Varicose veins are a fairly common pathological condition, characterized by an increase in lumen diameter, thinning of the vein walls, and the appearance of “nodules”.
Translated from the ancient Greek, "varicose veins" means "swelling". In theory, a similar disease can occur anywhere on the body, but the most common are leg lesions.
Problem essence
The veins in the body play a very important role, representing a network of branched reservoirs that carry blood from the 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 system for draining blood.
As a rule, the main focus is on the deep veins, so they are noticeably stronger and more voluminous. And about 15% of the total work remains on the surface.
The heart is a "pump" that pushes blood through the veins. Some of the blood flows through the veins against gravity (when walking, moving or squatting). When the muscles are relaxed (standing), the blood rushes downwards, under the influence of the same gravity. But not everything is so simple, the valves located on the walls of the vessel do not let it back.
In cases where the valves are "broken", the veins are dilated and inflamed, unable to maintain blood flow. This process contributes to the swelling and bulging of the veins. The damaged blood supply becomes the root from which the varicose veins on the legs begin.
Causes of varicose veins
There are many reasons for this:
- Varicose veins can be inherited, ie there is a congenital weakness of the vessel walls.
- The appearance of varicose veins can be associated with human activity and immunity.
One thing is for sure, the disease does not just occur, something should serve as an incentive.
During sedentary work in the veins, more precisely in the pelvis, blood stagnation occurs, which is later manifested in health problems. Varicose veins arise from a sedentary lifestyle, so there are no obstacles to its origin through constant work.
It is no coincidence that this disease is, above all, 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, inhalation - the veins narrow, the exhalation, on the contrary, expands. When a person pushes hard, the veins are under strong stress and under the created pressure they start to expand.
Of course, this does not mean that absolutely everyone is in danger, but chronic constipation and cough can cause varicose veins.
Varicose veins during pregnancy
Very often varicose veins can be found in pregnant women. The ever-increasing matter puts involuntary pressure on the veins in the legs. In this case, nature protected women from serious consequences and endowed the body during pregnancy with a sufficient amount of sex hormones that make the walls of blood vessels plastic and flexible. Here the disease is generally 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 look at the main preventive measures:
- Forget about tight and uncomfortable shoes. Women should remember that the "everyday" heel should not be larger than five centimeters. In the evening, pamper your feet with a massage and a cold bath, then throw them more and lie down for 15 minutes in this position.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing that does not have tight elastic bands or belts.
- Walk barefoot on pebbles, if possible. Organize yourself these therapies at least 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. The exception may be the initial stage of the disease. If you notice the first signs and symptoms in yourself, then the load should be low and be sure to consult your doctor before starting training.
- If you have a sedentary job, try to get up and walk around the room as often as possible. Do basic exercises, at least jump a little. Do not cross your legs while sitting, it is very bad for blood circulation.
- Don’t overdo it with baths, saunas and hot tubs. After "hot" procedures, be sure to rinse with cold water.
Stages of development of varicose veins
- First phase.No pain and discomfort, only cosmetic defects. A pattern of veins is branched on the legs, "stars" and "nets" appear. In the evening the legs swell greatly.
- Second phase.There is obvious swelling in the ankle area and heavy weight in the legs. In the evening, cramps, stiffness, pins and needles may occur.
- Third phase.Constant serious swelling of the legs, seals appear on the skin, pigmentation changes in places, itching and dermatitis appear.
- Fourth phase.Trophic ulcers appear on the skin of the feet.
What measures to take in the initial phase
Varicose veins of the lower extremities, if in the stage of onset, responds well to treatment, it is quite possible that a competent "fight" will stop its development.
First follow all the preventative measures described above. Inspect your wardrobe, if necessary, remove all "harmful" things, do the same with shoes. Give your feet a contrasting shower, walk more barefoot and balance meals.
Second, at the first symptoms, buy compression underwear, it can be leggings or socks. Their principle of action is to distribute the pressure on 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 phlebologists, but also gynecologists (for women) and orthopedists. It is likely that hormonal contraceptives or flat feet could have caused circulation problems.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
Almost every woman during pregnancy is faced with problems of 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 are reversible in this case, the main thing is to take the necessary preventive measures in time.
- Buy comfortable orthopedic shoes so that your feet do not get tired while walking.
- Take a walk every day. Do not sit or stand for long. To prevent venous congestion, place your feet on a hill while resting.
- Wear compression clothing to avoid swelling.
- A light exercise that involves only the legs is a good help. The simplest movements of the feet in different directions are enough.
- Vitamin C is very good in the prevention of varicose veins, it has many useful properties that will give the veins elasticity, and at the same time reduces the risk of many diseases.
Treatment of varicose veins
Complete cure of the disease is possible only surgically. Medications and exercises are used as auxiliary methods.
Phlebectomy
Operations can be either surgical, or using the latest technology. The first involves phlebectomy, when varicose veins are removed.
Laser
In the second group there is laser coagulation, there are no incisions here, 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 using a thin needle that sticks to the walls of the vessels and then dissolves them.
But no matter how doctors want, they are simply unable to remove the main cause of varicose veins - the weakness of the vessel walls. It is only in your power to prevent the disease with preventive diseases.
Special exercises
Below are a number of physical exercises that won't take you long, but the effect will be great. You can make them at home.
- Exercise 1.Lie on the floor, raise your legs at a 90 ° angle to the floor, and start moving your toes "from you to you. "Repeat 10 times.
- Exercise 2.In the supine position, lift your legs and "draw" circles with your feet, 10 times in each direction.
- Exercise 3.The famous “birch” has a good effect. Lift your legs and pelvis from the stowed position, leaning on your arms. Lock yourself in this position for a few seconds. Repeat 4 times.
- Tip:Take some time to stretch. First, your body will always be flexible, and second, it will help squeeze blood out of your veins.
- Exercise 4.Lie on the floor with your feet, knees pointing in different 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 lean on your elbow, grab your right leg with your right hand. Make a few spring movements of the hips backwards (trying to reach the buttocks with the heel), hold for 10 seconds. Do the same for the left side.
Fat
The purpose of medications in the treatment of varicose veins is to give the veins elasticity and a normal state. The necessary medication 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 strengthen blood vessels. Anti-varicose creams often contain a number of vitamins: C, B5 and B1, thanks to which the regeneration period is noticeably reduced.
Tablets are also common in treatment, which:
- improve vascular tone;
- relieve inflammation;
- speed up blood and lymph flow;
- eliminate microcirculation disorders.
The tablets are divided into several groups: corticosteroids, phlebotonics, antithrombotic and non-steroidal analgesics.
Folk remedies
A 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 corrective action is taken, the faster and more accurate the results will be. Below are a few simple but effective recipes.
Garlic compress
The porridge is prepared from grated garlic and butter, in a ratio of 1: 2, which is then applied to the affected areas by fixing with paper and a bandage. Duration of exposure - night, wash your feet in the morning 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 with 70% alcohol. The resulting tincture should be placed in a dark place for two weeks, but shake it daily. The finished ointment rubs the damaged areas daily.
Love yourself and be healthy!