Varicose veins are a common disease characterized by an increase in the lumen of blood vessels, a violation of the valve apparatus and the formation of reverse blood flow.The pathological process can be localized in different places, so there are several types of the disease:
- dilation of the vessels of the esophagus;
- rectal veins (hemorrhoids);
- pelvic veins;
- Veins of the spermatic cord (Varicocele);
- veins of the lower extremities.
The most common are varicose veins of the legs.According to some estimates, it affects more than 30% of the population, most of whom are women.Varicose veins on the legs are not only unsightly veins, but also very unpleasant sensations and discomfort.The pathological process causes heaviness, pain, swelling and often dangerous complications: thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers.Many people want to know how to get rid of varicose veins forever, as it significantly impairs their 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.
Reasons
The causes of varicose veins are still not fully understood.It is clear that disease, diseases of thinning, weakness and elasticity of the vessel wall are also related to incompetent valves.As a result, the veins become uneven, elongated, long, tortuous and knotty.There is an opinion that a decisive role in the occurrence of the disease is played by a genetic predisposition, that is, a role caused by weak blood vessels and defective valves.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins, although they are.
- Hereditary (according to experts, the risk of developing the disease in people whose parents suffer from it is up to 70%).
- Belongs to the female gender.This is due to hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, and taking hormonal contraceptives and wearing high-heeled shoes.
- Jobs involving prolonged standing or sitting (hairdressers, salesmen, surgeons, waiters, drivers, accountants, programmers, etc.).
- Weakening of blood vessel walls and wear of the valve apparatus is a natural phenomenon.
- Surgical interventions.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Increased abdominal intra-abdominal pressure due to excess weight, pregnancy, heavy lifting (lifters, weightlifters), is often aggravated by chronic constipation and cough.
Treatment methods
Varicose veins are a chronic process that begins gradually and progresses only with time.Today, it is impossible to completely defeat the disease, but if you use complex treatment, it is possible to slow down its development and reduce symptoms:
- lifestyle changes;
- diet;
- Physical therapy;
- compression therapy;
- medicines (for internal use and local use);
- surgical intervention;
- thermal procedures;
- Traditional methods.
You will have to fight with varicose veins all your life.You should not thin yourself out.It is necessary to meet a phlebologist or a vascular surgeon who will make a diagnosis, determine the stage of the disease and the severity of the lesion and prescribe the appropriate treatment.The main task is to remove or reduce clinical manifestations, stop progression, prevent relapse and development of complications.
The effectiveness of the treatment will depend on the patient's compliance with all the doctor's recommendations.It is important to seek help at an early stage, but if there is no pain, but swelling in the evening, heaviness and fatigue of the legs, and small spider veins appeared on the skin.
Lifestyle modification
Varicose veins cannot be effectively treated without lifestyle changes.The rules that must be followed are completely banal, and failure to follow them is usually associated with willpower or an irresponsible attitude to health.
- Maintaining a normal body weight.
- Break up with bad habits: alcohol and smoking.
- Avoid sunbathing, visit steam rooms and saunas, take hot baths (including foot baths).
- Rejection of high heels (no higher than 4-5 cm).
- Wearing special elastic knitwear.
- Doing physical activity.This can be walking, swimming, physical therapy or some sports.The main thing is to exclude squats, weight lifting, long-distance running, jumping and martial arts.
- Proper nutrition.The diet should include more fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, whole grains and seafood.It is recommended to reduce the amount of meat.You should avoid smoked, fried, salty, fatty foods.For drinks, prefer green tea, pure water, fruit drinks, natural fresh juices and coffee shop.
- Take every opportunity during the day to lift at an angle of about 20 degrees.
- Get a special pillow for your legs when you sleep so that they are above the level of your heart when you sleep.
- Try to wash your feet with cool water as often as possible.
Compression therapy
Special elastic knitwear is available in a wide variety today.These are different colors and density, socks, socks, different colors and density, from the usual to impractical ones.It has become an inconvenient and visually uncomfortable alternative to elastic bandages.
Special knitwear cannot treat varicose veins, but it improves microcirculation, reduces stress on veins,
It prevents blood stagnation, reduces the diameter of blood vessels, increases the outflow of venous blood and lymph.A person feels light in his legs, he is less tired in the evening and there is no swelling.
At first, it will be difficult without the habit of putting on compression stockings by hand.You can get a special device to make your task easier.
Depending on the pressure applied, there are four classes of therapeutic seed dressings.You can only wear compression class 1 products, which are considered preventive and are intended for healthy people.The rest should be prescribed by a doctor depending on the diagnosis and severity of varicose veins.You should know that compression products are contraindicated in some diseases.The doctor chooses tights or stockings according to the measurements, otherwise the desired effect will not be achieved.
Drug treatment
For the treatment of varicose veins, tablets and external agents, gels, creams and ointments of various spectra are used.They increase vascular tone, develop microcirculation, promote blood flow and prevent changes in the skin.Medicines are designed to relieve fatigue, heaviness, discomfort, swelling, itching, itching and pain.Their appointment is strictly individual.
The main means of treatment of varicose veins are venotonics.It is made on the basis of horse chestnut, rutin, grape leaves and is almost always well tolerated by patients.It is available in the form of tablets, capsules, gels.
Anticoagulants are used to reduce blood viscosity and reduce the likelihood of developing thrombophlebitis.These are ointments with cooling additives in the form of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus.In addition to thinning the blood, they prevent the development of thrombophlebitis.
Antihistamines may be prescribed for skin changes that cause itching.For inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets are prescribed.
Surgical intervention
To get rid of varicose veins, operations are performed to remove the affected part of the vessel to stop the flow of water from the superficial vein to the deep one.The operation is called phlebectomy.In its classic form, it is used less and less today due to the emergence of new, less traumatic ways of varicose veins.This type of treatment is generally indicated for large vessel diameters and advanced cases of the disease.
A more delicate method is microphlebectomy, in which a part of the vein is removed and removed through an incision, but only through a puncture.
Heat methods
RadioFrequency ablation, although it has some contraindications, is considered the safest and least traumatic method of treating varicose veins.The method involves the heating effect of microwaves, as a result of which the venous lumen is closed.Main advantages:
- outpatient treatment;
- no anesthesia or incision required;
- recovery does not take much time;
- The procedure is easy to follow;
- can be done in the summer;
- After the treatment, the swelling and pain are gone, there are no bruises.
Laser coagulation is another method of treating varicose veins.During the procedure, a laser is applied to the vessel wall.Radiation causes adhesion of the vessel walls and complete closure of the lumen.It is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.A catheter is inserted into the lumen of the vessel, through which an LED is inserted and radiation is applied.The procedure is minimally traumatic and complications are very rare.
Sclerotherapy
This non-surgical method is one of the most common.It is used as part of complex treatment in small veins and in combination with surgery.The bottom line is that a special drug with a sclerosing effect is injected into the vein using a thin needle.As a result, the walls of the vessel stick together, close and stop the blood flow.The affected vein becomes a fibrous cord.The main advantages of the method:
- outpatient treatment;
- low disease;
- Ease of implementation;
- The duration of the procedure is about 20 minutes;
- Good cosmetic effect.
Traditional methods
Walnut tincture
Pour chopped unripe walnuts into a glass container and pour olive oil.Place in the sun for 40 days.Lubricate affected areas, apply as needed.Treatment should last about four months.
Cabbage leaf
Cut a cabbage leaf, apply olive oil on one side, apply this side to the affected area, bandage and leave for a day.Continue treatment for one month.
horse chestnut
This is one of the most effective folk remedies.To treat varicose veins, make a tincture from the fruits of the plant, half-fill a glass jar (three liters) and make a tincture filled with vodka.Put in a dark place for a month, stirring occasionally.When ready, rub the wound areas overnight.Chestnut tincture for external and internal use for varicose veins can be bought at the pharmacy.
Exercises
When varicose veins appear, the question may arise whether it is possible to do physical education and sports, and what exercises are useful.The majority of doctors say that physical activity is very important for this disease, because the dynamics are harmful to the vessels and static.But it is equally important to consult a doctor about what sports and what loads will be optimal.In addition, the patient can be shown special therapeutic exercises carried out directly in the medical institution.At home, you can do simple but effective exercises that are regular exercises, which will help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins.
- Lie on your back, put a pillow under your feet so that they rise at an angle of 20 degrees.Close your eyes, relax completely, take a deep breath.
- While lying on your back, raise your legs vertically and rotate your legs outwards.
- Lie on your back and make movements with your legs while riding a bicycle.
- Lying on your back, raise your legs and cross them (scissors).
- Stand straight, arms down, feet together.Slowly rise up onto your toes, then slowly lower down.
- Walk in place, taking your hands to the ground.
- Sitting in a chair, move your legs and ankles towards you and away from you, then curl your toes in the same way.
- Immerse your feet in an elastic stream (alternatively cool and warm).
Opinion
Varicose veins is an irreversible process, but it needs to be treated, especially if there are many modern methods that should be used together.Without treatment, there is a high risk of complications such as chronic venous insufficiency, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcer and even pulmonary embolism, a dangerous condition that can lead to death.