Varicose veins in the legs – how dangerous is the disease, how to treat and prevent it?

Varicose veins in the legs is a chronic disease in which there is a violation of the outflow of blood. Such a disease is a serious cosmetic defect and gives a lot of discomfort to a person. More often the disease occurs in women: it is diagnosed in 89% of women. It is also observed in 66% of men.

Varicose veins – causes

Venous blood from the feet to the heart rises under the influence of arterial pressure. If a person is healthy, then this mechanism operates smoothly. In the presence of pathologies, the body is forced to stimulate this process: it increases pressure and pushes the blood up with pushing movements. The result is valvular insufficiency. Due to the constant increased pressure, the walls of blood vessels stretch, lose their elasticity and become thinner. Blue nodules form under the skin. The most common causes of varicose veins are:

1. hereditary predisposition Some people are susceptible to this disease. They have congenital valve degeneration, weak vessel walls. For this reason, varicose veins in the legs can be observed even at a young age.
2. Hormonal changes – due to a malfunction, blood stagnation occurs. The most dangerous are the period of bearing a baby, puberty and after childbirth. In the female body (especially at this time), the corpus luteum hormones predominate. They also have a relaxing effect on the veins.
3. Joint diseases – rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and other diseases.
4. Wearing tight shoes and overly tight clothes.
5. Unbalanced Diet – the presence of fatty and high-calorie foods in it.
6. Bad habits – Smoking and alcohol abuse.
7. Taking certain drugs – hormonal contraceptives.
8. Overweight Obesity increases pressure on the legs.
9. Chronic liver disease – cirrhosis, hepatitis.

Varicose veins in the legs – symptoms

This disease has its own characteristics. Symptoms depend on the stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities. They can be:

• cramps at night;
• dark spots and nodules are visible;
• swelling is observed;
• painful sensations (pulsating, breaking);
• fast fatigue of the legs;
• skin itching;
• feeling of “creeping” goosebumps.

Why are varicose veins dangerous?

This disease will not go away on its own. Without proper treatment, the situation will only worsen. Expansion of the veins in the legs can provoke such complications:

1. Eczema and dermatitis – redness, small bubbles and cracks appear in the lower leg area.
2. Trophic ulcers – both single and multiple “islands” can appear. More often they are weeping (a clear or bloody liquid constantly appears on their surface). Although these ulcers are not deep, they are very painful.
3. Thrombophlebitis – may be accompanied by an increase in body temperature, reddening of the skin, painful sensations both when walking and at rest.
4. Rupture of a vein – Accompanied by profuse bleeding. If such a complication occurs, immediate medical attention is required.

Varicose veins on the legs – treatment

The following specialists deal with this problem: phlebologists, angiosurgeons. Before prescribing treatment for varicose veins in the legs, the doctor will prescribe a diagnosis. It is represented by the following procedures:

• samples of Sheinis, Prett, Perthes;
• ultrasound;
• vein scanning;
• thermography;
• phlebomanometry;
• photoplethysmography;
• computer phlebography.

Varicose veins in the legs include the following treatment:

• conservative;
• surgical;
• treatment of varicose veins with leeches;
• folk remedies;
• sclerotherapy.

Ointment for varicose veins

All drugs used in therapy must be safe. In addition, effective ointments for varicose veins of the lower extremities meet the following requirements:

• prevent blood stasis;
• remove pain and relieve swelling;
• have a tonic effect;
• optimize the work of venous valves;
• reduce the likelihood of negative consequences.

Varicose veins in the legs should be treated with the right medicines. The most effective remedy, taking into account the stage of the disease, can only be selected by a doctor. Self-medication is dangerous! At best, the drug will be useless, and at worst, it will provoke an aggravation of the situation. More often from varicose veins prescribe such ointments:

1. Heparin – has an anti-inflammatory effect, has a vasoconstrictor and analgesic effect. The active substance of this drug is heparin. Based on this component, other drugs for the treatment of varicose veins are also made. These include Dermaton, Venosan, Heparoid.
2. Troxevasin – the basis of this drug is troxerutin. This substance has a wide range of useful properties. It has anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory, angioprotective and antioxidant activity.
3. Vishnevsky – This drug has a natural composition, so it is safe. This tool is distinguished by antiseptic, healing, analgesic and regenerating effects.

Cream for varicose veins

Such drugs contain vegetable oils, petroleum jelly and other components that give the drug a soft, oily texture. These medicines are easily distributed and well absorbed into the skin. In addition, such drugs have moisturizing and softening effects. Chronic varicose veins of the lower extremities are treated with the help of such creams and gels:

• antibacterial agents – Metrogyl;
• anticoagulant drugs – Venolife;
• phlebotonics – Venitan, Venoruton;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – Indovazin;
• corticosteroid drugs – Lorinden, Celestoderm.

Tablets for varicose veins

In the treatment of this drug, various groups of medicines are prescribed. Here are some drugs for varicose veins of the lower extremities are more often prescribed:

• phlebotonics – Venarus, Aescusan, Detralex, Glivenol;
• anticoagulants – Vasobral, Curantil;
• antioxidants – Antistax, vitamin E;
• enzyme therapy preparations – Phlogenzym, Wobenzym.

Treatment of varicose veins on the legs with injections

This procedure is called sclerotherapy. It is considered an alternative to surgery. This procedure quickly helps to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Injections (they are called sclerosants) are injected into the area with the affected veins. This is where a chemical burn occurs. In addition, an inflammatory process begins that affects the walls of blood vessels.

After a short period of time, the veins converge, and then stick together. As a result, their throughput deteriorates, and the blood flow goes along an alternative channel. Over time, these veins disappear. Connective tissue appears in their place. If varicose veins of the lower extremities are diagnosed, treatment with an injection can be carried out as follows:

1. Traditional sclerotherapy – involves the introduction of unmodified drugs that quickly dissolve in the blood.
2. Treatment of capillaries – a method that helps to get rid of the capillary network.
3. Foam sclerosant injections – This option is good because it gives a lasting result.
4. echosclerotherapy – provides for duplex scanning.

The procedure is as follows:

1. A week before the upcoming therapy, you need to stop smoking and drinking alcohol. In addition, it is necessary to stop taking medications that affect blood clotting.
2. The place of the future puncture is anesthetized.
3. The vein is punctured and a needle is inserted.
4. Injections are made (the dosage of the drug is calculated by the attending physician). The number of injections for 1 session can vary from 8 to 10.
5. A pressure bandage is applied to the treated area.
6. The patient is prescribed an hour-long leisurely walk.

More often, varicose veins on the affected legs are treated with such drugs:

• Ethoxysclerol;
• Fibro-Vayne.

Treatment of varicose veins in the legs with folk remedies

Alternative methods are considered a good addition in the treatment of this disease. At the initial stage, folk remedies can be used independently. However, they should be used strictly under the supervision of a doctor. If you wear tights for varicose veins at the same time, the effect will come much faster. However, even they should be used taking into account the recommendations of the attending physician.

Particularly well proven treatment of varicose veins on the legs with apple cider vinegar. For such therapy, both a self-made and a purchased natural product will fit. This tool can be used as follows:

1. Rubbing – A small amount of apple cider vinegar is applied to the affected area and gently rubbed. Do such procedures should be twice a day (day and before bedtime).
2. Compresses – a small piece of clean gauze is soaked in apple cider vinegar and applied to the problem area. You can keep this bandage for no more than 10 minutes. Every day you need to do 1-2 procedures. The duration of therapy is 2-3 weeks.

Exercises for varicose veins of the lower extremities – gymnastics at home

These classes simultaneously solve the following tasks:

• normalize blood pressure;
• increase vascular tone;
• activates lymphatic outflow;
• increases the physical endurance of the body;
• improves peripheral circulation.

Gymnastics with varicose veins of the lower extremities should be performed under the supervision of a doctor. The following exercises are prohibited:

• lunges;
• squats;
• lifting the bar;
• jumping;
• run.

Effective exercises for varicose veins of the lower extremities:

• swimming;
• golf;
• sports walking;
• walking on toes and heels;
• water aerobics.

Massage for varicose veins of the lower extremities

This procedure is highly efficient. However, not every type of massage is acceptable in this case. For example, honey rubdowns are prohibited, as they can provoke an increase in pain. Treatment of varicose veins in the legs at home involves the following massage:

• hydromassage;
• medical manual;
• self-massage;
• gouache procedures.

Treatment of varicose veins with a laser

Under the influence of such a beam, the vessels are glued together and the stem is brewed. After a short period of time, the irradiated vein is replaced by connective tissue. The procedure lasts no more than an hour. Treatment of varicose veins on the legs with a laser is less traumatic: it is performed under local anesthesia. After such a procedure, a roller is placed on the treated area and fixed with an elastic bandage. The patient can then go home.

Surgical treatment of varicose veins of the legs

Surgery can be done in a variety of ways. The method chosen by the doctor directly depends on the stage of the disease and the condition of the patient. The operation for varicose veins of the lower extremities can be performed as follows:

1. Classic variant – is considered the most traumatic. It involves the removal of the entire vein (from the groin to the foot).
2. short stripping – only fragments affected by varicose veins are removed.
3. Miniphlebectomy – an innovative technique used to remove dilated “branches” of the saphenous vein. With this operation, single punctures are made through which the affected blood vessels are removed. After surgery, there are no scars and scars on the skin.

Nutrition for varicose veins of the lower extremities

Diet in this disease is very important. The following foods should be present in the diet:

• bell pepper;
• carrot;
• White cabbage;
• citrus;
• apples;
• nuts;
• rose hip;
• currant;
• sea ​​fish;
• eggs;
• lean meat;
• legumes;
• cereals;
• cheeses;
• liver.

Diet for varicose veins of the lower extremities involves the rejection of such products:

• canned food;
• semi-finished products;
• muffins and pastries;
• caffeinated drinks;
• smoked meats;
• pickled products;
• aspic;
• chicory;
• alcoholic beverages.

Prevention of varicose veins in the legs

This disease is easier to prevent than to treat.

Even before the first symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities in women appear, the following steps can be taken:

1. Pick up comfortable shoes.
2. Normalize weight.
3. To refuse from bad habits.
4. Wear special underwear for varicose veins.
5. During sleep, put a roller under your feet.
6. Lead an active lifestyle, not forgetting about the rest.
7. Do a relaxing massage.