Today, the problem of varicose veins is relevant, because every fourth person faces this disease, which is accompanied by severe symptoms and often leads to a dangerous complication - thrombophlebitis.This article will tell you about highly effective methods of treating and preventing varicose veins.
Varicose veins: causes and symptoms
With varicose veins, the activity of the blood vessels leading to the heart is impaired.The disease mainly occurs in women over 30 years old.Due to the deformation of the venous vessels and the closed valvular valves, the blood cannot circulate normally, which causes a violation of the blood flow to the heart.
The following factors can be prerequisites for the development of a pathological process in blood vessels:
- Genetic predisposition.If one of the parents suffers from varicose veins due to low valves and weak vessel walls, the child will inherit this disease in 70% of cases.
- Obesity.Excess weight increases the risk of developing varicose veins by 35%, because the heavy load disrupts the normal blood flow of the veins in the legs.
- Pregnancy.Compression of the retroperitoneal vessels by the enlarged uterus and excessive blood circulation provoke varicose veins.
- Hormonal changes.The risk of developing varicose veins increases due to hormonal disorders that weaken the muscular system and blood vessels.
- Lifestyle.Limiting physical activity (hypodynamia) or staying in a static position for a long time has a negative effect on blood flow.
In addition, the development of varicose veins can be provoked by an unbalanced diet with a lack of coarse fiber, which causes atypical changes in the structure of the venous walls.The possibility of developing this disease cannot be ruled out against the background of wearing uniforms that constrict blood vessels, as well as frequent stressful situations, alcohol abuse, smoking, and leg injuries.
Symptoms depend on the stage of the disease.Before visual symptoms appear, there is a feeling of heaviness in the legs, which is attributed to normal fatigue.As varicose veins progress, a number of clear symptoms are observed: pain in the legs, swelling and cramps in the evening, darkening of the skin color of the legs, the appearance of compressions, telangiectasia (spider veins), locally dilated veins in the legs, itching of the skin, indicating the inevitable development of tropical disorders.Severe cases of varicose veins are accompanied by dizziness, hyperthermia, bleeding from venous nodes, thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers and phlebothrombosis.
Treatment of varicose veins in the legs
Before prescribing the treatment of varicose veins, it is necessary to undergo the following diagnostic procedures: Ultrasound examination of veins in the legs (ultrasound and Doppler examination), as well as duplex angioscanning, reovasography.After confirming the diagnosis, depending on the stage of the pathological process, the phlebologist may prescribe:
- Operation using microsurgical methods.In case of severe varicose veins, phlebectomy is performed - minimally invasive removal of the affected veins.Laser or radiofrequency coagulation of veins may also be used.At the initial stage, varicose veins are treated with photocoagulation and spider veins are removed with a laser.
- Sclerotherapy is the injection of drugs into the dilated vein that glue the venous walls together.In this case, the patient wears a compression stocking for about 2 months to allow tight adhesions to form.
- Conservative treatment, which includes taking phlebotonics, antiplatelet agents, antioxidants, anticoagulants and other drugs.This method is relevant in the pre-operative period and in cases where surgical removal of vessels is not possible.
During the treatment and for a month after the procedures, doctors recommend not to lift heavy objects, wear compression stockings and elastic bandages, as well as reduce static loads.At the first symptoms of varicose veins, you should contact a phlebologist to prevent the development of a pathological process that causes serious complications.
Disease prevention
In order to prevent the mentioned pathology and eliminate the initial symptoms, it is necessary to observe the basic rules of prevention:
- Exercise regularly, swim and move more.An active lifestyle helps to strengthen venous walls and improve blood circulation.
- Do not use hot baths, sun rays and saunas too much.Exposure to excessive heat reduces the tone of the veins in the legs and causes blood stagnation.
- Giving up bad habits is an effective prevention of varicose veins.Many cardiovascular disorders are associated with unlimited alcohol consumption and smoking.
- Warm up during work involving constant static loads.For example, if your professional activity requires constant sitting at the computer, you can walk, squat and stretch your legs every hour for 10 minutes.
- Wear comfortable, non-tight clothes in order not to squeeze the veins in the legs and disrupt blood circulation.Also, you should not wear shoes with heels higher than 5 cm every day.
- Try to maintain a normal weight or normalize it through diet.
- To improve blood circulation, take a contrast shower, massage your thighs, legs and feet.When sleeping, raise your legs more often 15 cm above the body.
An excellent prevention of varicose veins is a balanced diet.To prevent disruption of venous and vascular blood flow, it is necessary to include fiber-rich foods in the diet and limit salt intake.Experts advise those at risk to eat radish, raspberry, carrot, rice, wheat and buckwheat porridge more often.In general, if you follow all the rules of prevention, you can avoid the development of varicose veins, even if it is hereditary.