One of the problems of many women and about 15% of men is varicose veins in the legs. In this disease, the vessels of the legs (veins), which return blood rich in carbon dioxide and metabolic waste products, are deformed, dilate, lose their tone and appear under the skin.
In addition to cosmetic defects, changes in the structure of the veins and impaired blood circulation cause unpleasant sensations in the legs and even pain, edema and a feeling of heaviness. Although there are various medical tools and procedures that help in the treatment, it is important from the very beginning, as soon as the first signs of varicose veins appear, to engage in prevention - this will help to avoid pain, swelling, tired legs, external cosmetic defects. x / p>
What is the problem?
Varicose veins, usually called varicose veins, are severe changes in the venous wall, its weakness, excessive stretching, due to which dark blue or purple twisted swollen veins appear under the skin. In the initial phase, small "stars" may appear from the dilated capillaries, small garlands and then others larger.
Veins have a particular structure: in addition to the elastic wall, they also have small valves (pockets) that prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction. Varicose veins form when the valves on the walls of the veins weaken, stretch, deform and do not close completely. Excessive stretching of the walls and defects of the valves ultimately lead to the fact that the blood flows worse through the vessels, its movement slows down and even stops. First, small veins appear in the form of "stars" or spider legs, then thicker twisted veins appear.
Other symptoms of varicose veins can manifest as:
- burning in the calf, throbbing sensation;
- discomfort in the legs, feeling of heaviness or tenderness;
- muscle spasms, cramps, most noticeable at night;
- swelling of feet and ankles;
- dry or itchy, pale skin that looks thinner than healthy skin
If there is a tendency to varicose veins or the first symptoms appear, there are a number of procedures that eliminate discomfort and pain in the legs, help improve blood circulation and tone the veins.
Exercise and physical activity
Regular exercise improves blood circulation in the legs. The muscle contraction helps push the blood that has collected in the veins. Exercise also helps lower blood pressure, which is another negative contributing factor to varicose veins.
Low intensity exercise helps in the contraction of the calf muscles. They work without undue stress.
Effective low impact exercises include:
- swimming;
- walk;
- cycling;
- yoga.
Compression stockings and tights
Compression stockings are available in most pharmacies and orthopedic stores. They distribute pressure to the legs, squeezing the walls of the veins from the outside. Helps move blood to the heart and relieve blood congestion in the lower limbs. The study found that people who wore knee compression stockings maintained pressure between 18 and 21mmHg. within a week, she noticed a reduction in pain and discomfort associated with varicose veins. It is important to choose stockings and tights with a doctor or salon specialist so as not to confuse with the degree of compression.
Plant extracts
Research has shown that horse chestnut extract can help reduce leg pain, heaviness and itchy skin in people with chronic venous insufficiency (a major cause of varicose veins).
A review study reports that maritime pine extract and butcher's broom extract can reduce the swelling or edema of the legs, which is often associated with varicose veins.
Plant extracts and essential oils must be diluted before being applied to the skin or used in an aromatherapy diffuser.
Changes in diet
Salty or sodium-rich foods contribute to swelling, including in the feet and ankles, so cutting down on salty foods can minimize water retention. Foods rich in potassium such as almonds and pistachios help in the prevention and treatment of varicose veins by reducing water retention in the body. This group includes:
- almonds and pistachios;
- lentils and white beans;
- potato;
- leafy vegetables;
- some types of fish, such as salmon and tuna.
Foods rich in fiber help maintain bowel function and prevent constipation. This can be important, as stress can damage the valves or cause the blood in the veins to clog. Foods rich in fiber include:
- nuts, seeds and legumes;
- oats, wheat and linseed;
- whole grains.
Overweight people are more likely to suffer from varicose veins, so losing extra pounds can reduce vein pressure, swelling and discomfort.
Flavonoids in food
Adding foods containing flavonoids to your diet also helps reduce the risk of varicose veins. Flavonoids, being biologically active substances, improve blood circulation, maintain a uniform blood flow and reduce the likelihood of blood accumulation in the veins. They also help lower blood pressure in the arteries and relax blood vessels, reducing the stress on the veins and reducing the risk of varicose veins.
Foods that contain flavonoids include:
- vegetables: green onions, peppers, spinach and broccoli;
- citrus and grapes, cherries, apples and blueberries;
- cocoa;
- garlic.
Herbal remedies
Some herbal preparations help tone the veins and reduce their deformation. Taking grape seed extract is thought to reduce leg swelling and other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, although there is currently little evidence of its effectiveness. If you are drinking blood thinning medications, you should avoid taking grape seed extract as a dietary supplement, as it can interact with the medication and increase the risk of bleeding.
Choosing the right clothes
Wearing tight, tight, synthetic clothing can restrict blood flow in the legs. Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing that does not restrict blood supply to the lower body improves blood flow in the veins and reduces valve deformation.
It is also forbidden to wear tight and tight shoes. Shoes with narrow toes put pressure on blood vessels and cause pain. It is recommended to choose shoes with orthopedic insoles.
Wearing shoes with low heels or with a comfortable, stable sole in place of high heels can also help relieve the pain of varicose veins in the legs.
You need to raise your legs more often
Periodically lifting your legs straight up, ideally at the same height as your heart, or higher, helps improve circulation. This reduces the pressure in the leg veins and gravity helps blood flow to return to the heart smoothly. You should try to raise your legs if you intend to sit for long periods of time, such as when you work or rest.
Massage
Lightly massaging the feet, legs and thighs can trap blood in the veins. You can use mild massage oils or moisturizer for best results. However, it is extremely important to avoid pressure directly on the veins, as this can damage fragile tissues. No less useful massage with water jets in the shower, one of which is contrasting
Constant movement
Avoid sitting for long periods. If you have to sit at work for a long time, you have to force yourself to get up and move, or at least change your position often so that the blood flows completely through the veins from the legs.
Avoid sitting cross-legged as this can further restrict blood flow to the legs and feet and aggravate circulatory problems.
Treatment procedures for varicose veins
If preventive measures at home have not improved the condition of the veins, severe discomfort, pain and swelling occur, medical treatment is required to eliminate varicose veins.
Your doctor may prescribe the following:
- Endothermic ablation.This is a procedure in which heat is applied to seal the affected veins;
- Outpatient phlebectomyThe doctor pierces the skin and removes the varicose veins through small incisions. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, practically no scars remain;
- Sclerotherapy.This procedure uses a special foam to close the damaged veins. Blood will flow through the bypass venous system;
- Ligation and removal.In this procedure, varicose veins are surgically removed;
- Laser operations.Intense flashes of light are directed at the vein, causing it to vanish;
- Endoscopic surgery.During this operation, a tiny video camera is inserted into the leg to help the surgeon better see what is happening to the veins. The veins are removed through several small incisions.
Future forecast
Varicose veins cause discomfort and cosmetic defects. Prevention of varicose veins at home is possible, and changes in diet and lifestyle can reduce unpleasant symptoms. But as the disease progresses, it is necessary to consult a doctor to eliminate visible defects and heal the veins themselves.