Varicose veins are a fairly common pathology, characterized by an increase in the diameter of the lumen, thinning of the vein walls and the appearance of “knots”.
Translated from ancient Greek, “varicose veins” means “bloating”.Theoretically, such a disease can appear on any part of the body, but the most common lesion is the legs.
The essence of the problem
The body's veins play a very important role, representing a network of branched reservoirs that carry blood from the tissues to the heart muscle.In the lower limbs, this network is expressed in the form of deep and superficial veins, linked together by an emergency blood evacuation system.
As a rule, the emphasis is on the deep veins, so they are noticeably stronger and more voluminous.And about 15% of the total work volume remains on the surface.
The heart is a “pump” that circulates blood through the veins.Some blood flows through the veins against gravity (when you walk, move, or crouch).When the muscles are relaxed (in a standing position), blood flows downward, under the influence of the same gravity.But everything is not so simple;the valves located on the walls of the vessels do not allow its return.
In cases where the valves are "broken", the veins are dilated and inflamed, so they are not able to retain blood flow.This process causes the veins to swell and bulge.Impaired blood supply becomes the root from which varicose veins on the legs begin.
Causes of varicose veins
There are several reasons for this:
- Varicose veins may well be hereditary, that is, there is a congenital weakness of the blood vessel walls.
- The appearance of varicose veins can be associated with a person's vital activity and immunity.
One thing is certain, the illness does not simply arise, something must act as an impetus for it.
During sedentary work, blood stagnation occurs in the veins, or rather in the pelvis, which subsequently manifests itself in health problems.Varicose veins result from a sedentary lifestyle.Therefore, even when working standing, there is no obstacle to their appearance.
It is not for nothing that this disease is primarily referred to as an occupational disease of salespeople and hairdressers.
Obvious provocateurs also include:
- excess weight (obesity),
- frequent lifting of weights,
- leg injuries.
Another factor is increased intra-abdominal pressure.The size of the veins constantly changes, when inhaling - the veins narrow, when exhaling, on the contrary, they expand.When a person pushes hard, the veins experience significant stress and begin to expand under the pressure created.
Of course, this doesn't mean everyone is at risk, but chronic constipation and coughing can cause varicose veins.
Varicose veins during pregnancy
Very often, varicose veins can occur in pregnant women.The constantly expanding uterus puts involuntary pressure on the veins coming from the legs.In this case, nature protected women from serious consequences and endowed the body during pregnancy with a sufficient amount of sex hormones that make the walls of blood vessels plastic and flexible.As a rule, the disease here is reversible;after childbirth, the veins return to their previous state.
Prevention methods
Absolutely any disease is much easier to prevent than to treat, and varicose veins are no exception.Let's look at the main preventive measures:
- Forget tight, uncomfortable shoes.Women should remember that “everyday” heels should not exceed five centimeters.In the evening, give your feet a massage and a cool bath, then raise them higher and lie in this position for 15 minutes.
- Wear loose clothing without elastic bands or tight waistbands.
- If possible, walk more barefoot on stones.At the very least, treat yourself to such therapy while on vacation.
- Control your diet.Eliminate, or at least reduce, the consumption of spicy, salty and smoked foods.The same goes for alcohol.
- Sport is an excellent prevention of varicose veins.An exception may be the initial stage of the disease.If you notice the first signs and symptoms, the load should be light and be sure to consult a doctor before starting training.
- If you have a sedentary job, try to get up and walk around the room as often as possible.Do basic exercises, jump at least a little.Do not cross your legs while sitting, this is very bad for blood circulation.
- Don't overdo it with baths, saunas and hot tubs.After "hot" procedures, be sure to rinse with cold water.
Stages of development of varicose veins
- First step.There is no pain or discomfort, only cosmetic defects are observed.A branched pattern of veins appears on the legs, “stars” and “networks” appear.In the evening, my legs swell a lot.
- Second step.There is obvious swelling at the ankle and significant heaviness in the legs.In the evening, cramps, numbness, tingling and tingling sensations may occur.
- Third step.Severe and constant swelling of the legs, compactions form on the skin, changes in pigmentation in places, itching and dermatitis appear.
- Fourth step.Trophic ulcers appear on the skin of the legs.
What measures to take at the initial stage
Varicose veins of the lower limbs, if they are emerging, respond well to treatment;it is quite possible that competent "fighting" will stop its development.
First of all, follow all the preventive measures described above.Review your wardrobe, if necessary, eliminate all “harmful” things, and do the same with shoes.Give your feet a contrasting shower, walk more barefoot and balance your diet.
Secondly, at the first symptoms, buy compression clothing, it can be tights or stockings.Their principle of action is to distribute pressure along the legs in such a way as to normalize blood circulation and significantly reduce symptoms.
As for consultations, you should consult not only a phlebologist, but also a gynecologist (for women) and an orthopedist.It is likely that hormonal contraceptives or flat feet can cause circulatory problems.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
Almost all pregnant women face problems with leg swelling and circulatory problems.The enlarged uterus constantly puts pressure on the inferior vena cava, preventing its normal functioning.
But, as mentioned a little above, varicose veins are reversible in this case;the main thing is to take the necessary preventive measures in time.
- Buy comfortable orthopedic shoes in which your feet will not get tired while walking.
- Take daily walks.Do not sit or stand for long periods of time.To avoid venous stagnation, place your feet on a hill while resting.
- To prevent swelling, wear compression clothing.
- Light physical exercises involving just your legs will be of great help.The simplest movements of the feet in different directions are enough.
- Vitamin C is very effective in preventing varicose veins.It has many beneficial properties that will give elasticity to the veins, while reducing the risk of many diseases.
Treatment of varicose veins
Complete relief from the disease is possible only through surgery.Medications and physical exercise are used as auxiliary methods.
Phlebectomy
Operations can be surgical in nature or use the latest technology.One of the first is phlebectomy, when varicose veins are removed.
Laser
In the second group, there is laser coagulation;there are no incisions;thermal radiation is applied to the problem area of the body.
Sclerotherapy
Another way to get rid of varicose veins is sclerotherapy.A special solution is injected into the damaged vein using a thin needle, which sticks the walls of the vessels together and then dissolves them.
But no matter how much doctors would like, they are simply unable to eliminate the main cause of varicose veins - weakness of the walls of blood vessels.Only you have the power to prevent disease through preventative measures.
Special exercises
Below we will list a number of physical exercises that will not take much time, but the effect will be remarkable.You can prepare them at home.
- Exercise 1.Lie on the floor, raise your legs until a 90° angle is formed relative to the floor and start moving your toes “from you to you”.Repeat 10 times.
- Exercise 2.In a lying position, raise your legs and “draw” circles with your feet, 10 times in each direction.
- Exercise 3.The familiar “birch” has a good effect.In a lying position, lift your legs and pelvis by resting the latter on your hands.Lock in this position for a few seconds.Repeat 4 times.
- Trick :take time to stretch.Firstly, your body will still be flexible and secondly, it will help drain blood from the veins.
- Exercise 4.Lie on the floor with your feet together, knees pointing in different directions.Grab your feet and pull them toward you.Stay in this position for a while.Repeat the exercise 4 times.
- Exercise 5.Lie on your left side and lean on your elbow, with your right hand grab your right foot.Make several springy movements with your hip back (trying to reach your heel up to your buttock) and hold for 10 seconds.Do similar manipulations with the left side.
Ointments
The purpose of drugs in the treatment of varicose veins is to give elasticity and normal condition to the veins.A specialist will recommend the necessary medication for complex treatment.
A cream containing an anticoagulant can have a good preventive effect.The role of the latter is to relieve pain in the affected areas, as well as to strengthen the blood vessels.Often, creamy anti-varicose vein preparations contain a number of vitamins: C, B5 and B1, thanks to which the regeneration period is noticeably reduced.
Tablets also common in treatment are:
- improve vascular tone;
- relieve the inflammatory process;
- accelerate blood and lymph flow;
- eliminate microcirculatory disorders.
Tablet medications are divided into several groups: corticosteroids, phlebotonics, antithrombotic and nonsteroidal analgesics.
Folk remedies
The conservative method of treatment is effective at the first stage of varicose veins, when a person feels heaviness in the legs and notices a venous network on the skin.The sooner steps are taken to eliminate the problem, the sooner and more accurate the results will be.Here are some simple but effective recipes.
Garlic compress
A paste is prepared from grated garlic and butter, in proportions 1:2, which is then applied to the affected areas, fixed with paper and a bandage.The duration of the exhibition is night;in the morning, rinse your foot with lukewarm water.
Chestnut
Chestnut tincture for internal use.Fifty grams of dry product pour 500 ml of alcohol.The resulting product must be infused for 14 days and filtered.Take three times a day before meals with water.
Ointment based on Kalanchoe
A liter jar should be half filled with leaves and the rest filled with 70% alcohol.The resulting tincture should be placed in a dark place for two weeks, but shaken daily.The prepared ointment is rubbed into damaged areas daily.
Love yourself and be healthy!