Varicose veins are a rather dangerous disease that frightens many girls. With this disease, the veins of the legs often grow larger, they become visible from the outside, which greatly affects the aesthetic appearance. At the same time, the danger is not limited to appearance, since the disease can cause serious consequences. Therefore, a call to a doctor should be made immediately after the first signs of varicose veins on the legs of women. When supported in the early stages, it is possible to eliminate the disease without resorting to surgical intervention; as the severity worsens, the likelihood of treatment with conservative therapy decreases.
The reasons for the development of varicose veins
Varicose veins are considered to be a disease that occurs when there is a genetic predisposition to it, as well as external stimulation due to improper lifestyle or high stress.There are many factors affecting the onset of the disease, therefore, 3 types of probable causes are conditionally distinguished. The first, the most common, is a genetic change localized in the vessels, the probable causes: thin walls, insufficient or weak valves. The second factor, hereditary, in people whose parents suffered from a similar disease, the risk of occurrence is several times higher. The third reason is quite large - a negative impact from the outside, but it often accompanies other factors listed.
The following external reasons can cause the first signs of varicose veins of the legs in women:
- Extended stay in a standing or sitting position;
- The patient leads a measured life without physical effort;
- The bad habits, the most dangerous are smoking and drugs, but alcohol is not inferior in negative impact;
- Pathology in the function of valves;
- Various diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- Bad nutrition;
- The negative impact of the environment;
- Obesity, overweight is one of the most dangerous factors for the development of varicose veins;
- Mechanical injuries to the legs;
- Using uncomfortable clothing that squeezes the blood vessels, such as high heels;
- Chronic constipation.
The main signs of varicose veins in the legs can be seen in people of different ages, but most often it is women over 40 years old. Each year, new average statistical minimums are established for the occurrence of varicose veins in young people. Even under the age of 20, symptoms can appear. At the same time, 70% of cases of varicose veins are recorded in women. To avoid unwanted consequences, you need to consult a phlebologist who will diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Preparations for external use
Creams and ointments for varicose veins come in many different forms depending on the brand.They act on the veins of the legs and relieve puffiness, relieve pain, relieve heavy leg syndrome, tone the walls of the vessel and thin the blood a little.Despite a number of bright spots, it should be noted that it is difficult to achieve full recovery with the help of drugs, since the expansion of the walls is irreversible.
Most often, the treatment of varicose veins of the legs in women begins or is supplemented with creams:
- Phlebotonic - their main effect is to improve the tone of the membranes, which helps prevent further varicose veins. At the same time, it is possible to eliminate edema, burning sensation, seizures, especially at night;
- Anticoagulants (anticoagulant drugs) - the purpose of drugs is to increase the fluid parameters of the blood, which prevents blood clots from forming in the dilated vein and improves upward blood flow. Necessarily prescribed for thrombophlebitis. In addition, they reduce the force of edema on the legs and stimulate blood circulation;
- Anti-inflammatory. This includes nonsteroidal drugs which can help reduce the inflammatory response.
Treatment with ointments as the main treatment is prescribed in the early stages of the disease, then the prevention of further development is the main task. At later stages, it is an integral part of complex therapy or accelerates rehabilitation.
Drug therapy
More often than other methods, drugs are used, because they act in a complex way and accompany almost all stages of the treatment of the disease.If signs of varicose veins on the legs are detected, in most cases various medical methods are prescribed, only rare exceptions can lead to surgery.
Most drugs have their own characteristics of use, dosage and side effects, so self-medication is not recommended, you should consult a specialist.
Before treating varicose veins on the legs in women, it is necessary to undergo examinations to determine which methods of treatment will be most acceptable and to identify the cause of the disease.Medicines are conventionally divided into 3 categories: normalization of blood flow, prevention of the risk of complications and elimination of symptoms.In order to qualitatively eliminate the symptoms of varicose veins of the legs in women and achieve regression of the disease, drugs should be used in a complex manner. There are such groups of drugs:
- Anticoagulants help thin the blood;
- Phlebotonic improves the quality of the walls of the vessels;
- Angioprotectors prevent negative effects and reduce vascular permeability;
- Antioxidants help eliminate oxidation reactions;
- Corticosteroids, antispasmodics, and anti-inflammatory drugs help eliminate pain, swelling, and inflammation;
- Vitamins and minerals, immunomodulators contribute to the regeneration of the properties of the organism to resist the development of the pathology.
The dosage and choice of drug should be made by the doctor. Quite often drugs are used a little from different groups in order to have a complex effect.
Anticoagulants are only indicated if there is a risk of blood clots forming, that is, when blood density increases. Antioxidants are prescribed mainly at risk of complications. Vitamin complexes are presented to everyone, but should be selected individually based on diagnostic data.
Varicose veins are called a female disease, but they are mainly associated with the veins. Therefore, in men they are also manifested quite often. The drugs described can be used by a large half of society.
Surgery
If it was not possible to cure varicose veins in the early stages, a more radical method - surgery - could replace conservative treatment. Today, minimally invasive methods are the most common, when a single small puncture is required through which drugs or devices are injected. The standard surgical method is only used if there is an increased risk of thrombus rupture.
Operations are shown in the presence of such manifestations in girls:
- Complex form of the disease;
- Pathology of saphenous veins;
- Blood circulation is impaired, the patient's life becomes difficult;
- The occurrence of complications in the form of thrombosis or trophic ulcers;
- The rapid course of the disease, which poses a risk to the health of the patient.
At the same time, a number of contraindications include:
- Arterial hypertension;
- Ischemia;
- Diseases of infectious etiology that cause high fever;
- Advanced age;
- Inflammation of erysipelas or eczema;
- Trimesters II-III of pregnancy.
Standard surgery is called phlebectomy.When performed, the damaged vessel is completely eliminated, this applies to both large and small branches.During the process, several small incisions are made, which only allows the use of local anesthesia. Crossectomy is done in the same way, when the vein is not removed, but only ligated.
More modern techniques - laser, sclero, ultrasound therapy. In the process, a small puncture is made with an insulin syringe or a small incision. A special substance or device (sclerosant) is injected into the vessel. As a result, the vein adheres and the blood flow dries up in the vessel. Today, a new method of sclerotherapy has been developed, which allows the use of a foam-type drug.
Treatment with leeches
Leeches are a remedy long known for its positive effect on the blood. Thanks to them, various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, were previously treated. Despite the availability of many modern techniques, hirudotherapy is still popular.
The saliva of leeches contains a unique substance - hirudin, which prevents the blood from clotting, so that it becomes more liquid. In this case, the remedy helps to dissolve the blood clots. Thus, the blood is not only diluted, but also cleansed. Doctors note that after treatment, the edema is removed, the feet and legs stop hurting, blood circulation is normalized.
Hirudotherapy is prescribed at all stages of the disease. The standard course of treatment is 5-6 sessions. When you take the course, you need to take a break of 3-4 months. During the procedure, 1-2 leeches and 3 more leeches are placed on the most problematic areas of the entire affected vein.
Healing exercises
Exercise and warm-up should be done every morning. By performing a complex of simple exercises, it is possible to significantly improve the quality of human health:
- Take a supine position and lift your legs to a perpendicular position, you can throw them on the wall. Keep your legs in this position for 3 minutes. In this case, breathing should be slow, using the chest and not the stomach;
- Recumbent exercise bike. It is necessary to perform the movement of the legs, which resembles a bicycle, the duration of the exercise is 3-5 minutes;
- When standing, stand up on your toes, you don't need to stand up high, just come off 1cm from the surface. The action is performed about 30 times;
- The standing position should be pumped to the toes with one foot, then the other. The angle of the foot should not exceed 45 °. The duration of the procedure is 15 minutes; over time, the load should be increased.
It is recommended to take daily walks, at least half an hour. Swimming is an effective remedy, you should visit the pool once a week.
Other treatments
It is not necessary to focus only on the main component of treatment, since the effect of drugs can be significantly improved with the help of aids. With additional methods, it is possible to eliminate symptoms, improve the effect of drugs and reduce the risk of relapse.
The basic doctor's recommendation is to use the right diet. It is possible to use folk remedies. To determine the right diet, it is recommended to consult a dietitian to find the best foods to normalize blood circulation. There are general principles to adhere to:
- Eat lots of vegetables, preferably raw;
- Eat more berries or fruits, preferably raw, but frozen or dried fruits are suitable in winter;
- Add nuts and legumes to food;
- There is a lot of seafood;
- For cooking, prefer flax seeds or olive oil;
- Exclude fried, fatty, spicy, smoked, salty and sweet foods from the diet;
- Give up alcohol, coffee and cigarettes altogether.
Lifestyle plays an important role, it is important to spend time in active rest, using cycling, walking, exercising, dancing, swimming. To maintain the normal condition of the legs, gymnastics should be practiced daily. When you are standing or sitting for a long time, it is recommended to charge it periodically every 2 hours.
An important condition for the process of rehabilitation and prevention is the use of compression underwear. It compresses the legs, because of this, the blood supply to the legs is through the saphenous veins and the load is removed from the visible vessels. There are linen of different levels of compression, the attending physician will provide information on the required form.
Traditional medicine recipes
Folk recipes are very popular today, because some herbs have a powerful effect in relieving symptoms of the disease.
The most popular folk remedies:
- Horse chestnut, almost all its derivatives are used;
- White acacia inflorescences;
- Lilac flowers;
- Marsh liana leaves;
- Vine leaves;
- Wormwood leaves;
- Willow bark;
- The stems are celandine.
Plants are prepared as a tincture. Add 2-4 tbsp. l. selected raw materials and pour 0, 5 liters of alcohol. Insist for 2 weeks in a place inaccessible to the sun. Use a filtered liquid for lotions, leaving them on overnight.
Treatment during pregnancy
Treatment during pregnancy should be chosen only by a doctor who will give preference to drugs without contraindications during this period. Usually, preventive measures are selected: diet, gymnastics and creams are also used.
For pregnant women, tinctures of wormwood, chamomile, hops and calendula are recommended. They are placed in the form of lotions or compresses at night. At the same time, it is important to avoid hot baths, saunas and not to use alcoholic solutions inside.