stress on the veins,Special device for putting on compression garmentsprevents blood from stagnating, reduces the diameter of blood vessels, increases the flow of venous blood andlymph. A person feels lightness in his legs, in the evening he is less tired, there is no swelling.

At first, it will be difficult without the habit of putting on compression stockings in your hand. To simplify your task, you can buy a special device.

There are four classes of medical swimsuits, depending on the pressure applied. You can only wear 1st class compression products, which are considered prophylactic and intended rather for healthy people. The rest should be prescribed by a doctor depending on the diagnosis and severity of varicose veins. You should be aware that compression products may be contraindicated for certain conditions. Tights or stockings are selected by the doctor strictly on the basis of height, otherwise the desired effect will not be.

Drugs

For the treatment of varicose veins, tablets and external agents in the form of gels, creams and ointments of various spectrum of action are used. They increase vascular tone, improve microcirculation, promote blood flow and prevent skin changes. The drugs are designed to eliminate fatigue, heaviness, discomfort, swelling, itching, cramps and pain in the legs. Their appointment is strictly individual.

Application of healing cream on legs with varicose veins

The main means of treating varicose veins are venotonics. They are made from horse chestnut, rutin, grape leaves and are almost always well tolerated by patients. Available in the form of tablets, capsules, gels.

Anticoagulants are used to reduce the viscosity of the blood and reduce the risk of thrombophlebitis. These are ointments with refreshing additives in the form of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus. In addition to thinning the blood, they prevent the development of thrombophlebitis.

Antihistamines may be prescribed for itchy skin changes. For inflammation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pills are prescribed.

Surgery

To get rid of varicose veins, operations are performed to remove the affected part of the vessel to stop the flow of blood from the superficial vein into the deep vein. The operation is called phlebectomy. In its classic form, it is used less and less today in connection with the emergence of new, less traumatic ways of treating varicose veins. Such treatment, as a rule, is indicated for large vein diameters and advanced cases of the disease.

A gentler method is microflebectomy, in which a section of a vein is removed in parts and not through an incision, but through a puncture.

Thermal methods

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally traumatic method of treating varicose veins

Radiofrequency ablation is considered to be the safest and least traumatic method of treating varicose veins, although it has some contraindications. The method consists in the thermal effect of microwaves, as a result of which the venous lumen is closed. Main advantages:

  • outpatient treatment;
  • no need for anesthesia and incision;
  • The
  • recovery does not take long;
  • The
  • procedure is easily portable;
  • can be done in summer;
  • there are no bruises after the treatment, the swelling and pain are minor.

Laser coagulation is another method of treating varicose veins. During the procedure, a laser is applied to the wall of the vessel. The radiation leads to the sticking of the venous walls and the complete closure of the lumen. It is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia without incisions. A catheter is inserted into the lumen of the vein, through which an LED is inserted and radiation is delivered. The procedure is less traumatic, complications are very rare.

Sclerotherapy

Deep vein thrombosis

This non-working method is one of the most common. It is used on small veins and as part of complex treatment accompanied by surgery. The main thing is that with the help of a thin needle, a special drug with a sclerosing effect is injected into the vein. As a result, the walls of the vessel stick together, close, and stop blood flow. The affected vein becomes a fibrous cord. The main advantages of the method:

  • outpatient treatment;
  • weak invasion;
  • ease of execution;
  • duration of the procedure - about 20 minutes;
  • good cosmetic effect.

Traditional methods

Tincture of walnuts

Pour the chopped green walnuts into a glass dish and pour in olive oil. Put in the sun for 40 days. Apply as needed, lubricating the affected area. Continue treatment for about four months.

Cabbage leaf

Beat a cabbage leaf, apply a layer of olive oil on one side, apply that side to the affected area, bandage and let sit for a day. Continue the treatment for a month.

Physiotherapy is an integral part of the complex treatment of varicose veins

Horse chestnut

It is one of the most effective folk remedies. For the treatment of varicose veins, a tincture is prepared from the fruits of the plant, which must be crushed, half-filled in a glass container (three liters) and filled with vodka. Remove to a dark place for a month, stirring occasionally. When you're ready, rub the sore spots overnight. Alcohol tincture of chestnut for external and internal use with varicose veins can be purchased at the pharmacy.

Exercises

When varicose veins appear, the question may arise whether it is possible to do physical education and sports and what exercises are useful. Most doctors agree that physical activity in such a disease is very important, since the dynamics are good for the veins, and static electricity is harmful. But it's just as important to see your doctor to find out what types of sports you can play and what types of loads will be optimal. In addition, the patient may be shown special therapeutic exercises, which are carried out directly in a medical institution. At home, you can also do simple but effective exercises that, along with regular exercise, will help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins.

  1. Lie on your back, put pillows under your feet so that they rise to a 20 degree angle. Close your eyes, relax completely, breathe deeply.
  2. Supine, raise your legs vertically and turn your feet alternately in and out.
  3. Lie on your back and move your legs like riding a bicycle.
  4. Lying on your back, raise your legs and cross them (scissors).
  5. Stand straight with your lower arms and legs together. Slowly step up onto your toes, then descend just as slowly.
  6. Walk in place, don't tear your socks off the floor.
  7. Sitting on a chair, bend your ankles towards you and away from you, then bend your toes in the same way.
  8. Pour an elastic stream of water on the legs (alternately cold and hot).

Conclusion

Varicose veins are an irreversible process, but it should be treated without fail, especially since there are many modern methods that should be used in combination. Without treatment, there is a high risk of developing complications such as chronic venous insufficiency, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers, and even such a dangerous condition that can lead to death, such as pulmonary embolism.

10.11.2020