Varicose veins are a fairly common pathological condition characterized by an increase in the diameter of the lumen, thinning of the vein walls and the appearance of "nodules".
Translated from the ancient Greek language, "varicose veins" means "swelling". In theory, such a disease can occur anywhere on the body, but the most common lesion is the legs.
The nature 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 to each other by an emergency bleeding system.
As a rule, the main focus is on the deep veins, so they are noticeably stronger and more voluminous. And about 15% of all work remains on the surface.
The heart is a "pump" that moves blood through the veins. Some of the blood flows through the veins against gravity (when walking, moving or squatting). When the muscles are relaxed (while standing), the blood rushes down, under the influence of the same gravity. But not everything is so simple, the valves located on the walls of blood vessels do not let it back.
In cases where the valves are "broken", the veins are dilated and inflamed, they are unable to maintain blood flow. This process contributes to the swelling and swelling of the veins. Impaired blood supply becomes the root from which the varicose veins of the legs begin.
Causes of varicose veins
There are many reasons for this:
- Varicose veins can be inherited, ie there is a congenital weakness of the vessel walls.
- The appearance of varicose veins may be related to human activity and immunity.
One thing is clear for sure, the disease does not just happen, something should serve as a boost.
During sedentary work in the veins or rather in the pelvis, blood stagnation occurs, which subsequently manifests itself in health problems. Varicose veins arise from a sedentary lifestyle, therefore with constant work there are no obstacles to its origin.
It is no coincidence that this disease, in the first place, is called an occupational disease of sellers 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, exhalation, on the contrary, expands. When a person presses hard, the veins are under a heavy load and under the created pressure they start to expand.
Of course, this does not mean that absolutely everyone is at risk, but chronic constipation and cough can cause varicose veins.
Varicose veins during pregnancy
Very often varicose veins can be found in pregnant women. The ever-increasing uterus puts involuntary pressure on the veins in the legs. In this case, nature has protected women from serious consequences and has endowed the body during pregnancy with a sufficient amount of sex hormones that make the walls of blood vessels plastic and pliable. As a rule, here the disease is reversible; after birth, 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 look at the main preventive measures:
- Forget tight and uncomfortable shoes. Women should remember that the "daily" current should be no more than five centimeters. In the evening, please massage your feet and cool bath, then throw them up and lie down in this position for 15 minutes.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing that does not have tight elastics or belts.
- Walk barefoot on pebbles if possible. At the very least, arrange these therapies while you are on vacation.
- Control your diet. Eliminate or at least reduce the consumption of spicy, salty and smoked foods. The same goes for alcohol.
- 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, then the load should be low and before you start training, be sure to consult your doctor.
- If you have a sedentary job, try to get up as often as possible and walk around the room. Do basic exercises, at least jump a little. Do not cross your legs when sitting, it is very bad for blood circulation.
- Don't overdo baths, saunas and hot tubs. After "hot" procedures, be sure to rinse with lukewarm water.
Stages of development of varicose veins
- First stage.There is no pain and discomfort, only cosmetic defects are observed. A branched pattern of veins appears on the legs, "stars" and "eye" appear. In the evening the legs swell strongly.
- Second stage.There is obvious swelling in the ankle area and severe heaviness in the legs. Spasms, tingling, pins and needles may occur in the evening.
- Third stage.Constant severe swelling of the legs, skin seals form, pigmentation changes in places, itching and dermatitis appear.
- Fourth stage.Trophic ulcers appear on the skin of the feet.
What measures to take in the initial stage
Varicose veins of the lower extremities, if at the stage of birth, responds well to treatment, it is possible that a competent "battle" to stop its development.
First, follow all the preventative measures described above. Reconsider your wardrobe, if necessary, remove all "harmful" things, do the same with shoes. Give your feet a contrast shower, walk barefoot and balance your meals.
Second, at the first symptoms take compression underwear, it can be tights or socks. Their principle of action is to distribute the pressure on the legs in such a way that blood circulation is normalized and symptoms are significantly reduced.
As for the consultation, it is necessary to visit not only a phlebologist, but also a gynecologist (for women) and an orthopedist. Hormonal contraceptives or flat feet may have caused circulatory problems.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
Almost every woman during pregnancy faces problems with swelling of the legs and circulatory disorders. The enlarged uterus constantly compresses the inferior vena cava, interfering with its normal functioning.
But, as mentioned a little above, varicose veins in this case are reversible, the most important thing is to take the necessary preventive measures in time.
- Buy comfortable orthopedic shoes so that your feet do not get tired when walking.
- Take daily walks. Do not sit or stand for a long time. To prevent venous congestion, place your feet on a hill during rest.
- Wear compression garments to avoid puffiness.
- A light exercise that involves only the legs is a good help. The simplest movements of the legs in different directions are enough.
- Vitamin C is very good in the prevention of varicose veins. It has many beneficial properties that will give elasticity to the veins, while reducing the risk of many diseases.
Treatment of varicose veins
Complete cure of the disease is possible only by surgery. Medicines and exercises are used as auxiliary methods.
Phlebectomy
Operations can be either surgical in nature or use the latest technology. The former include phlebectomy, when varicose veins are 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 sticks to the walls of the vessels and then dissolves them.
But no matter how doctors want, they are simply not able to eliminate the main cause of varicose veins - the weakness of the vessel walls. It is in your power to prevent the disease through preventive measures.
Special exercises
Below we list a number of exercises that will not take much of your time, but the effect will be great. You can make them at home.
- Exercise 1.Lie on the floor, lift your feet at a 90 ° angle to the floor, and start moving your toes "from you to you. "Repeat 10 times.
- Exercise 2.Lift your legs in a lying position and "draw" circles with your legs, 10 times in each direction.
- Exercise 3.The familiar "birch" has a good effect. From a lying 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 contribute to the displacement of blood from the veins.
- Exercise 4.Lie on the floor with your legs together, knees facing in opposite directions. Grasp your legs and pull them towards you. Stay in this position for a while. Play the exercise 4 times.
- Exercise 5.Lie on your left side and rest on your elbow, grab your right leg with your right hand. Make a few spring movements with the thigh back (trying to reach the buttocks with the heel), hold for 10 seconds. Do the same for the left side.
Ointments
The purpose of drugs in the treatment of varicose veins is to give elasticity and normal condition of the veins. The necessary medicine will be recommended by a specialist for complex treatment.
A cream containing an anticoagulant may have a good prophylactic effect. The role of the latter is to anesthetize the affected areas, as well as to strengthen blood vessels. Often anti-varicose cream preparations contain a number of vitamins: C, B5 and B1, thanks to them the regeneration period is significantly reduced.
Pills are also common in treatment that:
- improvement of vascular tone;
- relieving inflammation;
- accelerate blood and lymph flow;
- elimination of microcirculatory disorders.
The tablets are divided into several groups: corticosteroids, phlebotonics, antithrombotic and non-steroidal analgesics.
Folk remedies
The conservative method of treatment is effective in the first stage of varicose veins, when a person feels heaviness in the legs and notices a 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 compress
The porridge is prepared from grated garlic and oil in a ratio of 1: 2, which is then applied to the affected areas, fixed with paper and bandage. Duration of exposure - at night, in the morning rinse your feet with warm water.
Chestnut
Chestnut tincture for internal use. Pour fifty grams of dry product with 500 ml of alcohol. The resulting product should be insisted for 14 days, filtered. Take three times daily before meals with water.
Kalanchoe ointment
The 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 shake it daily. The damaged areas are rubbed daily with the prepared ointment.
Love yourself and be healthy!