Varicose veins are a common disease characterized by an increase in the lumen of blood vessels, disruption of the valve apparatus and the appearance of reverse blood flow.The pathological process can be localized in different places, therefore there are several types of disease:
- dilation of the veins of the esophagus;
- rectal veins (hemorrhoids);
- pelvic veins;
- veins of the spermatic cord (varicocele);
- veins of the lower limbs.
Leg varicose veins are the most common.According to some estimates, it affects more than 30% of the population, the majority of whom are women.Varicose veins on the legs are not only unsightly protruding veins, but also many unpleasant sensations and inconveniences.The pathological process is accompanied by heaviness, pain, swelling and often leads to dangerous complications: thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers.Many would like to know how to get rid of varicose veins permanently, because they significantly impair 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 not yet entirely clear.It is clear that the disease is associated with thinning, weakness and loss of elasticity of the vessel wall, as well as incompetent valves.As a result, the veins become unevenly dilated, stretched, long, tortuous and knotted.There is an opinion that genetic predisposition, that is, weak blood vessels and defective valves from birth, plays a decisive role in the occurrence of the disease.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins, although they are not the causes:
- Heredity (according to experts, the risk of developing the disease in people whose parents suffer from it can reach 70%).
- Belonging to the feminine gender.This is due to hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, as well as taking hormonal contraceptives and wearing high-heeled shoes.
- Work activities associated with long periods of standing or sitting (hairdressers, salespeople, surgeons, waiters, drivers, accountants, programmers and others).
- Old age, in which the weakening of the walls of blood vessels and wear of the valve apparatus is a natural phenomenon.
- Surgical interventions.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure due to excess weight, pregnancy, lifting heavy loads (loaders, weightlifters), frequent exertion accompanied by chronic constipation and cough.
Treatment methods
Varicose veins are a chronic process that begins gradually and only progresses over time.Today it is impossible to completely defeat the disease, but it is possible to slow down the development and reduce the symptoms if you use complex treatment, which includes:
- lifestyle changes;
- diet;
- physiotherapy;
- compression therapy;
- medicines (for internal use and local use);
- surgery;
- thermal procedures;
- traditional methods.
You will have to fight against varicose veins all your life.You should not self-medicate.You need to be examined by a phlebologist or vascular surgeon, who will make a diagnosis, determine the stage of the disease and the severity of the lesion and prescribe appropriate treatment.The main task is to remove or reduce clinical manifestations, stop progression, prevent relapses and the development of complications.
The effectiveness of treatment will depend on the patient's compliance with all the doctor's recommendations.It is important to seek help at an early stage, when there is no pain yet, but nighttime swelling, heaviness and fatigue in the legs as well as small spider veins on the skin have appeared.
Lifestyle correction
Without lifestyle changes, it is impossible to effectively combat varicose veins.The rules to follow are absolutely banal and their non-compliance is usually associated with a lack of willpower or an irresponsible attitude towards one's health.
- Maintain normal body weight.
- Break away from bad habits: alcohol and tobacco.
- Refusal to sunbathe, attend hammams and saunas, take hot baths (including foot baths).
- Refusal of high heels (no more than 4-5 cm).
- Wear special elastic knitwear.
- Suggest physical activity.This could be walking, swimming, physiotherapy or certain sports.The main thing is to exclude squats, weightlifting, long-distance running, jumping and 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.You need to give up smoked, fried, salty and fatty foods.For drinks, choose green tea, clean water, fruit drinks, fresh natural juices and limit coffee.
- Take every opportunity throughout the day to raise your legs to an angle of about 20 degrees.
- Buy a special pillow for your feet so that they are above the level of your heart while you sleep.
- Try to rinse your feet with cold water as often as possible.
Compression therapy
Special elastic knitwear is available today in a wide range.These are socks, stockings, tights of different colors and densities, which practically do not differ from ordinary socks.They have become a good alternative to elastic bandages that are impractical to use and visually unsightly.
Special knitwear cannot treat varicose veins, but they improve microcirculation, reduce stress on the veins,
prevents blood from stagnation, reduces the diameter of blood vessels, increases the outflow of venous blood and lymph.A person feels light in his legs, is less tired in the evening and there is no swelling.
At first, without the habit of putting on support stockings by hand, it will be difficult.To make it easier for you, you can purchase a special device.
There are four classes of therapeutic knits, depending on the pressure applied.You can only wear class 1 compression products, considered preventive and intended more for healthy people.The rest must be prescribed by a doctor depending on the diagnosis and severity of the varicose veins.Be aware that compression products may be contraindicated in certain illnesses.The doctor selects tights or stockings strictly according to the size, otherwise the desired effect will not be achieved.
Drug treatment
To treat varicose veins, tablets and external agents in the form of gels, creams and ointments with different spectrums of action are used.They increase vascular tone, improve microcirculation, promote blood flow and prevent skin changes.The medications are intended to eliminate fatigue, heaviness, discomfort, swelling, itching, cramps and pain in the legs.Their appointment is strictly individual.
Venotonics are the main means of treating varicose veins.They are made on the basis of horse chestnut, rutin, grape leaves and are almost always well tolerated by patients.Available in the form of tablets, capsules, gels.
To reduce blood viscosity and reduce the risk of thrombophlebitis, anticoagulants are used.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.
For itchy skin changes, antihistamines may be prescribed.For inflammation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory tablets 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 to the deep vein.The operation is called phlebectomy.In its classic form, it is used less and less today due to the emergence of new, less traumatic methods to combat varicose veins.Such treatment is usually indicated for large diameter veins and advanced cases of the disease.
A gentler method is microphlebectomy, in which a section of the vein is partially removed and not through an incision, but through a puncture.
Thermal methods
Radiofrequency ablation is considered the safest and least traumatic method of treating varicose veins, although it has some contraindications.The method involves the thermal effect of microwaves, as a result of which the venous lumen closes.Main advantages:
- outpatient treatment;
- no anesthesia or incision is required;
- recovery does not take much time;
- the procedure is easily tolerated;
- can be done in summer;
- There is no bruising after treatment, swelling and pain are minor.
Laser coagulation is another method of treating varicose veins.During the procedure, a laser is applied to the vessel wall.The radiation causes the vein walls to stick together and the lumen to completely close.It is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia without incision.A catheter is inserted into the lumen of the vein, through which an LED is inserted and radiation is applied.The procedure is minimally traumatic and complications are very rare.
Sclerotherapy
This non-surgical method is one of the most common.It is used on small veins and as part of complex treatment accompanied by surgical intervention.The bottom line is that a special drug with a sclerosing effect is injected into a vein using a thin needle.As a result, the vessel walls stick together, close and stop blood flow.The affected vein turns into a fibrous cord.The main advantages of the method:
- outpatient treatment;
- low morbidity;
- ease of execution;
- The duration of the procedure is approximately 20 minutes;
- good cosmetic effect.
Traditional methods
Walnut tincture
Pour the chopped unripe nuts into a glass bowl and pour in the olive oil.Place in the sun for 40 days.Apply lubricant to affected areas as needed.Treatment should continue for approximately four months.
Cabbage leaf
Cut a cabbage leaf, apply a layer of olive oil on one side, apply this side to the affected area, bandage it and leave for a day.Continue the treatment for a month.
horse chestnut
This is one of the most effective folk remedies.To treat varicose veins, prepare a tincture from the fruits of the plant, which must be crushed, half filled in a glass container (three liters) and filled with vodka.Place in a dark place for a month, stirring occasionally.When you're ready, rub the sore areas overnight.Alcoholic chestnut tincture for external and internal use for varicose veins can be purchased at the pharmacy.
Exercises
When varicose veins appear, the question may arise whether it is possible to engage in physical education and sports and what exercises are useful.Most doctors agree that physical activity is very important for this disease, because dynamics are beneficial for the veins, and static electricity is harmful.But it is equally important to consult a doctor to find out what sports you can do and what loads will be optimal.Also, the patient may be shown special therapeutic exercises, performed directly in a medical institution.At home, you can also perform simple but effective exercises that, along with regular exercise, will help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins.
- Lie on your back, place pillows under your feet so that they elevate at a 20-degree angle.Close your eyes, relax completely, breathe deeply.
- While lying on your back, raise your legs vertically and rotate your feet in and out alternately.
- Lie on your back and move your legs as if you were riding a bike.
- Lying on your back, raise your legs and cross them (scissors).
- Stand straight with your arms down and your feet together.Slowly rise onto your tiptoes, then lower yourself just as slowly.
- Walk in place, keeping your socks on the ground.
- Sitting in a chair, bend your legs at the ankle toward and away from you, then bend your fingers in the same way.
- Pour a springy stream of water (alternately cool and lukewarm) over your feet.
Conclusion
Varicose veins are an irreversible process, but it is necessary to treat it, especially since there are many modern methods that must 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 disease that can lead to death as pulmonary embolism.