In the modern world, a large part of the population suffers from varicose veins.This pathology has been included on the list of “diseases of civilization” by the World Health Organization.The disease is more common in women due to lifestyle and genetic predisposition.The disease affects not only the elderly, but also the young.For varicose veins, there are quite a few contraindications and restrictions, non-compliance with which can lead to serious consequences.
As soon as the first signs of varicose veins appear, you should be examined by a surgeon and scrupulously follow his instructions.There is no need for treatment, this can lead to irreversible changes.
Degrees
Varicose veins of the lower limbs appear gradually.There are 3 degrees.
Compensation stage.The legs become swollen and tight, especially after a long walk or prolonged standing.Possibility of burning and pain in the vessels of the lower extremities and cramps in the calf muscles.Later, a small vascular network appears, manifesting itself in the form of “stars”.It is advisable to minimize a sedentary lifestyle and practice preventive exercises.
Women should avoid wearing high-heeled shoes.
Undercompensated stage.At this stage, the pain in the legs intensifies, cramps and swelling become more intense.The veins become even more visible, swelling to nodes with a bluish tint;the wall becomes thinner and the container may burst.The skin peels and itches in the affected area.It is impossible to comb a localized area, this can lead to microtrauma.It is best to avoid tight underwear and tight clothing.You should refrain from strenuous sports and lifting heavy objects!
Decompensation stage.This phase is characterized by difficulty in the flow of blood from the veins, which leads to significant swelling of the lower limbs.Trophic ulcers and long-lasting eczema may appear.This stage is often accompanied by inflammation and thrombosis of blood vessels.If the lumen is blocked by a thrombus, surgery is necessary.During the decompensation phase, wearing compression clothing is mandatory.Intense physical activity should be avoided.
Boundaries
In case of pain, the patient, if he is overweight, needs to lose weight.A diet is necessary to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood, which blocks the lumens of blood vessels and causes blood clots to appear in them.
If you have the first signs of varicose veins - itching, burning, muscle numbness, you should give up alcohol and reduce your salt intake.These products contribute to the formation of lipoproteins on the walls of blood vessels and the development of atherosclerosis.
For varicose veins, it is recommended to choose comfortable and “correct” shoes.Wearing shoes that are too tight, especially high heels, contributes to leg congestion.
An orthopedic doctor will help you choose orthopedic insoles and recommend compression garments and special stockings.
If skin integrity is compromised, hirudotherapy, acupuncture and physiotherapy are contraindicated.
Contraindicated procedures
For varicose veins, hot baths are not recommended;it is better not to visit baths and saunas.
In the initial phase of varicose veins, you can take a contrast shower and do foot baths.
At an advanced stage of the disease, you cannot do massages, especially with cupping and honey.Wraps containing various cosmetic preparations are prohibited.
Leg hair removal is possible in the absence of eczema and ulcers, but sugar and wax strips should be excluded.
Heating compresses are contraindicated;they can aggravate trophic ulcers or cause allergies.
Prolonged exposure to the sun and solarium is extremely undesirable.Tattoos should not be placed on affected areas of the body, especially if the integrity of the dermis is damaged;this can lead to serious complications.
At the stage of decompensation, physiotherapeutic warming procedures are not prescribed.Magnetic therapy and darsonvalization help in the early stages.
Prohibited medicines
Women with varicose veins should not take hormonal birth control pills.They contribute to the thickening of the blood and there is a risk of blood clots forming.
You should not take diuretics or other medications that help remove excess fluid from the body;this can negatively affect the metabolic process.
Taking medication must be agreed with your doctor.
Physical activity
For mild varicose veins, non-intense physical activity is recommended.Hiking and cycling, swimming, yoga and qigong exercises are helpful.
If there is no swelling of blood vessels, you can practice callanetics and stretching.
In advanced cases of pathology, the following are strictly contraindicated:
- long-term static load;
- lifting weights over 5 kg, weightlifting and wrestling;
- outdoor sports games, such as football or volleyball;
- mountaineering and hiking;
- professional dance classes;
- fast running, especially over long distances;
- skydiving;
- stepaerobics.
Prohibited products
It is vital for a person suffering from varicose veins to adopt good eating habits.
Exclude:
- fatty foods;
- pickles;
- smoked meats;
- marinades;
- canned food
Do not consume sweets, flour and butter products, products with a high palm oil content.These foods cause the appearance of atherosclerosis.
The diet of a patient with venous disease should not include fast food, processed foods, carbonated drinks, coffee and strong brewed tea.
It is better to limit salt and hot or too spicy spices, celery and mint.
Dietary recommendations
In case of varicose veins, a sick person should eat small portions, but often up to five times a day.It is especially important for overweight people to monitor their diet.Due to their excess weight, they are at risk of thrombophlebitis followed by vascular embolism.
Products should be subjected to gentle heat treatment, with emphasis on cooking, steaming and boiling.Smoking and frying foods should be avoided.
A patient suffering from varicose veins should drink the required amount of fluid per day, approximately 2.5 liters.If the drinking regime is not followed, the blood thickens and blood clots may form.
General recommendations
To improve their quality of life, a person suffering from venous insufficiency must respect certain rules:
- in case of advanced varicose veins, intense physical activity is prohibited;
- sit and stand less, move more.If a person works in a seated position, stand up and stretch periodically;
- eliminate constipation, which leads to congestion of the pelvic organs;
- eat correctly and fully, eat fresh vegetables and fruits to obtain the necessary microelements and minerals;
- if there is congestion in the lower extremities, it is necessary to wear compression clothing;
- give up alcohol, even in small quantities, and smoking.These bad habits lead to sclerosis of the lumen of the veins;
- taking blood thinners prescribed by a doctor;
- full sleep, at least 8 hours;
- elevated position of the legs when lying down;
- preventive gymnastics.
You can relieve the symptoms of the disease with the help of horse chestnut tinctures, angioprotective and cooling ointments and painkillers.To improve blood circulation, necessary medications, vitamins C, E and P and antispasmodics are used.
At the first signs of pathology, you should contact a surgeon or phlebologist.Self-treatment is completely unacceptable.
The use of pain relieving ointments and tablets briefly relieves a person's condition, but does not cure it.Only a specialist can assess the extent of the disease and refer the patient to the necessary diagnostic tests and procedures.Based on the results of the examination, adequate treatment is prescribed.
In case of venous rupture or thromboembolism, surgical intervention is indicated, which cannot be delayed, since these conditions endanger the patient's life.