Varicose veins are a common disease characterized by enlargement of the lumen of blood vessels, malfunction of the valvular apparatus and the occurrence of reverse blood flow. The pathological process can be localized in different places, so there are several types of diseases:
- varicose veins of the esophagus;
- rectal veins (hemorrhoids);
- small pelvic veins;
- veins of the spermatic cord (varicocele);
- veins of the lower extremities.
Varicose veins of the legs are considered the most common. According to some estimates, more than 30% of the population suffers from it, and most are women. Varicose veins on the legs are not only ugly bulging veins, but also many unpleasant sensations and inconveniences. The pathological process is accompanied by severity, pain, edema and often leads to dangerous complications: thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers. Many would like to know how to get rid of varicose veins forever, because it significantly impairs the quality of life. But, unfortunately, this phenomenon is irreversible and the only thing that can be achieved is to stop or slow down the development of the disease.
Causes
The causes of varicose veins are still not clearly understood. It is understood that the disease is associated with thinning, weakness and loss of elasticity of the vascular wall, as well as the inability of the valves. As a result, the veins become unevenly dilated, stretched, long, twisted, nodular. It is believed that genetic predisposition plays a decisive role in the development of the disease, ie from birth, weak blood vessels and defective valves.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins, although they are not its causes:
- Heredity (according to experts, the risk of disease in people whose parents suffer from it is up to 70%).
- Female affiliation. This is due to hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, as well as taking hormonal contraceptives and wearing high-heeled shoes.
- Work activity associated with a long stay on your feet or in a sitting position (hairdressers, salesmen, surgeons, waiters, drivers, accountants, programmers and others).
- Age, in which the weakening of the walls of blood vessels and the wear of the valvular apparatus is a natural phenomenon.
- Operational interventions.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure due to overweight, pregnancy, lifting heavy loads (loaders, weightlifters), frequent stress with chronic constipation and cough.
Methods of treatment
Varicose veins are a chronic process that begins gradually and only progresses over time. To date, it is impossible to completely defeat the disease, but it is possible to slow down the development and reduce symptoms if complex treatment is applied, which includes:
- lifestyle changes;
- diet;
- physiotherapy exercises;
- compression therapy;
- medicines (for internal use and local administration);
- surgical intervention;
- thermal procedures;
- folk methods.
You will have to fight varicose veins your whole life. There is no need to engage in self-medication. An examination by a phlebologist or vascular surgeon is necessary, who will make the diagnosis, determine the stage of the disease and the severity of the lesion, and prescribe the appropriate treatment. The main task is to eliminate or reduce clinical manifestations, stop progression, prevent recurrences and the development of complications.
The effectiveness of treatment will depend on whether the patient adheres to all the doctor's recommendations. It is important to seek help in the early phase, when there is no pain yet, but there are evening swellings, heaviness and fatigue in the legs, small veins on the skin.
Lifestyle correction
Without lifestyle changes, it is impossible to deal effectively with varicose veins. The rules to be followed are completely banal, and disrespect is most often associated with a lack of will or an irresponsible attitude towards one's health.
- Maintaining a normal body weight.
- Farewell to bad habits: alcohol and smoking.
- Refusing to sunbathe, visiting steam rooms and saunas, taking hot baths (including foot baths).
- Rejection of high heels (not more than 4-5 cm).
- Wear a special stretch jersey.
- Providing physical activity. It can be walking, swimming, physiotherapy exercises, some sports. The main thing is to exclude squats, lifting weights, running long distances, jumping, martial arts.
- Proper nutrition. The diet should contain more fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, whole grains, seafood. It is advisable to reduce the amount of meat. It is necessary to give up smoked, fried, salty, fatty foods. From drinks, give preference to green tea, clean water, fruit drinks, natural fresh juices and limit coffee.
- Take every opportunity during the day to raise your legs at an angle of about 20 degrees.
- Buy a special foot pillow so that they are above the level of the heart during sleep.
- Try to wash your feet with cold water as often as possible.
Compression therapy
A special stretch jersey is available today in a large assortment. These are leggings, socks, leggings of different colors and densities, which are practically indistinguishable from ordinary ones. They have become a good alternative to elastic bandages, unsuitable for use and unaesthetic on the outside.
The special jersey cannot cure varicose veins, but it improves microcirculation, reduces the load on the veins, prevents blood stagnation, reduces the diameter of blood vessels and promotes the outflow of venous blood and lymph. The person feels light in the legs, less tired by evening, no swelling.
In the beginning, without the habit of wearing compression stockings by hand, it will be difficult. To make your job easier, you can buy a special device.
There are four classes of medical knitwear, depending on the pressure applied. You can only wear 1st class compression products, which are considered prophylactic and are intended for previously healthy people. The rest should be prescribed by a doctor depending on the diagnosis and the severity of varicose veins. You need to be aware that compression products may be contraindicated for certain diseases. Pantyhose or socks are chosen by the doctor strictly according to size, otherwise there will be no desired effect.
Drug treatment
For the treatment of varicose veins, tablets and external means in the form of gels, creams and ointments of various spectrum of action are used. They raise vascular tone, improve microcirculation, improve blood flow and prevent skin changes. Medications are designed to relieve fatigue, weight, discomfort, swelling, itching, cramps and leg pain. They are awarded strictly individually.
The main agent in the treatment of varicose veins are venotonics. They are made on the basis of wild chestnuts, rutin, grape leaves and are almost always well tolerated by patients. Available in the form of tablets, capsules, gels.
It is necessary to apply gel or cream on the legs with varicose veins every day and rub with light movements.
Anticoagulants are used to reduce blood viscosity and reduce the likelihood of thrombophlebitis. These are heparin-based fats with cooling additives in the form of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus. In addition to diluting the blood, they prevent the development of thrombophlebitis.
Antihistamines may be prescribed for skin changes that cause itching. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory tablets are prescribed for inflammation.
Surgical intervention
To get rid of varicose veins, operations are performed to remove the affected part of the vessel to stop the flow of blood from the superficial vein into the deep. The operation is called a phlebectomy. In its classic form, it is less and less used today in connection with the emergence of new, less traumatic ways of dealing with varicose veins. Such treatment is generally indicated for large vein diameters and advanced cases of the disease.
A gentler method is microphlebectomy, in which part of the vein is removed in parts, not through an incision, but through a puncture.
Thermal methods
Radiofrequency ablation is considered the safest and least traumatic method of treating varicose veins, although there are some contraindications. The method consists in the thermal effect of microwaves, due to which the venous lumen is closed. Main advantages:
- outpatient treatment;
- no need for anesthesia and incision;
- recovery does not take long;
- the procedure is easily submitted;
- can be done in summer;
- after treatment there are no bruises, swelling and pain are insignificant.
Radiofrequency ablation is a low-trauma method of treating varicose veins.
Laser coagulation is another method of treating varicose veins. During the procedure, a laser is applied to the wall of the blood vessels. Radiation leads to adhesion of the vein walls and complete closure of the lumen. It is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia without incisions. A catheter is inserted into the lumen of the vein, through which an LED is inserted and radiation is delivered. The procedure is low-traumatic, complications are very rare.
Sclerotherapy
This non-surgical method is one of the most common. It is used on small veins and as part of a complex treatment with surgery. The essence is that a special medicine with a sclerosing effect is injected into a vein with a thin needle. As a result, the walls of the vessels stick together, closing and stopping the flow of blood. The affected vein turns into a fibrous band. The main advantages of the method:
- outpatient treatment;
- low invasiveness;
- ease of execution;
- the duration of the procedure is about 20 minutes;
- good cosmetic effect.
If the disease starts, a complication such as deep vein thrombosis can develop.
Traditional methods
Walnut tincture
Pour the chopped unripe walnuts into a glass bowl and pour olive oil over them. Put in the sun for 40 days. Apply as needed, lubricating the affected area. Continue treatment for about four months.
Cabbage leaf
Decline the cabbage leaf, apply a layer of olive oil on one side, apply this side to the affected area, wrap and leave for a day. Continue treatment for a month.
Wild chestnut
This is one of the most effective folk remedies. For the treatment of varicose veins, a tincture of the fruit of the plant is prepared, which must be crushed, filled halfway into a glass jar (three liters) and filled with vodka. Put in a dark place for a month, stirring occasionally. When you are ready, rub the sore spots overnight. Alcoholic tincture of chestnut for external and internal use in varicose veins can be purchased at the pharmacy.
Physiotherapy is an integral part of the complex treatment of varicose veins.
Exercises
When varicose veins appear, the question may be asked whether it is possible to engage in physical education and sports and which exercises are useful. Most doctors agree that physical activity in such a disease is very important, because the dynamics are useful for the veins, and statics are harmful. But it is equally important to consult with your doctor about what sports you can do and what type of load will be optimal. In addition, the patient may be shown special therapeutic exercises that are performed directly in a medical institution. You can also do simple but effective exercises at home, which will help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins with regular exercise.
- Lie on your back, place pillows under your feet so that they rise at an angle of 20 degrees. Close your eyes, relax completely, breathe deeply.
- In the supine position, lift your legs vertically and rotate your feet alternately in and out.
- Lie on your back and move your legs as if you were riding a bicycle.
- Lying on your back, lift your legs and cross them (scissors).
- Stand up straight, lower your arms, legs together. Slowly raise yourself on your toes, then lower yourself just as slowly.
- Walk in place, don’t take your socks off the floor.
- Sitting on a chair, bend your ankles towards you and away from you, and then bend your toes in the same way.
- Pouring the feet with an elastic jet of water (alternately cold and warm).
Conclusion
Varicose veins are an irreversible process, but they must be treated without error, especially since there are many modern methods that must be combined. Without treatment, there is a high risk of developing complications such as chronic venous insufficiency, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers, and even such a dangerous condition that can result in death, such as pulmonary embolism.