Every woman wants her legs to always be in great condition. But what if one day, standing in front of a mirror, you discovered that your legs were covered with unsympathetic vascular "stars"? Disguise will fail. It is impossible to ignore this, because further these "decorations" will only become brighter and bigger. The fight against varicose veins of the lower extremities, although not easy, is necessary. After all, you have to agree that wearing pants forever is not the most attractive option.
Varicose veins on the legs are a serious condition in which the veins lose elasticity, stretch, expand and bend.
Varicose veins on the legs have long been known as a serious disease. Basically, in such a not-so-pleasant way, we pay for the ability to walk on two legs. The influence of various adverse factors leads to weakness of the venous walls and blood stagnation in the lower half of the body.
As a result, the veins are overloaded, and the venous valves are getting worse. The result - the legs get tired, injured, there is a feeling of heaviness, feet and ankles swell. Somewhat later, other symptoms are added in the form of cosmetic defects. More serious complications are possible in the future.
It was previously believed that varicose veins on the legs - a disease of people of "standing" occupations, and the first symptoms appear around the age of 35. This is partly true. But today, varicose veins are getting younger faster. It can be said that the disease has already become a problem for the 20-30-year-old "computer generation".
Unfortunately, there are no clear symptoms of approaching varicose veins in the legs. But if your legs start to hurt and get tired, you have heaviness in your legs and you suffer from cramps - that is a reason to be careful.
And the appearance of barely noticeable bluish veins known to many - vascular networks, which will later, if left untreated, become more noticeable - is a signal for action. It is worth alarming when whole clusters of saphenous veins have already appeared on the surface of the legs, because the outcome of the disease is ugly blood clots and ulcers, which are very difficult to fight. Treatment of varicose veins on the legs can take decades.
The most dangerous consequence of varicose veins is the development of thrombophlebitis - the formation of a blood clot in a vein.
The inflammatory process that accompanies the disease creates the risk of a thrombus tearing off the vessel wall. And this in turn can lead to the development of pulmonary embolism, when a thrombus enters the pulmonary vessels, partially or completely interfering with the functioning of the respiratory system. And it can even lead to death.
Varicose veins on my legs: and that threatens me?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the appearance of varicose veins on the legs. This disease is due to various factors. And each of us faces some of them on a daily basis.
Reason 1. Heredity
Phlebologists say varicose veins are a "family" disease. If your mother or grandmother suffered from this disease, then in 90 percent of 100 it can be claimed that you are in danger. Characteristics of the structure of blood vessels are transmitted to us through genes. And if the walls of the veins are weak, then the influence of any provoking factor is enough to feel the disease.
Reason 2. Pregnancy
Carrying a child is one of the most important provoking factors in the development of varicose veins, because changes in hormonal levels lead to a decrease in venous tone. In addition, during pregnancy the veins almost always constrict due to the growing uterus. In addition, the weight increases. But our veins experience the most pressure during childbirth. According to statistics, in 50 percent of women, the previous dosing of varicose veins is manifested at this time.
Reason 3. Uncomfortable clothes and shoes
Uncomfortable, tight clothing, such as tight jeans, can cause varicose veins. Tight shoes and heels are no less harmful. The wider the sole, the less stress on the feet. Balancing on thin heels, we expose our veins to a large load. And if you also carry heavy bags of groceries in your hands, then you can say goodbye to beautiful legs forever.
Reason 4. Working conditions and bad habits
Don't forget the people who work in the classic "standing" occupations (salesmen, waiters, hairdressers, stewardesses and many others). They have varicose veins - almost an occupational disease. An entire army of office workers approaches them, for every extended stay in one position (even sitting, even standing) does its dirty work. And if you add to this bad habits like smoking, snacking on buns and sandwiches, which leads to being overweight, then varicose veins will not make you wait. Yes, of course, this includes the love of many to sit cross-legged.
Reason 5. Sports overload
Not all fitness is good. Fans of sipping a bar in the gym are at serious risk. Weight lifting is one of the causes of varicose veins. If you have a predisposition to varicose veins, you should not overload your legs with excessive exercise. Strength training and martial arts classes are not for you.
Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins
As it is already clear, varicose veins on the legs are not a cosmetic defect, so with the appearance of the first unpleasant sensations in the legs, you must immediately consult a phlebologist.
If necessary, the doctor may prescribe Doppler ultrasound, which will determine the quality of blood flow in blood vessels and show if there are obstacles to it, and transillumination - transillumination of superficial veins using a special light, which allows the specialist to easily distinguish damaged veins from normal. These necessary measures will enable the timely identification of the initial disease and the necessary measures to be taken in time.
If we talk about the treatment of varicose veins, then modern medicine knows several ways to deal with varicose veins:
- Topical medications (ointments, gels):relieve fatigue and a feeling of heaviness in the legs, have a pleasant soothing effect. This method of treatment will not bring immediate relief, because the active substance penetrates the skin in small doses. The beneficial effect is only on the superficial veins of the saphenous. However, regular use of ointments and gels can correct the situation in the initial phase of varicose veins on the legs.
- Venotonic:drugs used for venous insufficiency (prescribed only by a doctor). These medications help reduce swelling, relieve leg pain, and also strengthen blood vessel walls and improve blood flow. Venotonics perfectly complement the action of topical medications to achieve maximum effect in the treatment of deep veins.
- Endovasal laser coagulation (EVLK):a method of treating "stars" and vascular "networks, " precursors of varicose veins in the legs. The doctor acts on the diseased vessel with a laser and the "star" disappears. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. After a few weeks, there is no reminder of skin manipulation.
- Sclerotherapy:a procedure in which substances - sclerosants - are injected into a problematic vein with a syringe, and the affected vein appears to stick to the inside and stop working, and blood begins to flow through healthy veins. But this procedure is not suitable for everyone. It is prescribed if the nodes are not very large.
- Ozone therapy:a new method of treating varicose veins, used to remove spider veins. Ozone is injected with a small needle directly into the lumen of the vessel and causes it to stick. Several procedures are sufficient to achieve a visible effect.
- Phlebectomy:surgical intervention, when the diseased vein is removed, is one of the most effective methods of treatment. The day after surgery you can go home, but for at least another month you have to wear special leggings or wrap your leg. During the operation, small stitches are made in the leg, which are almost invisible after a while.
It is widely believed that hirudotherapy or treatment of varicose veins with leeches helps to remove varicose veins in the legs. In fact, the substance that leeches excrete when they bite, hirudin, helps reduce blood clotting. Neither spiders nor veins disappear anywhere. Moreover, ulcers can form at the site of the bite that are then difficult to heal.
Prevention is the best treatment for varicose veins: 5 steps to vein health
A healthy lifestyle is the best way to ward off varicose veins and many other diseases!
Step 1. Movement is life
Swimming is a universal type of physical activity, practically devoid of contraindications. Water treatments are most suitable for the prevention of varicose veins because they tone the blood vessels well. Walking is also a good way to fight venous diseases. For example, with escalators or stairs. No heavy bags, please. It is better to walk two stops to the subway than to go by transport. And at home you can do the most basic exercises "bike" in a supine position.
Step 2. Elegant helpers
Modern compression stockings: leggings and tights will help against fatigue and heaviness in the legs. They are sold in pharmacies and the doctor selects them strictly individually based on the parameters of the foot. In appearance, medicinal leggings are no less beautiful and modern than ordinary ones. In addition, they help ships cope better with increased load.
Step 3. Tasty and healthy
First, being overweight puts a serious strain on blood vessels. So if you have a few unnecessary pounds, you better get rid of them. Second, the diet in order to prevent varicose veins should be aimed at strengthening the walls of blood vessels. This is facilitated by vitamins such as ascorbic acid and rutin found in buckthorn, raspberries, citrus fruits, chokeberries, strawberries, rose hips and mountain ash. Buckwheat is also rich in the natural antioxidant quercetin, which not only strengthens blood vessels, but also has anti-cancer properties.
Step 4. Beauty without sacrifice
Comfortable shoes with heels no larger than 4 inches are the best choice for every day. In shoes with high heels, the foot is in a forcibly bent state, due to which the nutrition of the small veins of the toes is disturbed, venous congestion occurs, swelling of the ankles and leaves.
Step 5. Care and maintenance
To prevent varicose veins on the legs, it is useful to rinse the feet with cold water after showering. You can also do the massage yourself: smoothing movements from the bottom up from the feet to the groin. Overheating is dangerous for the veins, therefore, if there is a predisposition for varicose veins on the legs, it is better to exclude the bath and sauna from your life. Also, don't use too much sun. Ultraviolet light reduces the elasticity of tissues and venous walls and leads to varicose veins. You can sunbathe, but not at noon, but until 11 a. m. and after 5 p. m.
Yes, varicose veins on the legs are a chronic condition. However, timely prevention of varicose veins will help avoid the onset of the disease and reduce the risk of developing possible complications.