In the modern world, a large percentage of the population suffers from varicose veins.This pathology is included in the list of "diseases of civilization" of 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 young people.For varicose veins, contraindications and restrictions are quite extensive, non-observance of which can lead to serious consequences.
When the first signs of varicose veins appear, you must see a surgeon and strictly follow his instructions.There is no need to self-medicate, it can lead to irreversible changes.
Degrees
Varicose veins of the lower extremities appear gradually.There are 3 degrees.
Compensation phase.The legs become swollen and tense, especially after walking or standing for a long time.Possible burning and pain in the veins of the lower extremities and spasms in the calf muscles.Later, a small vascular network appears, manifesting as "stars".It is recommended to minimize a sedentary lifestyle and engage in preventive exercises.
Women should avoid wearing high-heeled shoes.
Subcompensated phase.At this stage, leg pains intensify, cramps and swelling become more intense.The veins become even more noticeable, swelling to nodes with a bluish tint;the wall becomes thinner and the vessel may crack.The skin peels and itches in the affected area.It is impossible to comb the localized area, this can lead to microtrauma.It is better to avoid tight underwear and tight clothes.You should refrain from intense sports and heavy lifting!
Decompensation phase.This phase is characterized by difficulties in the outflow of blood from the veins, which leads to severe swelling in the lower extremities.Long-term trophic ulcers and eczema may occur.This phase is often accompanied by inflammation and thrombosis of blood vessels.If the lumen is blocked by a thrombus, surgical intervention is required.During the decompensation phase, it is mandatory to wear a compression suit.Intense physical activity should be avoided.
Restrictions
In case of pain, the patient, if he is overweight, should lose weight.The diet is necessary to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood, which clogs the lumens of blood vessels and causes the appearance of blood clots in them.
If you have the first signs of varicose veins - itching, burning, numbness in the muscles, you must give up alcohol and reduce 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, "correct" shoes.Wearing shoes that are too tight, especially high heels, contributes to foot congestion.
The orthopedist will help you choose orthopedic insoles and recommend compression clothing and special socks.
If the integrity of the skin is damaged, hirudotherapy, acupuncture and physiotherapy are contraindicated.
Contraindicated procedures
Warm baths are not recommended for varicose veins;it is better not to visit baths and saunas.
In the initial stage of varicose veins, you can take a contrast shower and make foot baths.
In an advanced stage of the disease, you cannot do massages, especially bathing with glasses and honey.Wraps with various cosmetic preparations are prohibited.
Leg hair removal is possible in the absence of eczema and ulcers, but sugar strips and wax strips should be excluded.
Warming compresses are contraindicated;they can worsen trophic ulcers or cause allergies.
Prolonged exposure to the sun and solarium are extremely undesirable.Tattoos should not be placed on affected areas of the body, especially if the integrity of the dermis is damaged;it can lead to serious complications.
In the decompensation phase, physiotherapeutic warm-up procedures are not prescribed.Magnetotherapy and darsonvalization help in the initial stages.
Prohibited drugs
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.
You should not take diuretics or other drugs that help remove excess fluid from the body;this can negatively affect the metabolic process.
Taking any medication must be agreed with your doctor.
Physical activity
For mild varicose veins, non-intense physical activity is recommended.Walking and cycling, swimming, yoga and qigong exercises are useful.
If there are no bulging blood vessels, you can practice calanetics and stretching.
In advanced cases of pathology, the following are strictly contraindicated:
- long-term static load;
- weight lifting over 5 kg, weight lifting and wrestling;
- outdoor sports games, such as football or volleyball;
- hiking and mountain climbing;
- professional dance lessons;
- fast running, especially over long distances;
- parachuting;
- stepaerobics.
Prohibited products
It is vital for a person suffering from varicose veins to follow proper eating habits.
Turn off:
- fatty foods;
- pickles;
- smoked meat;
- marinades;
- canned food
Do not consume sweets, flour and butter products, products with a high content of palm oil.These foods cause atherosclerosis.
The diet of patients with venous diseases should not include fast food, processed food, carbonated drinks, coffee and strong brewed tea.
It is better to limit salt and hot or too hot spices, celery and mint.
Diet recommendations
With varicose veins, the 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.Being overweight puts them at risk of thrombophlebitis with subsequent blood vessel embolism.
Products should be subjected to gentle heat treatment, preferring baking, steaming and cooking.Smoking and frying food should be avoided.
A patient with varicose veins should drink the required amount of fluid per day, about 2.5 liters.If the drinking regimen is not followed, the blood thickens and blood clots may form.
General recommendations
In order to improve the quality of life, a person suffering from venous insufficiency must follow certain rules:
- with advanced varicose veins, heavy physical activity is prohibited;
- less sitting and standing, more moving.If the person works while sitting, get up and stretch occasionally;
- eliminate constipation, which leads to congestion in the pelvic organs;
- eat properly and completely, eat fresh vegetables and fruits to get the necessary microelements and minerals;
- if there is congestion in the lower extremities, it is necessary to wear a compression suit;
- giving up alcohol, even in small amounts, and smoking.These bad habits lead to sclerosis of the vein lumen;
- taking anticoagulants as recommended by the doctor;
- full sleep, at least 8 hours;
- elevated position of the legs in the supine position;
- preventive gymnastics.
You can alleviate the symptoms of the disease with the help of tinctures based on horse chestnut, angioprotective and cooling ointments, and painkillers.Necessary drugs, vitamins C, E and P, and antispasmodics are used to improve circulation.
At the first signs of pathology, you should contact a surgeon or phlebologist.Self-medication is completely unacceptable.
The use of ointments and pills to relieve pain relieves a person's condition for a short time, but does not cure it.Only a specialist can assess the extent of the disease and refer the patient to the necessary tests and diagnostic procedures.Based on the examination results, adequate therapy is prescribed.
In case of vein rupture or thromboembolism, surgical intervention is indicated, which cannot be postponed, because these conditions are life-threatening for the patient.