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". In theory, a similar disease can appear anywhere on the body, but the legs are the most common injury.
The essence of the problem
The veins in the body play a very important role, representing a network of branched reservoirs that transport blood from tissues to the heart muscle. At 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 focus is the deep veins, so they are noticeably stronger and more voluminous. And on the surface, about 15% of the total work remains.
The heart is a "pump" that carries blood through veins. Part of the blood flows through the veins against gravity (when walking, moving or crouching). When the muscles are relaxed (standing), blood flows downwards, under the influence of the same gravity. But not everything is so simple, valves located on the walls of blood vessels do not let it return.
In cases where the valves are "broken", the veins become dilated and inflamed, so they are unable to maintain blood flow. This process contributes to the swelling and bulging of the veins. The deficient blood supply becomes the root from which varicose veins in the legs begin.
The causes of varicose veins
There are many reasons for this:
- Varicose veins can be hereditary, that is, there is a congenital weakness of the vessel walls.
- The occurrence of varicose veins may be associated with human activity and immunity.
One thing is certain, the disease does not arise like that, something should serve as an impulse.
During sedentary work in the veins, or rather in the pelvis, blood stagnation occurs, which subsequently manifests itself in health problems. Varicose veins arise from a sedentary lifestyle, so in standing work there are no barriers to their origin.
It is no accident that this disease, in the first place, is called occupational disease of salespeople and hairdressers.
The following are also obvious provocateurs:
- overweight (obesity),
- Frequent weightlifting
- Leg injuries.
Another factor is the increase in intra-abdominal pressure. The size of the veins changes constantly, inhale - the veins narrow, expire, on the contrary, expand. When a person pushes hard, the veins become strongly tense and under the pressure created they start to expand.
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
Often, varicose veins can be found in pregnant women. The ever-growing uterus puts involuntary pressure on the veins in the legs. In this case, nature protected women from serious consequences and provided the body, during pregnancy, with a sufficient amount of sex hormones, which make the walls of blood vessels plastic and flexible. As a rule, here the disease is reversible, after delivery the veins return to the previous state.
Prevention methods
Absolutely any disease is much easier to prevent than to cure, and varicose veins are no exception. Let's take a look at the main preventive measures:
- Forget about tight and uncomfortable shoes. Women should remember that the "everyday" jump should not exceed five centimeters. At night, give your feet pleasure with a massage and a cold bath, then throw them higher and lie in this position for 15 minutes.
- Wear loose clothing that has no elastic or tight belts.
- If possible, walk barefoot on pebbles as much as possible. At the very least, arrange these therapies for you while on vacation.
- Control your diet. Eliminate, or at least reduce, your consumption of spicy, salty and smoked foods. The same goes for alcohol.
- Sport is an excellent prevention of varicose veins. An exception may be the early stage of the disease. If you notice the first signs and symptoms in yourself, the load should be light and, before starting training, consult your doctor.
- If you have a sedentary job, try to get up as soon 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 overdo it with baths, saunas and hot tubs. After the "hot" procedures, be sure to rinse with cold water.
Stages of development of varicose veins
- First stage.Pain and discomfort are absent, only aesthetic defects are observed. A branched pattern of veins appears on the legs, "stars" and "mesh" appear. At night, the legs swell a lot.
- Second stage.There is obvious swelling in the ankle area and heavy weight on the legs. At night, cramps, numbness, a feeling of crawling and tingling may occur.
- Third stage.Severe and constant swelling of the legs, formation of seals on the skin, changes in pigmentation in some places, itching and dermatitis.
- Fourth step.Trophic ulcers appear on the skin of the legs.
What steps to take at the initial stage
The varicose veins of the lower limbs, if they are in the initial phase, respond well to treatment, it is quite possible that a competent "fight" will stop their development.
First, follow all the preventive measures described above. Reconsider your wardrobe, if necessary, eliminate all "harmful" things, do the same with your shoes. Give your feet a contrast bath, walk barefoot and balance your meals.
Second, in the first symptoms, buy compression briefs, they can be tights or socks. Its principle of action is to distribute the pressure on the legs so that the blood circulation is normalized and the symptoms are significantly weakened.
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 may have caused circulatory problems.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
Almost all women during pregnancy face problems with swollen legs and circulatory disorders. The dilated uterus constantly presses the inferior vena cava, interfering with its normal functioning.
But, as mentioned a little above, the varicose veins in this case are reversible, the main thing is to take the necessary preventive measures in time.
- Buy comfortable orthopedic shoes so your feet don't get tired when walking.
- Take daily walks. Do not sit or stand for long. To avoid venous stasis, place your feet on a hill while resting.
- Wear compression clothing to prevent swelling.
- Light exercises that involve only the legs are a good help. The simplest movements of the foot in different directions are sufficient.
- Vitamin C is very good at preventing varicose veins, it has many beneficial properties that give elasticity to the veins, while reducing the risk of many diseases.
Treatment of varicose veins
The complete cure of the disease is only possible in an operable way. Medication and exercise are used as auxiliary methods.
Phlebectomy
Operations can be of a surgical nature or using the latest technology. The former include phlebectomy, when varicose veins are removed.
Laser
In the second group there is laser coagulation, there are no incisions, heat 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 fine needle, which glues the walls of the vessels and dissolves them.
But no matter what doctors want, they simply cannot eliminate the main cause of varicose veins - the weakness of the vessel walls. It is only in your power to prevent the disease through preventive measures.
Special exercises
Below, we list a series of physical exercises that will not consume much of your time, but the effect will be great. You can do this at home.
- Exercise 1.Lie on the floor, raise your legs at a 90 ° angle to the floor and start moving your toes "from you to you". Repeat 10 times.
- Exercise 2.In the prone 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. On your stomach, lift your legs and pelvis, supporting the latter in your hands. Lock in this position for a few seconds. Repeat 4 times.
- Tip:Take some time to stretch. Firstly, your body will always be flexible and, secondly, it will contribute to the displacement of blood from the veins.
- Exercise 4.Lie on the floor with your feet together, your knees pointing in different directions. Grab your feet and pull them towards you. Stay in this position for a while. Play the exercise 4 times.
- Exercise 5.Lie on your left side and rest on your elbow, with your right hand holding your right foot. Do some spring movements with your hips back (trying to reach with your heel up to your buttocks), hold for 10 seconds. Do the same for the left side.
Polishes
The purpose of drugs in the treatment of varicose veins is to give elasticity and normal conditions to the veins. The necessary medication will be recommended by a specialist for complex treatment.
A cream containing an anticoagulant can have a good prophylactic effect. The latter's role is to relieve pain in the affected areas, as well as strengthen blood vessels. Creamy anti-varicose preparations often contain several vitamins: C, B5 and B1, thanks to which the regeneration period is noticeably reduced.
Pills are also common in treatment, which:
- improves vascular tone;
- relieves inflammation;
- accelerates blood flow and lymphatic flow;
- eliminates microcirculation disorders.
The pills are divided into several groups: corticosteroids, phlebotonics, antithrombotic analgesics and non-steroids.
Folk remedies
The conservative method of treatment is effective in the first stage of varicose veins, when the person feels weight in the legs and perceives a venous network in the skin. The sooner corrective action is taken, the sooner and more accurate the results will be. Below are some simple yet effective recipes.
Garlic compress
The porridge is prepared from grated garlic and butter, in a 1: 2 ratio, which is applied to the affected areas, fixing with paper and bandage. Duration of exposure - night, wash your leg with warm water in the morning.
Chestnut
Chestnut tincture for internal use. Pour fifty grams of the dry product with 500 ml of alcohol. The resulting product must be insisted for 14 days, filtered. Take three times a day before meals with water.
Kalanchoe ointment
One liter bottle should be half filled with leaves and the rest with 70% alcohol. The resulting dye should be placed in a dark place for two weeks, but shake it daily. The finished ointment is rubbed daily on the damaged areas.
Love yourself and be healthy!