Varicose veins are a fairly common pathological condition characterized by the thinning of the vessel walls and the appearance of "nodes" in the diameter of the lumen.
Translated from ancient Greek, "Varicose veins" means "swelling".Theoretically, such a disease can appear in any part of the body, but the most common lesion is the legs.
The essence of the problem
Veins in the body play a very important role, representing a branched network of reservoirs that supply blood from the tissues to the heart muscle.In the lower extremities, this network is expressed in the form of deep and superficial veins, which are connected to each other by the emergency blood drainage system.
As a rule, the main emphasis falls 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 drives blood through the veins.Some of the blood flows through the veins against gravity (when walking, moving or squatting).When the muscles relax (at rest), the blood is drawn under the same force of gravity.But not everything is so simple;Valves located on the walls of vessels do not allow backflow.
In cases where the valves are "broken", the vessels expand and become inflamed, and then they cannot hold the blood flow.This period causes the veins to swell and increase in bulging.An unregulated blood supply is the root of varicose veins in the legs.
Causes of varicose veins
There are many reasons for this:
- Varicose veins can be inherited, that is, there is a congenital weakness of the walls of the blood vessels.
- The appearance of varicose veins can be associated with a person's life activity and immunity.
Something, undoubtedly, the disease does not only arise, something must serve as an impetus.
Blood stasis occurs in the vessels during syngentar work, or rather, in the pelvis, which later manifests itself in health problems.Varicose veins arise from a sedentary lifestyle, so there are no obstacles to their formation even with constant work.
It is not that this disease is not called an occupational disease of sellers and hairdressers first of all.
Obvious provocateurs also include:
- Overweight (obesity),
- frequent weight gain,
- leg injuries.
Another factor is increased intra-abdominal pressure.The size of the veins is constantly changing, inhaling - the veins are narrow, exhaling, on the contrary, they expand.When a person pushes hard, the veins experience severe stress and begin to expand under the pressure created.
Of course, this does not mean that absolutely every person is at risk, chronic constipation and coughing can cause varicose veins.
Varicose veins during pregnancy
Very often, varicose veins can be found in pregnant women.The ever-growing uterus puts pressure on the veins from the legs.In this case, nature protected women from serious consequences, endowed the body with enough sex hormones during pregnancy to make the walls of blood vessels plastic and covering.As a rule, here the disease can be reversed;After childbirth, the veins return to their previous state.
Prevention methods
Treating absolutely any disease is easier said than done, and varicose veins are no exception.Let's look at the main preventive measures:
- Forget tight and uncomfortable shoes.Women should remember that "every day" heels should not be higher than five centimeters.In the evenings, treat your feet with a massage and a cool bath, then raise them higher and sleep in this position for 15 minutes.
- Wear loose clothing without tight elastic bands or belts.
- If possible, walk more barefoot on gravel.At a minimum, treat yourself to such therapy during the holidays.
- Manage your diet.Eliminate or at least reduce the consumption of spicy, salty and smoked foods.The same goes for alcohol.
- An excellent prevention of varicose veins is exercise.An exception may be the initial stage of the disease.If you notice the first signs and symptoms, the load should be light and be sure to consult a doctor before starting exercise.
- If you have a sedentary job, try to get up and walk around the room as often as possible.Do basic exercises, at least jump a little.Do not cross your legs while sitting, this is very bad for blood circulation.
- Do not wake up with baths, saunas and hot tubs.Be sure to wash with cool water after "hot" procedures.
Stages of development of varicose veins
- The first stage.There is no pain or discomfort, only cosmetic defects are observed.A branched vein pattern, "stars" and "nets" are visible on the legs.In the evening, my legs were very swollen.
- The second stage.There is severe severe open swelling in the ankle area and legs.In the evenings, cramps, numbness, pins and needles, and confusion may occur.
- The third stage.There is a constant severe exacerbation of the legs, the accumulation form, pigmentation changes in places, itching and dermatitis appear.
- The fourth stage.Trophic ulcers appear on the skin of the legs.
Actions to take at the initial stage
Varicose veins of the lower extremities, if present in their infancy, respond well to treatment;It is quite possible that a competent "battle" will stop its development.
First, follow all the preventive measures described above.If necessary, review your wardrobe, remove all "harmful" things and do the same with shoes.Give your feet a contrast shower, walk barefoot and balance your diet.
Second, at the first symptoms, buy compression garments, which can be bras or stockings.Their principle of action is to spread pressure along the legs in such a way that blood circulation is normalized and symptoms are significantly reduced.
As for consultations, you should visit not only a phlebologist, but also a gynecologist (for women) and an orthopedist.Most likely, hormonal contraceptives or flat feet can cause circulation problems.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
During pregnancy, almost every woman faces problems with leg swelling and blood circulation problems.The enlarged uterus constantly puts pressure on the vena cava, preventing its normal functioning.
However, as mentioned a little above, in this case, varicose veins are reversed;The main thing is to take necessary preventive measures in time.
- Buy comfortable orthopedic shoes that will not tire your feet while walking.
- Take daily walks.Sitting or standing for a long time.Place your feet on a hill while resting to prevent venus stagnation.
- Wear compression garments to prevent swelling.
- Light physical exercises involving only your legs will be a good help.The simplest movements of the legs in different directions are enough.
- Vitamin C is very good in preventing varicose veins.It has many useful properties that will give elasticity to the veins, and at the same time it reduces the risk of many diseases.
Treatment of varicose veins
Complete relief of the disease is possible only through surgery.Medicines and physical exercise are used as auxiliary methods.
Phlebectomy
Operations are either surgical in nature or using the latest technologies.When varicose veins are removed, one of the first is phlebectomy.
Laser
The second group has laser coagulation;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 thin needle that glues the walls of the vessels and subsequently dissolves them.
But no matter how many doctors they try, they simply cannot eliminate the main cause of varicose veins - the weakness of the walls of the blood vessels.You have the power to prevent disease only through preventive measures.
Special exercises
Below we will list a number of physical exercises that will not take much of your time, but the effect will be remarkable.You can make them at home.
- Exercise 1.Lie on the floor, raise your legs until they form an angle of 90 ° with respect to the floor, and "take your toes to yourself".Repeat 10 times.
- Exercise 2.In a lying position, raise your legs and "pull" circles with your legs, 10 times in each direction.
- Exercise 3.The familiar "birch tree" has a good effect.In a lying position, raise your leg and pelvis, holding the latter in 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 help to move this blood from the veins.
- Work 4.Knees pointing in different directions with your feet together.Grab your legs 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 hold your right leg with your right hand.Make several spring movements with your hips (trying to reach your heel) and hold for 10 seconds.Do similar manipulations with the left side.
Maz
The purpose of drugs in the treatment of varicose veins is to give elasticity and normal condition to the veins.A specialist will recommend the necessary medicine for complex treatment.
A cream with an anticoagulant can have a good preventive effect.The role of the latter is to relieve pain and strengthen blood vessels in the areas affected by pain.Often, varicose cream preparations contain a number of vitamins: C, B5 and B1, which significantly reduces the recovery period.
Tablets that are also distributed in the treatment are:
- improve vascular tone;
- relieve the inflammatory process;
- accelerate blood and lymph flow;
- Eliminate microcirculation disorders.
Tablet drugs are divided into several groups: corticosteroids, phlebotonics, antithrombotics and non-steroidal analgesics.
Folk treatment
A conservative treatment method is effective in the first stage of varicose veins, when a person feels heaviness in the legs and a venous network on the skin.The sooner measures are taken to eliminate the problem, the faster and more accurate the results will be.Below are some simple but effective recipes.
Garlic compress
A paste is made of chopped garlic and butter in 4:2 proportions, which is then applied to the affected areas, provided with paper and a bandage.The duration of exposure is one night;Wash your feet with warm water in the morning.
Chestnut
Chestnut tincture for internal use.Fifty grams of dry product is poured into 500 ml of alcohol.The resulting product must be poured and filtered within 14 days.Take three times a day before meals with water.
Ointment based on Kalanchoe
A liter jar should be half filled with leaves and the rest filled with 70% alcohol.The resulting tincture should be placed in a dark place for two weeks, but shaken daily.The prepared ointment is applied to the affected areas daily.
Love yourself and be healthy!