Varicose veins are a fairly common disease among the adult population. According to the World Health Association, about 40% of people are affected by this disease in varying degrees of severity.
The disease is more typical for women; every fifth representative of the fair sex is susceptible to varicose veins. Men suffer from this disease to a lesser extent and only 10% face this problem.
In the initial stages, the disease is a little disturbing and is not something threatening to the patient's life, but later dangerous diseases can develop, for example, thrombophlebitis. The resulting blood clots are now a serious threat to life.
Depending on the etiology, two forms of varicose veins are distinguished, they are presented in the table:
| PRIMARY | Medium | |
|---|---|---|
| cause | Weakening, destruction of the structure of the venous wall | Impaired outflow of venous blood due to improper functioning of vascular valves |
| Aggravating factors | Excess weight, pregnancy, work on the feet, compression of the veins by clothing elements, congenital weakness of the venous walls. | The development of various types of tumors, rupture as a result of trauma |
Causes of the disease
The essence of the disease lies in an abnormal increase in pressure in the superficial vessels due to the interruption of the valves, which normally facilitate the flow of venous blood in one direction (toward the heart). In case of disturbance, the valves weaken and blood begins to stagnate in the veins, leading to their stretching, the formation of knots, etc. In this case, a slowdown in blood circulation is observed, which leads to a disturbance in the trophism of cells and tissues and the formation of ulcerative processes.
The main causes of the disease:
- genetic predisposition;
- long standing in a vertical position;
- limited movement throughout the day;
- disorders of the endocrine system, both due to the disease and due to taking hormonal drugs;
- pregnancy;
- physical activities of various types (at work, in the gym, at the dacha, etc. );
- lower limb injuries;
- bad habits, especially smoking.
noteThe risk group includes people who spend the whole day standing, sitting and moving a little, for example, salespeople, teachers, drivers, people sitting at a computer, etc.
The thing is that people who sit for a long time compress the blood vessels and this slows down blood circulation. Therefore, varicose veins develop in this case regardless of age, and in those who stand for a long time, according to physical laws, the blood creates a constant pressure on the vessels and as a result they begin to deform, which leads to the development ofthe disease.
Also at risk are:
- women wearing high heels;
- people involved in sports with standing loads (strength sports, tennis);
- all people who work on foot;
- people, by habit, cross one leg over the other when sitting;
- people who drink a lot of coffee and drinks containing alcohol, which contribute to the thickening of the blood, damaging its flow.
How to recognize the disease
The first sign of varicose veins is the appearance of fatigue in the legs at the end of the day, the appearance of swelling, therefore the shoes become tight. Rare cramps and pain in the calf muscles are also possible.
You can visually notice the manifestation of the disease from the so-called stars, consisting of modified inflamed blood vessels. With the progression of varicose veins, irreversible pathologies arise in larger diameter vessels and they begin to appear under the skin. The knotty appearance of the latter is due to the refinement of the walls in certain places.
Main features
But to understand more precisely whether it is varicose veins or not, we specifically list the main signs of the disease:
- pain and heaviness in the legs;
- unpleasant warm, burning pains running along the veins;
- after a day of work, the swelling of the legs is clearly visible;
- night cramps in calves;
- veins become wider, more twisted, dense to the touch;
- the epithelium of the feet becomes denser and darker;
- Trophic ulcers are possible.
Prevention and treatment
If you identify symptoms of varicose veins, you should consult a specialist. Treatment and prevention of varicose veins requires contacting medical institutions.
Only a doctor, after determining the correct diagnosis, should determine the therapy and eliminate the causes. There are a number of simple rules, the observance of which can stop the development of the disease or even in some cases help prevent the development of the disease.
The main ones are listed below:
Avoid the effects of temperature on the veins . Hot baths, saunas, long exposure to the sun lead to a decrease in vascular tone, which causes blood stagnation, especially in the legs;Physical activity . All sports, excluding those with heavy loads, are beneficial for the cardiovascular system. Light jogging, aerobics, morning exercises and fitness strengthen the veins especially well.Overweight . For a number of reasons, the condition of the blood and blood vessels deteriorates in obese people. A larger volume creates greater pressure, the heart has to work much harder to pump all the blood, excess cholesterol leads to the blockage of blood vessels, the development of arteriosclerosis, thrombosis and other diseases of the cardiovascular system.Advice.If you do not want to have varicose veins and feel happy, carefully monitor your weight and prevent the development of obesity.
Tight constricting clothes impede blood circulation . Get rid of tight socks, stockings and tights with tight elastic bands, do not tighten the belt too much and generally eliminate any compression of the veins.
It should be noted that there are special support stockings and tights to prevent the development of varicose veins.Spread the load when you work , change your position, don't be static for a long time.When sitting, do not cross one leg over the other . This prevents the passage of venous blood through the vessels.More movement . A static position for a long time in a sitting position, and especially an upright position, provokes the development of the disease due to increased pressure in the legs and slowing down of venous blood flow. Therefore, the more movement, the better. Take vacations, change positions, etc.Normalization of stool . Both constipation and diarrhea negatively affect the vascular system. Therefore, make sure that your diet includes foods rich in fiber. Avoid legumes, beer and yeast products if you are prone to bloating.Eat less salt . Salt and then drinking fluids causes swelling.Do limb exercises . Before you go to bed and after waking up in the morning, it is good to make circular movements of your fingers and feet for a few minutes, this will improve blood circulation.Avoid tight shoes , and that with high heels.After a working day, at home, make it a rule to wash or rinse your feet with cold water.
Note that it is helpful to prevent varicose veins by walking barefoot through the dew or along the shore in the surf line, getting your feet wet.
In the case when there are no manifestations of varicose veins, but there is a predisposition to this disease, it will be useful to massage the legs every day. It is very easy to do. The technique consists of kicking and kneading.
noteMassage is contraindicated if the doctor has diagnosed varicose veins!
Patients are recommended to keep their lower limbs elevated while resting or sleeping. To do this, it is advisable to put your feet on a hill; to do this, use all available tools, you can put a pillow or pillow.
A contrast shower for your feet helps, or after taking a warm shower, rinse your feet with cold or cool water.
Swimming is indicated for varicose veins; it not only forces all muscle groups to work, but also perfectly strengthens blood vessels. Morning jogging, walking, cycling and skiing are also good options.
Physiotherapy
Treatment and prevention of varicose veins will be successful if you do gymnastics.
Below are simple exercises you can do without being distracted by work or household chores:
- Raising the calf. The instructions to follow are simple. To do this, you need to stand straight, legs together, feet next to each other. Do ups about 30 times, rising on your toes and returning to the starting position. There are three types of exercises:
- toes close together, heels close together;
- toes close together, heels apart;
- heels close, toes apart.
It is recommended that all variations be performed 20-30 times for each position;
- Spinning on his feet. Stand straight with your feet together. Roll from toes to heels. Repeat on the inside and back of the legs as well. The number of iterations is arbitrary; spend 2-3 minutes on exercises.
- Bicycle. It can be performed either lying down or sitting in a chair. Use your legs to imitate riding a bicycle, as shown in the picture. Legs should be fully straightened while performing. 30-40 repetitions will be enough.
Nutrition and diet
Proper nutrition and adherence to the diet not only helps to cope with varicose veins, but also has a positive effect on the body as a whole. Enrich your diet with plant foods, especially fruits, and eliminate fatty, spicy, salty and smoked foods, which lead to blood thickening and blood clotting.
Vegetarian diets are preferable, but since this is not suitable for everyone, try to give preference to lean meat, fish and animal proteins of marine origin. Reduce alcohol consumption as much as possible, eat more fortified foods, especially rich in vitamins A, B, C and E.
The first and last help to strengthen the vascular walls of the epithelium, and also increase the general immunity of the body. Regular intake of vitamin C and E helps to strengthen the collagen fibers of blood vessels and their valves.
Scientists have proven the positive effect of eating fresh garlic on the cardiovascular system, thanks to its unique chemical composition. Let's just focus on the effect.
Garlic prevents the formation of blood clots and promotes the dissolution of existing ones, preventing the development of arteriosclerosis and varicose veins. In addition, it stimulates the body's defense mechanisms and helps prevent colds.
It is important to note that you should not overdo it with garlic. It is enough to eat a few cloves a day. If you are too addicted to this spice, you can end up with stomach and heart problems.
Some basic rules of nutrition:
- lean, boiled or stewed meat is recommended;
- Lactic acid products such as yogurt, kefir and cheeses are very healthy, especially when their fat content is low;
- increase the consumption of vegetables, integral products and legumes. They are high in fiber and potassium compounds. The first helps fight against slags in the body and constipation; potassium regulates channels during water salt metabolism in body tissues. Please note that industrial processing reduces the amount of useful micronutrients and eliminates the beneficial properties of fiber;
- it is advisable to reduce the amount of fast carbohydrates (sweet) and salt to minimum values;
- For cooking, use dishes with a special coating that allows you to cook food without the use of fat that heats up on the surface;
- replace animal fats with vegetable fats, do not cook them twice in the same oil;
- For the salad dressing, use olive oil, low-calorie sour cream, kefir or yogurt.
Treatment of varicose veins
Varicose veins are quite difficult to treat and it is much easier to prevent their occurrence or control the development of the disease by slowing its progression. When the disease is diagnosed, according to statistics, about 15-20% of patients recover completely, but you should not despair.
Damaged veins have a stretched structure, which causes stagnant processes in them. In case of severe vascular lesions, they require surgical treatment with removal of the ear to avoid further spread of the disease in healthy veins.
Today there are many methods for treating the disease. In most cases, these are minimally invasive techniques and only in an advanced condition does the patient end up on the operating table.
Among the most used, we single out the following:
Sclerotherapy. In simple words, the removal of a vein without direct surgical intervention. The bottom line is that a special drug is injected into the damaged blood vessel using a needle, which adheres to the vein walls and after about a week resolves itself.Laser therapy. A special probe connected to a laser is inserted into the vein through a micro-incision. The vein is burned from the inside, which leads to adhesion of its walls and its subsequent resorption.
Basic treatment techniques
Early detection of the disease contributes to successful treatment if it starts at the right time. The more developed varicose veins, the more difficult it is to treat the disease.
Among the main techniques, therapeutic massage is well proven, but only if it is done by a specialist. Thanks to proper leg manipulations, blood circulation increases and blockage in blood vessels decreases.
Treatment often involves wrapping the limb in elastic bandages or wearing special compression stockings. This helps to avoid the development of the disease and the occurrence of complications such as thrombophlebitis.
The additional compression created compresses the veins, their lumens narrow, which creates an increase in blood circulation, reducing congestion in the vessels. This prevents blood thickening and blood clot formation.
Treatment also includes observing all the basic preventive measures described above. Among them, great attention should be paid to diets, the fight against excess weight, regular rest and therapeutic exercises.
After consultation with the attending physician, drug therapy and the use of various creams and ointments are prescribed. Medicines taken orally have an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, as well as help to thin the blood and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
The cream for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins gives the same result. The price of such drugs is affordable, they are available without a prescription. Their use does not cause complications, but it is still advisable to get professional advice from a doctor.
Traditional methods of treatment
Treatment and prevention of varicose veins using traditional medicine is not a cure for the disease, but it can improve the results of basic treatment and relieve symptoms, especially since it is convenient to use at home.
The most popular methods are as follows:
- taking baths with a decoction of medicinal plants (St. John's wort, chamomile, plantain, etc. ), which help strengthen blood vessels and increase blood flow;
- compresses with sea oil or aloe juice have an excellent wound healing effect and are used to treat eczema and trophic ulcers (honey applications can also be used for this purpose);
- the use of decoctions or tinctures of plants that help thin the blood (hawthorn, licorice or angelica root, sweet clover herbs and others).
Complications of varicose veins
If varicose veins are not treated or not taken seriously, then the stagnant processes will progress, causing the development of the disease and causing a series of accompanying pathologies, which significantly worsen the general condition and reduce the comfort of life. The nutrition of the epithelial layers of the skin deteriorates.
This causes the appearance of eczema, necrosis or trophic ulcers, which become chronic. As a result of blood clot formation, the veins become abnormally twisted and swollen.
Lime begins to deposit in them and the so-called "vein stones" appear. The nodes that appear may rupture and bleed. Swelling of the feet becomes permanent and "elephantiasis" appears.