Varicose veins are a fairly common pathological condition, which is characterized by an increase in the diameter of the lumen, thinning of the vein walls and the appearance of "knots".
Translated from ancient Greek, "varicose veins" means "swelling".Theoretically, such a disease can appear in any part of the body, but the most common damage is the legs.
The crux of the problem
Veins in the body play a very important role, representing a network of branching reservoirs that send 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 the deep veins, so they are significantly stronger and more voluminous.And about 15% of the total amount of work remains on the surface.
The heart is a "pump" that directs blood through the veins.Some blood flows through the veins against gravity (when walking, moving or sitting).When the muscles are relaxed (standing), the blood rushes down, under the influence of the same gravity.But not everything is so simple;the valves located in the walls of the vessels do not allow it to return.
In cases where the valves are "broken", the veins expand and become inflamed, then they are unable to maintain the blood flow.This process causes the veins to swell and swell.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 can be inherited, that is, there is an inborn weakness of the walls of blood vessels.
- The appearance of varicose veins can be associated with a person's vital activity and immunity.
One thing is certain, the disease does not arise alone, something must serve as an impetus.
During sedentary work, blood stagnation occurs in the veins, or rather in the pelvis, which then manifests itself in health problems.Varicose veins arise from a sedentary lifestyle, therefore, even with standing work there are no obstacles to its appearance.
It is not for nothing that this disease is called mainly an occupational disease of sellers and hairdressers.
Notable provocateurs also include:
- overweight (obesity),
- frequent weight lifting,
- leg injuries.
Another factor is increased 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 strong stress and begin to expand under the pressure created.
Of course, this does not mean that absolutely every person 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 constantly enlarged uterus exerts involuntary pressure on the veins coming from 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 malleable.As a rule, the disease here is reversible;after birth, 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 be higher than five centimeters.In the evening, treat your feet with a massage and cool shower, then raise them higher and lie in this position for 15 minutes.
- Wear loose clothing that does not have tight elastic bands or belts.
- If possible, walk more barefoot on pebbles.At the very least, treat yourself to such therapy during your vacation.
- Check 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 sports.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 exercise.
- If you have a sedentary job, try to get up as often as possible and walk around the room.Do basic exercise, at least dance a little.Do not cross your legs when sitting, this is very bad for blood circulation.
- Do not overdo it with baths, saunas and bathtubs.After "hot" procedures, be sure to rinse with cold water.
Stages of development of varicose veins
- The first stage.There is no pain or discomfort, only cosmetic defects are observed.A branching pattern of veins appears on the legs, "stars" and "webs" appear.In the evening, my feet swell a lot.
- The second stage.There is noticeable swelling in the ankle area and severe heaviness in the legs.Cramps, numbness, pins and needles may occur in the evening.
- The third stage.Continuous severe swelling of the legs, compressions are formed on the skin, pigmentation changes in places, itching and dermatitis appear.
- The fourth stage.Trophic ulcers appear on the skin of the legs.
What measures should be taken in the initial phase
Varicose veins of the lower extremities, if they are in their beginnings, respond well to treatment;it is quite possible that a competent "war" will stop its development.
First, follow all the preventive measures described above.Review your clothes, 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 clothing, these can be tights or socks.Their principle of action is to distribute the pressure along the legs in such a way that the blood circulation is normalized and the symptoms are significantly reduced.
As for consultations, you should 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 blood circulation problems.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
Almost every woman during pregnancy faces problems with leg swelling and blood circulation problems.The enlarged uterus constantly exerts 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 will not get tired when you walk.
- Take daily walks.Do not sit or stand for long periods of time.To prevent venous stagnation, place your feet on a hill while resting.
- To prevent swelling, wear compression garments.
- Light physical exercises involving only your legs will be a good help.The simplest movements of the legs 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 simultaneously reducing the risk of many diseases.
Treatment of varicose veins
Complete relief from the disease is possible only through surgery.Medication and physical exercises are used as auxiliary methods.
Phlebectomy
Operations can be either 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;no cuts;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 and then dissolves them.
But, no matter how much doctors would like, they are simply not able to eliminate the main cause of varicose veins - the 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 you much time, but the effect will be incredible.You can make them at home.
- Exercise 1.Lie on the floor, raise your legs until an angle of 90° is formed in relation to the floor and start moving your toes "from you to yourself".Repeat 10 times.
- Exercise 2.In a lying position, raise your legs and "draw" circles with your legs, 10 times in each direction.
- Exercise 3.The well-known tree "birch" has a good effect.From a lying position, raise 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 help to move the blood from the veins.
- Exercise 4.Lie on the floor with your feet together, knees pointing in different directions.Grab the legs 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, grasp your right leg with your right hand.Make some spring movements with your back hip (try to reach the heel to the buttocks) and hold for 10 seconds.Do similar manipulations with the left side.
ointment
The purpose of medications in the treatment of varicose veins is to give elasticity and normal condition to the veins.A specialist will recommend the necessary medicine for complex treatment.
A cream containing an 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, cream preparations against varicose veins contain a number of vitamins: C, B5 and B1, thanks to which the regeneration period is significantly reduced.
Tablets that are also common in treatment are:
- improvement of vascular tone;
- relief of the inflammatory process;
- acceleration of blood and lymph flow;
- eliminate microcirculation disorders.
Tablet drugs 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 a person feels heaviness in the legs and notices a venous network on the skin.The sooner measures 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 minced garlic and butter, in a ratio of 1:2, which is then applied to the affected areas, fixed with paper and a bandage.The duration of the exposure is at night;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 should be infused for 14 days and filtered.Take three times a day before meals with water.
Ointment based on Kalanchoe
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 shaken daily.The prepared ointment is rubbed every day on the damaged areas.
Love yourself and be healthy!