Varicose veins is a fairly common pathological condition, which is characterized by an increase in the diameter of the lumen, thinning of the vein wall and the appearance of "knots".
is derived from ancient Greek, "varicose veins" means "swelling". In theory, similar diseases can appear anywhere on the body, but the most common pathology is the legs.
The essence of the problem
The veins in the body play a very important role, representing a network of branched reservoirs that carry blood from the tissue to the heart muscle. In the lower extremities, this network is expressed in the form of deep veins and superficial veins, and is interconnected by an emergency blood drainage system.
Usually, the main focus is on the deep veins, so they are significantly stronger and fuller. On the surface, it accounts for about 15% of the total workload.
The heart is the "pump" that drives blood through the veins. Some blood flows through the vein against gravity (when walking, moving or squatting). When the muscles relax (when standing), the blood rushes down under the same gravity. However, not everything is that simple, and the valve on the wall of the container will not make her flinch.
In the case of a "rupture" of the valve, the veins expand and become inflamed, and they cannot keep blood flowing. This process causes the veins to swell and swell. Blood supply barriers become the root cause of varicose veins in the legs.
Causes of varicose veins
There are many reasons for this:
- Varicose veins are most likely hereditary, that is, congenital weakness of the blood vessel walls.
- The occurrence of varicose veins may be related to human activity and immunity.
To be sure, there is a disease that is not only the occurrence of a disease, but also a driving force.
In the sedentary veins or pelvis, blood stagnation occurs, followed by health problems. A sedentary lifestyle can produce varicose veins, so standing work will not hinder its origin.
First of all, it is not accidental that this disease is called an occupational disease of sellers and barbers.
The definite provocateurs also include:
- Overweight (obesity),
- Weightlifting often
- Injured leg.
Another factor is the increase in intra-abdominal pressure. The size of the veins is constantly changing, the inhalation-vein narrows, but the exhalation expands. When a person pushes hard, the veins will bear a lot of pressure and begin to expand under the pressure generated.
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
Varicose veins are often found in pregnant women. The uterus continues to expand, applying involuntary pressure from veins in the legs. In this case, nature protects women from serious consequences and gives the body sufficient sex hormones during pregnancy to make blood vessel walls plastic and flexible. Usually, the disease here is reversible; after childbirth, the vein returns to its previous state.
Prevention method
Absolutely any disease is easier to prevent than prevention, 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 "daily" heel should not exceed five centimeters. In the evening, please use massage and cold water bath to remove your feet, then throw them to a high place, and keep the position for 15 minutes.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes and no elastic bands or belts.
- If possible, walk barefoot on the pebbles as much as possible. Arrange these treatments for yourself at least while on vacation.
- Control your diet. Eliminate or at least reduce the consumption of spicy, salty and smoked foods. The same is true for alcohol.
- Sport is an excellent way to prevent varicose veins. The initial stage of the disease may be an exception. If you find your first symptoms and signs, then the burden should be small. Before starting training, be sure to consult a doctor.
- If you have a sedentary job, try to get up and move around the room as much as possible. Do basic exercises, at least a little jump. Do not cross your legs when sitting, it is very detrimental to blood circulation.
- Don't fall behind in the bathtub, sauna and hot tub. After performing the "hot" program, be sure to rinse with cold water.
Developmental stages of varicose veins
- The first stage.No pain and discomfort, only cosmetic defects were observed. There are branch-like veins on the legs, "star-like" and "net-like" appear. At night, my legs were greatly swollen.
- The second stage.The ankle area is obviously swollen, and the legs are severely heavy. At night, cramps, numbness, peristalsis and tingling may occur.
- The third stage.The legs continue to be severely swollen, seals are formed on the skin, pigmentation changes, itching and dermatitis appear.
- The fourth stage.Nutritional ulcers on the skin of the legs.
What measures should be taken in the initial stage
Varicose veins of the lower extremities, if they are in the initial stage and respond well to treatment, then the ability to "fight" is likely to stop their development.
First, please follow all the precautions above. Check your wardrobe and if necessary, eliminate all "harmful" things and do the same with shoes. Give your feet a contrast shower, walk barefoot, and eat a balanced diet.
Secondly, when the symptoms first appear, buy compression underwear, which can be tights or stockings. Their principle of action is to evenly distribute the pressure on the legs to normalize blood circulation and significantly reduce symptoms.
As for consultation, not only need to visit a phlebologist, but also a gynecologist (female) and an orthopedic doctor. Hormonal contraceptives or flat feet may cause circulatory problems.
Prevent varicose veins during pregnancy
Almost every woman during pregnancy faces problems with swollen legs and circulatory diseases. The enlarged uterus continuously compresses the inferior vena cava, affecting its normal function.
However, as mentioned above, varicose veins in this case are reversible, and the main reason is to take necessary preventive measures in time.
- Buy comfortable orthopedic shoes to avoid fatigue when walking.
- Take a walk every day. Do not sit or stand for long periods of time. To avoid venous stasis, please place your feet on a hill while resting.
- Wear compression clothes to avoid swelling.
- Only light exercises involving the legs are a good help. The simplest movement of the foot in different directions is sufficient.
- Vitamin C is very good in preventing varicose veins. It has many beneficial properties, which can give veins elasticity and reduce the risk of many diseases.
Treatment of varicose veins
The disease can be completely cured only through feasible methods. Drugs and exercise are used as auxiliary methods.
Vein extraction
Surgery can be surgical in nature, or it can use the latest technology. The former includes phlebectomy, when varicose veins are removed.
Laser
In the second group there is laser coagulation, where there is no incision, and heat radiation is applied to the problem area of the body.
Sclerotherapy
Another way to get rid of varicose veins is sclerotherapy. Use a fine needle to inject a special solution into the damaged vein. The fine glue sticks the blood vessel walls and then dissolves them.
However, no matter what doctors think, they cannot eliminate the main cause of varicose veins-weak blood vessel walls. Only through preventive measures can disease be prevented.
Special exercises
Below we list some physical exercises that do not take a lot of time, but the effect will be very good. You can do it at home.
- Exercise 1.Lie on the floor, raise your legs to an angle of 90° relative to the floor, and then 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" works well. Lift your legs and pelvis from a prone position and place them on your hands. Lock in this position for a few seconds. Repeat 4 times.
- Tip:It will take some time to stretch. First, your body will always remain flexible, and second, it will help blood drain from the veins.
- Exercise 4.Lie on the floor with your feet close together, your knees pointing in different directions. Grab the foot and pull it towards you. Maintain this position for a while. Practice 4 times.
- Exercise 5.Lie on your left side, rest your elbow, and grab your right foot with your right hand. Move the buttocks back some springs (trying to bring the heel to the buttocks) and hold for 10 seconds. Do the same for the left side.
Ointment
The purpose of drugs used to treat varicose veins is to give the veins elasticity and normal state. The necessary drugs will be recommended by experts for complex treatment.
Creams containing anticoagulants can have a good preventive effect. The role of the latter is to relieve pain in the affected area and strengthen blood vessels. Anti-varicose creamy preparations usually contain multiple vitamins: C, B5 and B1, because of them, the regeneration time is significantly shortened.
Pills are also very common in treatment, it is:
- Improve vascular tone;
- Reduce inflammation;
- Accelerate blood flow and lymph flow;
- Eliminate microcirculation obstacles.
Tablets are divided into several categories: corticosteroids, intravenous blood drugs, antithrombotic drugs and non-steroidal analgesics.
Folk remedies
When a person feels heavy on the legs and notices the vein network on the skin, conservative treatment is effective in the first stage of varicose veins. The sooner corrective actions are taken, the sooner and more accurate the results will be. Here are some simple and effective recipes.
Garlic compression
The thin pulp is made of minced garlic and butter in a ratio of 1: 2. Then apply it to the affected area and fix it with paper and bandage. Exposure time-at night, rinse the legs with warm water in the morning.
Chestnuts
Chest agent is used internally. Pour 500 grams of dry product into 500 ml of alcohol. The resulting product must be filtered for 14 days. Add water before meals every day.
Carrancho Ointment
A liter tank should be half filled with leaves and the rest filled with 70% alcohol. The tincture produced should be placed in a dark place for two weeks, but it should be shaken every day. Wipe the damaged area with finished ointment every day.
Love yourself and stay healthy!