Varicose veins are 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 "nodes".
Translated from ancient Greek, "varicose veins" means "bloated."In theory, such a disease can appear in any part of the body, but the most common lesions are the legs.
The essence of the problem
Veins in the body play a very important role, representing a network of branched reservoirs that convey blood from the tissues to the heart muscle.In the lower part of the leg, this network is expressed in the form of deep and superficial veins, interconnected with the emergency blood release system.
As a rule, the main emphasis falls on the deep veins, so they appear stronger and larger.And about 15% of the total work remains on the surface.
The liver is the "pump" that pushes blood through the veins.Some blood flows through veins against gravity (when walking, moving or squatting).When the muscles relax (while standing), the blood rushes down, under the same influence of gravity.But not everything is so simple;A valve located on the ship's wall does not allow it to return.
In cases where the valve "breaks", the veins are dilated and inflamed, so they cannot hold the blood flow.This process causes the veins to swell and bulge.The blood supply is affected to the root from where varicose veins on the legs start.
Causes of varicose veins
There are many reasons for this:
- Varicose veins may be inherited, that is, there is a congenital weakness of the blood vessel wall.
- The occurrence of varicose veins may be associated with a person's life activity and immunity.
One thing is certain, this disease does not just arise, something must work as an impetus.
During inactive work, blood stagnation occurs in the veins, or rather in the pelvis, which then manifests itself in health problems.Therefore, varicose veins arise from an inactive lifestyle, therefore, even with standing work there is no obstacle to its occurrence.
It is not for nothing that this disease is mainly called the occupational disease of sellers and hairdressers.
Obvious provocateurs also include:
- Overweight (obesity),
- Frequent weight lifting,
- leg injury
Another factor is increased intra-abdominal pressure.The size of the veins is constantly changing, inhaling - the veins narrow, exhaling, on the contrary, they expand.When a person pushes hard, the veins experience severe pressure and begin to expand under the pressure created.
Of course, this does not mean that 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 coming from the legs.In this case, nature protected women from serious consequences and blessed the body, during pregnancy, with a sufficient amount of sex hormones that make the walls of blood vessels plastic and flexible.As a rule, the disease here is reversible;After giving birth, the veins return to their previous state.
Preventive methods
Really any disease is easier to prevent than to treat, and varicose veins are no exception.Let's look at the main preventive measures:
- Forget tight and uncomfortable shoes.Women should remember that "everyday" heels should not be higher than five centimeters.At night, treat your feet with a massage and a cold shower, then raise them higher and lie in this position for 15 minutes.
- Wear loose clothing that does not have tight elastic bands or belts.
- If possible, walk more barefoot on gravel.At the very least, treat yourself to some therapy during your vacation.
- Control your diet.Eliminate, or at least reduce, the use of spicy, salty and smoked foods.The same goes for alcohol.
- An excellent prevention of varicose veins is sports.The exception may be the early stage of the disease.If you see the first signs and symptoms, then the load should be light and be sure to consult a doctor before starting the exercise.
- 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.
- Do not overdo it with baths, saunas and hot tubs.After the "hot" procedure, be sure to rinse with cold water.
Stages of development of varicose veins
- First stage.There is no pain or discomfort, only cosmetic defects are observed.Branched vein patterns appear on the legs, "Stars" and "Networks" appear.By evening, my feet swelled up a lot.
- Second stage.There is obvious swelling in the ankle area and severe heaviness in the legs.At night, cramps, numbness, pins and needles and tingling sensations may occur.
- Third Stage.Severe swelling of the legs, compact formation on the skin, changes in pigmentation in places, itching and dermatitis appear.
- Fourth stage.Trophic ulcers appear on the skin of the feet.
What steps should be taken at the initial stage?
Varicose veins from the lower legs, if they are in the early stages, respond well to treatment;It is quite possible that a competent "struggle" will stop its development.
First, follow all the preventive measures described above.Check your wardrobe, if necessary, get rid of all "dangerous" things, and do the same with shoes.Give your feet a contrast shower, walk barefoot and balance your diet.
Second, at the first symptom, buy compression clothing, this can be tights or stockings.Their principle of action is to distribute pressure along the legs in such a way that blood circulation is normalized and symptoms are significantly reduced.
For consultation, you need to visit not only a phlebologist, but also a gynecologist (for women) and an orthopedist.It is possible that hormonal contraceptives or flat feet can cause blood circulation problems.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
Almost every woman during pregnancy faces problems with leg swelling and blood circulation problems.The enlarged uterus constantly puts pressure on the inferior vena cava, preventing its normal function.
But, as mentioned a little above, varicose veins in this case can be reversed;The main thing is to take the necessary preventive measures in time.
- Buy comfortable orthopedic shoes in which your feet will not get tired while walking.
- Walk every day.Do not sit or stand for long periods of time.To prevent venous stagnation, place your feet on a hill while resting.
- To prevent swelling, wear compression garments.
- Light physical exercises involving only your legs will be of great help.The simplest leg movements in different directions are enough.
- Vitamin C is very good in preventing varicose veins.It has many beneficial properties that will give elasticity to the veins, while at the same time reducing the risk of many diseases.
Treatment of varicose veins
Complete relief from this disease can only be done through surgery.Medicines and physical exercises are used as additional methods.
Phlebectomy
The operation can be either surgical or using the latest technology.One of the first is phlebectomy, when varicose veins are removed.
Lasers
In the second group there is laser freezing;no incision;Thermal radiation is used for problem areas 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, which glues the vessel wall and further resolves it.
But no matter how much doctors want, they cannot eliminate the main cause of varicose veins - the weakness of the blood vessel walls.Only you have the power to prevent this disease through preventive measures.
Special training
Below we will list some physical exercises that will not take much of your time, but the effect will be incredible.You can make it at home.
- Exercise 1.Lying on the floor, raise your legs until a 90 ° angle is formed in relation to the floor, and begin to move your toes "from you to yourself."Repeat 10 times.
- Exercise 2.In a lying position, lift your legs and "draw" a circle with your legs, 10 times in each direction.
- Exercise 3.The usual "birch tree" has a good effect.From a lying position, lift your legs and pelvis, resting on your hands.Lock in this position for a few seconds.Repeat 4 times.
- Tips:Take some time to stretch.Firstly, your body will always be flexible, and secondly, this will help to replace the blood from the veins.
- Exercise 4.Lie on the floor with your feet together, knees pointing in different directions.Grab your feet and pull them toward you.Stay in this position for a while.Repeat the exercise 4 times.
- Exercise 5.Lie on your left side and lean on your elbows, with your right hand grabbing your right leg.Make some spring movements with the back of your hips (try to reach your heels to your butt) and hold for 10 seconds.Do the same manipulation with the left side.
Ointment
The purpose of drugs in the treatment of varicose veins is to provide elasticity and normal conditions to the veins.Specialists will recommend the necessary drugs 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, as well as strengthen blood vessels.Often, anti-varicose cream preparations contain a number of vitamins: C, B5 and B1, thanks to the reduced regeneration period.
Tablets that are also common in treatment are:
- increase vascular tone;
- relieves the inflammatory process;
- accelerate blood and lymph flow;
- Eliminates microphone interference.
Tablet drugs are divided into several groups: corticosteroids, phlebotonics, antithrombotics and non-steroidal analgesics.
People's recovery
Conservative treatment methods are effective in the first stage of varicose veins, when a person feels heaviness in the legs and sees a network of veins on the skin.The earlier steps are taken to eliminate the problem, the faster and more accurate the results.Here are some simple but effective recipes.
Garlic compresses
A paste is prepared from grated garlic and butter, in a ratio of 1:2, which is then applied to the affected area, secured with paper and a bandage.The exposure period is overnight;In the morning, rinse your feet with warm water.
Chestnut
Chestnut Tincture for internal use.Fifty grams of dry product pour 500 ml of alcohol.The resulting product must be infused for 14 days and filtered.Take three times a day before meals with water.
Ointment based on Kalanchoe
A liter jar must be half filled with leaves, and the rest filled with 70% alcohol.The resulting tincture should be placed in a dark place for two weeks, but shaken daily.The prepared ointment is rubbed into the damaged area every day.
Love yourself and be healthy!