One problem in many women and about 15% of men is varicose veins of the legs. In this disease, the blood vessels (veins) in the legs, which return carbon-rich blood and metabolic wastes, become deformed, dilated, lose their shades, and appear under the skin.
In addition to cosmetic defects, changes in the structure of veins and impaired blood circulation lead to discomfort in the legs and even pain, edema and heaviness. Although there are a variety of medical tools and procedures to help with treatment, right from the start, as soon as the first signs of blood cancer appear, prevention is important - this will help avoid pain, swelling, tired legs and external cosmetic blemishes.
What's the problem?
Varicose veins, commonly referred to as varicose veins, are severe changes in the venous wall, weakness, excessive stretching, which results in dark blue or purple twisted swollen veins under the skin. In the initial stage, small "stars" may appear from the dilated capillaries, small wreaths, and then from the larger one.
Veins have a special structure: in addition to the flexible wall, they also have small valves (pockets) that prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction. Varicose veins form when the valves on the walls of the veins weaken, stretch, deform, and do not close completely. Excessive stretching of the walls and valve failure will ultimately result in the blood getting worse in the blood vessels, its movement slowing down and even stopping. First, the small vessels appear in the form of "stars" or spider legs, followed by thicker twisted vessels.
Other symptoms of varicose veins may include:
- burning in calves, throbbing sensation;
- discomfort in the legs, feeling of heaviness or pain;
- muscle cramps, cramps, more noticeable at night;
- Foot and ankle swelling;
- dry or itchy, pale skin, thinner than healthy skin
If you are prone to varicose veins or the first symptoms appear, there are a number of procedures that eliminate foot discomfort and pain, promote blood circulation, and tone veins.
Exercise and physical activity
Regular exercise improves blood circulation to the legs. Muscle contraction helps to displace blood that has accumulated in the vein. Exercise also lowers blood pressure, which is another negative factor that contributes to varicose veins.
Low-intensity exercise helps the calf muscle to contract. They work without undue stress.
Effective, low-impact exercises include:
- swimming;
- walk;
- cycling;
- yoga.
Compression stockings and tights
Compression stockings are available at most pharmacies and orthopedic stores. They distribute the pressure to the legs and press the walls of the veins from the outside. It helps blood to reach the heart and relieves blood formation in the lower extremities. The study found that people who wore knee-length compression stockings had pressures between 18 and 21 mmHg. within a week he observed a decrease in pain and discomfort associated with varicose veins. It is important to choose stockings and stockings with your doctor or salon specialist so that they do not confuse the degree of compression.
Plant Extracts
Studies have shown that chestnut extract can relieve leg pain, heaviness and itchy skin in people with chronic venous insufficiency (one of the main causes of varicose veins).
A review study found that sea pine extract and butcher broom extract can reduce leg swelling or edema, which is often caused by varicose veins.
Herbal extracts and essential oils must be diluted before being applied to the skin or used in an aromatherapy diffuser.
The diet changes
Salty or sodium-rich foods contribute to swelling, including the legs and ankles, so reducing salty foods can minimize water retention. Foods high in potassium, such as almonds and pistachios, help prevent and treat varicose veins by reducing water retention in the body. This group includes
- almonds and pistachios;
- lentils and white beans;
- potatoes;
- leafy vegetables;
- Some fish species, such as salmon and tuna.
Fibrous foods help maintain bowel function and prevent constipation. This can be important because stress can damage the valves or cause blood to become blocked in the veins. High fiber foods include:
- nuts, seeds and legumes;
- oats, wheat and flax seeds;
- whole grains.
Overweight people are more likely to wear varicose veins, so unnecessary loss can reduce blood vessel pressure, reduce swelling and discomfort.
Flavonoids in food
Adding flavonoid-containing foods to your diet also helps reduce the risk of varicose veins. Flavonoids, as biologically active substances, improve blood circulation, maintain a uniform blood flow, and reduce the likelihood of blood vessels accumulating in the veins. They help lower arterial blood pressure and relax blood vessels, reduce stress on the veins and reduce the risk of varicose veins.
Foods containing flavonoids include:
- vegetables: green onions, peppers, spinach and broccoli;
- citrus fruits and grapes, cherries, apples and blueberries;
- cocoa;
- garlic.
Herbs
Some herbal preparations help to tone veins and reduce their deformity. It is believed that grape seed extract can reduce leg swelling and other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, although there is currently little evidence of its effectiveness. If you are taking blood thinners, avoid using grape seed extract as a dietary supplement as this may interact with the drug and increase the risk of bleeding.
Choosing the right clothes
Wearing tight, tight and synthetic clothing can restrict the blood flow to the legs. Wearing loose, breathable clothing that does not restrict the blood supply to the lower body, improves blood supply to the veins and reduces valve deformation.
Wearing tight and tight shoes is also prohibited. Narrow-toed shoes put pressure on blood vessels and cause pain. We recommend that you choose shoes with an orthopedic insole.
Wearing low-heeled shoes or a comfortable, stable sole instead of high-heeled shoes can help relieve the pain of leg varicose veins.
Raise your legs more often
Periodically raising the legs upwards, ideally to a height equal to or higher than the heart, promotes blood circulation. This reduces the pressure in the blood vessels in the legs, and gravity helps the blood flow back smoothly to the heart. You should try to raise your leg if you want to sit for a long time, such as while working or resting.
Massage
Gently massage your legs, feet, and thighs to keep the blood in your blood vessels. Use fine massage oils or moisturizers for optimal results. However, it is extremely important to avoid pressure directly on the veins as this can damage the fragile tissue. No less useful massage with a jet of water in the shower, including contrast.
Constant motion
Avoid sitting for extended periods of time. If you have to sit in the workplace for a long time, you should strive to stand up and move, or at least change your position often, so that blood can flow through the entire vein of your legs.
Avoid sitting with crossed legs, as this can further restrict blood flow to the legs and feet and aggravate circulatory problems.
Varicose veins treatment procedures
If preventative measures at home have not improved the condition of your veins, severe discomfort, pain and swelling will occur, medical treatment is needed to prevent varicose veins.
Your doctor may prescribe the following:
- Endothermic ablation.This is a procedure in which heat is applied to close the affected veins;
- Outpatient phlebectomyThe doctor will pierce the skin and remove the varicose veins with small incisions. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, leaving virtually no scar;
- Sclerotherapy.This procedure uses a special foam to close the damaged blood vessels. Blood flows through the bypass vein system;
- Ligation and removal.In this procedure, varicose veins are surgically removed;
- Laser surgery.Intense light scattering is directed at the vein, which fades;
- Endoscopic surgery. The veins are removed through several smaller incisions
Future forecasts
Varicose veins cause discomfort and cosmetic defects. Prevention of varicose veins is possible at home, and changes in diet and lifestyle can reduce unpleasant symptoms. But as the disease progresses, a doctor should be consulted to correct any visible defects and to heal the veins themselves.