Treatment options for varicose veins of the lower extremities

Varicose veins are the scourge of modern mankind. However, the treatment of varicose veins, which usually chooses a single option, usually ends successfully. Sometimes, the problem lies only in treatment and medication, but sometimes the situation can only be rescued by surgery. Is there any way to eliminate this unpleasant serious disease?

Varicose Veins-Basic Information

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

There are special valves in the veins, which act as a seal to prevent blood from flowing down (the blood in the veins in the legs flows from the bottom to the top).

Failure of the valve system can cause blood backflow and congestion.As a result of these processes, the veins become weak, stretched and deformed, unable to cope with the increase in blood pressure.

The result is a symptom that many people are familiar with-bulging veins on the skin surface, which indicates that pathology is developing dynamically.

All the hidden dangers of this disease are that, in the initial stage, it manifests as the usual tiredness and heaviness of the legs.

Therefore, many people are not in a hurry to see a doctor, and when blue strands are visible on the skin, they start to sound an alarm, which spoils the appearance of the legs.

Learn more about the symptoms of early varicose veins here.

There are many reasons for this pathology.These include congenital vascular system abnormalities and some noticeable factors: a sedentary lifestyle, overweight, uncomfortable shoes, professional activities related to standing for a long time.

Disease treatment is always carried out in a comprehensive manner.Experts select the necessary plan according to the development stage of the disease and the individual characteristics of the organism.

Which doctor treats veins?

What is varicose veins

Varicose veins are not only dilated veins, but also serious valve dysfunction and blood circulation disorders, leading to serious systemic complications. If you experience the first symptoms-swollen veins, muscle cramps, continued heavy legs-you should seek medical attention immediately.

According to the severity of the case, the cause of the disease and the health status, doctors will choose the most suitable treatment plan from the options available today.

Threat symptoms

The main causes of varicose veins are: genetics, overweight, 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 involved in the diagnosis of the disease. If you experience this symptom, you should contact him:

  • The weight of the legs gets worse at the end of the day.
  • The legs fatigue quickly when walking for a long time.
  • Pain in the leg.
  • The appearance of a network of thin blood vessels on the legs.
  • Swelling of the legs.
  • The intensity of night convulsions increases.
  • Itchy skin on lower limbs.

Superficial vein muscle fiber atrophyGradually develops, blood vessels are elongated, swollen, tortuous, and nodules protrude from the skin surface. The skin on the enlarged vein turns blue-red, dry and hot, and ulcers appear due to tissue malnutrition.

Due to dystrophic changes in the subcutaneous fat layer, lipodermal sclerosis-a dangerous complication of leg varicose veins may develop, and conservative treatment may not be successful.

To avoid the serious consequences of varicose veins, phlebologists recommend that their patientsstart treatment on time when the first signs of the disease appear.

Processing method

Sclerosis is very effective, which involves using a syringe with the finest needle to inject a special sclerosing agent into the blood vessel. The venous cavity is tightened and the ruptured edge is welded, thereby preventing blood from penetrating outside the blood vessel. The substance itself has fulfilled its function and is absorbed.

This method eliminates all spots and provides excellent retouching effects. But after the operation, it is necessary to maintain the vein condition through additional treatments and wear compression clothes.

About 10 years ago, laser (more precisely, venous laser coagulation) began to be used very successfully in medicine to combat varicose veins. Treat veins as follows:

  1. Use local anesthesia to perform a small puncture in the vein.
  2. Insert the optical fiber into the resulting hole.
  3. The laser acts on the damaged area to seal the damage.
  4. Then, the new fabric appeared in the sealed place.

This operation will not be performed "blindly"-the process is monitored by an ultrasound machine, so there is almost no risk of failure. In addition, there is no obvious incision to rule out pain, bleeding, and invasion of adjacent tissues.

After the operation is completed, tie the affected area or wear compression socks and tights.

Radiofrequency ablation is often used, and high-frequency current successfully treats varicose veins. It happens as follows:

  1. The vein is pierced.
  2. Insert the catheter into the hole.
  3. Radiation enters the blood vessels through it.
  4. Conductors work at the molecular level, changing protein molecules in damaged veins.

This method allows you to quickly treat all venous lymph nodes without special postoperative treatment.

The treatment of varicose veins

There are two of them: conservative and surgical. The patient faces an urgent problem: how to treat varicose veins in the legs without surgery. When choosing a method, the doctor will consider the signs and stages of the disease, the presence of complications, the accompanying disease, and the age of the patient. Only when the pathological symptoms are still weak, the non-surgical method of eliminating varicose veins of the lower limbs can produce good results.

To stop the degeneration of the affected blood vessels, please help:

  • Medication;
  • Compression processing;
  • Physiotherapy practice;
  • Physiotherapy;
  • Massage;
  • Traditional medicine recipes;
  • Eating.

Venous hematologists try to choose a completely non-drug method for patients during pregnancy to treat varicose veins of the lower extremities. First of all, these are compression underwear, gymnastics, physical therapy, massage, diet. If medicines are still needed, only topical medicines are prescribed.

Treatment of varicose veins

The debate about whether hirudotherapy helps varicose veins continues. The water rud element produced by the water penetrates into the venous system of the lower limbs, diluting the thickened blood. However, today there are many modern drugs with the same properties. In addition, there are risk factors for the use of water ches-vascular infections, allergic reactions.

If necessary, a radical approach can be used to treat varicose veins. This:

  • Sclerotherapy;
  • Ozone therapy;
  • Cryotherapy;
  • Electrocoagulation;
  • Laser condensation;
  • Surgical intervention.
Sclerotherapy-injecting a drug that "glues" to dilate blood vessels into a diseased vein. It stopped drawing blood and gradually dissolved. The greatest effect of sclerotherapy is achieved in the early stages of pathology. A similar method is ozone therapy: a syringe is used to inject part of this gas into the venous cavity, and the blood vessels "stick together".

Use colds during cryotherapy. During electrocoagulation, high-frequency current is supplied to the blood vessels through very thin electrodes. Laser treatment of varicose veins is also an effective modern method, especially when combined with conservative methods. At the same time, the cosmetic effect is high: after a few weeks, the patient has no scars or scars.

However, surgical resection is the most effective treatment method. When medical treatment fails to achieve the desired effect, this method can fundamentally eliminate varicose veins. The lesion is removed through a local subcutaneous incision. After the operation, the leg is tightened with a bandage, and after three to four hours, the patient can walk.

Medical principles of varicose veins

Effective treatment of varicose veins is only possible when the selected drug prevents the pathological development mechanism and destroys blood vessel walls and valves.

The main tasks of varicose vein drug treatment are:

Principles of drug treatment
  • restore blood circulation;
  • Strengthen the vein wall;
  • Increased blood vessel tone;
  • Reduce blood viscosity;
  • Prevent blood clots;
  • Standardization of valve system;
  • Eliminate inflammation process;
  • The blood circulation in the capillaries is normalized.

Drugs are essential in the complex treatment of diseases.

They are also widely used for preventive purposes, which is especially important for people at risk.

So far, there are many drugs used to treat varicose veins in the legs, and their ingredients and mechanisms of action are different.

See a doctor

Varicose veins is a serious disease, if not treated properly, it will threaten various complications that endanger human health and life.

Help. Thromboembolism of important blood vessels, thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcer-this is not a complete list of varicose vein complications that pose a threat to the human body.

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

Conducting drug selection experiments at home may make the situation worse or ineffective.

Anyway, this is a waste of time, health and money.

Therefore, you should contact a phlebologist. Only experts can correctly choose drugs and formulate treatment plans to bring the greatest benefits to patients.

What drugs are used

What are the medications for varicose veins

The complex treatment of varicose veins lies in the use of several groups of drugs at once:

  1. Phlebotonics.
  2. Anticoagulant.
  3. Anti-inflammatory.
  4. Fibrinolytic enzyme.

In addition, in order to enhance the treatment effect,systemic and local effects are used.

Creams, gels, ointmentsare used as topical preparations. When choosing preparations for varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, it should be borne in mind that thein ointment form is characterized by the highest active ingredient content.

Important!The common contraindication of all local therapies is the violation of skin integrity.

Generally, these drugs are used several times a day, and the product should be moved gently from bottom to top.

Types of drugs and their effects

In varicose veins, drugs are divided intothree main groups according to the type of action

  • venononic or phlebotropic agent;
  • Blood thinners (anticoagulants) and drugs that inhibit platelet adhesion (antiplatelets);
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs.

Research and medical practice have proved the efficacy of a botanical medicine developed on the basis of natural flavonoids-yam di saponin and hesperidin. These substances not only protect venous cells, but also stimulate the flow of lymph fluid and stabilize the work of capillaries. The combination of two flavonoids is particularly effective.

How to take medicine

The most common blood promoting agentis ​​taken during the course for 2 to 3 months. It is important that the reception is in the hot season when the load on the ship increases due to the high temperature and the use of large amounts of water. If varicose veins are accompanied by chronic venous insufficiency, venous blood drugs should be taken continuously at half the dose.

Patients diagnosed with varicose veinsshould receive systematic treatment from the beginningto prevent the development of the disease and reduce the possibility of complications.

The second task is to solve the problem of blood thinning drugs (anticoagulants) and improve its flow characteristics to prevent thrombosis (antiplatelet drugs).

The formation of blood clots, their separation from the blood vessel wall and movement along the venous bed cause the blood vessels of the heart, lungs and brain to overlap. As a result, the possibility of heart disease, pulmonary embolism and ischemic stroke is very high.

Anticoagulants cannot cure varicose veins, but they can be used to prevent serious complications-thrombosis and thrombophlebitis. We can say that these drugs can save the lives of patients and minimize the threat of disability.

Operation

The removal of damaged veins in the lower extremities or part of them is performed by incision or puncture. In the following cases, it is necessary to eliminate diseased blood vessels in the clinic:

    The
  • vein on the leg is pathologically enlarged;
  • The skin is affected;
  • Nutritional ulcers appear;
  • Thrombophlebitis worsened.

Surgical contraindications for leg varicose veins:

  • For severe hypertension, coronary artery disease, infectious diseases, eczema;
  • If the patient is old;
  • During pregnancy (over 5 months).

Adjuvant treatment

In addition to medication and surgical treatment, other therapies are also very important, including many measures to restore normal veins:

  1. The wrap has a relaxing effect and eliminates the heaviness of the legs. When purchasing the necessary funds, it is worth remembering that the use of varicose vein compresses is contraindicated.
  2. A foot bath is another way to reduce pressure on your feet. Using herbs and oils can strengthen blood vessels and eliminate puffiness and redness. But the effect will only be related to the daily use of the method.
  3. Contrast shower. A 10-second cold shower and 30-second warmth for 10 to 7 seconds every morning (it is best to avoid hot water). This will help keep your veins healthy. For this, you can use Alekseev or Charcot showers.

Naturalists usually incorporate physical therapy into complex treatment methods-laser, magnetic therapy, and electrophoresis.

They do not cause discomfort and pain, are inexpensive and quite effective. In addition, treatment is carried out under the supervision of medical professionals. The main condition is to visit the office regularly.

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

Other treatments for varicose veins

Compression therapy is not only an important part of treatment, but also an important part of prevention and the postoperative period. The use of bandages will avoid the stagnant process, support damaged blood vessels, and prevent the progression of the disease.

A certain knowledge and dexterity is required to bandage bandages, because excessive pulling can worsen the situation, while weaker bandages cannot achieve the desired effect. Therefore, the correct use of bandages is worthy of doctor's consultation.

Varicose vein massage is not accepted in all cases, so only doctors can say whether it is worth using in certain situations. If you choose the method correctly, you can feel the result after the first session. This method can improve blood microcirculation and reduce the main symptoms of the disease, including external symptoms.

The more serious the disease, the more difficult it is to resist it. Sometimes the patient comes too late, and then there is only one method-vein enucleation. To prevent this from happening, you should not wait for complications, but get qualified help in time.

conservative approach

Phlebologists who treat varicose veins strive to eliminate traumatic surgery in the early stages of the disease. For example, this is typical for reticular varicose veins, whose performance is limited only by the blue vein network. Medications help improve the condition of valves and blood vessel walls. Men and women should wear compression socks. Pathology cannot be completely cured. However, conservative methods prevent the development of varicose veins and prevent complications.

Gymnastics

Varicose Vein Gymnastics

Sports therapists know how to perform physical therapy exercises to remove veins on the legs. This can be done by systematically performing exercises that improve blood flow in the legs. For example:

  1. In a standing position, the heels are alternately raised sharply.
  2. In the same standing position, they slowly stepped on their toes, and then slowly descended.
  3. Sit in a chair, rolling a small ball with his feet on the floor.

wearing special underwear

Doctors recommend combining the treatment of varicose veins with wearing compression underwear-these products are made of special types of knitwear that will put pressure (compression) on the veins. You can adjust the pressure of flax on the container wall by purchasing products with different compression levels.

There are a total of four compression levels: the first is used for prevention and the rest are used for treatment. For varicose veins of the lower extremities, when wearing tights, stockings, knee-high legs and leggings, the doctor will choose the degree of compression required.

Compression underwear forms a dense squeeze frame on the legs,Because of this, the following effects are produced:

  • Supports weakened leg muscles.
  • The walls of blood vessels are compressed, preventing them from stretching.
  • Stimulates lymph flow and blood circulation.
  • Eliminates stagnation.
  • Normalization of venous valve function.
  • Reduces the burden of expanding veins.
  • Prevented thrombophlebitis.

Compression stockings must be worn after varicose vein surgery. Underwear helps prevent the recurrence of diseases and provides more support for the body during recovery.

Compression sclerotherapy

Compression sclerotherapy is a modern method of treating varicose veins, which involves injecting medicine into the affected vein. As a result, hardening (gluing) of the vein wall occurred, blood flow at the injection site stopped, the vein gradually dissolved or left almost invisible strands that hardly attracted the patient's attention.

The most common sclerotherapy is performed when spider veins and varicose veins appear. With the development of varicose veins in the legs, sclerotherapy is performed after analyzing the state of the venous valves and blood vessel walls and the functional characteristics of the patient's circulatory system.

If it is decided to undergo compression sclerotherapy, the patient will undergo a blood coagulation test and intravenous ultrasound. During sclerotherapy, the patient does not feel pain because the thinnest needle is used to inject the medicine into the vein. After the procedure is over, 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 stockings must be worn all day and then taken off at night.

Positive results of sclerotherapy:

  • Restore effective blood flow.
  • Eliminate blood clots in damaged veins.
  • Prevent nutritional disorders in the organization.
  • Eliminates clinical symptoms of varicose veins: edema, seizures, pain.
  • Since the dilated veins disappear completely, it has an excellent cosmetic effect.

Diet

In order to more effectively treat varicose veins in the legs, proper organization of nutrition is very important. Berries containing flavonoids, antioxidants, rutin, apples, and citrus fruits help improve blood vessel conditions. Thin blood can take in enough fluids (1. 5-2 liters) per day. The diet of varicose veins in the legs is incompatible with fats, fried foods, hot spices and alcohol.

Folk remedies

In summer, folk remedies are particularly effective for varicose veins at home. The following recipes are very popular:

  1. Ketchup the legs for 15-20 minutes. It contains high content of lycopene, which can actively strengthen blood vessels and prevent thrombosis. At the same time, it is useful to eat fresh tomatoes every day.
  2. Infusion of sweet clover (a herb essential for varicose veins): art. l. The ingredients are brewed with two cups of boiling water until cooled and filtered. They drink three and a half cups a day and use the rest as lotion.

What can't be done

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

  • Active physical activities, running, jumping (yoga classes allowed);
  • Standing or sitting for a long time;
  • Use all medicines without consulting a phlebologist;
  • Flying for a long time, the legs are forced to remain motionless. In addition, at high altitudes, the blood thickens rapidly, leading to the formation of blood clots.
  • Take a hot bath, visit the sauna;
  • Cupping and honey massage are strictly prohibited, only manual medical massage is allowed.

Possible complications

Atrophic ulceris ​​a form of varicose vein complications, which manifests as the development and deepening of long-term incurable ulcers. Usually, a single painful ulcer is formed on the lower leg, and "oozing" is often observed inside the lower leg, in the form of serous blood covering the affected tissue.

Emergency medical care

When to ask for help

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you need immediate medical attention:

  • Increased pain in the affected limb, unable to get out of bed or take a few steps;
  • The skin on the legs is hot, swollen and firm.
  • Skin tones range from light to blue or blue-red.
  • Sudden shortness of breath, shortness of breath, sweating and severe weakness;
  • Bleeding from affected skin or varicose veins.

The necessary drugs for varicose veins of the lower extremities must be included in a complex treatment plan.Even after the operation, several courses of intravenous hypertension and antiplatelet drugs will be requiredto prevent possible nutritional disorders, inflammation and disease-related complications.

Many multi-component drugs for varicose veins work together and have multiple functions. The effectiveness of this drug is more obvious.It is best to use the treatment course with the correct dose calculated by the phlebologist, combined with compression therapy, yoga class, pool swimming and herbal medicine.

Conclusion

Comprehensive treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities involves the use of various treatment techniques.

Prescribes medicine, physical therapy, special sports, massage, etc.