Preventing varicose veins in the legs: it is important to know

Varicose veins on the legs

One of the problems of many women (about 15% of men) is varicose veins in their legs. In this disease, the blood vessels (veins) in the legs that return carbon dioxide-rich blood and metabolic waste products become deformed, dilated, lose their tone and appear under the skin.

In addition to appearance defects, changes in vein structure and blood circulation also cause leg discomfort, even pain, swelling and heaviness. Although there are a variety of medical tools and procedures that can help with treatment, it is important from the beginning. Once the signs of varicose veins appear, they should be prevented-this will help avoid pain, swelling, tired legs, externalBeauty defects.

What is the problem?

Varicose veins, usually called varicose veins, refers to severe changes in the vein wall, which are weak and overstretched, so dark blue or purple twisted swollen veins appear under the skin. In the initial stage, there may be expanded capillaries, small wreaths and subsequent larger and smaller "stars".

Veins have a special structure: in addition to elastic walls, they also have small valves (pockets) that prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction. Varicose veins form when the valve on the vein wall weakens, stretches, deforms and does not close completely. Excessive stretching of the wall and valve defects eventually lead to the fact that the speed of blood flowing through the blood vessel becomes slower and its movement slows down or even stops. First, small veins appear in the form of "star-shaped" or spider legs, then thicker twisted veins appear.

Other symptoms of varicose veins may manifest as:

  • Burning in the calf, the feeling of movement;
  • Leg discomfort, feeling heavy or sore;
  • Muscle cramps, cramps, more pronounced at night;
  • Swelling of feet and ankles;
  • Dry or itchy pale skin that looks thinner than healthy skin

If there is a tendency for varicose veins or the first symptoms appear, there are many procedures to eliminate discomfort and pain in the legs, help improve blood circulation and improve the condition of the veins.

Sports and physical exercise

Swimming to prevent varicose veins

Regular exercise can improve blood circulation in the legs. Muscle contraction helps to push the blood collected in the veins. Exercise also helps lower blood pressure, which is another negative factor that causes varicose veins.

Low-intensity exercise helps to contract calf muscles. They will not be subjected to excessive pressure when they work.

Effective, low-impact exercises include:

  • swimming;
  • walking;
  • loop;
  • Yoga

Compression socks and tights

Compression stockings are available in most pharmacies and orthopedic stores. They distribute pressure to the legs, squeezing the vein wall from the outside. It helps to transport blood to the heart and relieve blood congestion in the lower limbs. Studies have found that people who use knee-length compression stockings maintain pressure between 18 and 21 mmHg. Within a week, noticed a reduction in pain and discomfort associated with varicose veins. It is important to choose stockings and tights with a doctor or salon expert so as not to be mistaken by the degree of compression.

Plant extracts

Research shows that horse chestnut extract can help relieve leg pain, heaviness and itchy skin in people with chronic venous insufficiency (one of the main causes of varicose veins).

A review study reported that sea pine extract and butcher's broom extract can reduce leg swelling or puffiness that is usually associated with varicose veins.

Plant extracts and essential oils should be diluted first, and then applied to the skin or used in an aroma diffuser.

Dietary changes

Varicose Vein Diet

Salty or sodium-rich foods can cause swelling, including swelling of the feet and ankles, so reducing salty foods can minimize water retention. Foods high in potassium, such as almonds and pistachios, can help prevent and treat varicose veins by reducing water retention in the body. This group includes:

  • Almonds and pistachios;
  • Lentils and white beans;
  • potatoes;
  • leafy vegetables;
  • Certain types of fish, such as salmon and tuna.

Fiber foods help maintain bowel function and prevent constipation. This is important because pressure can damage valves or cause blood to block veins. High-fiber foods include:

  • Nuts, seeds and beans;
  • Oats, wheat and flaxseed;
  • whole grains

Overweight people are more likely to suffer from varicose veins, so losing excess weight can reduce vein pressure and reduce swelling and discomfort.

Flavone in food

Adding flavonoid-containing foods to the diet can also help reduce the risk of varicose veins. Flavonoids are biologically active substances that can improve blood circulation, maintain uniform blood flow and reduce the possibility of blood accumulating in veins. They also help lower arterial blood pressure and relax blood vessels, reduce venous pressure, and reduce the risk of varicose veins.

Foods containing flavonoids include:

  • Vegetables: green onions, green peppers, spinach and broccoli;
  • Citrus and grapes, cherries, apples and blueberries;
  • Cocoa;
  • Garlic

Herbs

Some herbal preparations help to regulate veins and reduce their deformation. Although there is little evidence that taking grape seed extract can reduce leg swelling and other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. If you are drinking blood-thinning drugs, you should avoid grape seed extract as a dietary supplement because it may interact with the drug and increase the risk of bleeding.

Choose the right clothes

Choose clothes for varicose veins

Wearing tight-fitting, tight-fitting and artificial clothing will restrict blood flow in the legs. Wearing loose, breathable clothes will not restrict the blood supply to the lower body, thus improving blood flow through veins and reducing valve deformation.

It is also forbidden to wear tight shoes. Shoes with narrow toes can put pressure on blood vessels and cause pain. It is recommended to choose shoes with orthopedic insoles.

Wearing low heels or wearing comfortable, stable soles instead of high heels can also help relieve the pain of varicose veins in the legs.

Need to raise the leg more frequently

Raise your legs up regularly, preferably to the same height as the heart or higher, which helps to improve blood circulation. This reduces the pressure on the veins of the legs, and gravity helps blood flow back to the heart smoothly. If you plan to sit for a long time, such as at work or resting, you should try to raise your legs.

Massage

Gently massage your feet, legs and thighs to keep blood in the veins. You can use mild massage oil or moisturizer for best results. However, it is important to avoid applying pressure directly to the veins, as this can damage delicate tissue. Water jet massage is also useful in the shower, including contrast massage.

Constant motion

Avoid sitting for long periods of time. If you have to sit and work for a long time, you need to work hard to stand up and move around, or at least change your posture frequently to allow blood to flow completely through the veins in your legs.

Avoid sitting cross-legged, as this will further restrict blood flow in the legs and feet and exacerbate circulatory problems.

Treatment procedures for varicose veins

Varicose Vein Treatment

If the preventive measures at home fail to improve the condition of your veins and you experience severe discomfort, pain, and swelling, you must get medical treatment to eliminate varicose veins.

The doctor may prescribe the following:

  • Endothermic ablationThis is the process of sealing the affected vein by heating.
  • Ambulatory Vein ExtractionThe doctor pierces the skin and removes varicose veins through a small incision. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and there is almost no scar;
  • SclerotherapyThis process uses special foam to close damaged veins. Blood will flow through the bypass venous system;
  • Ligation and resectionIn this process, the varicose veins are removed by surgery;
  • Laser operationThe strong light beam hits the vein directly, making it disappear gradually;
  • Endoscopic SurgeryIn this operation, a miniature camera is inserted into the leg to help the surgeon better understand the condition of the vein. The vein is removed through several small incisions.

Future forecast

Varicose veins can cause discomfort and cosmetic defects. It is possible to prevent varicose veins at home, and changes in diet and lifestyle can reduce the symptoms of discomfort. But as the disease progresses, you need to seek medical help to eliminate visible defects and repair the veins yourself.