Varicose veins are a fairly common pathological condition, which is characterized by an increase in the diameter of the lumen, thinning of the vein walls and the appearance of "knots".
Translated from ancient Greek, "varicose veins" means "swelling".Theoretically, such a disease can appear on any part of the body, but the most common lesion is the legs.
The essence of the problem
Veins in the body play a very important role, being a network of branching reservoirs that deliver blood from the tissues to the heart muscle.In the lower limbs, this network is expressed in the form of deep and superficial veins, interconnected by an emergency blood supply system.
As a rule, the main emphasis falls on the deep veins, so they are noticeably stronger and more voluminous.And about 15% of the total amount of work remains on the surface.
The heart is a "pump" that moves blood through the veins.Some of the blood flows through the veins against gravity (when walking, moving or squatting).When the muscles are relaxed (in an upright position), the blood rushes downward under the influence of the same gravity.But not everything is so simple;flaps located on the walls of the vessels do not allow it back.
In cases where the valves are "broken", the veins are dilated and inflamed, then they cannot hold the blood flow.This process causes the veins to swell and bulge.Impaired blood supply becomes the root from which varicose veins of the legs begin.
Causes of varicose veins
There are many reasons for this:
- Varicose veins can be inherited, that is, there is a congenital weakness of the blood vessel walls.
- The appearance of varicose veins can be related to a person's vital activity and immunity.
One thing is certain, the disease doesn't just happen, something has to act as an impetus.
During sedentary work, blood stagnation occurs in the veins, or rather in the pelvis, which subsequently manifests itself in health problems.Varicose veins arise from a sedentary lifestyle, therefore, even when working in a standing position, there are no obstacles to their appearance.
It is not by chance that this disease is primarily called an occupational disease of salespeople and hairdressers.
Obvious triggers also include:
- overweight (obesity),
- frequent weight lifting,
- leg injuries.
Another factor is increased intra-abdominal pressure.The size of the veins is constantly changing, when inhaling - the veins narrow, when exhaling, on the contrary, they expand.When a person presses hard, the veins experience great stress and begin to expand under the pressure created.
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 puts involuntary pressure on the veins coming from the legs.In this case, nature protects women from serious consequences and provides the body during pregnancy with a sufficient amount of sex hormones that make the walls of blood vessels plastic and flexible.As a rule, the disease here is reversible;after birth, the veins return to their previous state.
Prevention methods
Absolutely any disease is much easier to prevent than to treat, and varicose veins are no exception.Let's look at the main preventive measures:
- Forget about tight and uncomfortable shoes.Women should remember that "everyday" heels should not be higher than five centimeters.In the evening, treat your legs with a massage and a cool bath, then raise them higher and lie in this position for 15 minutes.
- Wear loose clothing that does not have tight elastic bands or belts.
- If possible, walk more barefoot on pebbles.Treat yourself to at least this kind of therapy during your 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, then the load should be light and do not forget to consult a doctor before starting training.
- If you have a sedentary job, try to get up as often as possible and walk around the room.Do elementary exercises, at least jump a little.Do not cross your legs when sitting, this is very bad for blood circulation.
- Don't overdo it with baths, saunas and hot tubs.After "hot" procedures, do not forget to rinse with lukewarm water.
Stages of development of varicose veins
- First stage.There is no pain and discomfort, only cosmetic defects are observed.A branched pattern of veins appears on the legs, "stars" and "nets" appear.By the evening my feet are very swollen.
- Second stage.There is obvious swelling in the ankle area and severe heaviness in the legs.Cramping, tingling, pricking, and tingling may occur in the evening.
- Third stage.Constantly strong swelling of the legs, seals are formed on the skin, changes in pigmentation in places, itching and dermatitis appear.
- Fourth stage.Trophic ulcers appear on the skin of the legs.
What measures to take in the initial stage
Varicose veins of the lower extremities, if they are in the initial stage, respond well to treatment;it is quite possible that the competent "fight" will stop its development.
First, follow all the preventive measures described above.Go through your wardrobe, if necessary, remove all "harmful" things and do the same with shoes.Treat your feet to a contrasting shower, walk more barefoot and balance your diet.
Second, at the first symptoms buy compression clothing, it can be tights or socks.Their principle of action is to distribute the pressure along the legs in such a way that the blood circulation is normalized and the symptoms are significantly reduced.
As for consultations, you should visit not only a phlebologist, but also a gynecologist (for women) and an orthopedist.Perhaps hormonal contraceptives or flat feet can cause circulation problems.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
Almost every woman during pregnancy faces problems with swelling of the legs and problems with blood circulation.The enlarged uterus constantly puts pressure on the inferior vena cava, preventing it from functioning normally.
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.
- Buy comfortable orthopedic shoes in which your feet will not get tired when walking.
- Take daily walks.Do not sit or stand for a long time.To prevent venous stagnation, place your feet on a hill while resting.
- To prevent swelling, wear compression clothing.
- Light physical exercises that involve only the legs will be a good help.The simplest movements of the legs in different directions are enough.
- Vitamin C is very good for preventing varicose veins.It has many useful properties that will give elasticity to the veins, while reducing the risk of many diseases.
Treatment of varicose veins
Complete relief from the disease is possible only through surgery.Medicines and physical exercises are used as auxiliary methods.
Phlebectomy
Operations can be both surgical and with the help of the latest technologies.One of the first is phlebectomy, when varicose veins are removed.
A laser
In the second group there is laser coagulation;no incisions;thermal 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 with the help of a thin needle, which glues the walls of the vessels and subsequently dissolves them.
But no matter how much doctors want, they simply cannot eliminate the main cause of varicose veins - the weakness of the walls of blood vessels.Only you have the power to prevent illness through preventative measures.
Special exercises
Below we will list a number of physical exercises that will not take you much time, but the effect will be remarkable.You can make them at home.
- Exercise 1.Lie on the floor, raise your legs until they form a 90° angle with the floor, and begin to move your toes "from you to yourself."Repeat 10 times.
- Exercise 2.In a lying position, raise your legs and "draw" circles with your legs 10 times in each direction.
- Exercise 3.The familiar "birch tree" has a good effect.From a lying position, raise your legs and pelvis, resting it 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 help displace blood from the veins.
- Exercise 4.Lie on the floor with your legs together, knees pointing in different directions.Grab your legs and pull them towards you.Stay in this position for some time.Repeat the exercise 4 times.
- Exercise 5.Lie on your left side and lean on your elbow, grasp your right leg with your right hand.Make several springy movements with the hip back (trying to reach the heel to the butt) and hold for 10 seconds.Do similar manipulations with the left side.
Ointments
The purpose of drugs in the treatment of varicose veins is to give elasticity and a normal condition to the veins.A specialist will recommend the necessary drug for complex treatment.
A cream containing an anticoagulant can have a good preventive effect.The role of the latter is to relieve pain in the affected areas, as well as to strengthen blood vessels.Often, cream preparations against varicose veins contain a number of vitamins: C, B5 and B1, thanks to which the regeneration period is significantly reduced.
Tablets that are also common in treatment are:
- improvement of vascular tone;
- relief of the inflammatory process;
- acceleration of blood and lymph flow;
- elimination of microcirculation disorders.
Tablet drugs are divided into several groups: corticosteroids, phlebotonics, antithrombotic and nonsteroidal analgesics.
People's funds
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 measures are taken to correct the problem, the faster and more accurate the results will be.Below are some simple yet effective recipes.
Compress with garlic
A gruel of grated garlic and oil in a ratio of 1:2 is prepared, which is then applied to the affected areas, secured with paper and a bandage.The exposure duration is one night;in the morning, rinse your feet with warm water.
chestnut
Chestnut tincture for internal use.Fifty grams of dry product is poured with 500 ml of alcohol.The resulting product should be infused for 14 days and filtered.Take three times a day before meals with water.
Ointment based on Kalanchoe
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 shaken daily.The prepared ointment is rubbed on the damaged areas every day.
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