Varicose veins are a very common pathological condition, characterized by an increase in the diameter of the lumen, thinning of the vein walls and the appearance of “nodules”.
Translated from ancient Greek, “varicose veins” means “swelling”.Theoretically, this disease can appear anywhere on the body, but the most common lesion is the legs.
The essence of the problem
The body's veins play a very important role, representing a network of branched reservoirs that transport blood from 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 the 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 (standing), the blood descends, under the influence of the same gravity.But not everything is so simple;valves located in the walls of the vessels do not allow them to return.
In cases where the valves are “broken”, the veins become dilated and inflamed, so they are unable to handle blood flow.This process causes the veins to swell and bulge.Impaired blood supply becomes the root from which varicose veins in the legs begin.
Causes of varicose veins
There are many reasons for this:
- Varicose veins may well be hereditary, that is, there is a congenital weakness in the walls of the blood vessels.
- The occurrence of varicose veins may be associated with a person's vital activity and his immunity.
One thing is certain, the disease does not just appear, something must act as an 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, therefore, even when working standing up there are no barriers to their appearance.
It is not for nothing that this disease is mainly called the occupational disease of salespeople and hairdressers.
Obvious provocateurs also include:
- overweight (obesity),
- frequent lifting of weights,
- leg injuries.
Another factor is the increase in intra-abdominal pressure.The size of the veins is constantly changing, inhaling - the veins narrow, exhaling, on the contrary, they expand.When a person pushes hard, the veins experience severe stress and begin to expand under the pressure created.
Of course, this does not mean that absolutely everyone is at risk, but chronic colds and coughs can cause varicose veins.
Varicose veins during pregnancy
Often, varicose veins can be found in pregnant women.The constantly enlarged uterus puts involuntary pressure on the veins that come out of the legs.In this case, nature protected a woman from serious consequences and endowed 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 about tight and uncomfortable shoes.Women should remember that “everyday” heels should not exceed five centimeters.In the evening, treat your feet with a massage and a cold shower, then lift them and lie in this position for 15 minutes.
- Wear loose clothing that does not have elastic bands or tight belts.
- If possible, walk barefoot on rocks more often.At the very least, treat yourself to this therapy while on vacation.
- Control your diet.Eliminate, or at least reduce, the consumption of spicy, salty and smoked foods.The same goes for alcohol.
- 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, the load should be light and 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.Don't cross your legs when sitting, this is very bad for your blood circulation.
- Don't overdo it with baths, saunas and hot tubs.After “hot” procedures, rinse with cold water.
Stages of development of varicose veins
- First stage.There is no pain or discomfort, only cosmetic defects are observed.A branched pattern of veins appears on the legs, “stars” and “nets” appear.At night my legs swell a lot.
- Second stage.There is obvious swelling in the ankle area and intense heaviness in the legs.At night, cramps, numbness, tingling and tingling may occur.
- Third stage.Intense and constant swelling of the legs, formation of compactions on the skin, changes in pigmentation in some places, appearance of 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 present in childhood, respond well to treatment;it is quite possible that a competent “fight” 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 your shoes.Give your feet a contrast bath, walk barefoot more and balance your diet.
Secondly, at the first symptoms, buy compression clothing, these can be tights or stockings.Its principle of action is to distribute pressure along the legs so that blood circulation is normalized and symptoms are significantly reduced.
As for consultations, it is necessary to consult 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 the problem of leg swelling and circulatory problems.The enlarged uterus constantly puts pressure on the inferior vena cava, preventing it from functioning normally.
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 will 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 avoid swelling, wear compression clothing.
- Light physical exercises that only involve the legs will be a good help.The simplest movements of the feet in different directions are enough.
- Vitamin C is very good at preventing varicose veins.It has many beneficial properties that will give elasticity to the veins while reducing the risk of many diseases.
Varicose veins treatment
Complete relief of the disease is possible only through surgery.Medications and physical exercises are used as auxiliary methods.
Phlebectomy
Operations can be surgical in nature or using the latest technologies.One of the first is phlebectomy, when varicose veins are removed.
laser
In the second group there 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 using a thin needle, which glues the walls of the vessels together and subsequently resolves them.
But no matter how much doctors want, they simply cannot eliminate the main cause of varicose veins - the weakness of the blood vessel walls.Only you have the power to prevent illness through preventative 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 notable.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 start moving your toes “from you to you”.Repeat 10 times.
- Exercise 2.In the 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.In a lying position, lift your legs and pelvis, supporting it with your hands.Lock in this position for a few seconds.Repeat 4 times.
- Tip:take time to stretch.Firstly, your body will always be flexible, and secondly, it will help move blood from your veins.
- Exercise 4.Lie on the floor with your feet together and your knees pointing in different directions.Hold your feet and pull them toward you.Stay in this position for a while.Repeat the exercise 4 times.
- Exercise 5.Lie on your left side and support yourself with your elbow, with your right hand hold your right foot.Make several elastic movements with your hips back (trying to reach your heel to your buttock) and hold 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 normality to the veins.A specialist will recommend the necessary medication for complex treatment.
A cream containing anticoagulant can have a good preventive effect.The role of the latter is to relieve pain in the affected areas, as well as strengthen blood vessels.Often, creamy anti-varicose preparations contain a number of vitamins: C, B5 and B1, thanks to which the regeneration period is noticeably reduced.
Pills that are also common in treatment are:
- improve vascular tone;
- alleviate the inflammatory process;
- accelerate blood and lymphatic flow;
- eliminate microcirculatory disorders.
Tablet medicines 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 the person feels heaviness in the legs and notices a venous network in the skin.The sooner steps are taken to eliminate the problem, the sooner and more accurate the results will be.Below are some simple but effective recipes.
Garlic compress
A paste is prepared with grated garlic and butter, in a 1:2 ratio, which is then applied to the affected areas, fixed with paper and a bandage.The duration of exposure is overnight;In the morning, rinse your foot with warm water.
Brunette
Chestnut tincture for internal use.Pour fifty grams of dry product with 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 liter jar must be filled halfway with leaves and the remainder with 70% alcohol.The resulting tincture must be placed in a dark place for two weeks, but shaken daily.The prepared ointment is rubbed daily into the damaged areas.
Love yourself and be healthy!