How to treat varicose veins

Female legs without varicose veins

Varicose veins are a common disease characterized by increased vascular lumen, malfunction of the valve system, and reverse blood flow. The pathological process can be localized in different places, so there are several types of diseases:

  • dilation of esophageal veins;
  • rectal veins (hemorrhoids);
  • veins of the small pelvis;
  • varicocele veins;
  • are veins in the lower extremities.

Varicose veins of the legs are considered to be the most common. It is estimated that more than 30% of the population suffers from this, the majority of whom are women. The varicose veins on the legs are not only ugly protruding veins, but also a lot of discomfort and discomfort. The pathological process is accompanied by severity, pain, edema and often leads to dangerous complications: thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers. Many people want to know how to get rid of varicose veins forever, as this significantly impairs their quality of life. But unfortunately, this phenomenon is irreversible, and the only thing that can be achieved is to stop or slow down the development of the disease.

Causes

The causes of varicose veins are still unclear. It goes without saying that the disease is associated with thinning, weakness and loss of elasticity of the vessel wall, as well as inability of the valve. As a result, the blood vessels expand unevenly, elongate, long, twist, nodule. Genetic predisposition is believed to play a crucial role in the development of the disease, i. e. from birth, to weak blood vessels and defective valves.

There are several factors that contribute to varicose veins that are not the cause:

  • Heredity (experts say the risk of the disease in people whose parents suffer is up to 70%).
  • To be a woman. This is due to hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, as well as taking hormonal contraceptives and wearing high heels.
  • Work on long legs or in a sitting position (hairdressers, salespeople, surgeons, waiters, drivers, accountants, programmers and others).
  • In old age, in which weakening of the vessel wall and wear of the valve device is a natural phenomenon.
  • Operational interventions.
  • Sitting lifestyle.
  • Increased intra-abdominal pressure due to overweight, pregnancy, heavy lifting (loaders, weightlifters), frequent exertion with chronic constipation and cough.

Treatment Methods

Varicose veins are a chronic process that begins gradually and only progresses over time. To this day, it is impossible to completely overcome the disease, but it is possible to slow down development and reduce symptoms by using a comprehensive treatment that includes:

  • lifestyle change;
  • diet;
  • physiotherapy exercises;
  • compression therapy;
  • medicines (for internal and topical use);
  • surgery;
  • thermal processes;
  • folk methods.

You have to fight varicose veins all your life. Do not self-heal. A phlebologist or vascular surgeon should be examined to diagnose, determine the stage of the disease and the severity of the lesion, and prescribe appropriate treatment. The main task is to eliminate or reduce clinical manifestations, stop progression, prevent relapses and complications.

The effectiveness of treatment depends on the patient following all the doctor's recommendations. It is important to seek help at an early stage, when there is still no pain, but evening edema, leg heaviness and fatigue, small spider veins on the skin have appeared.

Lifestyle Correction

It is impossible to fight varicose veins effectively without changing your lifestyle. The rules to be followed are completely banal, and non-compliance with them usually results in a lack of willpower or an irresponsible attitude towards health.

  • Maintain a normal body weight.
  • Divorce from bad habits: alcohol and smoking.
  • Refusal to sunbathe, visit the steam bath and sauna, hot baths (including foot baths).
  • Rejection of high heels (up to 4-5 cm).
  • Special stretch jersey.
  • Provide physical activity. It can be walking, swimming, physiotherapy exercises, some sports. The point is squatting, weightlifting, running long distances, jumping, excluding martial arts.
  • Proper nutrition. The diet should include more fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, whole grains and seafood. We recommend reducing the amount of meat. Give up smoked, fried, salty, greasy. Among the drinks, prefer green tea, clean water, fruit drinks, natural fresh juices and restrict coffee.
  • Use every opportunity during the day to raise your legs at a 20-degree angle.
  • Buy a special pillow for your legs to keep your heart above sleep level.
  • Try to rinse your feet with cool water as often as possible.

Compression therapy

Special stretch knitwear available today in a large selection. These are knee-length tights, stockings, tights of different colors and densities that are practically no different from the usual ones. They have become a good alternative to elastic bandages, uncomfortable to use and not aesthetically pleasing on the outside.

The

special jersey is not able to treat varicose veins, but it improves microcirculation, reduces vein stress,Special device for putting on compression garmentsprevents blood stagnation, reduces blood vessel diameter, increases venous blood and lymph outflow. The person feels lightness in his legs, is less tired in the evening, no swelling.

At first, it will be difficult without getting used to compression stockings by hand. You can purchase a special tool to simplify the task.

Medical knitwear can be divided into four classes, depending on the pressure applied. You can only wear compression class 1 products that are considered prophylactic and are more for healthy people. The rest should be prescribed by a doctor, depending on the diagnosis and severity of the varicose veins. You should be aware that compression products may be contraindicated in certain diseases. The stocking or stockings are strictly selected by a doctor based on size, otherwise there will be no desired effect.

Medication

Tablets and topical agents are used to treat varicose veins in the form of gels, creams and ointments with different spectra. They increase the tone of the blood vessel, improve microcirculation, promote blood flow and prevent skin changes. The medications are designed to relieve fatigue, heaviness, discomfort, swelling, itching, cramps, and leg pain. Their appointment is strictly individual.

Applying a healing cream on varicose veins

The main tools for treating varicose veins are venotonics. They are made from horse chestnuts, routine, grape leaves, and are almost always well tolerated by patients. It is available as tablets, capsules, gels.

Anticoagulants are used to reduce blood viscosity and reduce the likelihood of thrombophlebitis. These are ointments with cooling additives in the form of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus. In addition to diluting the blood, they prevent the development of thrombophlebitis.

Antihistamines may be prescribed for itchy skin lesions. In case of inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets are prescribed.

Surgery

In order to get rid of the varicose veins, operations are performed to remove the affected part of the blood vessel in order to stop the release of blood from the superficial vein into the deep. The operation is called phlebectomy. In its classic form, it is less and less used today in connection with the emergence of new, less traumatic ways of treating varicose veins. Such treatment is usually indicated for large vein diameters and advanced cases of the disease.

The more gentle method is microflebectomy, in which part of the vein is removed in parts and not by incision but by puncture.

Thermal methods

Radiofrequency ablation is a low traumatic method of treating varicose veins

Radiofrequency ablation is considered the safest and least traumatic method of treating varicose veins, although it has contraindications. The method consists of the effect of heat from microwaves, which results in the venous lumen closing. Key benefits:

  • outpatient treatment;
  • no need for anesthesia and incision;
  • healing does not take long;
  • The
  • procedure is easy to carry;
  • can be done in summer;
  • there are no bruises, swelling and mild pain after treatment.

Laser coagulation is another method of treating varicose veins. During the procedure, a laser is applied to the vessel wall. The radiation leads to adhesion of the vein walls and complete closure of the lumen. They are performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia, without incisions. A catheter is inserted into the lumen of the vein through which an LED is inserted and radiation is delivered. The procedure is less traumatic, complications are very rare.

Sclerotherapy

Deep vein thrombosis

This non-operative method is one of the most common. It is used in small veins and as part of a complex treatment, in conjunction with surgery. The point is that a special sclerosing drug is injected into a vein using a thin needle. As a result, the walls of the blood vessel stick together, close, and stop the blood flow. The affected vein becomes a fibrous cord. The main advantages of the method:

  • outpatient treatment;
  • low invasiveness;
  • simple execution;
  • duration of the procedure - about 20 minutes;
  • good cosmetic effect.

Traditional methods

Walnut tincture

Pour chopped unripe walnuts into a glass jar and pour in olive oil. Set the day for 40 days. Lubricate the affected area as needed. Continue treatment for about four months.

Cabbage leaf

Beat off a cabbage leaf, apply a layer of olive oil to one side, apply this side to the affected area, tie in and leave for a day. Continue treatment for one month.

Physiotherapy exercises - an integral part of the complex treatment of varicose veins

Horse Chestnuts

This is one of the most effective folk remedies. To treat varicose veins, a tincture is made from the fruits of the plant, which must be crushed, filled in a half-glass jar (three liters) and filled with vodka. Place in a dark place for a month, stirring occasionally. When done, rub the sore spots overnight. Chestnut alcohol tincture for varicose veins for external and internal use can be purchased at the pharmacy.

Exercises

When varicose veins appear, the question may arise as to whether physical education and sports can be practiced and what exercises are helpful. Most doctors agree that physical activity is very important in such a disease because dynamics are beneficial to the veins and static is detrimental. But it’s just as important to consult your doctor about what sports you can play and what loads will be optimal. In addition, the patient may be introduced to special therapeutic exercises that are performed directly in a health care facility. You can also do simple but effective exercises at home to help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins with regular exercise.

  1. Lie on your back, place pillows under your feet so that they rise at a 20-degree angle. Close your eyes, relax completely, take a deep breath.
  2. In a reclining position, lift your legs vertically and rotate your legs alternately.
  3. Lie on your back and move your legs like cycling.
  4. Lying on your back, lift your legs and cross them (scissors).
  5. Stand up straight, with your lower arms and legs. Raise your toes slowly, then lower them just as slowly.
  6. Walk in place, don't tear your socks off the ground.
  7. While sitting in a chair, bend your ankles toward you and away from you, then bend your toes in the same way.
  8. Pour a flexible stream of water onto the feet (alternately cool and warm).

Conclusion

Varicose veins are an irreversible process, but they must be treated without failure, especially since there are quite a few modern methods that can be used in combination. Without treatment, there is a high risk of complications such as chronic venous insufficiency, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers, and even such a dangerous condition that can lead to death, such as pulmonary embolism.

10.11.2020