Varicose veins: what kind of beast is it and how to deal with it

Healthy legs are the key to a successful life.While we are healthy and do not experience discomfort in the legs, wearing tall heels, tolerate narrow shoes for the sake of image, we sit in offices for 8 hours, we do not even suspect that varicose veins hid somewhere nearby.Consider what varicose veins are on the legs, its symptoms and treatment.

Varicose veins are chronic deficiency of the venous system of the body.Varicosis can also hit the rectum, then it is hemorrhoids.But this article is devoted to the disease of the veins of the legs.What is this monster?Is he so terrible?The enemy needs to know in the face, then the victory is in your hands!

What is varicose veins of the lower extremities or varicose veins?

Compare our circulatory system with a huge transport highway, according to which a continuous flow of cars flows.Suppose that machines are blood cells that carry oxygen and various nutrients necessary for the life of the body, to all parts and organs of the body.And our heart “controls” this movement through pulsation, forcing blood to move through arteries.Having performed its enrichment function, the blood returns to the heart through the veins.

The veins below the heart overcome the natural power of attraction, and in order to rise up, they experience a great load, especially this applies to the legs.
The structure of the veins is due to the presence of valves, which are the so -called locks.Blood went up, the next valve missed it and “closed”, preventing her from leaking back.If for some reason the valve does not perform its function, then the flow of blood has to flow down, which leads to its stagnation.Over time, healthy valves also enter the reaction, since as a result of stagnation of the walls of the veins they stretch and thicken.And on the surface of the legs we can observe the nodes and seals of bluish tones.

To date, varicose veins are younger.Every fifth woman risks seeing the swollen veins in herself.Men should also think about this disease.There is an opinion that women get sick more often, believe me, the difference is small, just women are jealous of their appearance, respectively, they can previously detect signs of this disease.

Some people have a predisposition to this disease:

• Genetics.Pay attention to the presence of varicose veins in relatives.
• A feature of the structure of the venous system.
• Features of the outflow of deep veins.When deteriorated, blood is discharged into the surface system, the veins expand and become visible on the surface of the skin
• Features of the connective tissue of the body.If the fabric is less elastic and more extensible, therefore, the vessels are predisposed to this.

Important!90 % of success in the treatment of varicose veins depends on the lifestyle.The reasons that can provoke the disease: hypodynamia, high heels, uncomfortable shoes, excess weight, improper nutrition, bad habits.

Symptoms and external manifestations

1. The first alarming symptom is swelling, severity in the legs, sometimes cramps in the lower extremities at the end of the working day.Legs hurt, get tired of physical activity, you have to stand or move, experiencing discomfort.
2. The second is vascular stars, but they do not always lead to varicose veins, just all their lives can manifest itself as a cosmetic defect.Stars are dilated intradermal capillaries.It will not be possible to get rid of them without the help of a doctor.In this case, sclerotherapy is done, the procedure is not cheap, but quite harmless.
3. The third symptom is the presence of branched bugrous veins with nodes and sharply expanded on the surface of the leg.This is perhaps already one hundred percent varicose veins.
4. In far -reaching cases, the foci of pigmentation and changes in the form of trophic ulcers can be observed on the skin.This can lead to disability and, as a result, to disability.

Important!If you still have a doctor diagnosed varicose veins, you should solve this problem before you plan the birth of a baby in your life.Throughout pregnancy, body weight will respectively increase and the risk of complications with it will increase.

Myths about varicose veins

A lot has been written about this disease, but still it is accompanied by a large number of misunderstood and controversial issues.So what is varicose veins on the legs, its symptoms and treatment?So, consider the common myths about this disease.

Myth 1. Varicosis does not require compulsory treatment, you can live with it for a long time and happily.But statistics say that most patients with age have complications, which sooner or later lead to a doctor.Better early!

Myth 2. With the help of traditional medicine, you can get rid of varicose veins.No!It is better to use it as additional methods if you trust them.People are afraid that after the operation there will be a relapse.Modern experience and statistics show that the return of the disease to some extent manifests itself only in 5% of patients, the remaining 95% are satisfied with the result and experience much less problems than before the operation.

Myth 3. For life, wear a therapeutic knitwear after surgery.No!Knitwear should be used only in certain situations.For example, a long journey, a long crossing by car or a flight in an airplane, as well as with large loads (heavy types of work).

Myth 4. Some patients are sure that drugs should be taken before and after surgery.This is not necessary if the doctor (vascular surgeon) did not prescribe them to your appointment.Take medicines on your own and think that thinning is treated by varicose veins, absolutely unjustified!

How to treat varicose veins?

Operation or drug therapy?

If strongly dilated tuberous veins appeared on the legs, then it is better to operate them, because they themselves will not go anywhere.Do I need to operate varicose veins?Yes!At what stage?The earlier, the easier the way out of the disease and a positive prognosis in further life.But this is to decide the doctor, because the operation does not eliminate the main one, it does not eliminate the causes of varicose veins.

One of the main ones is valve damage and increased blood viscosity or its thickening.Simply speaking, "thick blood."Until you cope with the causes, neither drug therapy, nor the operation will give a persistent effect.

That's why:

1. In the first place is the struggle against blood condensation.
2. Often, female hormonal and contraceptives is taking varicose veins.It is necessary to revise the drugs taken and, if necessary, replace them with others.
3. One of the reasons is increased pressure in the veins of the abdominal cavity, more often due to problems with the intestines (constipation, cramps) or pathological changes in the liver.Treatment should begin with solving these problems.
4. The pressure in the abdominal cavity increases and during pregnancy in its second half.This should be taken into account.In this situation, it is difficult to solve the problem with drugs, so you can simply wear linen from compression knitwear.
5. A big problem is overweight!And it is worth paying increased attention to this.It should be determined what is the cause: lifestyle or some hormonal diseases.Reduce weight in the forces of any person.Just want it, and everything will work out.

To make a diagnosis decisive, an ultrasound study of the venous system is a decisive.It will allow to evaluate the condition of the valves, walls of blood vessels and the beginning of the emergence of the blood release to the surface, determine the foci that require surgery.Ultrasound is made in a standing position in order to get as close as possible to the functional state of the venous system.

Today, a huge amount is proposed for the treatment of varicose veins.The Internet is full of names and recipes for traditional medicine.An unprepared person cannot make the right choice.

Let's talk about several groups:

• Preparations based on vitamin P or rootoside.This miraculous vitamin strengthens the walls of blood vessels, improves blood flow, prevents the formation of blood clots, has anti -inflammatory activity and, therefore, relieves the processes of inflammation in the veins of the whole organism (also used in the treatment of hemorrhoids).The cost of such drugs is low and they can hardly be found in our pharmacies, since it is unprofitable to promote them.But there are contraindications.Rutoside, combined with salicylic ester of acetic acid with prolonged use, irritates the walls of the stomach, therefore it cannot be taken with gastritis and ulcerative disease.Allergy is the second aspect of contraindications.
• Flavonoid -based preparations.There are a great many of them.Approaching in one case, they can be completely inactive in another.To decide what the formula is suitable for you.The advantage of this group over the first is a more careful attitude, but this is individual.There are also side effects, less pronounced, but the same as in the first version.
• Horse chestnut preparations.They exist in the form of drops and tablets.The substances that make up the plants help strengthen the walls of blood vessels, help fight blood clots, and also lower blood viscosity, that is, dilute it.The drugs are cheap, but they are weaker than previously described.

All these drugs combine one drawback-treatment courses are quite long, and they must be repeated regularly (3 times a year 3-4 weeks).
Patients are presented with a huge list of ointments and gels for external local treatment.As a rule, ointments and gels will not solve the problem, but can facilitate its course.Which is better?Better gels.They have a cooling effect and are better sucking!

Basic rules of life for varicose veins

• Avoid prolonged standing or sitting in one motionless position.If you have a sedentary job, try to get up and move once per hour.If you have to sit at the computer for a long time, put your legs on the stand, the higher, the better as comfortable.
• If you lie on the sofa in front of the TV for a long time, keep your legs in high condition, for example, put them on a pillow.
• In no case should you sleep sitting.
• Daily walks are required.You should not use the elevator.If you live on the ground floor, do not be lazy every day 1 time, at least, climb slowly to the 5th floor.Untilly skiing, swimming, exercise “bicycle” at a slow pace, any gymnastic complexes to improve venous outflow should become an integral part of life for you.
•  With increased loads, use compression knitwear (tights or stockings).
  

  Important!All movements for varicose veins should be performed smoothly and slowly.Those sports that are associated with high -speed or power loads - various energetic fast complexes of exercises, quick running and lifting weights - are contraindicated.

  Important!Extended veins do not like warming.Therefore, saunas and baths, hot baths and souls are also contraindicated!

• Self -massage of the legs and shower from the feet to the hips for 1 minute is useful, the temperature of the water is room, slightly cool.There is such a phrase “legs buzz”.To relieve the tension in the legs, having come home after a long pedestrian walk, do not be too lazy to wash your legs with cool water and lie down for 5 minutes with your legs raised.It will become much easier.
• Products that contribute to increasing blood viscosity and edema should be excluded from the diet.Excess salt and increased consumption of sweets are very harmful for varicose veins.
  

  Important!It is not recommended to eat:

  • pickles and canned food;
  • meat broths;
  • smoked products.

Hirudotherapy: benefits or harm?

It has been proven that the benefits of hirudotherapy are undeniable.Medical leeches are injected into the blood enzymes that dilute it and increase the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels.But it should be used infrequently (1 session in 2-3 weeks) and necessarily in a specialized clinic, having previously discussed contraindications with a specialist.In total there should be only 5-7 sessions and the use of leeches-4-6 pieces per session.

After a hirudotherapy session, small scars from bites remain on the body, which pass for a long time.If you are worried about the cosmetic effect, then this method is not for you.

Simple tips: how to achieve thinning blood without drugs

1. Start the morning with a glass of warm water.During the day, you should drink at least 1-1.5 liters of clean water (other liquids are not considered).
2. Reduce or completely exclude consumption: coffee, alcohol (especially beer), salt.
3. If possible, lead an active lifestyle (more movement).
4. Treat with herbs!Go to this issue carefully and responsibly!Only 2 plants will give an effect: the Donnik and the bark of the white willow.Herbs should be bought only at the pharmacy.Infusions prepared from herbs cannot be taken along with drugs that thin the blood.Study contraindications.
5. Add to the diet: garlic, dill, celery, parsley and cranberries.
6. Review the drugs that you take for a long time for a long time, they can also cause blood thickening.These are diuretic and hormonal agents.
7. Refuse smoking or at least reduce the number of cigarettes smoked.
8. If you have diabetes mellitus, engage in its prevention and treatment, reduce the amount of sugar and carbohydrates in your diet.
9. Do not allow stress and nervous tension in life.Speak to yourself: everything passes, this will pass!Be calm!Remove the tension with valerian, motherwort or hawthorn.

Important!Do not self -medicate, be sure to visit a phlebologist.