Treatment regimen for varicose veins of the lower limbs

Varicose veins are the scourge of modern humanity. But often the treatment of varicose veins, the scheme of which is selected individually, ends successfully. Sometimes the matter is just therapy and drugs, but sometimes the situation is saved only by surgery. What are the ways to get rid of this unpleasant and serious ailment?

Varicose veins - basic information

Varicose veins are a pathological condition characterized by damage to the venous vessels.

There are special valves in the veins that act as a kind of closure, preventing blood from flowing downwards (venous blood in the legs flows from bottom to top).

A failure of the valve system causes blood reflux and congestion.As a result of these processes, the veins weaken, stretch and deform, unable to cope with the increase in blood pressure.

The result is a symptom familiar to many: protruding veins on the surface of the skin, which indicates the dynamic development of the pathology.

All the insidiousness of the disease lies in the fact that in the initial stages it manifests itself with the usual tiredness and heaviness in the legs.

Therefore, many are not in a hurry to visit a doctor and begin to sound the alarm when blue threads become visible on the skin, spoiling the appearance of the legs.

Learn more about the symptoms of early varicose veins here.

The reasons for the development of this pathology are very different.These include both congenital anomalies of the vascular system and some provoking factors: a sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, uncomfortable shoes, professional activities associated with a prolonged condition.

Treatment of the disease is always carried out comprehensively.The necessary scheme is selected by a specialist based on the stage of development of the disease and the individual characteristics of the organism.

Which doctor treats the veins?

what are varicose veins

Varicose veins are not only enlarged veins, but also severe violations of the valves and a breakdown in blood circulation, which leads to serious complications throughout the body. And if the first symptoms appear - swelling of the veins, muscle cramps, constant heaviness in the legs - you should immediately make an appointment with a phlebologist.

Based on the severity of the case, the causes of the disease and the state of health, the doctor will select the most appropriate course of treatment from the options available today.

Threatening symptoms

The main reasons which lead to varicose veins are: heredity, excess weight, sedentary lifestyle, sedentary or standing work, hormonal imbalance in the body. According to statistics, 40% of adult women and 20% of men have signs of varicose veins.

A phlebologist is engaged in diagnosing the disease, you should contact himif such symptoms appear:

  • Heaviness in the legs that gets worse towards the end of the day.
  • Rapid fatigue of the legs during the long walk.
  • Pain in the legs.
  • The appearance of a thin vascular network on the legs.
  • Swelling of the legs.
  • Convulsions that increase in intensity during the night.
  • Itching of the skin of the lower limbs.

atrophy of the muscle fibers of the superficial veinsdevelops gradually, blood vessels stretch, expand, become tortuous, knots appear protruding above the skin surface. The skin over the enlarged veins becomes bluish-red, dry and hot, ulcers appear due to tissue malnutrition.

Due to dystrophic changes in the subcutaneous fat layer, lipodermatosclerosis can develop, a dangerous complication of varicose veins in the legs, the treatment of which with conservative methods may not be successful.

To avoid the serious consequences of varicose veins, phlebologists advise their patientsto start treatment on timewhen the first signs of the disease appear.

Treatment methods

Sclerosis is highly effective, which consists of injecting a special sclerosing substance into the vessels using a syringe with the thinnest needle. The venous lumens are tightened, the edges of the ruptures are welded, thus stopping the leakage of blood outside the vessels. The substance itself, having fulfilled its function, is absorbed.

This method removes all stains and offers an excellent cosmetic result. But after the procedure, it is necessary to maintain the condition of the veins with additional therapy and wear compression clothing.

Almost 10 years ago, a laser, or rather intravenous laser coagulation, began to be used with great success in medicine to combat varicose veins. Treat the veins as follows:

  1. Using local anesthesia, a small puncture is made in the vein.
  2. An optical fiber is inserted into the resulting hole.
  3. The laser acts on the damaged areas, sealing the damage.
  4. Then a new tissue appears on the sealed place.

The operation does not happen "blind": the process is monitored by an ultrasound machine, so there is practically no risk of failure. In addition, the absence of significant incisions excludes painful sensations, the formation of hemorrhages and a violation of the adjacent tissues.

After the procedure, bandage the affected areas or put on compression stockings and pantyhose.

Radiofrequency ablation is often used and high frequency current is successfully treating varicose veins. It happens as follows:

  1. The vein is pierced.
  2. A catheter is inserted into the hole.
  3. Radiation enters the ship through it.
  4. The conductor acts at the molecular level, modifying the protein molecules of the damaged vein.

The method allows you to quickly treat all venous nodes and no special postoperative therapy is required.

Methods for the treatment of varicose veins

There are two of them: conservative and surgical. The patient is faced with an urgent question: how to treat varicose veins on the legs without surgery. When choosing a method, the doctor takes into account the signs, the stage of the disease, the presence of complications, concomitant diseases, the age of the patient. Non-surgical methods of eliminating varicose veins of the lower extremities give good results only when the symptoms of the pathology are still weakly expressed.

To stop the degradation of the affected vessels, help:

  • drug therapy;
  • compression treatment;
  • physiotherapy exercises;
  • physiotherapy;
  • massage;
  • traditional medicine recipes;
  • diet.

Phlebologists try to choose for patients during pregnancy exclusively non-drug treatments for varicose veins of the lower limbs. First of all, these are compression underwear, gymnastic exercises, physiotherapy, massage, diet. If drugs are still needed, only drugs for external use are prescribed.

methods of treatment of varicose veins

The debate continues on whether hirudotherapy helps with varicose veins. The hirudin produced by the leeches, penetrating the venous system of the lower limbs, dilutes the thickened blood. However, today there are many modern drugs with the same property. In addition, there are risk factors for the use of leeches: vascular infection, allergic reactions.

If necessary, the treatment of varicose veins is carried out using radical methods. This:

  • sclerotherapy;
  • ozone therapy;
  • cryotherapy;
  • electrocoagulation;
  • laser coagulation;
  • surgery.

Sclerotherapy: injection into a diseased vein of a drug that "sticks" the dilated vessel. It stops pumping blood and gradually dissolves. The maximum effectiveness of sclerotherapy is obtained in an initial phase of the disease. A similar method is ozone therapy: a part of this gas is injected with a syringe into the lumen of the small veins, and the vessels also "stick".

Cold is used during cryotherapy procedures. During electrocoagulation, a high frequency current is supplied to the vessels through a very thin electrode. Laser treatment of varicose veins is also an effective modern method, especially when used in conjunction with conservative methods. At the same time, the aesthetic result is high: after a few weeks, the patient has no scars or scars.

However, surgical removal is the most effective treatment that allows you to radically get rid of varicose veins when drug therapy does not lead to the desired result. Diseased vessels are removed through local subcutaneous incisions. After surgery, the leg is bandaged tightly and after three to four hours the patient can walk.

Principles of medical treatment of varicose veins

Effective treatment of varicose veins is possible only if the selected drugs prevent the mechanisms of development of pathology, destruction of the vascular walls and valves.

The main tasks of the pharmacological treatment of varicose veins are:

principles of drug treatment
  • restoration of blood circulation;
  • strengthening of the venous walls;
  • increased vascular tone;
  • by lowering blood viscosity;
  • prevention of blood clots;
  • normalization of the valve system;
  • elimination of inflammatory processes;
  • normalization of blood circulation in the capillaries.

Medicines are indispensable in the complex treatment of the disease.

They are also widely used for preventive purposes, which is especially important for people at risk of developing medical conditions.

To date, there are a large number of drugs for the treatment of varicose veins on the legs, and they all differ in composition and mechanism of action.

See a doctor

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Help. Thromboembolism of vital vessels, thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers - this is not a complete list of complications of varicose veins that pose a threat to humans.

In this regard, you shouldn't even try to self-medicate.

Home experiments with drug selection can worsen the situation or be ineffective.

In any case, this is wasted time, health and money.

Therefore, you should contact a phlebologist. Only a specialist will be able to correctly select drugs and build a therapeutic regimen in order to obtain the maximum benefit for the patient.

What drugs are used

what drugs are used for varicose veins

Complex treatment of varicose veins consists in the use of several groups of drugs at the same time:

  1. Phlebotonics.
  2. Anticoagulants.
  3. Anti-inflammatory.
  4. Fibrinolytics.

In addition, to increase the therapeutic effect,means of systemic and local influence are used.

Creams, gels, ointmentsare used as topical preparations. When choosing drugs for varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, it should be borne in mind that it is theagent in the form of an ointment that is characterized by the highest content of the active substance.

Important!A common contraindication to all local remedies is a violation of the integrity of the skin.

As a rule, such medicines are applied several times a day, and the product should be massaged with light movements from the bottom up.

Drug groups and their effects

In venous varicose veins, medicinal substances are classified according to the type of action intothree main groups:

  • venotonic or phlebotropic agents;
  • blood thinners (anticoagulants) and drugs that inhibit platelet adhesion (antiplatelet agents);
  • anti-inflammatory drugs.

Research and medical practice have demonstrated the effectiveness of phlebotonics developed on the basis of natural flavonoids- diosmin and hesperide. These substances not only protect the cells of the veins, but also stimulate the outflow of lymph and stabilize the work of the capillaries. The simultaneous administration of combined drugs in which both flavonoids are present is particularly effective.

how the drugs are taken

Very often phlebotropic agentsare taken for 2 to 3 months in cycles. It is important that the reception coincides with the warm season, when the load on the ships increases due to the high air temperature and the use of large volumes of water. If varicose veins are accompanied by chronic venous insufficiency, phlebotonics is constantly taken at half the dose.

A patient diagnosed with varicose veinsshould receive systematic treatment from the startto prevent disease development and reduce the likelihood of complications.

The second task is solved by drugs that thin the blood (anticoagulants) and improve its flow properties, preventing the formation of thrombotic clots (antiplatelet agents).

The formation of blood clots, their separation from the vascular wall and movement along the venous bed leads to the overlapping of the vessels of the heart, lungs and human brain. As a result, the likelihood of developing a heart attack, pulmonary embolism and ischemic stroke is very high.

Antiagretates are not a cure for varicose veins, but are used as a means of preventing its serious complications- thrombosis and thrombophlebitis. We can say that these drugs save the patient's life and minimize the threat of disability.

Operation

Removal of damaged veins of the lower limbs or their parts is performed by incisions or punctures. Elimination of diseased vessels in the clinic is necessary if:

  • the leg veins are pathologically enlarged;
  • the skin is affected;
  • trophic ulcers appeared;
  • thrombophlebitis got worse.

Surgical treatment of varicose veins of the legs is contraindicated:

  • for severe hypertension, coronary heart disease, infectious diseases, eczema;
  • if the patient has already reached old age;
  • during pregnancy (over 5 months).

Complementary therapy

In addition to medical and surgical treatment, additional therapy is of great importance, including a series of measures to restore the veins to normal:

  1. The pack has a relaxing effect, removes the feeling of heaviness in the legs. When buying the necessary funds, it is worth remembering that hot compresses are contraindicated for varicose veins.
  2. Foot baths are another way to relieve stress from the feet. Using herbs and medicinal oils, you can strengthen blood vessels, eliminate swelling and redness. But the effect will be only with the daily use of the method.
  3. Contrast shower. 10 seconds of cold water and 30 seconds of warm water (hot water is best avoided) for 5-7 minutes every morning will help keep your veins in good shape. For these purposes, you can use the Alekseev or Charcot shower.

Phlebologists often include physiotherapy in complex treatments: laser, magnetotherapy, electrophoresis.

They do not cause discomfort and pain, inexpensive and quite effective. Furthermore, the treatment takes place under the supervision of medical professionals. The main condition is regular visits to the office.

Physiotherapy has a beneficial effect on the condition of the venous walls, muscle tissue and valve activity.

adjunct therapy for varicose veins

Compression therapy is an important component not only of treatment, but also of prevention and the postoperative period. The use of bandages will avoid stagnant processes, support damaged vessels and stop the progression of the disease.

The application of bandages requires some knowledge and dexterity, as excessive tightening can lead to deterioration and a weak bandage will not give the desired effect. Therefore, for the correct use of bandages, it is worth consulting a doctor.

Massage for varicose veins is not acceptable in all cases, so only a doctor can tell whether it is worth using it in a particular case or not. If the method is chosen correctly, then after the first session you can feel the result. This method can lead to an improvement in blood microcirculation, relieve the main symptoms of the disease, including external ones.

The more advanced the disease, the more difficult it is to fight it and sometimes patients arrive too late, and therefore there is only one way out: phlebectomy. To prevent this from happening, one should not expect complications, but receive timely qualified assistance.

Conservative method

Phlebologists in the treatment of varicose veins strive to do without traumatic operations that are not necessary in the early stages of the disease. For example, this is typical of reticular varicose veins, the manifestation of which is limited only by the blue venous networks. Medicines help improve the condition of the valves and vessel walls. Men, like women, should wear compression stockings. The pathology cannot be completely cured. However, conservative methods stop the development of varicose veins and protect against complications.

Gymnastics

gymnastics for varicose veins

Physical therapy specialists know how to remove veins on the legs by performing physiotherapy exercises. This is possible provided that the exercise, which improves blood flow in the legs, is performed systematically. For example:

  1. In a standing position, the heels of the feet are raised vigorously alternately.
  2. In the same standing position, they slowly rise on tiptoe and just as slowly descend.
  3. Sitting on a chair, roll a ball on the floor with your feet back and forth.

Wear special underwear

Doctors recommend combining the medical treatment of varicose veins with the use of compression underwear - these are products made from a special type of knitwear that puts pressure (compression) on the veins. The degree of pressure of the linen on the walls of the vessels can be adjusted by purchasing products with different degrees of compression.

There are four degrees of compression in total: the first is used for prophylaxis, the rest for treatment. With varicose veins of the lower limbs, pantyhose, stockings, knee-highs and leggings are worn, the doctor selects the required degree of compression.

Compression underwear creates a dense and crushing structure on the legs, thanks to this, such effects develop:

  • The weakened leg muscles are supported.
  • The walls of the blood vessels are compressed, preventing them from stretching.
  • Lymphatic flow and blood circulation are stimulated.
  • The backwater has been eliminated.
  • The function of the venous valves is normalized.
  • The load on the dilated veins is reduced.
  • Thrombophlebitis is prevented.

It is mandatory to wear compression stockings after surgery for varicose veins. Underwear helps prevent the recurrence of the disease, creates additional support for the body during the rehabilitation period.

Compression sclerotherapy

Compression sclerotherapy is a modern method of treating varicose veins, which consists of injecting drugs into the affected veins. As a result, sclerotherapy (adhesion) of the venous walls occurs, the blood flow at the injection site is interrupted, and the vein gradually dissolves or leaves a barely noticeable thread that does not bother the patient at all.

Most often sclerotherapy is performed when varicose veins appear, when varicose veins are in the initial stage. With the progressive development of varicose veins of the legs, sclerotherapy treatment is carried out after analyzing the state of the venous valves and vascular walls, the functional characteristics of the patient's circulatory system.

If it is decided to conduct compression sclerotherapy, the patient undergoes a blood clotting test and an ultrasound examination of the veins. When performing sclerotherapy, the patient does not experience painful sensations, as the drug is injected into the vein using the thinnest needle. After the end of the procedure, a sterile bandage is applied to the drug delivery area and the patient wears a compression garment. For the first week after sclerotherapy, compression stockings must be worn around the clock, so it is permissible to take them off at night.

Positive results of sclerotherapy:

  • Effective blood flow restoration.
  • Restricting blood clots in the damaged vein.
  • Prevention of trophic disorders in the tissues.
  • Elimination of clinical symptoms of varicose veins: edema, convulsions, pain.
  • Excellent cosmetic effect due to the fact that the dilated veins disappear completely.

Diet

For the most effective treatment of varicose veins of the legs, it is important to properly organize nutrition. Berries, apples, citrus fruits, which contain flavonoids, antioxidants, rutin, help improve the condition of blood vessels. Blood thinning provides a daily intake of a sufficient amount of fluid (1. 5-2 liters). The diet with varicose veins on the legs is incompatible with fatty, fried foods, hot spices, alcohol.

Folk remedies

Treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies at home in the summer is especially effective. The following recipes are popular:

  1. 15-20 minute leg wraps with tomato paste. It has a high content of lycopene, which actively strengthens blood vessels and prevents the formation of blood clots. At the same time, it is useful to eat fresh tomatoes every day.
  2. Infusion of sweet clover, an indispensable herb for varicose veins: Art. l. raw materials are prepared with two glasses of boiling water, kept until cool, filtered. They drink half a glass 3 times a day, the rest of the volume is used as lotions.

What not to do

When you are diagnosed with varicose veins, you need to pay attention to your lifestyle, diet and sports.Not allowed:

  • active physical activity, running, jumping (yoga classes are allowed);
  • prolonged standing or prolonged sitting position;
  • use of all medicines without consulting a phlebologist;
  • long flights with a forced immobile position of the legs. In addition, at high altitudes, a strong thickening of the blood occurs, which leads to the formation of blood clots;
  • take hot baths, visit a sauna;
  • cupping and honey massage are strictly prohibited, only manual medical massage type is allowed.

Possible complications

Trophic ulcersis ​​a form of complication in varicose veins, which occurs in the development and deepening of a long-term non-healing ulcer. Usually, a separate painful ulcer develops on the lower leg, inside of which "oozing" is often observed in the form of serous bleeding fluid discharge covering the affected tissues.

Urgent medical assistance

when to ask for help

Immediate medical attention is required if any of the following symptoms occur:

  • Increased pain in the affected limb, inability to get out of bed or take a few steps;
  • The skin on the leg is warm, swollen and firm to the touch.
  • Skin color changes from pale red to bluish or bluish;
  • Sudden shortness of breath, shortness of breath, sweating and severe weakness;
  • Bleeding from affected skin or varicose veins.

The necessary drugs for varicose veins of the lower extremities should be included in the complex treatment regimen.Even after surgery, several courses of phlebotonic and antiplatelet agents will be requiredto prevent possible trophic disorders, inflammation and complications associated with the disease.

Many multicomponent drugs against varicose veins act in combination, have different functions. The effectiveness of such drugs is more pronounced.It is optimal to use treatment courses in the correct dosage, calculated by the phlebologist, in combination with compression therapy, yoga classes, swimming in the pool, herbal medicine.

Conclusion

Complex treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs involves the use of various therapeutic techniques.

Along with medications, physiotherapy, special exercises, massage, etc. are prescribed.