A common foot disease after thirty years, especially in women, are varicose veins. During the development of this disease, the veins deform, their elasticity decreases and blood flow is disrupted. Most often, the calf muscles of the legs and back of the knees are affected.
Varicose veins of the legs: causes of occurrence
Factors leading to the appearance of varicose veins of the lower extremities include the following:
- being overweight - puts a lot of pressure on the legs. This is especially true for obese people. Therefore, if you have weight problems, we recommend that you engage in vigorous sports;
- pregnancy - especially in recent months, the load on the legs is quite noticeable and if you do not pay constant attention to rest, varicose veins can develop;
- work associated with a long standing. If it is not possible to change your job, you should change your attitude towards it and try to reduce the load on your feet;
- the presence of a tumor in the pelvic organs - blood flow is difficult;
- diseases of the walls of the veins of the lower extremities, which lead to tissue compression and deterioration of blood flow and the formation of blood clots;
- congenital venous valve insufficiency.
Careful! In order not to injure your feet and cover them with small bruises, we recommend that you pay attention to maintaining the health of your feet at a young age. Include moderate exercise in your daily routine and try to reduce leg strain. It is worth paying attention to the description of symptoms during the development of stages of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
The initial stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities: features of the development of the disease
First of all, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the course of the first stage of varicose veins may be invisible. Moreover, in the framework of medicine there is also the so-called zero stage of varicose veins. During its course, the patient complains of the same sensations as with varicose veins. But during the examination, it is impossible to determine any symptoms of varicose veins. And treatment in this case is rarely prescribed, more often doctors recommend to practice a healthy lifestyle.
In the first stage, spider veins or a web appear on the legs. Please note that there are no venous outflow concerns at this stage. Patients seek help due to slight varicose veins.
Second degree varicose veins
In the second stage, insufficiency of the main vein trunks is added to all the symptoms already listed. In other words, in addition to aggravation of the leg and slight enlargement of the veins in the leg, swelling and bluish nodules may appear. Please note that the size of the joints may increase after prolonged sitting or walking in heels.
The third stage of varicose veins: features of disease development
Treating the disease at this stage is, more often than not, an operation. As for the symptoms of the course, the swelling increases significantly, the legs look swollen even in the morning. Convulsions may occur. Most often it reduces calf muscles.
Careful! To get rid of the cramp, you need to stretch your leg and pull the sock towards you. If the foot does not obey, then give this position with the help of your hands.
The characteristic sign of the third degree is the appearance of trophic ulcers or skin blemishes.
Dermatitis or eczema may also occur. Another sign of third degree varicose veins is dry skin. The epidermis, due to circulatory problems, loses its elasticity and the surface becomes dry.
Varicose veins: how to treat the lower extremities and their swelling
If you are diagnosed with varicose veins, then regardless of the stage, the treatment will be identical. The only difference will be in the duration of treatment.
Treatment for varicose veins can be different. One of the most effective methods for treating varicose veins is massage. In order not to damage it, only a professional should do it. Properly done massage improves blood circulation to a person's lower extremities. Special pneumatic massage is also used as a type of compression treatment. Thanks to him, the swelling of the legs becomes much less, venous blood flow is accelerated and a general improvement of blood circulation in the lower extremities is observed.
Physical therapy is also suitable for discharging the venous system of the legs. It is a kind of physical education for the feet that is performed just before bedtime. You can indicate the exercises you need in each physiotherapy room.
To reduce the symptoms of the disease and prevent its worsening, elastic bandages and socks are used. Wearing compression stockings allows you to stop the development of the disease, improves blood flow to the feet and, most importantly, prevents the formation of blood clots. You need to get compression underwear at a specialty store.
Careful! It is better not to save on such socks. After all, if the fabric is not elastic enough, then you will not be able to wear them.
For the treatment of varicose veins are used medicinal drugs for thinning blood, anti-inflammatory and analgesic. They can be pills, injections. Treatment should be prescribed exclusively by a doctor and only after a thorough examination. Self-medication is prohibited.
Popular methods of treating varicose veins of the legs include hirudotherapy. During the procedure, the caterpillars, biting through the skin, inject hirudin into it, a substance that prevents blood from clotting. As a result, the number of blood clots decreases.
Treatment and alleviation of the course of the disease is possible with the use of creams, ointments, gels. You can buy them at any drugstore and you do not need a prescription for this. In the later stages of the disease, the phlebologist will offer you a quick solution to the problem.
Anyone diagnosed with enlargement should follow a special diet. The diet should contain foods low in cholesterol and rich in protein and vitamins. In this case, the use of seafood in food also has a positive effect on health. Smoked meat, meat juices, marinades should be excluded from consumed products, coffee and alcohol should be avoided.
The patient's diet should include the following foods:
- legumes, whole grains, liver, olive oil or corn are foods rich in vitamin E. It gives elasticity to our veins;
- Vitamins C and P (routine) are needed to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and veins of the lower extremities. Vitamin C is present in rose hips, sea buckthorn, cabbage, black currant and, of course, citrus fruits. And the routine is on the same thighs pink, citrus, black currant and black chokeberry. Based on these berries, compotes or stews can be made;
- bioflavonoids make it easier to move through the veins - eat 10 cherries and dark cherries in pieces;
- Include fiber-rich foods in your diet to relieve constipation. After all, everyone knows that veins suffer from constipation;
- make sure you drink at least two liters of water. With the lack of water consumed, the blood becomes viscous and thus the load on our veins increases.
It is worth saying a few words about what will happen if varicose veins do not heal in time. Remember that thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, eczema or trophic ulcers can occur as a result of such a disease. Remember that with advanced varicose veins, pulmonary embolism can occur.
And this disease can cause sudden death. Therefore, if you want to live healthy and happy forever, then it is better to consult your doctor in time.
After all, it is easier to cure the disease in the initial stage, and surgery at the beginning of the disease is optional. Do not get sick! Good luck!