Every woman wants her legs to always be in great shape. But what if one day, standing in front of the mirror, you find your legs are covered with unfriendly vascular "stars"? The disguise will not work. It is impossible to ignore it, because these "decorations" will only get brighter and bigger. The fight against varicose veins of the lower extremities, although not easy, is necessary. After all, you have to agree that wearing pants forever isn't the most tempting prospect.
Varicose veins in the legs are a serious condition in which the veins lose their elasticity, stretch, dilate and bend.
Varicose veins on the legs have long been known to be a serious disease. All in all, in such an unpleasant way, we are paying for the ability to walk on two legs. The impact of various unfavorable factors leads to weakness of the venous walls and stagnation of blood in the lower half of the body.
As a result, the vessels are overloaded and the venous valves function more and more poorly. The result - the legs get tired, hurt themselves, there is a feeling of heaviness, the feet and ankles swell. A little later, other symptoms are added in the form of cosmetic imperfections. In the future, more serious complications are possible.
Previously, it was believed that varicose veins in the legs - a disease of people of "standing" professions, and the first symptoms appear around 35 years. This is partly true. But today, varicose veins are quickly rejuvenating. It can be argued that the disease has already become a problem for the "computer generation" of the 20-30 year olds.
Unfortunately, there are no clearly pronounced symptoms of approaching varicose veins on the legs. But if your legs have started to ache and tire, heaviness in your legs has appeared and you are suffering from seizures - this is a reason to be on your guard.
And the appearance of barely noticeable bluish veins familiar to many - the vascular networks, which later, if left untreated, will become more noticeable - is a signal for action. It is worth sounding the alarm when whole clusters of saphenous veins have already appeared on the surface of the legs, as the result of the disease is ugly blood clots and ulcers, which are very difficult to fight off. Treatment for varicose veins on the legs can take decades.
The most dangerous consequence of varicose veins is the development of thrombophlebitis - the formation of a blood clot in a vein.
The inflammatory process accompanying the disease creates the risk of a thrombus tearing the wall of the vessel. And this, in turn, can lead to the development of pulmonary embolism, when a thrombus enters the vessels of the lungs, partially or completely disrupting the functioning of the respiratory system. And it can even lead to death.
Varicose veins on the legs: and it threatens me?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to name the exact cause of the appearance of varicose veins on the legs. This disease is the consequence of various factors. And each of us faces it every day.
Reason 1. Heredity
Phlebologists say varicose veins are a "family" disease. If a mother or grandmother suffered from this disease, then 90 percent of the time it is safe to say that you are at risk. Thanks to genes, the characteristics of the structure of blood vessels are transmitted to us. And if the walls of the veins are weak, then the influence of one of the provoking factors is enough for the disease to make itself felt.
Reason 2. Pregnancy
Carrying a child is one of the most important provoking factors in the development of varicose veins, as changes in hormonal levels lead to a decrease in venous tone. In addition, during pregnancy, the veins are almost always compressed by the growing uterus. In addition, the weight increases. But our veins are under the greatest pressure during childbirth. According to statistics, in 50 percent of women, previously dozing varicose veins develop at this precise moment.
Reason 3. Uncomfortable clothes and shoes
Uncomfortable and tight clothing, like skinny jeans, can cause varicose veins. Tight shoes and high heels are no less harmful. The wider the sole of the boots, the less strain on the feet. Balancing on thin stilettos, we put an enormous load on our veins. And if you also carry heavy bags of groceries in your hands, you can say goodbye to beautiful legs forever.
Reason 4. Working conditions and bad habits
Do not forget the people exercising the classic "standing" trades (salespeople, waiters, hairdressers, flight attendants and many others). They have varicose veins - almost an occupational disease. A whole army of office workers approach them, since any prolonged stay in one position (even sitting, even standing) does its dirty work. And if you add to that bad habits such as smoking, snacking on buns and sandwiches, which lead to excess weight, varicose veins will not keep you waiting. Yes, of course, that also includes the love of many to sit cross-legged.
Reason 5. Sports overload
Not all physical form is good. Fans of sipping a bar in the gym are at serious risk. One of the causes of varicose veins is lifting weights. If you have a predisposition to varicose veins, you should not overload your legs with excessive exercise. Bodybuilding and martial arts classes are not for you.
Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins
As already clear, varicose veins on the legs are not a cosmetic defect, therefore, with the appearance of the first unpleasant sensations in the legs, you should immediately consult a phlebologist.
If necessary, the doctor can prescribe a Doppler ultrasound, which will determine the quality of blood flow in the vessels and show whether there are any obstacles, and transillumination - transillumination of the superficial veins with the help of a special light, thiswhich allows the specialist to easily distinguish a damaged vein from a normal vein. These necessary measures will make it possible to identify the incipient disease in time and take the necessary measures in a timely manner.
If we are talking about the treatment of varicose veins, then modern medicine knows several ways of treating varicose veins:
- Local remedies (ointments, gels):relieve fatigue and a feeling of heaviness in the legs, have a pleasant soothing effect. This method of treatment will not bring instant relief, since the active substance penetrates through the skin in small doses. The beneficial effect is only on the superficial saphenous veins. However, with regular use, ointments and gels can correct the situation at the initial stage of varicose veins on the legs.
- Venotonic:medicines used for venous insufficiency (prescribed only by a doctor). These drugs help reduce swelling, relieve leg pain, strengthen blood vessel walls, and improve blood circulation. Venotonics perfectly complement the action of local remedies to achieve maximum effect in the treatment of deep veins.
- Endovasal laser coagulation (EVLK):a method of treating vascular "stars" and "threads", precursors of varicose veins in the legs. The doctor acts on the diseased vessel with a laser and the "asterisk" disappears. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. After a few weeks, there is no reminder of the manipulation on the skin.
- Sclerotherapy:a procedure in which substances - sclerosants - are injected into a problematic vein with a syringe, and the affected vein appears to stick from the inside and stops working, and blood begins to flow through healthy veins. But this procedure is not suitable for everyone. It is prescribed if the nodes are not very large.
- Ozone therapy:a new method of treating varicose veins, which is used to remove spider veins. Ozone is injected with a small needle directly into the lumen of the vessel and causes it to stick together. To achieve a visible effect, several procedures are sufficient.
- Phlebectomy:surgery, when the diseased vein is removed, is one of the most effective methods of treatment. The day after the operation, you can go home, but for at least a month you have to wear special tights or bandage your leg. During the operation, small punctures are made in the leg, which after a while are almost invisible.
It is widely believed that hirudotherapy or treating varicose veins with leeches helps get rid of varicose veins on the legs. In fact, the substance that leeches secrete when bitten, hirudin, helps reduce blood clotting. Neither spider veins nor spider veins go away anywhere. In addition, ulcers can form at the bite site, which are then difficult to heal.
Prevention is the best treatment for varicose veins: 5 steps for healthy veins
A healthy lifestyle is the best way to say no to varicose veins and many other diseases!
Step 1. Movement is life
Swimming is a universal physical activity, practically devoid of contraindications. Water treatments are best suited for the prevention of varicose veins because they tone the blood vessels well. Walking is also a good way to fight against venous disease. For example, going up an escalator or stairs. No heavy bags, please. It is better to walk two stops to the metro than to go by transport. And at home you can do the most basic "cycling" exercise while lying down.
Step 2. Elegant assistants
Modern Compression Knitwear: Knee-highs and tights will help fight fatigue and heaviness in the legs. They are sold in pharmacies and are selected strictly individually by the doctor depending on the parameters of the leg. In appearance, medicinal tights are no less beautiful and fashionable than ordinary tights. In addition, they help ships cope better with the increased load.
Step 3. Delicious and healthy
First, being overweight places a heavy load on the blood vessels. So if you have a few unnecessary pounds, you better get rid of it. Second, nutrition in order to prevent varicose veins should be aimed at strengthening the walls of the blood vessels. This is facilitated by vitamins such as ascorbic acid and rutin contained in sea buckthorn, raspberries, citrus fruits, chokeberry, strawberries, rose hips and rowan. And regular buckwheat is rich in the natural antioxidant quercetin, which not only strengthens blood vessels, but also has anti-cancer properties.
Step 4. Beauty without sacrifice
Comfortable shoes with heels no longer than 4 centimeters are the best choice for everyday. In high-heeled shoes, the foot is in a state of forced flexion, as a result, the nutrition of the small vessels of the toes is disturbed, venous congestion occurs, swelling of the ankles and calves.
Step 5. Care and maintenance
To avoid varicose veins on the legs, it is helpful to rinse the legs with cold water after showering. You can do a massage yourself: stroking movements from the bottom to the top of the foot to the groin. Overheating is dangerous for the veins. Therefore, if there is a predisposition to varicose veins on the legs, it is better to exclude the bath and sauna from your life. And also do not overuse sunbathing. Ultraviolet light reduces the elasticity of tissues and venous walls, and leads to varicose veins. You can sunbathe, but not at noon, but until 11 a. m. and after 5 p. m.
Yes, varicose veins in the legs are a chronic disease. However, timely prevention of varicose veins will help prevent the onset of the disease and reduce the risk of developing possible complications.