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 “nodes”.
Translated from ancient Greek, “varicose veins” means “bloating.”Theoretically, such a disease can appear on any part of the body, but the most common lesion is the legs.
The essence of the problem
Veins in the body play a very important role, representing a network of branched reservoirs that deliver 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, so they are noticeably stronger and more voluminous.And about 15% of the total amount of work remains on the surface.
The heart is a “pump” that drives blood through the veins.Some of the blood flows through the veins against gravity (when walking, moving or squatting).When the muscles are relaxed (while standing), the blood rushes down, under the influence of the same gravity.But not everything is so simple; valves located on the walls of the vessels do not allow it back.
In cases where the valves are “broken”, the veins are dilated and inflamed, then they are not able to hold the blood flow.This process causes the veins to swell and bulge.Impaired blood supply becomes the root from which varicose veins on the legs begin.
Causes of varicose veins
There are many reasons for this:
- Varicose veins may well be inherited, that is, there is a congenital weakness of the walls of blood vessels.
- The occurrence of varicose veins may be associated with a person’s life activity and his immunity.
One thing is for sure, the disease does not just arise, something must serve 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 with standing work there are no barriers to its occurrence.
It is not for nothing that this disease is primarily called an occupational disease of sellers and hairdressers.
Obvious provocateurs also include:
- excess weight (obesity),
- frequent lifting of weights,
- 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 severe stress and begin to expand under the created pressure.
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 enlarging uterus puts involuntary pressure on the veins coming from the legs.In this case, nature protected women 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 pliable.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 be no higher than five centimeters.In the evenings, treat your feet with a massage and a cool bath, 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 a minimum, treat yourself to such therapy during your 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, then the load should be light and be sure to 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.Do not cross your legs when sitting, this is very bad for blood circulation.
- Do not overdo it with baths, saunas and hot tubs.After “hot” procedures, be sure to rinse with cool 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 “networks” appear.By evening, my legs swell a lot.
- Second stage.There is obvious swelling in the ankle area and severe heaviness in the legs.In the evenings, cramps, numbness, pins and needles and tingling sensations may occur.
- Third stage.Constant severe swelling of the legs, compactions form on the skin, pigmentation changes in places, itching and dermatitis appear.
- 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 they are in their infancy, 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 shoes.Give your feet a contrast shower, walk barefoot more and balance your diet.
Secondly, at the first symptoms, buy compression garments, these can be tights or stockings.Their principle of action is to distribute pressure along the legs in such a way that blood circulation is normalized and symptoms are significantly reduced.
As for consultations, you need to visit not only a phlebologist, but also a gynecologist (for women) and an orthopedist.It is likely that hormonal contraceptives or flat feet could cause circulatory problems.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
Almost every woman during pregnancy faces problems with leg swelling and circulatory problems.The enlarged uterus constantly puts 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 walking.
- 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 that involve only your legs will be a good help.The simplest movements of the feet in different directions are enough.
- Vitamin C is very good in 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 only possible through surgery.Medication and physical exercise 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; 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 and subsequently resolves them.
But no matter how much doctors would like to, they are simply unable to eliminate the main cause of varicose veins - the weakness of the walls of blood vessels.Only you have the power to prevent the disease through preventive measures.
Special exercises
Below we will list a number of physical exercises that will not take much of your time, but the effect will be remarkable.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 begin to move your toes “from you to yourself.”Repeat 10 times.
- Exercise 2.In a lying position, raise your legs and “draw” circles with your feet, 10 times in each direction.
- Exercise 3.The familiar “birch tree” has a good effect.From a lying position, lift your legs and pelvis, resting the latter on your hands.Lock in this position for a few seconds.Repeat 4 times.
- Advice:take some time to stretch.Firstly, your body will always be flexible, and secondly, this will help displace blood from the veins.
- Exercise 4.Lie on the floor with your feet together, knees pointing in different directions.Grab your feet 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, with your right hand grab your right foot.Make several spring movements with your hip back (trying to reach your heel to your buttock) and hold for 10 seconds.Do similar manipulations with the left side.
Ointments
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 drug 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, anti-varicose creamy preparations contain a number of vitamins: C, B5 and B1, thanks to which the regeneration period is noticeably reduced.
Tablets that are also common in treatment are:
- improve vascular tone;
- relieve the inflammatory process;
- accelerate blood and lymph flow;
- eliminate microcirculatory disorders.
Tablet drugs 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 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 sooner and more accurate the results will be.Below are some simple but effective recipes.
Garlic compress
A paste is prepared from grated garlic and butter, in proportions 1:2, which is subsequently applied to the affected areas, secured with paper and a bandage.Duration of exposure is overnight; 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 must be infused for 14 days and filtered.Take three times a day before meals with water.
Ointment based on Kalanchoe
A liter jar must 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 onto the damaged areas daily.
Love yourself and be healthy!