Varicose veins are a fairly common pathological condition characterized by an increase in the diameter of the lumen, thinning of the veins in the veins and the appearance of "nodes".
Translated from the ancient Greek language, "varicose veins" means swelling. In theory, a similar disease can occur anywhere on the body, but the most common lesion is the legs.
The core of the problem
Veins in the body play a very important role and represent a network of branched reservoirs that carry blood from tissues to the heart muscle. In the lower extremities, this network is expressed in the form of deep and superficial veins connected to an emergency blood discharge system.
As a general rule, the main focus is on deep veins, so they are noticeably stronger and more voluminous. And on the surface remains approx. 15% of the total work.
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 placed on the walls of the blood vessels do not leave her.
In cases where the valves are "broken", the veins are dilated and inflamed, they are unable to maintain blood flow. This process contributes to bloating and bulging in the veins. Decreased 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 can be inherited, ie. there is an innate weakness in the vessel walls.
- The presence of varicose veins may be associated with human activity and immunity.
One thing is clear, the disease does not just occur like that, something must serve as a driving force.
During sedentary work in the veins or rather in the pelvis, blood stagnation occurs, which subsequently manifests itself in health problems. Varicose veins originate from a sedentary lifestyle, therefore there are no obstacles to the origin of standing work.
It is no coincidence that this disease is primarily called an occupational disease in salespeople and hairdressers.
The following are also obvious provocateurs:
- overweight (obesity),
- Frequent weightlifting
- leg injuries.
Another factor is increased intra-abdominal pressure. The size of the veins is constantly changing, inhalation - the veins are narrow, exhalation on the contrary expands. When a person pushes hard, the veins are severely stressed and under the pressure created, they begin to expand.
Of course, this does not mean that absolutely everyone is at risk, but chronic constipation and coughing can cause varicose veins.
Varicose veins during pregnancy
Very often varicose veins can be found in pregnant women. The ever-enlarged uterus exerts involuntary pressure on the veins from the legs. In this case, nature has protected women from serious consequences and equipped the body during pregnancy with a sufficient amount of sex hormones that make the walls of blood vessels plastic and supple. Here the disease is usually reversible; after birth, the veins return to their previous state.
Prevention Methods
Absolutely any disease is much easier to prevent than to cure, and varicose veins are no exception. Let's look at the most important preventive measures:
- Forget tight and uncomfortable shoes. Women need to remember that the "everyday" heel should not be more than five inches. In the evening, pray your feet with a massage and a cool bath, then throw them higher and lie in this position for 15 minutes.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing that does not have tight elastics or belts.
- If possible, walk barefoot on pebbles as much as possible. Arrange at least these therapies yourself while you are on vacation.
- Check your diet. Remove or at least reduce the consumption of spicy, salty and smoked foods. The same goes for alcohol.
- Sport is an excellent prevention of varicose veins. An exception may be the initial stage of the disease. If you notice the first signs and symptoms in yourself, the load should be weak, and before you start exercising, consult your doctor.
- 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, it is very bad for blood circulation.
- Do not go overboard with baths, saunas and whirlpools. After "hot" procedures, rinse with cold water.
Stages of varicose veins development
- First stage.Pain and discomfort are absent, only cosmetic defects are observed. A branched vein pattern appears on the legs, "stars" and "mask" appear. In the evening, the legs are very swollen.
- Second stage.There is marked swelling in the ankle area and severe heaviness in the legs. In the evening, cramps, numbness, pins and needles may occur.
- Third step.Constant severe swelling in the legs, seals forming on the skin, pigmentation changes places, itching and dermatitis appear.
- Fourth stage.Trophic ulcers appear on the bones of the skin.
What measures need to be taken in the initial phase
Varicose veins in the lower extremities, if it is at the beginning, responds well to treatment, it is very possible that a competent "fight" will stop its development.
First, follow all the precautions described above. Consider your wardrobe, if necessary, remove all "harmful" things, do the same with shoes. Give your feet a contrast shower, walk more barefoot, and balance your meals.
Second, at the first symptoms, get compression clothing, it can be tights or stockings. Their principle of action is to distribute pressure over the legs in such a way that the blood circulation is normalized and the symptoms are markedly weakened.
As for consultations, it is necessary to visit not only a phlebologist but also a gynecologist (for women) and an orthopedist. It is likely that hormonal contraceptives or flat feet may have caused circulatory problems.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
Almost every woman during pregnancy faces problems with swelling of the legs and circulatory diseases. The enlarged uterus constantly presses on the inferior vena cava and disrupts its normal function.
However, as mentioned a little above, varicose veins in this case are reversible, the most important thing is to take the necessary preventive measures in a timely manner.
- Buy comfortable orthopedic shoes so that your feet do not get tired when you walk.
- Take daily walks. Do not sit or stand for a long time. To avoid venous stasis, place your feet on a tray at rest.
- Use compression garments to avoid swelling.
- Light physical exercises involving only legs will be a great help. The simplest foot movements in different directions are enough.
- Vitamin C is very good for preventing varicose veins. It has many beneficial properties that give the veins elasticity, while reducing the risk of many diseases.
Treatment of varicose veins
Complete cure of the disease is possible only in an operational way. Medicine and exercise are used as auxiliary methods.
Phlebectomy
Operations can be either surgical or using the latest technology. The former includes phlebectomy, when varicose veins are removed.
Laser
In the second group there is laser coagulation, there is no incision, heat 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 that glues the walls of the vessels and then dissolves them.
But no matter what the doctors want, they are simply not able to eliminate the main cause of varicose veins - the weakness of the vessel walls. It is only in your power to prevent the disease through preventive measures.
Special Exercises
Below we show a number of physical exercises that do not take much of your time, but the effect will be great. You can make them at home.
- Exercise 1.Lie on the floor, lift your legs at a 90 ° angle to the floor, and start moving your toes "from you to you. " Repeat 10 times.
- Exercise 2.In an inclined position, raise your legs and “pull” circles with your feet 10 times in each direction.
- Exercise 3.The well-known "birch" has a good effect. Lift your legs and pelvis from a supine position, resting the latter on your hands. Lock in this position for a few seconds. Repeat 4 times.
- Tip:Take time to stretch. First, your body will always be flexible, and second, it will contribute to the displacement of blood from the veins.
- Exercise 4.Lie on the floor with your feet together, knees pointing in opposite directions. Grasp your feet and pull them towards you. Stay in this position for a while. Play the exercise 4 times.
- Exercise 5.Lie on your left side and rest on your elbow, with your right hand in your right foot. Make a few spring movements with the hip back (try to reach with the heel to the buttocks), linger for 10 seconds. Do the same for the left side.
Salver
The purpose of medicine for the treatment of varicose veins is to give the veins elasticity and normal condition. The necessary drug will be recommended by a specialist for complex treatment.
A cream containing an anticoagulant may have a good prophylactic effect. The latter role is to relieve pain in the affected areas as well as to strengthen blood vessels. Anti-varicose cream preparations often contain a number of vitamins: C, B5 and B1, thanks to which the regeneration period is significantly reduced.
Pills are also common in the treatment, such as:
- improve vascular tone
- relieves inflammation
- accelerates blood flow and lymph flow
- removes microcirculation disturbances.
Tablets are divided into several groups: corticosteroids, phlebotonics, antithrombotic and non-steroidal analgesics.
Folk medicine
The conservative method of treatment 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 corrective action is taken, the faster and more accurate the results will be. Below are some simple but effective recipes.
Garlic Compression
Gruel is made from grated garlic and butter in a ratio of 1: 2, which is then applied to the affected areas and fixed with paper and bandage. Duration of exposure - at night, rinse the leg with warm water in the morning.
Chestnut
Chestnut tincture for internal use. Pour fifty grams of dry product with 500 ml of alcohol. The resulting product should be insisted for 14 days, filtered. Take three times daily before meals with water.
Kalanchoe Salve
A liter jar should 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 shake it daily. The damaged areas are rubbed daily with the finished ointment.
Love yourself and be healthy!