Varicose veins are a fairly common pathological condition, which is characterized by an increase in the diameter of the lumen, thinning of the walls of the veins and the appearance of "nodules".
Translated from ancient Greek, "varicose veins" means "swelling."Theoretically, this disease can appear in any part of the body, but the most common injury is the legs.
The essence of the problem.
The veins of the body play a very important role and represent a network of branched reservoirs that transport blood from the tissues to the heart muscle.In the lower extremities, this network is expressed in the form of deep and superficial veins, interconnected by an emergency blood discharge system.
As a rule, the main emphasis falls on deep veins, which is why they are noticeably stronger and more voluminous.And about 15% of the total volume of work remains on the surface.
The heart is a “pump” that drives blood through the veins.Some blood flows through the veins against gravity (when walking, moving, or squatting).When the muscles are relaxed (while standing), blood rushes downward, under the influence of the same gravity.But not everything is so simple;Valves located in the walls of the vessels do not allow it to return.
In cases where the valves are “broken”, the veins become dilated and inflamed, so they are not able to retain blood flow.This process causes the veins to swell and bulge.Disturbance of blood supply becomes the root of which varicose veins in the legs begin.
Causes of varicose veins
There are many reasons for this:
- Varicose veins can be hereditary, that is, there is a congenital weakness of the walls of blood vessels.
- The appearance of varicose veins can be associated with a person's vital activity and his immunity.
One thing is certain: illness does not simply arise, something must serve as the impetus.
During sedentary work, blood stagnation occurs in the veins, or rather in the pelvis, which subsequently manifests itself in health problems.Varicose veins arise from a sedentary lifestyle, so even working standing there are no barriers to their appearance.
It is not for nothing that this disease is mainly called an occupational disease of salespeople and hairdressers.
Obvious provocateurs also include:
- excess weight (obesity),
- frequent weight lifting,
- leg injuries.
Another factor is increased intra-abdominal pressure.The size of the veins is constantly changing, when inhaling, the veins narrow, when exhaling, on the contrary, they expand.When a person pushes hard, the veins experience severe tension and begin to expand under the pressure created.
Of course, this does not mean that absolutely everyone is at risk, but chronic constipation and cough can cause varicose veins.
Varicose veins during pregnancy
Very often varicose veins can be found in pregnant women.The ever-growing uterus puts involuntary pressure on the veins leading out of the legs.In this case, nature protected women from serious consequences and provided the body, during pregnancy, with a sufficient amount of sex hormones that make the walls of blood vessels plastic and flexible.As a rule, the disease here is reversible;After childbirth, the veins return to their previous state.
Prevention methods
Absolutely any disease is much easier to prevent than to treat, and varicose veins are no exception.Let's look at the main preventive measures:
- Forget tight and uncomfortable shoes.Women should remember that "everyday" heels should not exceed five centimeters.In the evenings, treat your feet with a massage and a cold bath, then raise them and lie in this position for 15 minutes.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing that does not have elastic bands or tight belts.
- If possible, walk more barefoot on pebbles.At the very least, enjoy this type of therapy during your vacation.
- Control your diet.Eliminate, or at least reduce, the consumption of spicy, salty and smoked foods.The same goes for alcohol.
- An excellent prevention of varicose veins is sport.An exception may be the initial stage of the disease.If you notice the first signs and symptoms, then the load should be light and be sure to consult a doctor before starting training.
- If you have a sedentary job, try to get up as often as possible and walk around the room.Do basic exercises, at least jump a little.Do not cross your legs when sitting, this is very bad for blood circulation.
- Don't go overboard with baths, saunas and jacuzzis.After "hot" procedures, be sure to rinse with cold water.
Stages of development of varicose veins.
- First stage.There is no pain or discomfort, only aesthetic defects are observed.A branched pattern of veins appears on the legs, "stars" and "webs" appear.At night, my legs swell a lot.
- Second stage.There is obvious swelling in the ankle area and severe heaviness in the legs.At night, cramps, numbness, tingling and tingling sensations may appear.
- Third stage.Severe and constant swelling of the legs, compactions form on the skin, pigmentation changes appear in some places, itching and dermatitis.
- Fourth stage.Trophic ulcers appear on the skin of the legs.
What measures to take at the initial stage?
Varicose veins of the lower extremities, if they are in their infancy, respond well to treatment;it is quite possible that competent "fighting" will stop its development.
First, follow all the preventive measures described above.Review your wardrobe, if necessary, eliminate all "harmful" things and do the same with shoes.Give your feet a contrast shower, walk more barefoot and balance your diet.
Secondly, at the first symptoms, buy compression garments, which can be tights or stockings.Its principle of action is to distribute pressure along the legs in such a way that blood circulation is normalized and symptoms are significantly reduced.
As for consultations, it is necessary to visit not only a phlebologist, but also a gynecologist (for women) and an orthopedist.It is likely that hormonal contraceptives or flat feet can cause circulatory problems.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy.
Almost all women during pregnancy face problems with leg swelling and circulatory problems.The enlarged uterus constantly puts pressure on the inferior vena cava, preventing its normal functioning.
But, as mentioned a little above, varicose veins in this case are reversible;The main thing is to take the necessary preventive measures in time.
- Buy comfortable orthopedic shoes in which your feet do not get tired when walking.
- Take daily walks.Do not sit or stand for long periods of time.To avoid venous stagnation, place your feet on a hill while resting.
- To prevent swelling, wear compression garments.
- Light physical exercises that involve only the legs will be of great help.The simplest movements of the feet in different directions are enough.
- Vitamin C is very good for preventing varicose veins.It has many beneficial properties that will give elasticity to the veins and at the same time reduce the risk of many diseases.
Treatment of varicose veins
Complete relief of the disease is possible only through surgery.Medication and physical exercise are used as auxiliary methods.
Phlebectomy
The operations can be surgical in nature or use the latest technologies.One of the first is phlebectomy, when varicose veins are removed.
Laser
In the second group is laser coagulation;there are no incisions;Thermal radiation is applied to the problem area of the body.
Sclerotherapy
Another way to get rid of varicose veins is sclerotherapy.A special solution is injected into the damaged vein with a thin needle, which glues the walls of the vessels and subsequently resolves them.
But as much as doctors would like to do it, they simply cannot eliminate the main cause of varicose veins - weakness of the walls of blood vessels.Only you have the power to prevent disease through preventive measures.
special exercises
Below we will list a series of physical exercises that will not take up much of your time, but the effect will be noticeable.You can make them at home.
- Exercise 1.Lie on the floor, raise your legs until they form a 90° angle to the floor and begin to move your toes “from you to yourself.”Repeat 10 times.
- Exercise 2.In a lying position, raise your legs and “draw” circles with your feet, 10 times in each direction.
- Exercise 3.The well-known "birch" has a good effect.From a lying position, raise your legs and pelvis, resting the latter on your hands.Lock in this position for a few seconds.Repeat 4 times.
- Advice:take some time to stretch.Firstly, your body will always be flexible, and secondly, this will help expel blood from the veins.
- Exercise 4.Lie on the floor with your feet together and knees pointing in different directions.Take your feet and pull them towards you.Stay in this position for a while.Repeat the exercise 4 times.
- Exercise 5.Lie on your left side and lean on your elbow, with your right hand grabbing your right foot.Make several elastic movements with your hips backwards (trying to bring your heel to your buttocks) and hold the position for 10 seconds.Do similar manipulations with the left side.
Ointments
The objective of medications in the treatment of varicose veins is to give elasticity and normal condition to the veins.A specialist will recommend the necessary medication for complex treatment.
A cream containing an anticoagulant can have a good preventive effect.The function of the latter is to relieve pain in the affected areas, as well as strengthen blood vessels.Often, creamy antivaricose preparations contain several vitamins: C, B5 and B1, thanks to which the regeneration period is noticeably reduced.
The tablets that are also common in the treatment are:
- improve vascular tone;
- relieve the inflammatory process;
- accelerate blood and lymph flow;
- eliminate microcirculatory disorders.
Tablet drugs are divided into several groups: corticosteroids, phlebotonics, antithrombotic and non-steroidal analgesics.
Folk remedies
The conservative treatment method is effective in the first stage of varicose veins, when a person feels heaviness in the legs and notices a venous network on the skin.The sooner steps are taken to eliminate the problem, the faster and more accurate the results will be.Below are some simple but effective recipes.
garlic compress
A paste is prepared from grated garlic and butter, in 1:2 proportions, which is subsequently applied to the affected areas, secured with paper and a bandage.The duration of the exposure is overnight;In the morning, rinse your foot with warm water.
Chestnut
Chestnut tincture for internal use.Fifty grams of dry product pour 500 ml of alcohol.The resulting product must be infused for 14 days and filtered.Take three times a day before meals with water.
Kalanchoe-based ointment.
A one-liter jar should be filled halfway with leaves and the rest with 70% alcohol.The resulting tincture should be placed in a dark place for two weeks, but shaken daily.The prepared ointment is rubbed daily on the damaged areas.
Love yourself and stay healthy!