Varicose veins are a fairly common pathological condition characterized by an increase in lumen diameter, thinning of the vein wall, and the appearance of "nodes. "
Translated from ancient Greek, "varicose veins" means "swelling. "Theoretically, a similar disease can appear anywhere on the body, but the most common lesion is the legs.
The crux of the problem
The veins in the body play a very important role, representing a network of branched reservoirs that carry blood from the tissues to the heart muscle. In the lower extremities, this network is expressed in the form of deep and superficial veins connected by an emergency circulatory system.
As a general rule, the main focus is on the deep veins, so they are noticeably stronger and more voluminous. And on the surface, about 15% of the total work remained.
The heart is a "pump" that drives blood through the veins. Some of the blood flows through the veins against gravity (while walking, moving, or squatting). When the muscles relax (standing), the blood rushes down under the same gravity. But not everything is so simple, valves placed on the walls of the vessels will not let you back.
In case the valves are "broken", the veins are dilated and inflamed, they are unable to maintain blood flow. This process contributes to the bloating and bulging of the veins. The damaged blood supply will be the root from which the varicose veins in the legs begin.
Causes of varicose veins
There are several reasons for this:
- Varicose veins can be inherited, meaning there is an innate weakness in the vessel walls.
- The occurrence of varicose veins can be associated with human activity and immunity.
To be sure, the disease doesn't just develop, it has to be a boost.
Blood stagnation occurs during sedentary work in the veins, or rather in the pelvis, which later manifests itself in health problems. Varicose veins result from a sedentary lifestyle, so there are no barriers to their origin with standing work.
It is no coincidence that this disease is primarily called an occupational disease of salespeople and hairdressers.
The following are also obvious provocateurs:
- overweight (obesity),
- Frequent weight lifting
- leg injuries.
Another factor is increased intra-abdominal pressure. The size of the veins is constantly changing, inhalation - the veins are narrowing, the exhalation, on the contrary, dilates. When a person presses hard, the veins become heavily loaded and begin to dilate under the pressure created.
Of course, this does not mean that absolutely everyone is in danger, but chronic constipation and coughing can cause varicose veins.
Varicose veins during pregnancy
Very often, varicose veins are found in pregnant women. The growing uterus puts involuntary pressure on the veins of the legs. In this case, nature protected women from the serious consequences and endowed the body with sufficient amounts of sex hormones during pregnancy to make the walls of blood vessels plastic and flexible. As a general rule, the disease is reversible here, after delivery the veins return to their previous state.
Methods of prevention
Absolutely any disease is much easier to prevent than to cure, and varicose veins are no exception. Let’s take a look at the main preventative measures:
- Forget tight and uncomfortable shoes. Women should remember that the "everyday" heel can be no more than five inches. In the evening, please massage your feet with a massage and a cool bath, then throw them higher and lie in this position for 15 minutes.
- Wear loose clothing that does not have a tight elastic strap or belt.
- If possible, walk barefoot on gravel as much as possible. At the very least, take care of these therapies during your vacation.
- Check your diet. Eliminate or at least reduce your consumption of spicy, salty and smoked foods. The same goes for alcohol. A
- Sport is an excellent prevention of varicose veins. An exception may be the initial stage of the disease. If you notice the first signs and symptoms in yourself, the load should be weak and be sure to consult your doctor before starting your workout.
- 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 detrimental to blood circulation.
- Don't overdo it with baths, saunas and whirlpools. After "hot" procedures, be sure to rinse with cold water.
Stages of varicose veins
- First section.Pain and discomfort are absent, only cosmetic defects can be observed. A branching vein pattern appears on the legs, "stars" and "mesh" appear. In the evening, the legs swell a lot.
- Second section.There is obvious swelling in the ankle area and severe difficulty in the legs. Convulsions, numbness, needles and needles may occur in the evening.
- Third section.Severe severe swelling of the legs, seals on the skin, pigmentation changes in places, itching and dermatitis.
- Fourth section.Trophic ulcers appear on the skin of the feet.
What to do in the initial phase
The varicose veins of the lower limbs, if they are in the developmental stage, respond well to treatment, it is entirely possible that a competent "fight" will stop its development.
Follow all the precautions described above first. Rethink your closet, if necessary, eliminate all "harmful" things, do the same with your shoes. Give a contrast shower to your feet, walk more barefoot and balance your food.
Second, when you get your first symptoms, get compression underwear, be it stockings or stockings. Their principle of action is that the pressure in the legs is distributed so that blood circulation normalizes and symptoms are significantly weakened.
As for consultations, you should visit not only a phlebologist, but also a gynecologist (for women) and an orthopedist. It is likely that hormonal contraceptives or flat legs may have caused circulatory problems.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
Almost all women experience leg swelling and circulatory disorders during pregnancy. The enlarged uterus constantly pushes the lower vena cava, disrupting its normal functioning.
But, as mentioned a little above, varicose veins are reversible in this case, the point is to take the necessary preventive measures in a timely manner.
- Buy comfortable orthopedic shoes to keep your feet tired while walking.
- Take daily walks. Do not sit or stand for long periods of time. To prevent venous stagnation, place your foot on a hill while resting.
- Wear compression garments to avoid swelling.
- Light physical exercises that only use the legs are a good help. The simplest leg movements in different directions are sufficient.
- Vitamin C is very good at preventing varicose veins, it has many beneficial properties that give flexibility to the veins, while reducing the risk of many diseases.
Varicose veins management
Complete cure of the disease is only possible in a workable way. Medication and exercise are used as complementary methods.
Phlebectomy
Surgeries can be both surgical and use the latest technology. The former include phlebectomy, when the varicose vein is removed.
Laser
In the second group there is laser coagulation, there are no incisions, heat 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 to the walls of the vessels and then dissolves them.
But in vain do doctors want to, they are simply unable to eliminate the main cause of varicose veins - the weakness of the vessel wall. It is your sole responsibility to prevent the disease with preventive measures.
Advanced Exercises
Listed below are a number of physical exercises that won’t take much time, but the impact will be great. You can do it at home.
- Exercise 1.Lie on the floor, raise your feet at a 90 ° angle to the floor, and start moving your toes "by yourself. "Repeat 10 times.
- Exercise 2.In a prone position, raise your leg and “draw” circles with your leg, ten times in both directions.
- Exercise 3.The known "birch" has a good effect. From a predisposed position, lift your legs and pelvis, resting the latter on your hands. Lock in this position for a few seconds. Repeat 4 times.
- Tip:Take some time to stretch. First, your body will always be flexible, and second, it will help displace blood from your veins.
- Exercise 4.Lie on the ground with your legs and knees pointing in the opposite direction. Grab your leg and pull it toward you. Stay in this position for a while. Play the exercise 4 times.
- Exercise 5.Lie on your left side and lean on your elbows, holding your right foot with your right hand. Make a few spring movements with the back of your hips (try to reach the heel to the buttocks), stay for 10 seconds. Do the same on the left.
Ointments
Medicines used to treat varicose veins are intended to ensure the flexibility and normal condition of the veins. The necessary medication is recommended by a specialist for complex treatment.
A cream containing anticoagulants can have a good preventive effect. The role of the latter is to anesthetize the affected areas as well as to strengthen the blood vessels. Often, anti-varicose cream preparations contain a number of vitamins: C, B5 and B1, thanks to which the regeneration period is noticeably reduced.
Tablets that:
are also common during treatment- improves vascular tone;
- relieves inflammation;
- accelerates blood flow and lymph flow;
- eliminates microcirculatory disorders.
tablets are divided into several groups: corticosteroids, phlebotonics, antithrombotic and non-steroidal analgesics.
Folk remedies
Conservative treatment is effective in the first stage of varicose veins when a person feels difficulties in the legs and notices the venous network on the skin. The sooner corrective action is taken, the sooner and more accurate the results will be. Below are some simple but effective recipes.
Garlic compression
Oatmeal is made from 1: 2 grated garlic and butter, which is then applied to the affected areas, secured with paper and bandage. Duration of exposure - at night, in the morning, rinse your feet with warm water.
Chestnuts
Chestnut tincture for internal use. Pour fifty grams of dry product with 500 ml of alcohol. The resulting product should be adhered to for 14 days, filtered. Take it three times a day with water before meals.
Kalanchoe Ointment
One liter container should be half filled with leaves and the rest with 70% alcohol. The resulting tincture should be placed in a dark place for two weeks, but shake daily. The damaged areas are rubbed daily with the finished ointment.
Love yourself and be healthy!