Treatment regimen for varicose veins in the lower extremities

Varicose veins are the plague of modern man. But often the treatment of varicose veins, whose schedule is chosen individually, ends successfully. Sometimes the case is only therapy and medication, but sometimes the situation is only saved by surgery. What are the ways to get rid of this unpleasant and serious disorder?

Varicose veins - basic information

Varicose veins are a pathological condition characterized by damage to the venous vessels.

There are special valves in the veins that act as a kind of closure that prevents blood from flowing down (venous blood in the legs flows from bottom to top).

Valve system failure leads to reflux and congestion in the blood.As a result of these processes, the veins weaken, stretch and deform and are unable to cope with the rising blood pressure.

The result is a symptom known to many - bulging veins on the surface of the skin, indicating the dynamic development of pathology.

All the insidiousness of the disease lies in the fact that in the initial stages it manifests itself as normal fatigue and heaviness in the legs.

Therefore, many people are not in a hurry to visit a doctor and they start sounding the alarm when blue threads become visible on the skin and ruin the appearance of the legs.

Learn more about the symptoms of early varicose veins here.

The reasons for the development of this pathology are very different.These include both congenital abnormalities of the vascular system and some provocative factors: a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, uncomfortable shoes, professional activities associated with prolonged standing.

Treatment of the disease is always carried out in a comprehensive manner.The required scheme is selected by a specialist based on the stage of disease development and the individual characteristics of the organisms.

Which doctor treats veins?

Varicose veins are not only dilated veins but also severe dysfunction of valves and failure of blood circulation, leading to serious complications throughout the body. And if the first symptoms appear - swelling of the veins, muscle cramps, constant heaviness in the legs, make an appointment with a phlebologist immediately.

Based on the severity of the case, the causes of the disease and the state of health, the doctor chooses the most appropriate course of treatment from the options available today.

Threatening symptoms

The main causes of varicose veins are: heredity, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, sedentary or standing work, hormonal imbalance in the body. According to statistics, 40% of adult women and 20% of men have signs of varicose veins.

A phlebologist is engaged in the diagnosis of the disease, you should contact himif such symptoms appear:

• Weight gain that gets worse towards the end of the day.
• Rapid fatigue in the legs during long walks.
• Pain in the legs.
• The appearance of a fine karnet on the legs.
• Swollen legs.
• Seizures that increase in intensity at night.
• Itching of the skin of the lower leg.

atrophy of muscle fibers in superficial veinsdevelops gradually, blood vessels lengthen, dilate, become convoluted, nodules appear on those protruding beyond the skin surface. The skin over the enlarged veins becomes bluish red, dry and hot, sores occur due to tissue nutrition.

Due to dystrophic changes in the subcutaneous fat layer, lipodermatosclerosis can develop - a dangerous complication of varicose veins in the legs, whose treatment with conservative methods may be unsuccessful.

To avoid the serious consequences of varicose veins, phlebologists advise their patientsto start treatment on timewhen the first signs of the disease appear.

Treatment methods

Sclerosis is extremely effective, which consists of injecting a special sclerosant substance into the vessel using a syringe with the finest needle. The venous lumens are tightened, the edges of the fracture are soldered, thereby stopping blood leakage outside the vessels. The substance itself is absorbed after fulfilling its function.

This method removes all stains and gives an excellent cosmetic result. However, after the procedure, it is necessary to maintain the condition of the veins with additional therapy and wear compression garments.

Almost 10 years ago, a laser, or rather endogenous laser coagulation, began to be used very successfully in medicine to fight varicose veins. Treat veins as follows:

1. Under local anesthesia, a small puncture is made in the vein.
2. An optical fiber is inserted into the resulting hole.
3. The laser acts on damaged areas and seals the damage.
4. Then a new fabric will appear on the sealed spot.

The operation does not take place "blindly" - the process is monitored via an ultrasound machine, so there is virtually no risk of failure. In addition, the absence of significant cuts excludes painful sensations, the formation of bleeding and a violation of adjacent tissues.

After the procedure, connect the affected areas or wear compression stockings and tights.

Radiofrequency ablation is frequently used and high frequency current successfully treats varicose veins. This is done as follows:

1. The vein is pierced.
2. A catheter is inserted into the hole.
3. Radiation penetrates the ship through it.
4. The leader works at the molecular level and alters the protein molecules in the damaged vein.

The method allows you to quickly treat all venous nodules and no special postoperative treatment is required.

Methods of treating varicose veins

There are two of them: conservative and surgical. The patient is faced with an urgent question: how to treat varicose veins on the legs without surgery. When choosing a method, the doctor takes into account the signs, the stage of the disease, the presence of complications, concomitant diseases, the age of the patient. Non-surgical methods of eliminating varicose veins in the lower extremities only give good results when the symptoms of pathology are still weak.

To stop the degradation of the affected vessels help:

• drug therapy;
• compression therapy
• physiotherapy exercises;
• physiotherapy;
• massage;
• traditional medicine recipes;
• diet.

Phlebologists try to select patients during pregnancy exclusively non-drug treatments for varicose veins of the lower extremities. First of all, these are compression underwear, gymnastic exercises, physiotherapy, massage, diet. If medication is still needed, only medication for external use is prescribed.

The debate continues over whether hirudotherapy helps with varicose veins. Hirudin produced by leeches that penetrate the venous system of the lower extremities dilutes the thickened blood. However, today there are many modern medicines with the same property. In addition, there are risk factors for the use of leeches - vascular infection, allergic reactions.

If necessary, treatment of varicose veins is performed using radical methods. This:

• sclerotherapy;
• ozone treatment;
• cryotherapy;
• electrocoagulation;
• laser coagulation;
• surgery.

Sclerotherapy - injection into a diseased vein of a drug that "glues" the dilated vessel. It stops pumping blood and gradually dissolves. The maximum effectiveness of sclerotherapy is achieved at an early stage of the pathology. A similar method is ozone treatment: part of this gas is injected with a syringe into the lumen of small veins, and the vessels "stick together".

Cold is used during cryotherapy procedures. During electrocoagulation, a high frequency current is applied to the containers through a very thin electrode. Laser treatment of varicose veins is also an effective modern method, especially when used in combination with conservative methods. At the same time, the cosmetic result is high: after a few weeks, the patient has no scars or scars.

However, surgical removal is the most effective treatment that allows you to radically get rid of varicose veins when drug treatment does not lead to the desired result. Sick vessels are removed through local subcutaneous sections. After the operation, the leg is tightly connected, and after three to four hours, the patient can walk.

Principles of medical treatment of varicose veins

Effective treatment of varicose veins is possible only if the selected drugs prevent the mechanisms of development of pathology, destruction of vascular walls and valves.

The main tasks of drug treatment of varicose veins are:

• restoration of blood circulation
• strengthening of the venous walls;
• increased vascular tone
• lowering blood viscosity
• blood clot prevention
• normalization of the valve system;
• elimination of inflammatory processes;
• normalization of blood circulation in the capillaries.

Medicine is indispensable in the complex treatment of the disease.

They are also widely used for preventive purposes, which is particularly important for people at risk of developing pathology.

To date, there are a large number of drugs for the treatment of varicose veins on the legs, and they all differ in composition and mechanism of action.

See a doctor

Varicose veins are a serious diseasewhich, if treated incorrectly or not, can threaten various complications that are dangerous to human health and life.

Help. Thromboembolism of vital vessels, thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers - this is not a complete list of complications of varicose veins that pose a threat to humans.

In this regard, you should not even try to self-medicate.

Experimentation at home with drug choices can either aggravate the situation or be ineffective.

In any case, this is a waste of time, health and resources.

Therefore, you should contact a phlebologist. Only a specialist will be able to correctly select the drugs and build a treatment regimen to achieve the maximum benefit for the patient.

Which substances are used

Complex treatment of varicose veins consists in the use of several groups of drugs at once:

1. Flebotonics.
2. Anticoagulants.
3. Anti-inflammatory.
4. Fibrinolytics.

Also to improve the therapeutic effect,means of systemic and local influence are used.

Creams, gels, ointmentsare used as topical preparations. When choosing drugs for varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, keep in mind that it is theremedy in the form of an ointment that is characterized by the highest content of the active ingredient.

Important!A common contraindication for all topical remedies is a violation of the integrity of the skin.

Such drugs are usually applied several times a day and the product should be rubbed in with light movements from the bottom up.

Drug groups and their effect

In venous varicose veins, medicinal substances are classified according to the type of action inthree main groups:

• venotone or phlebotropic drugs;
• anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs
• anti-inflammatory drugs.

Research and medical practice have proven the effectiveness of phlebotonics developed on the basis of natural flavonoids- diosmin and hesperide. These substances not only protect the cells in the veins, but stimulate the outflow of lymph nodes and stabilize the work of the capillaries. The concomitant administration of combination drugs in which both flavonoids are present is particularly effective.

Most often, phlebotropic drugsare taken from 2 to 3 months in the course. It is important that the reception coincides with the warm season when the load on the ships increases due to the high air temperature and the use of large amounts of water. If varicose veins are accompanied by chronic venous insufficiency, phlebotonics are constantly taken in half dose.

A patient with a diagnosis of varicose veinsshould receive systematic treatment right from the startto prevent disease progression and reduce the likelihood of complications.

The second task is solved by drugs that dilute the blood (anticoagulants) and improve its fluid properties, preventing the formation of thrombotic blood clots (platelets).

The formation of blood clots, their separation from the vascular wall and movement along the venous bed lead to overlap of the vessels in the heart, lungs and human brain. As a result, the likelihood of developing a heart attack, pulmonary embolism and ischemic stroke is very high.

Antiagretates are not a cure for varicose veins, but are used as a remedy to prevent its serious complications- thrombosis and thrombophlebitis. We can say that these drugs save the patient's life and reduce the threat of disability to a minimum.

Operation

Removal of damaged veins in the lower extremities or their parts is performed through incisions or punctures. Removal of sick vessels in the clinic is necessary if:

• veins in the legs enlarge pathologically;
• skin is affected
• trophic wounds appeared;
• thrombophlebitis exacerbated.

Surgical treatment of varicose veins in the legs is contraindicated:

• for severe hypertension, coronary artery disease, infectious diseases, eczema;
• if the patient has already reached old age
• during pregnancy (over 5 months).

Complementary therapy

In addition to medical and surgical treatment, additional therapy is important, including a number of measures to bring the veins back to normal:

1. The cover has a relaxing effect, removes the feeling of heaviness in the legs. When buying the necessary means, it is worth remembering that warm wraps for varicose veins are contraindicated.
2. Foot baths are another way to help remove stress from your feet. With the help of medicinal herbs and oils you can strengthen blood vessels, get rid of swelling and redness. But the effect will only be by the daily use of the method.
3. Contrast shower. 10 seconds cold blushing and 30 seconds hot (hot water is best avoided) for 5-7 minutes each morning helps keep your veins in good shape. For these purposes you can use the Alekseev or the Charcot shower.

Phlebologists often include physiotherapy in complex treatment - laser, magnetotherapy, electrophoresis.

They do not cause discomfort and pain, cheap and quite effective. In addition, the treatment takes place under the supervision of medical professionals. The main condition is regular visits to the office.

Physiotherapy has a beneficial effect on the condition of the venous walls, muscle tissue and valve activity.

Compression therapy is an important component in not only treatment but also prevention and postoperative period. The use of bandages avoids stagnant processes, supports damaged vessels and stops the progression of the disease.

The use of bandages requires some knowledge and dexterity, as excessive tightening can lead to deterioration and weak bandages do not provide the desired effect. Therefore, it is worth consulting a doctor for proper use of bandages.

Varicose vein massage is not acceptable in all cases, so only a doctor can tell if it is worth using it in a particular case or not. If the method is selected correctly, you can feel the result after the first session. This method can lead to an improvement of the microcirculation in the blood, relieving the main symptoms of the disease, including external.

The more advanced the disease, the harder it is to fight it, and sometimes patients arrive late, and then there is only one way out - phlebectomy. To prevent this from happening, do not wait for complications, but receive qualified assistance in a timely manner.

Conservative Method

Phlebologists in the treatment of varicose veins strive to do without traumatic surgeries, which are not necessary in the early stages of the disease. For example, this is typical of reticular varicose veins, the manifestation of which is limited only by blue venous networks. Drugs help improve the condition of the valves and vessel wall. Men, like women, must wear compression stockings. The pathology cannot be completely cured. However, conservative methods stop the development of varicose veins and protect against complications.

Gymnastics

Exercise therapy specialists know how to remove leg veins by performing physiotherapy exercises. This is possible provided that training that improves blood flow to the legs is performed systematically. For example:

1. In a standing position, the heel of the feet is raised alternately.
2. In the same standing position, they rise slowly on their toes and just as slowly down.
3. Sit on a chair, roll a small ball on the floor with your feet back and forth.

Wear special underwear

Doctors recommend combining medical treatment of varicose veins with the use of compression underwear - these are products made of a special type of elastic that puts pressure (compression) on the veins. The degree of linen pressure on the ship's walls can be adjusted by purchasing products with different degrees of compression.

There are four degrees of compression in total: the first is used for prevention, the rest for treatment. When varicose veins in the lower extremities, tights, stockings, knee heights and leggings are worn, the doctor selects the required degree of compression.

Compression underwear creates a tight crushing frame on the legs, thanks to this, such effects develop:

• Weakened leg muscles are supported.
• The walls of the blood vessels compress and prevent them from stretching.
• Lymphatic flow and blood circulation are stimulated.
• Stagnation is eliminated.
• Venous valve function is normalized.
• The load on the dilated veins is reduced.
• Thrombophlebitis is prevented.

It is mandatory to wear compression stockings after varicose vein surgery. Underwear helps prevent recurrence of the disease, creating additional support for the body during the rehabilitation period.

Compression sclerotherapy

Compression sclerotherapy is a modern method of treating varicose veins, which consists of injecting drugs into the affected veins. As a result, sclerosis (gluing) of the venous walls occurs, the blood flow at the injection site stops, and the vein gradually dissolves or leaves a barely noticeable strand that does not bother the patient at all.

Most often, sclerotherapy is performed when spiders appear, when varicose veins are in the initial stage. With the progressive development of varicose veins in the legs, treatment with sclerotherapy is carried out after analysis of the condition of the venous valves and vascular walls, the functional features of the patient's circulatory system.

If a decision is made to perform compression sclerotherapy, the patient undergoes a blood coagulation test and an ultrasound examination of the veins. In sclerotherapy, the patient does not experience painful sensations as the drug is injected into a vein using the thinnest needle. At the end of the procedure, a sterile bandage is applied to the drug administration area and the patient puts on a compression garment. In the first week after sclerotherapy, compression tights should be worn around the clock so that it is allowed to take it off at night.

Positive results of sclerotherapy:

• Restoring effective blood flow.
• Exclusion of blood clots in the damaged vein.
• Prevention of tissue trophic disorders.
• Elimination of clinical symptoms of varicose veins: edema, cramps, pain.
• Excellent cosmetic effect due to the fact that elongated veins disappear completely.

Diet

For a more effective treatment of varicose veins in the legs, it is important to organize nutrition properly. Berries, apples, citrus fruits that contain flavonoids, antioxidants, routine, help improve the condition of blood vessels. Blood thinning ensures a daily intake of a sufficient amount of fluid (1, 5-2 liters). Diet with varicose veins on the legs is incompatible with fatty, fried foods, hot spices, alcohol.

Folk medicine

Treatment of varicose veins with folk medicine at home in the summer is particularly effective. The following recipes are popular:

1. 15-20 minutes of bone compression with tomato puree. It has a high content of lycopene, which actively strengthens the blood vessels and prevents the formation of blood clots. At the same time, it is helpful to eat fresh tomatoes every day.
2. Infusion of sweet clover, an herb indispensable for varicose veins: Art. l. raw materials are brewed with two glasses of boiling water, stored until cooled, filtered. They drink half a glass 3 times a day, the rest of the volume is used as a lotion.

What not to do

When you are diagnosed with varicose veins, pay attention to lifestyle, diet and sports.Not allowed:

• active physical activity, running, jumping (yoga classes are allowed);
• prolonged standing or prolonged sitting position;
• use of any medicine without consulting a phlebologist;
• long flights with a forced motionless position of the legs. In addition, at high altitudes a sharp thickening of the blood occurs, leading to the formation of blood clots;
• takes hot baths, visits a sauna;
• cupping and honey massage are strictly forbidden, only manual type of medical massage is allowed.

Possible complications

Trophic gastric ulceris ​​a form of complication of varicose veins that manifests itself in the development and deepening of a long-lasting non-healing wound. Usually, a separate painful wound develops on the lower leg, in which "oozing" is often observed in the form of discharge of serous bloody fluid covering the affected tissue.

Urgent medical care

Immediate medical attention is required if any of the following symptoms occur:

• Increased pain in the affected limb, inability to get out of bed or take a few steps;
• The skin on the leg is warm, swollen and firm to the touch.
• Skin color changes from light to bluish or bluish red;
• Sudden shortness of breath, shortness of breath, sweating and severe weakness
• Bleeding from affected skin or varicose veins.

Necessary drugs for varicose veins in the lower extremities must be included in the complex treatment regimen.Even after surgery, several courses of phlebotonic and platelet plastic agents are neededto prevent possible trophic disorders, inflammation, and complications associated with the disease.

Many varicose veins multi-component drugs work in combination, have several functions. The effectiveness of such drugs is more pronounced.It is optimal to use treatment courses in the correct dose, calculated by phlebologist, in combination with compression therapy, yoga classes, swimming in the pool, herbal medicine.

Conclusion

Complex treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities involves the use of various therapeutic methods.

Along with medication, physiotherapy, special exercises, massage, etc. are prescribed