Varicose veins are a fairly common pathological condition, characterized by an increase in the diameter of the lumen, thinning of the walls of the veins and the appearance of "knots".
Translated from the ancient Greek language, "varicose veins" means "swelling". In theory, a similar disease can appear anywhere on the body, but the most common injury is the legs.
The essence of the problem
The veins of the body play a very important role, representing a network of branched vessels that carry blood from the tissues to the heart muscle. In the lower limbs, this network is expressed in the form of deep and superficial veins, interconnected by an emergency blood discharge system.
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 flows downward, under the influence of the same gravity. But not everything is so simple, the valves located on the walls of the vessels do not leave it behind.
In cases where the valves are "ruptured", the veins are dilated and inflamed, so they are unable to retain blood flow. This process contributes to the swelling and swelling of the veins. Impaired blood supply becomes the root from which varicose veins on the legs begin.
The 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 presence of varicose veins can be associated with human activity and immunity.
One thing is certain, the disease is not exactly like that, something should serve as an impulse.
During sedentary work in the veins, or rather in the pelvis, a stagnation of blood occurs, which subsequently manifests itself in health problems. Varicose veins result from a sedentary lifestyle, therefore, with standing work there are no barriers to its origin.
It is no coincidence that this disease, first of all, is called an occupational disease of sellers and hairdressers.
The following are also obvious provocateurs:
- overweight (obesity),
- Frequent weight lifting
- leg injuries.
Another factor is the increase in intra-abdominal pressure. The size of the veins is constantly changing, inhalation - the veins narrow, exhalation, on the contrary, expands. When a person pushes hard, the veins are greatly stressed and under the created pressure they begin to expand.
Of course, this doesn't mean 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-expanding uterus exerts involuntary pressure on the veins from the legs. In this case, nature has protected women from serious consequences and has endowed the body with a sufficient amount of sex hormones during pregnancy, which make the walls of blood vessels plastic and flexible. As a rule, here the disease is reversible; after childbirth, 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 take a look at the main preventive measures:
- Forget tight and uncomfortable shoes. Women should remember that the "everyday" heel should be no more than five centimeters. In the evening, please your feet with a massage and cool bath, then throw them higher and lie in this position for 15 minutes.
- Wear loose fitting clothing that does not have elastic or tight belts.
- If possible, walk barefoot on the cobblestones as much as possible. At a minimum, arrange these therapies yourself during the holidays.
- Check 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, the load should be weak and before starting 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 skip a little. Do not cross your legs when sitting, this is very bad for blood circulation.
- Don't go overboard with baths, saunas and whirlpools. After the "hot" procedures, be sure to rinse with cold water.
Stages of development of varicose veins
- First stage.There are no pains and discomforts, only aesthetic defects are observed. A branching pattern of veins appears on the legs, "stars" and "mesh" appear. In the evening, the legs swell noticeably.
- Second stage.There is noticeable swelling in the ankle area and severe heaviness in the legs. In the evening, cramps, numbness, pins and needles may occur.
- Third stage.Constant and severe swelling of the legs, seals form on the skin, pigmentation changes in some places, itching and dermatitis.
- Fourth phase.Trophic ulcers appear on the skin of the legs.
What measures to take in the initial phase
The varicose veins of the lower limbs, if it is in the initial phase, respond well to treatment, it is quite possible that a competent "fight" will stop its development.
First, follow all the preventive measures described above. Reconsider your wardrobe, if necessary, eliminate all "harmful" things, do the same with shoes. Take a contrast shower at your feet, walk more barefoot and balance your meals.
Secondly, at the first symptoms, get compression underwear, it can be pantyhose or stockings. 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 a phlebologist, but also a gynecologist (for women) and an orthopedist. It is likely that hormonal contraceptives or flat feet may have caused circulatory problems.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
Almost every woman during pregnancy faces problems with 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 in this case are reversible, the main thing is to take the necessary preventive measures in time.
- Buy comfortable orthopedic shoes so that your feet don't get tired when you walk.
- Take daily walks. Don't sit or stand for a long time. To avoid venous stasis, at rest, put your feet on a hill.
- Wear compression garments to avoid swelling.
- A light exercise that only involves the legs is a good help. The simplest movements of the foot in different directions are enough.
- Vitamin C is very good in the prevention of varicose veins, it has many beneficial properties that will give elasticity to the veins, reducing the risk of many diseases.
Treatment of varicose veins
Complete cure of the disease is possible only operably. Medicines and exercise are used as auxiliary methods.
Phlebectomy
Operations can be either of a surgical nature or using the latest technology. The former include phlebectomy, when varicose veins are removed.
Laser
In the second group there is laser coagulation, there are no incisions, 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 fine needle, which glues the walls of the vessels and then dissolves them.
But no matter how doctors want, they simply cannot eliminate the root cause of varicose veins - the weakness of the vessel walls. It is only in your power to prevent the disease through preventive measures.
Special exercises
Below we list a series of physical exercises that will not take long, but the effect will be exceptional. You can make them at home.
- Exercise 1.Lie on the floor, lift 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 prone position, raise your legs and "draw" circles with your feet, 10 times in each direction.
- Exercise 3.The familiar "birch" has a good effect. From a prone position, raise your legs and pelvis, resting the pelvis on 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 feet together, knees pointing in different directions. Grab your feet and pull them towards you. Stay in this position for a while. Repeat the exercise 4 times.
- Exercise 5.Lie on your left side and rest on your elbow, with your right hand grabbing your right foot. Make some spring movements with the hip back (trying to reach the buttocks with the heel), linger for 10 seconds. Do the same for the left side.
Ointments
The purpose of drugs in the treatment of varicose veins is to give elasticity and normal condition to the veins. The necessary drug 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 anesthetize the affected areas, as well as to strengthen the blood vessels. Often, anti-varicose cream preparations contain a number of vitamins - C, B5 and B1, thanks to them the regeneration period is significantly reduced.
Pills are also common in treatment, which:
- improves vascular tone;
- relieve inflammation;
- accelerates blood flow and lymphatic flow;
- eliminates microcirculation disturbances.
The tablets are divided into several groups: corticosteroids, phlebotonics, antithrombotic and non-steroidal analgesics.
Folk remedies
The conservative method of treatment is effective in the first stage of varicose veins, when a person feels heaviness in the legs and has 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 pack
The baby food is prepared with grated garlic and butter, in a ratio of 1: 2, which is then applied to the affected areas, fixing it with paper and a bandage. Duration of exposure - night, in the morning rinse the leg 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 a day before meals with water.
Kalanchoe ointment
Fill a liter jar halfway with the leaves and fill the rest with 70% alcohol. The resulting tincture should be placed in a dark place for two weeks, but shake it every day. Damaged areas are rubbed daily with the finished ointment.
Love yourself and be healthy!