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 "knots".
Translated from the ancient Greek language, "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 branching reservoirs that carry blood from the tissues to the heart muscle. In the lower limbs, 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 on the deep veins, so they are noticeably stronger and larger. And on the surface, about 15% of the total work remains.
The heart is a "pump" that circulates blood through the veins. Some of the blood flows through the veins against gravity (when walking, moving or squatting). When the muscles are relaxed (when standing), the blood rushes downward, under the influence of the same gravity. But not everything is so simple, the valves located on the walls of the blood vessels do not let it recede.
In cases where the valves are "broken", the veins are dilated and inflamed, so they are unable to maintain blood flow. This process contributes to the bloating and swelling of the veins. Impaired blood supply becomes the root from which varicose veins on the legs begin.
Causes of varicose veins
There are several reasons for this:
- Varicose veins may well be hereditary, ie there is a congenital weakness of the vascular walls.
- The occurrence of varicose veins may be associated with human activity and immunity.
One thing's for sure, disease doesn't just happen, something has to be a boost.
During sedentary work in the veins, or rather in the pelvis, blood stagnation occurs, which then manifests itself in health problems. Varicose veins originate from a sedentary lifestyle, therefore, with standing work, there are no barriers to its origin.
It is no coincidence that this disease is first called an occupational disease of salespeople and hairdressers.
The following are also obvious provocateurs:
- overweight (obese),
- Frequent weightlifting
- leg injuries.
Another factor is the increase in intra-abdominal pressure. The size of the veins is constantly changing, inhalation - the veins narrow, exhalation, on the contrary, expands. When a person pushes hard, the veins are strained and under the pressure created they begin to dilate.
Of course, this doesn't mean that everyone is at risk, but chronic constipation and coughing can cause varicose veins.
Varicose veins during pregnancy
Very often varicose veins can be found in pregnant women. The constantly expanding uterus puts involuntary pressure on the veins of the legs. In this case, nature protected women from serious consequences and endowed the body during pregnancy with a sufficient amount of sex hormones, which make the walls of the vessels plastic and pliable. As a rule, here the disease is reversible; after childbirth, the veins return to their 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, uncomfortable shoes. Women should remember that the "everyday" heel should not exceed two inches. In the evening, treat your feet with a massage and a cool bath, then throw them higher and lie in this position for 15 minutes.
- Wear loose clothing without elastic bands or tight belts.
- Walk barefoot on rocks if possible. At a minimum, organize these therapies yourself while on vacation.
- Control your diet. Eliminate, or at least reduce, the 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 initial stage of the disease. If you notice the first signs and symptoms in you, the load should be low and before you start training, be sure to consult your doctor.
- If you have a sedentary job, try to get up as often as possible and walk around the room. Do some basic exercises, at least jump a bit. Do not cross your legs while sitting, it is very bad for the blood circulation.
- Don't go overboard with baths, saunas and spas. After the "hot" procedures, be sure to rinse with cold water.
Stages of development of varicose veins
- First step.Pain and discomfort are absent, only cosmetic flaws are observed. On the legs there is a pattern of branching veins, "stars" and "stitches" appear. In the evening, the legs swell enormously.
- Second step.There is obvious swelling in the ankle area and heavy heaviness in the legs. In the evening, cramps, numbness, tingling and tingling may occur.
- Third step.Severe and constant swelling of the legs, formation of seals on the skin, changes in pigmentation in places, itching and dermatitis.
- Fourth step.Trophic ulcers appear on the skin of the legs.
What steps to take at the initial stage
Varicose veins of the lower extremities, if it is in the stage of creation, responds well to treatment, it is quite possible that a competent "fight" will stop its development.
First of all, follow all the preventive measures described above. Go over your wardrobe, if necessary, eliminate all "harmful" things, do the same with the shoes. Give your feet a contrasting shower, walk more barefoot, and balance your meals.
Second, at the first symptoms, get yourself some compression underwear, it can be tights or stockings. Their principle of action is to distribute the pressure on the legs so as to normalize blood circulation and significantly weaken the symptoms.
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 have caused circulatory problems.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
Almost all pregnant women face problems with leg swelling and circulatory problems. The enlarged uterus constantly presses on the inferior vena cava, interfering with its normal functioning.
But, as mentioned a little earlier, 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 while walking.
- Take daily walks. Do not sit or stand for a long time. To avoid venous stasis, place your feet on a hill while resting.
- Wear compression clothing to avoid pockets.
- Light physical exercises that only involve the legs will be a good help. The simplest foot movements in different directions are sufficient.
- Vitamin C is very effective in preventing varicose veins and has many beneficial properties that will give elasticity to the veins, while reducing the risk of many diseases.
Treatment of varicose veins
Complete recovery from the disease is only possible through an operable route. Medication and exercise are used as auxiliary methods.
Phlebectomy
Operations can be surgical in nature or use 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, thermal radiation is applied to the problem area of the body.
Sclerotherapy
Another way to get rid of varicose veins is with sclerotherapy. A special solution is injected into the damaged vein, using a thin needle, which sticks to the walls of the vessels and then dissolves them.
But no matter what doctors want, they just aren't able to eliminate the main cause of varicose veins - weak vessel walls. It is only in your power to prevent the disease by preventive measures.
Special exercises
Below we list a number of physical exercises which will not take much time, but the effect will be great. You can do them 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.While lying down, raise your legs and “draw” circles with your feet, 10 times in each direction.
- Exercise 3.The familiar "birch" has a good effect. While lying down, raise your legs and pelvis by resting the latter on your hands. Lock this position for a few seconds. Repeat 4 times.
- Tip:Take the time to stretch. First, your body will always be flexible, and second, it will help move blood from the veins.
- Exercise 4.Lie on the floor with your feet together, knees pointed in opposite directions. Take your feet and pull them towards you. Stay in this position for a while. Perform the exercise 4 times.
- Exercise 5.Lie on your left side and rest on your elbow, with your right hand grasping your right foot. Make some spring movements with your hip back (trying to reach with your heel the buttocks), linger for 10 seconds. Do the same for the left side.
Ointments
The purpose of drugs in the treatment of varicose veins is to give elasticity and normal condition to the veins. The necessary drug will be recommended by a specialist for complex treatment.
A cream containing an anticoagulant may have a good prophylactic effect. The role of the latter is to relieve pain in the affected areas, as well as to strengthen the blood vessels. Creamy anti-varicose veins often contain a number of vitamins: C, B5 and B1, thanks to them, the regeneration period is noticeably reduced.
Pills are also common in the treatment, which:
- improves vascular tone;
- relieve inflammation;
- accelerate blood flow and lymphatic flow;
- eliminate microcirculatory disorders.
tablets are divided into several groups: corticosteroids, phlebotonics, antithrombotics and nonsteroidal pain relievers.
Folk remedies
The conservative method of treatment is effective at the first stage of varicose veins, when a person feels heaviness in the legs and notices a venous network on the skin. The sooner corrective action is taken, the sooner and more precise the results will be. Here are some simple but effective recipes.
Garlic compress
Oatmeal is prepared from grated garlic and butter, in proportions of 1: 2, which is then applied to the affected areas, fixing with paper and a bandage. Duration of exposure - night, in the morning, wash your leg with lukewarm water
Chestnut
Chestnut tincture for internal use. Pour fifty grams of dry product with 500 ml of alcohol. The resulting product should be insisted for 14 days, filtered. Take three times a day before meals with water.
Kalanchoe ointment
A liter jar should be half filled with leaves and the rest filled with 70% alcohol. The resulting tincture should be placed in a dark place for two weeks, but shake it daily. The damaged areas are daily rubbed with the finished ointment.
Love yourself and be healthy!