Varicose veins are a fairly common pathological condition, which is characterized by an increase in the diameter of the lumen, thinning of the walls of the veins and the appearance of "nodes".
Translated from the ancient Greek language, "varicose veins" means "swelling". In theory, a similar disease can appear anywhere on the body, but the legs are the most common lesion.
The essence of the problem
Veins in the body play a very important role, representing 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, interconnected by an emergency blood discharge system.
As a rule, the main focus is on deep veins, so they are noticeably stronger and more voluminous. And on the surface, about 15% of the total work remains.
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 (when 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 let her back.
In cases where the valves are "broken", the veins are dilated and inflamed, they are unable to keep the blood flow. This process contributes to the bloating and bulging of the veins. Impaired blood supply becomes the root from which varicose veins on the legs begin.
The 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 vessel walls.
- The occurrence of varicose veins can be associated with human activity and immunity.
One thing is clear for sure, the disease does not arise just like that, something should serve as an impetus.
During sedentary work in the veins, or rather in the pelvis, blood stagnation occurs, which subsequently manifests itself in health problems. Varicose veins arise from a sedentary lifestyle, therefore, with standing work there are no barriers to its origin.
It is no coincidence that this disease, first of all, is called an occupational disease of sellers and hairdressers.
The following are also obvious provocateurs:
- overweight (obesity),
- Frequent weight lifting
- leg injuries.
Another factor is increased intra-abdominal pressure. The size of the veins is constantly changing, inhale - the veins narrow, exhale, on the contrary, expand. When a person pushes hard, the veins are under a heavy load and under the created pressure 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-enlarging uterus exerts involuntary pressure on the veins from the legs. In this case, nature has protected women from serious consequences and endowed the body, during pregnancy, with a sufficient amount of sex hormones, which make the walls of blood vessels plastic and pliable. As a rule, here the disease is reversible; after childbirth, the veins return to their previous state.
Methods of prevention
Absolutely any disease is much easier to prevent than to cure, and varicose veins are no exception. Let's take a look at the main preventive measures:
- Forget tight and uncomfortable shoes. Women should remember that the "everyday" heel should be no more than five centimeters. In the evenings, please 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 elastic bands or belts.
- Walk barefoot on pebbles if possible. At a minimum, arrange for yourself these therapies while on vacation.
- Control your diet. Eliminate, 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, then the load should be weak and before starting training, be sure to 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, this is very bad for blood circulation.
- Don't go overboard with baths, saunas and hot tubs. After "hot" procedures, be sure to rinse with cool water.
Stages of development of varicose veins
- First stage.Pain and discomfort are absent, only cosmetic defects are observed. On the legs there is a branchy pattern of veins, "stars" and "mesh" appear. In the evening, the legs swell greatly.
- Second stage.There is obvious swelling in the ankle area and severe heaviness in the legs. In the evenings, cramps, numbness, pins and needles may occur.
- Third stage.Constant severe swelling of the legs, seals 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 it is at the stage of inception, responds well to treatment, it is quite possible that a competent "fight" will stop its development.
First, follow all the preventive measures described above. Reconsider your wardrobe, if necessary, eliminate all "harmful" things, do the same with shoes. Give your feet a contrast shower, walk more barefoot, and balance your meals.
Secondly, at the first symptoms, purchase compression underwear, it can be tights or stockings. Their principle of action is to distribute pressure over the legs in such a way that blood circulation is normalized, and the symptoms are significantly 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 disorders. The enlarged uterus constantly presses on the inferior vena cava, interfering with 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.
- Purchase comfortable orthopedic shoes so your feet will not get tired when walking.
- Take daily walks. Do not sit or stand for a long time. To prevent venous stasis, place your feet on a hill during rest.
- Wear compression garments to avoid puffiness.
- Light exercise that only involves the legs is a good help. The simplest foot movements in different directions are enough.
- Vitamin C is very good in the prevention of varicose veins. It has many beneficial properties that will give elasticity to the veins, while reducing the risk of many diseases.
Treatment of varicose veins
Complete cure of the disease is possible only by an operable way. Medication and exercise are used as auxiliary methods.
Phlebectomy
Operations can be either surgical in nature or using the latest technology. The former include phlebectomy, when varicose veins are removed.
Laser
In the second group there is laser coagulation, there are no incisions, 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, which glues the walls of the vessels and subsequently dissolves them.
But no matter how the doctors want to, 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 list a number of physical exercises that will not take much of your time, but the effect will be great. You can do them at home.
- Exercise 1.Lie on the floor, raise your legs to an angle of 90 °, in relation to the floor, and begin to move your toes "from you to you. "Repeat 10 times.
- Exercise 2.In the prone position, raise your legs and “draw” circles with your feet, 10 times in each direction.
- Exercise 3.The familiar "birch" has a good effect. From a prone position, raise your legs and pelvis, resting the latter on your hands. Lock in this position for a few seconds. Repeat 4 times.
- Tip:Take some time to stretch. Firstly, your body will always be flexible, and secondly, 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. Grab 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 grab your right foot. Make a few spring movements with your hip back (trying to reach with your heel to the buttocks), linger for 10 seconds. Do the same for the left side.
Ointments
The purpose of medications in the treatment of varicose veins is to give elasticity and normal condition to the veins. The necessary drug will be recommended by a specialist for complex treatment.
A cream containing an anticoagulant can have a good prophylactic effect. The role of the latter is to relieve pain in the affected areas, as well as to strengthen blood vessels. Often, anti-varicose creamy preparations contain a number of vitamins: C, B5 and B1, thanks to them the regeneration period is noticeably reduced.
Pills are also common in treatment, which:
- improve vascular tone;
- relieve inflammation;
- accelerate blood flow and lymph flow;
- eliminate microcirculatory disorders.
Tablets are divided into several groups: corticosteroids, phlebotonics, antithrombotic and non-steroidal analgesics.
Folk remedies
The conservative method of treatment is effective at the first stage of varicose veins, when a person feels heaviness in the legs and noticed a venous network on the skin. The sooner corrective action is taken, the sooner and more accurate the results will be. Below are some simple yet effective recipes.
Garlic compress
Gruel is prepared from grated garlic and butter, in proportions 1: 2, which is then applied to the affected areas, fixing with paper and bandage. Duration of exposure - night, in the morning rinse your leg with warm water.
Chestnut
Chestnut tincture for internal use. Pour fifty grams of dry product with 500 ml of alcohol. The resulting product must be insisted for 14 days, filtered. Take three times daily before meals with water.
Kalanchoe Ointment
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!