Varicose veins occur when the veins protrude and grow, getting a bluish-purple or red tinge due to the accumulation of large amounts of blood. Varicose veins are a widespread disease and in most cases manifest on the legs, but can also develop on other parts of the body.
For most people, especially women, varicose veins are primarily an aesthetic problem. In the early stages, the disease does not pose a threat to health. Swollen, ugly veins can worsen the appearance of parts of the body, but if you don’t pay attention to treating and preventing varicose veins, complications can develop over time.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing varicose veins:
In addition to the characteristic formation of bulging dark blue or purple veins, the main signs of varicose veins are:
Effective management of varicose veins requires an integrated approach that includes:
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is recommended to start wearing compression clothing - stockings, tights or pants that put pressure up from the bottom of the foot, reducing blood build-up and reducing swelling. Such compression clothing should be worn at all times, only then can a positive effect be achieved. Wearing compression clothing does not cure existing varicose veins, but helps prevent or reduce enlarged veins and further complications.
Laser endovenous ablation (radiofrequency or laser)
Laser endovenous ablation is by far the most effective and safest method of treating varicose veins. The use of laser or radiofrequency therapy to seal or remove a varicose vein. The doctor makes a small incision in the skin near the vein and inserts a catheter into it, then attaches a special device to the tip of the catheter to warm the catheter and close or remove the varicose veins (depending on the ablation method chosen). The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the patient usually returns home on the same day.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy refers to gentle methods of treating varicose veins. In the procedure, a special substance is injected into a vein affected by a varicose vein, which destroys the inner lining of the vein and causes the blood to clot in it. Over time, the vein collapses and disappears.
Surgical Method
In advanced cases of varicose veins, some particularly gentle treatments are no longer effective. In this case, the patient with varicose veins may be assisted by a surgery in which the superficial vein is surgically removed. Indications for surgery: ulcers, bleeding, phlebitis. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, usually the patient goes home on the same day. Pain and discomfort may occur for 2 weeks after surgery, this is normal.
Varicose Veins Workout
Lots of movement and moderate exercise are the main allies in the fight against varicose veins. Not all workouts are equally beneficial, and some can even harm a person with varicose veins.
Moderate, rhythmic physical activity, such as walking, prevents disease progression and complications, as dynamic muscle movements help get blood from the periphery to the heart.
Walking is great for preventing varicose veins, this type of physical activity promotes healthy circulation by stretching and constricting the venous pump in the calf muscles. Walk for at least 30 minutes, at least five times a week.
Low Intensity Running
Running at a low pace works well for calf muscles, but it has one drawback - running puts a strain on our joints. If you’re not ready to switch your run to another activity, run on grass or rubberized roads, not hard asphalt.
Ellipse and exercise bike
Movement on an elliptical trainer and a stationary bike actively engages the calf’s muscles, which promotes normal blood circulation.
Strength Training
Varicose veins should avoid very intense resilience, squats, lungs and crackling. Each negatively affects the course of the disease and contributes to its further development. During prolonged muscle tension, blood accumulates in the veins of the legs, blood circulation deteriorates, all of which provokes the development of complications. It is recommended to wear compression stockings during and after strength training.
Today, pharmacies offer a wide range of drugs for the treatment of varicose veins in the form of tablets, drops, ointments, creams, gels.
Main groups of drugs used to treat varicose veins
Several groups of drugs are used to treat varicose veins: ointments, creams, tablets, less commonly injections.
Characteristics of the groups listed:
To solve this problem, you need to increase the tone of your blood vessels. Therefore, phlebotonics (venotonics) are prescribed for varicose veins. The main function of drugs with venotonic properties is to strengthen weak blood vessels and normalize blood circulation.
Phlebotonics differ in their composition and price range, so you will find the most cost-effective medication option for treating varicose veins.
Phlebotonics containing diosmin
Diosmin belongs to the representatives of bioflavonoids and is found in many drugs in the fight against varicose veins. It has a venotonic effect, improves lymphatic drainage, improves microcirculation, reduces the adhesion of leukocytes to the venous wall and their migration into paravenous tissues, improves oxygen diffusion and perfusion in skin tissue, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It blocks the production of free radicals, the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane.
Experimental studies have shown that diosmin doubles lymph outflow, increases venous wall tone, suppresses leukocyte activity, and prevents inflammation.
This is a group of drugs that affect the blood clotting system, preventing the formation of elements, called platelets. Platelet inhibitors are another name for drugs in this group because, in fact, natural or synthetic substances block the adhesion of platelets and inhibit the formation of blood clots, which is often needed to treat varicose veins of the lower extremities.
Antioxidants are substances that inhibit the peroxidation of lipids and proteins in the cell membrane, bind free radicals and thus slow down the oxidation and aging processes. Drugs in this group can be prescribed for the complex treatment of varicose veins. They help to improve the extensibility and flexibility of the vessel wall, strengthen them and prolong the normal life of all cells in the wall of the smallest vessels.
Varicose veins are often associated with pain and swelling. To restore the lightness of the legs, decongestants are often prescribed in the complex treatment of varicose veins. They improve the outflow of lymph from the affected areas, removing excess fluid from the body.
As a general rule, the phlebologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. Unfortunately, not all medical institutions offer such a specialist. It should not be forgotten that even some of the tightest professionals can help treat varicose veins - this is an angiologist and vascular surgeon. The GP can also help diagnose the disease and refer the patient to the appropriate specialist.
Keep in mind that in the early stages of the disease, pronounced clinical manifestations are usually absent. Therefore, if varicose veins are suspected, contact a qualified professional immediately to diagnose them. Varicose veins are usually diagnosed by considering patient complaints, lower limb examinations, and data from laboratory and instrumental research methods. Only after a thorough examination of the patient can it be ascertained that the disease has developed and timely preventive measures taken to prevent it.
All modern ointments are prescribed in addition to the main medications for varicose veins. Local treatment helps to achieve the complex impact of the problem.
The use of creams, gels and ointments is recommended for complex treatments as well as for prophylactic purposes. Especially for people who have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins. In any case, urgent measures should be taken when the first symptoms appear. Otherwise, the disease may develop and cause serious discomfort.
Topical treatment of varicose veins is an important therapeutic tool that, together with medication, therapeutic therapy and prevention, helps to restore the health of the circulatory system:
Varicose veins are controlled by a phlebologist, taking into account the indications and contraindications for their use. Therefore, despite the simplicity of such a drug, its use on its own without consulting a doctor is unacceptable.
Ointments for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins based on heparin are made under different names, differ in the presence of the active ingredient and excipients that modify the effects, and there are different manufacturers.
Heparin is a unique substance and is therefore used in many drugs to treat and prevent varicose veins. Your doctor will tell you which ointment to choose to treat the varicose veins on your legs. In addition to heparin-based ointments, there are herbal preparations that are no less effective in preventing varicose veins.
The herbal ingredients in ointments are complex natural substances that act in the varicose veins complex, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to relieve the pain and inflammation of varicose veins. Ointments based on NSAIDs alleviate the general condition of varicose veins and can speed up the healing process.
There is no significant difference between topical ointments, gels or creams, but ointments and creams are based on vegetable or animal fats and the active ingredients in them are not completely dissolved.
gels are prepared on a water basis, so all the active components in them are completely dissolved, without residues, which contributes to faster penetration and absorption of the skin.
Local varicose veins should always be applied to clean skin. They should be used regularly, especially in severe forms of the disease. Keep in mind that varicose veins are not a simple disease and a comprehensive approach is needed here. Consultation with an expert is required, not self-healing. Only after the diagnosis is made can the doctor prescribe treatment that includes medications for internal and external use. In this case, the varicose vein patient should lead a healthy lifestyle.