If you have varicose veins, you must strictly follow all the doctor's prescriptions and know what not to do with this disease.If you do not adhere to numerous restrictions and do not eliminate the influence of negative external factors, the manifestations of varicose veins will only progress.
Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic defect that many try to hide under clothes, but also a serious pathology.Therefore, doctors call this condition varicose veins.Changes in the veins on the legs, and sometimes in other areas (lower abdomen, chest) require constant medical supervision.
The patient must strictly follow all the phlebologist's prescriptions and know what not to do with varicose veins.If you do not adhere to numerous restrictions and do not eliminate the influence of negative external factors, the manifestations of the disease (deformation of venous walls, blood stagnation, expansion of the vein lumen) will only progress.
If the patient does not take into account possible contraindications for varicose veins on the legs, the effectiveness of prescribed drug therapy will decrease and the risk of complications will increase.The key question that the patient should ask the doctor after the diagnosis is: what is prohibited for varicose veins of the lower extremities, what foods, manipulations or loads are prohibited and why?An expert will tell you in detail what restrictions you should adhere to, recommend useful articles and resources where you can get reliable information.
What foods should you not eat if you have varicose veins?
When talking about nutrition, the doctor will especially focus on foods that are prohibited for varicose veins.It is only necessary to limit the intake of some foods, and it is better to avoid some foods and drinks completely, so as not to worsen the condition of the veins.
- Flour and sweet products.Small amounts are acceptable, but the intake of foods rich in light carbohydrates should be limited.Excess calories with excessive consumption of bakery products and sweets threatens overweight and obesity, which increases the load on the legs and hinders blood circulation.
- Foods with animal fats and trans fats.It is worth limiting fried food and dishes with butter.And trans fats are foods that are on the list of things you shouldn't eat if you have varicose veins.Excess fat threatens pathological weight gain and changes in the tone of the vascular wall.
- Spicy and very salty dishes.This is another group of foods that you should not eat if you have varicose veins.They retain water in the veins, causing swelling, especially in the lower extremities.The retention of excess fluid in the veins increases the pressure on the walls of the veins, expanding them and deforming them even more.
- Alcohol.You should not believe the myths that small doses of alcohol are good for blood vessels.Ethyl alcohol and its metabolic products dilate briefly, but then severely constrict blood vessels.The state of the vein wall can suffer from excessive load, and inflammatory processes are also possible.In addition, alcohol increases the risk of blood clots in the veins.
- Coffee.Doctors recommend avoiding this drink or limiting it to 1-2 small cups a day.But why shouldn't coffee be used for varicose veins?Biologically active substances in coffee inhibit intestinal peristalsis, causing constipation, which is dangerous for hemorrhoids and varicose veins on the legs.
- Drink with chicory.Patients ask themselves a logical question: why can't you drink chicory if you have varicose veins, because it does not contain caffeine?The herbal compounds in this drink help to thin the blood, actively expand blood vessels and increase the permeability of the vascular wall.This worsens the course of the disease.
What exercises should you not do if you have varicose veins?
Although physical activity for varicose veins is necessary, it should be moderate and regular exercise.It is important to discuss with your phlebologist which exercises you should not do if you have varicose veins.The danger comes from those sports and exercises that increase the load on the leg muscles (strength training, weight lifting) and the impact load (jumping, squatting, running).
What sports should you not do if you have varicose veins?
- any type of weight lifting;
- volleyball and football in the presence of bulging veins (non-professional activities are acceptable in the early stage of varicose veins, provided that an elastic bandage is used before the game);
- sprint, marathon types of running.
What exercises are not allowed for varicose veins of the legs:
- it is important to give up squatting;
- Jumping rope, step aerobics and trampoline are not allowed.
All the prohibited exercises for varicose veins described above increase the load on the vein walls, contribute to blood stagnation and can lead to the development of complications (thrombophlebitis, thrombosis).
Is it possible to massage your legs if you have varicose veins?
Any mechanical action, especially rubbing and squeezing of veins, negatively affects the condition of the vascular wall, causes its damage and creates conditions for the formation of thrombus.Therefore, when asked whether it is possible to do vacuum, anti-cellulite, lymphatic drainage massage with cups or a brush for varicose veins, the doctor will definitely answer in the negative.
Bath and sauna for varicose veins
Although contrast foot baths and shower cabins are recommended for varicose veins, which train the vein wall and improve blood flow, this does not apply to going to the sauna and swimming pool.High temperatures slow down the blood flow in the veins and can cause damage to the walls and the formation of blood clots and edema.
Is it possible to make a bandage for varicose veins?
Any thermal effect negatively affects the condition of the vein walls and blood circulation.But there is no prohibition for some other procedures.When asked whether it is possible to make a cold compress for varicose veins, use light scrubs or creams, gels, the doctor will answer in the affirmative.If this effect affects only the superficial layers of the skin without pressure, limb compression or twisting, such procedures are not prohibited.
Is it possible to do waxing for varicose veins?
If you have been diagnosed with varicose veins, you can remove unwanted hair on your legs with a razor (carefully, without cutting the skin) or a depilatory cream.These are the safest ways to remove unwanted hair.Laser and electrolysis can also be done for varicose veins, but you must consult your doctor first.
Mechanical hair removal (tweezers or epilator) is unacceptable, especially in the later stages.Methods such as hair removal with wax, sugar paste (sugaring) and photoepilation also cause a lot of controversy.
Why can't you do sugaring for varicose veins?The most important problems with these methods are exposure to heat and mechanical damage to the upper layers of the skin.Therefore, the use of these methods should be discussed with a doctor, based on existing complaints and the stage of varicose veins.
General recommendations for varicose veins
For varicose veins, it is important to constantly follow a phlebologist, adhere to all recommendations and take the necessary medications.Varicose veins require major changes in your usual lifestyle.Without them, the effect of the drugs will not be so noticeable, and complications are likely.Recommended:
- Move as much as possible and, if possible, give up sedentary work and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Limit heavy physical activity, heavy lifting, straining and increased intra-abdominal pressure.
- Adjust your diet to prevent constipation and diarrhea.They negatively affect blood circulation in the veins of the pelvis and lower extremities.A balanced diet is no less important for obtaining all the necessary nutrients, vitamin and mineral components, and limiting the intake of empty calories that lead to excess weight.
- Give up bad habits that negatively affect vascular tone and blood circulation.
- Wear compression garments if recommended by a healthcare professional.
- Get proper rest, sleep at least 8 hours.During sleep and rest, the legs should be in an elevated position.This facilitates the outflow of blood from the lower extremities.
- Perform gymnastics and contrast foot baths to tone the vein walls.
- Use all the medicines prescribed by your doctor strictly in accordance with the treatment regimen, without changing the medicines at your own discretion.
- Avoid trying to self-treat varicose veins with dubious folk recipes.All therapeutic measures should be discussed with a doctor.