Varicose veins are a common disease characterized by an increase in the lumen of the blood vessels, dysfunction of the valve system, and the appearance of reversed blood flow. The pathological process can be localized in different places, therefore there are several types of the disease:
- expansion of the veins of the esophagus;
- rectal veins (hemorrhoids);
- veins of the small pelvis;
- veins of the spermatic cord (varicocele);
- veins of the lower limbs.
Varicose veins of the legs are considered the most common. According to some estimates, more than 30% of the population suffers from it, the majority being women. Varicose veins on the legs are not only ugly protruding veins, but also a lot of unpleasant sensations and inconveniences. The pathological process is accompanied by severity, pain, edema and often leads to dangerous complications: thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers. Many would like to know how to get rid of varicose veins forever, as it significantly affects 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.
Causes
The causes of varicose veins are still not clearly understood. It is understood that the disease is associated with thinning, weakness and loss of elasticity of the vascular wall, as well as valve insufficiency. As a result, the veins become unevenly dilated, stretched, long, convoluted, nodular. It is believed that a genetic predisposition plays a decisive role in the onset of the disease, that is, from birth, weak vessels and defective valves.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins, although they are not its causes:
- Heredity (according to experts, the risk of the disease in people whose parents suffer from it can be up to 70%).
- Belonging to the female sex. This is due to hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, as well as taking hormonal contraception and wearing high-heeled shoes.
- Work activity associated with a long stay on legs or in a seated position (hairdressers, salespeople, surgeons, waiters, drivers, accountants, programmers and others).
- Old age, in which the weakening of the walls of the blood vessels and the wear and tear of the valve system is a natural phenomenon.
- Operational interventions.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure due to overweight, pregnancy, carrying heavy loads (loaders, weightlifters), frequent exertion with chronic constipation and cough.
Processing methods
Varicose veins are a chronic process that begins gradually and only progresses over time. To date, it is impossible to completely defeat the disease, but it is possible to slow down the development and reduce the symptoms if a complex treatment is applied, which includes:
- lifestyle change;
- diet;
- physiotherapy exercises;
- compression therapy;
- drugs (for internal use and local administration);
- surgical intervention;
- thermal procedures;
- folk methods.
You will have to fight varicose veins all your life. Self-medication should not be practiced. It is necessary to be examined by a phlebologist or vascular surgeon, who will diagnose, determine the stage of the disease and the severity of the lesion, and prescribe the appropriate treatment. The main task is to eliminate or reduce clinical manifestations, stop the progression, prevent relapses and the development of complications.
The effectiveness of treatment will depend on the patient's compliance with all of 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, small spider veins on the skin have appeared.
Lifestyle correction
Without changing your lifestyle, it is impossible to effectively treat varicose veins. The rules to follow are quite trivial, and failure to follow them is usually associated with a lack of will or an irresponsible attitude towards one's health.
- Maintenance of normal body weight.
- Get rid of bad habits: alcohol and tobacco.
- Refusal to tan, to go to hammams and saunas, to take hot baths (including foot baths).
- Refusal of high heels (no more than 4-5 cm).
- Wear special stretch jersey.
- Offer physical activity. It can be walking, swimming, physiotherapy exercises, some sports. The main thing is to exclude squats, lifting weights, running long distances, jumping, martial arts.
- Adequate nutrition. The diet should contain more fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, whole grains and seafood. It is recommended to reduce the amount of meat. We must give up smoked, fried, salty, fatty. Among the drinks, choose green tea, clean water, fruit drinks, natural fresh fruit juices and limit coffee.
- Take every opportunity during the day to raise your legs to an angle of about 20 degrees.
- Buy a special pillow for the legs so that they are above heart level while sleeping.
- Try to rinse your feet with cold water as often as possible.
Compression therapy
The special stretch jersey is available today in a large assortment. These are knee-highs, stockings, tights of different colors and densities, which practically do not differ from ordinary tights. They have become a good alternative to elastic bandages, impractical to use and outwardly unsightly.
The special jersey cannot treat varicose veins, but it improves microcirculation, reduces stress on veins, prevents blood from stagnating, reduces the diameter of blood vessels, and improves the flow of venous blood and lymph. A person feels lightness in his legs, in the evening he is less tired, there is no swelling.
At first, without the habit of putting on compression stockings in your hand, it will be difficult. To make it easier for you, you can buy a special device.
There are four classes of medical knits, depending on the pressure applied. You can only wear 1st class compression products, which are considered prophylactic and intended rather for healthy people. The rest should be prescribed by a doctor, depending on the diagnosis and the severity of varicose veins. You should be aware that compression products may be contraindicated for certain conditions. Tights or stockings are selected by the doctor strictly on the basis of height, otherwise the desired effect will not be.
Medical treatment
For the treatment of varicose veins, tablets and external agents in the form of gels, creams and ointments of various spectra of action are used. They increase vascular tone, improve microcirculation, promote blood flow and prevent skin changes. The drugs are designed to relieve fatigue, heaviness, discomfort, swelling, itching, cramps, and pain in the legs. They are assigned strictly individually.
The main means of treating varicose veins are venotonics. They are made from horse chestnut, rutin, grape leaves and are almost always well tolerated by patients. Available in the form of tablets, capsules, gels.
It is necessary to apply a gel or cream daily to the legs with varicose veins and to rub with light movements.
Anticoagulants are used to reduce the viscosity of the blood and reduce the risk of thrombophlebitis. These are heparin-based ointments with refreshing additives in the form of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus. In addition to thinning the blood, they prevent the development of thrombophlebitis.
For skin changes that cause itching, antihistamines may be prescribed. For inflammation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pills are prescribed.
Surgical intervention
To get rid of varicose veins, operations are performed to remove the affected part of the vessel in order to stop the flow of blood from the superficial vein to the deep vein. The operation is called phlebectomy. In its classic form, it is used less and less today in connection with the emergence of new ways of treating varicose veins, which are less traumatic. Such treatment, as a rule, is indicated for large vein diameters and advanced cases of the disease.
A gentler method is microflebectomy, in which a section of a vein is removed in parts and 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 consists of the thermal effect of microwaves, as a result of which the venous lumen is closed. Main advantages:
- outpatient treatment;
- no need for anesthesia and incision;
- recovery does not take long;
- the procedure is easily tolerated;
- can be done in summer;
- there are no bruises after the treatment, the swelling and pain are insignificant.
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally traumatic method of treating varicose veins.
Another method of treating varicose veins is laser coagulation. During the procedure, a laser is applied to the wall of the vessel. Radiation therapy causes the venous walls to stick together and the lumen to close completely. It is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia without incisions. A catheter is inserted into the lumen of the vein, through which an LED is inserted and radiation is delivered. The intervention is minimally traumatic, 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 accompanied by surgery. The main thing is that a special drug with a sclerosing effect is injected into a vein using a thin needle. As a result, the walls of the vessel stick together, close, and stop blood flow. The affected vein turns into a fibrous cord. The main advantages of the method:
- outpatient treatment;
- low invasiveness;
- ease of execution;
- the duration of the procedure is about 20 minutes;
- good cosmetic effect.
If the disease is triggered, a complication such as deep vein thrombosis may develop.
Traditional methods
Walnut tincture
Pour the chopped unripe nuts into a glass dish and pour olive oil over it. Put in the sun for 40 days. Apply as needed, lubricating the affected area. Continue treatment for about four months.
Cabbage leaf
Beat a cabbage leaf, apply a layer of olive oil on one side, apply that side to the diseased area, bandage and let sit for a day. Continue treatment for a month.
Horse chestnut
It is one of the most effective folk remedies. For the treatment of varicose veins, a tincture is prepared from the fruits of the plant, which must be crushed, half-filled in a glass container (three liters) and filled with vodka. Remove to a dark place for a month, stirring occasionally. When you're ready, rub the sore spots overnight. Alcoholic chestnut tincture for external and internal use with varicose veins can be purchased at the pharmacy.
Physiotherapy is an integral part of the complex treatment of varicose veins.
Exercises
When varicose veins appear, the question may arise whether it is possible to do physical education and sports and what exercises are useful. Most doctors agree that physical activity in such a disease is very important, because the dynamics are good for the veins, and static electricity is harmful. But it's just as important to see your doctor to find out what types of sports you can play and what types of loads will be optimal. In addition, the patient can be shown special therapeutic exercises, which are carried out directly in a medical institution. At home, you can also do 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 lift at a 20 degree angle. Close your eyes, relax completely, breathe deeply.
- While lying down, lift the legs vertically and rotate the feet alternately in and out.
- Lie on your back and move your legs as if you are riding a bicycle.
- Lying on your back, raise your legs and cross them (scissors).
- Stand up straight, lower your arms, legs together. Slowly step up onto your toes, then descend just as slowly.
- Walk in place, don't tear socks off the ground.
- Sitting in a chair, bend your ankles towards you and away from you, then bend your toes in the same way.
- Pour on the legs with an elastic stream of water (alternately cold and hot).
Conclusion
Varicose veins are an irreversible process, but it should be treated without fail, especially since there are many modern methods that must be used in combination. 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 disease that can lead to death, such as pulmonary embolism.