Varicose veins are a fairly common pathological condition, characterized by an increase in the diameter of the lumen, thinning of the vein walls, and the appearance of "ganglia. "
Translated from the ancient Greek language, "varicose veins" means "swelling. "In theory, a similar disease can appear anywhere on the body, but the legs are the most common injury.
The essence of the problem
The veins of the body play a very important role, since they represent a network of branched deposits 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 blood discharge system.
As a general rule of thumb, the main focus is on the deep veins, making them noticeably stronger and bulkier. And on the surface, about 15% of the total work remains.
The heart is a "pump" that drives blood through the veins. Some of the blood flows through the veins against gravity (when walking, moving, or squatting). When the muscles are relaxed (when 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 vessels do not let it back off.
In cases where the valves are "broken, " the veins become dilated and inflamed, so they cannot maintain blood flow. This process contributes to the swelling and bulging of the veins. Impaired blood supply becomes the root from which varicose veins begin in the legs.
Causes of varicose veins
There are many reasons for this:
- Varicose veins can be inherited, that is, there is a congenital weakness of the vessel walls.
- The appearance of varicose veins may be associated with human activity and immunity.
One thing is clear, the disease does not arise like that, something must serve as an impulse.
During sedentary work in the veins, or rather in the pelvis, stagnation of the blood occurs, which later manifests itself in health problems. Varicose veins arise from a sedentary lifestyle, therefore, with standing work there are no barriers to their origin.
It is no coincidence that this disease, in the first place, is called an occupational disease of salespeople and hairdressers.
The following are also obvious provocateurs:
- overweight (obesity),
- Frequent weightlifting
- leg injuries.
Another factor is the increase in intra-abdominal pressure. The size of the veins is constantly changing, inhalation - veins narrow, exhalation, on the contrary, expands. When a person presses hard, the veins are very stressed, and under the pressure created, they begin to expand.
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-growing uterus puts involuntary pressure on the veins in the legs. In this case, nature has protected women from serious consequences and endowed the body, during pregnancy, with a sufficient amount of sex hormones, which make the walls of blood vessels plastic and flexible. As a general rule, here the disease is reversible; after delivery, the veins return to their previous state.
Prevention methods
Absolutely any disease is much easier to prevent than to cure, and varicose veins are no exception. Let's see the main preventive measures:
- Forget tight and uncomfortable shoes. Women should remember that the "everyday" heel should not measure more than two inches. In the evenings, indulge your feet with a massage and a cold bath, then throw them higher and lie in this position for 15 minutes.
- Wear loose clothing that does not have elastic bands or tight belts.
- Walk barefoot on pebbles if possible. At the very least, organize these therapies yourself during your vacation.
- Watch 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 can be the initial stage of the disease. If you notice the first signs and symptoms in yourself, then the load should be weak, and before you start training, be sure to consult your doctor.
- If you have a sedentary job, try to get up as often as possible and walk around the room. Do basic 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 the baths, saunas and hot tubs. After "hot" procedures, be sure to rinse with cold water.
Stages of development of varicose veins
- First stage.Pain and discomfort are absent, only cosmetic defects are observed. On the legs there is a branching pattern of veins, "stars" and "mesh" appear. At night, the legs become very swollen.
- Second stage.There is obvious swelling in the ankle and a lot of heaviness in the legs. At night, cramps, numbness, a tingling and tingling sensation may occur.
- Third stage.Constant severe swelling of the legs, seals form on the skin, pigmentation changes in places, itching and dermatitis appear.
- Fourth stage.Trophic ulcers appear on the skin of the legs.
What steps to take in the initial stage
Varicose veins of the lower extremities, if in the early stage, respond well to treatment, it is quite possible that a competent "fight" will stop their development.
First, follow all the preventive measures described above. Check your wardrobe, if necessary, remove all "harmful" things, do the same with shoes. Give your feet a contrast shower, walk more barefoot and balance your meals.
Second, at the first symptoms, buy compression underwear, it can be stockings or stockings. Its principle of action is to distribute the pressure on the legs in such a way that the blood circulation is normalized and the symptoms are significantly weakened.
As for consultations, it is necessary to visit not only a phlebologist, but also a gynecologist (for women) and an orthopedist. Hormonal birth control or flat feet have likely caused circulatory problems.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
Almost all women during pregnancy face problems with swelling of the legs and circulatory disorders. The enlarged uterus constantly presses on the inferior vena cava, interfering with its normal function.
But, as mentioned a little earlier, varicose veins in this case are reversible, the main thing is to take the necessary preventive measures in time.
- Buy comfortable orthopedic shoes so your feet don't get tired when walking.
- Take daily walks. Don't sit or stand for a long time. To prevent venous stasis, place your feet on a hill during rest.
- Wear compression garments to prevent swelling.
- A light exercise that only involves the legs is a good help. The simplest movements of the foot in different directions are sufficient.
- Vitamin C is very good in the prevention of varicose veins, it has many beneficial properties that will give elasticity to the veins, while reducing the risk of many diseases.
Treatment of varicose veins
Complete cure of the disease is only possible in an operable manner. Medication and exercise are used as auxiliary methods.
Phlebectomy
Operations can be surgical in nature or use the latest technology. The former include phlebectomy, when varicose veins are removed.
Laser
In the second group there is laser coagulation, here there are no incisions, heat 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 a fine needle, which sticks the vessel walls together and subsequently dissolves them.
But no matter how doctors want it, they simply cannot eliminate the main cause of varicose veins - weak vessel walls. It is only in your power to prevent the disease through preventive measures.
Special exercises
Here are a number of physical exercises that will not take long, but the effect will be excellent. You can make them at home.
- Exercise 1.Lie down on the floor, raise your legs at a 90 ° angle, relative to the ground, and start moving your toes "from you toyou". 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 well-known "birch" has a good effect. In the prone position, lift your legs and pelvis, supporting the pelvis with 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 contribute to the displacement of blood from the veins.
- Exercise 4.Lie on the floor with your feet together, knees pointing in opposite directions. Grab your feet and pull them toward you. Stay in this position for a while. Do the exercise 4 times.
- Exercise 5.Lie on your left side and rest on your elbow, with your right hand grasp your right foot. Do some spring movements with your hips back (trying to reach the heel to the buttocks), wait 10 seconds. Do the same with the left side.
Ointments
The purpose of medications in the treatment of varicose veins is to give elasticity and normal condition to the veins. A specialist will recommend the necessary drug 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 to strengthen blood vessels. Often, creamy preparations against varicose veins contain a number of vitamins: C, B5 and B1, thanks to them the regeneration period is noticeably reduced.
Pills are also common in treatment, which:
- improve vascular tone;
- relieve inflammation;
- accelerate blood and lymphatic flow;
- eliminate microcirculatory disorders.
The tablets are divided into several groups: corticosteroids, phlebotonics, antithrombotic analgesics and non-steroids.
Folk remedies
The conservative treatment method is effective in the first stage of varicose veins, when a person feels heaviness in the legs and noticed a venous network on the skin. The sooner corrective action is taken, the sooner and more accurate the results will be. Below are some simple but effective recipes.
Garlic compress
The porridge is prepared from grated garlic and butter, in 1: 2 proportions, which is then applied to the affected areas, fixing with paper and bandage. Duration of exposure: night, in the morning, rinse your leg with warm water.
Brown
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 a day before meals with water.
Kalanchoe Ointment
Half fill a liter jar with leaves and fill the rest with 70% alcohol. The resulting tincture should be placed in a dark place for two weeks, but shake it daily. Damaged areas are rubbed daily with the finished ointment.
Love yourself and stay healthy!