Varicose veins are a common disease characterized by an increase in the lumen of blood vessels, a disorder of the valvular apparatus and the occurrence of reverse blood flow.The pathological process can be localized in different places, so there are several types of the disease:
- expansion of the veins of the esophagus;
- rectal veins (hemorrhoids);
- pelvic veins;
- veins of the spermatic cord (varicocele);
- veins of the lower extremities.
The most common are varicose veins on the legs.According to some estimates, more than 30% of the population suffers from it, and the majority are women.Varicose veins on the legs are not only unsightly bulging veins, but also a multitude of 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 forever, 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 still not entirely clear.It is clear that the disease is associated with thinning, weakness and loss of elasticity of the vascular wall, as well as incompetent valves.As a result, the veins become unevenly dilated, stretched, long, tortuous and knotty.There is an opinion that the decisive role in the onset of the disease is played by genetic predisposition, i.e. weak blood vessels and defective valves from birth.
There are numerous factors that contribute to the appearance of varicose veins, although they are not its causes:
- Heredity (according to experts, the risk of developing the disease in people whose parents suffer from it is up to 70%).
- Belonging to the female 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 related to prolonged 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 and tear of the valvular apparatus is a natural phenomenon.
- Surgical interventions.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure due to excess weight, pregnancy, heavy lifting (loaders, weightlifters), frequent straining with 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;
- physical therapy;
- compression therapy;
- medicines (for internal and local use);
- surgical intervention;
- thermal procedures;
- traditional methods.
You will have to struggle with varicose veins for the rest of your life.Do 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 the appropriate treatment.The main task is to remove or reduce clinical manifestations, stop progression, prevent relapses and the development of complications.
The effectiveness of the treatment will depend on whether the patient follows all the doctor's recommendations.It is important to seek help at an early stage, when there is still no pain, but evening swelling, heaviness and fatigue in the legs, and small veins on the skin have appeared.
Lifestyle correction
Without changing your lifestyle, it is impossible to fight varicose veins effectively.The rules that must be followed are absolutely banal, and non-compliance is most often associated with a lack of will or an irresponsible attitude towards one's health.
- Maintaining a normal body weight.
- Parting with bad habits: alcohol and smoking.
- Rejection of sunbathing, visits to steam rooms and saunas, hot baths (including foot baths).
- Rejection of high heels (no more than 4-5 cm).
- Wearing special elastic knitwear.
- Providing physical activity.It can be walking, swimming, physical therapy or some sports.The main thing is to exclude squats, weight lifting, long distance running, jumping and martial arts.
- Proper nutrition.The diet should contain more fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, whole grains and seafood.It is recommended to reduce the amount of meat.You must give up smoked, fried, salty, fatty foods.When it comes to drinks, give preference to green tea, pure water, fruit drinks, natural fresh juices and limit coffee.
- Take every opportunity during the day to raise your legs at 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
Today, special elastic knitwear is available in a wide range.These are knee-high socks, stockings, tights of different colors and thicknesses, which are practically no different from ordinary ones.They have become a good alternative to the uncomfortable to use and visually unaesthetic elastic bandage.
Special knitwear cannot treat varicose veins, but it improves microcirculation, reduces stress on veins,
prevents blood stagnation, reduces the diameter of blood vessels, increases the outflow of venous blood and lymph.A person feels lightness in his legs, he is less tired in the evening and there is no swelling.
At first, without the habit of manually putting on compression stockings, it will be difficult.To make your task easier, you can buy a special device.
There are four classes of therapeutic knitwear, depending on the pressure applied.You can only wear compression class 1 products on your own, which are considered preventive and are more intended for healthy people.The rest should be prescribed by a doctor depending on the diagnosis and severity of varicose veins.You should keep in mind that compression products may be contraindicated in some diseases.The doctor chooses tights or socks strictly according to the size, otherwise the desired effect will not be achieved.
Drug treatment
For the treatment of varicose veins, tablets and external agents in the form of gels, creams and ointments with different spectrum of action are used.They raise vascular tone, improve microcirculation, promote blood flow and prevent skin changes.Medicines are intended to relieve fatigue, heaviness, discomfort, swelling, itching, cramps and pain in the legs.Their appointment is strictly individual.
The main means of treating varicose veins are venotonics.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, gel.
Anticoagulants are used to reduce blood viscosity and reduce the likelihood of developing thrombophlebitis.These are ointments with cooling 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 skin changes that cause itching.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets are prescribed for inflammation.
Surgical intervention
To get rid of varicose veins, operations are performed to remove the affected part of the vein to stop the flow of blood from the superficial vein to the deep one.The operation is called phlebectomy.In its classic form, it is used less and less today due to the emergence of new, less traumatic ways to fight varicose veins.Such treatment is usually indicated for large diameter veins and advanced cases of the disease.
A gentler method is microphlebectomy, in which part of the vein is removed in parts, 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, due to which the venous lumen closes.Main advantages:
- outpatient treatment;
- no anesthesia or incision required;
- recovery does not take much time;
- the procedure is easily tolerated;
- can be done in summer;
- After the treatment, there are no bruises, swelling and pain are less.
Laser coagulation is another method of treating varicose veins.During the procedure, the laser is applied to the blood vessel wall.Radiation leads to adhesion of the vein walls and 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 the LED is inserted and radiation is applied.The operation 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 with surgery.The essence is that a special drug with a sclerosing effect is injected into the vein using a thin needle.As a result, the walls of the vessels stick together, close and stop the flow of blood.The affected vein turns into a fibrous cord.The main advantages of the method:
- outpatient treatment;
- low morbidity;
- simplicity of execution;
- The duration of the procedure is about 20 minutes;
- good cosmetic effect.
Traditional methods
Walnut tincture
Pour chopped unripe walnuts into a glass container and cover with olive oil.Place in the sun for 40 days.Apply as needed, lubricating the affected areas.Treatment should be continued for about 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 and leave for a day.Continue treatment for one month.
horse chestnut
This is one of the most effective folk remedies.For the treatment of 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 ready, rub the painful areas overnight.Chestnut alcohol tincture for external and internal use in varicose veins can be purchased at a pharmacy.
Exercises
When varicose veins appear, the question may arise whether it is possible to engage in physical education and sports and which exercises are useful.Most doctors agree that physical activity is very important for this disease, because dynamics are beneficial for veins, and static is harmful.But it is equally important to consult a doctor about which sports you can do and which loads will be optimal.In addition, the patient can be shown special therapeutic exercises that are performed directly in a medical facility.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 rise at an angle of 20 degrees.Close your eyes, relax completely, breathe deeply.
- While lying on your back, raise your legs vertically and alternately rotate your feet inward and outward.
- Lie on your back and make movements with your legs as if you were riding a bicycle.
- Lying on your back, raise your legs and cross them (scissors).
- Stand straight, hands down, feet together.Slowly rise up onto your toes, then lower yourself down just as slowly.
- Walk in place, keeping your socks on the floor.
- Sitting on a chair, bend your legs at the joint towards you and away from you, then bend your toes in the same way.
- Pouring the feet with an elastic stream of water (alternating cold and warm).
Conclusion
Varicose veins are an irreversible process, but it needs to be treated, especially since there are a lot of modern methods that need to be combined.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 result in death as pulmonary embolism.