If you have varicose veins, you must strictly follow all your doctor's orders and know what not to do with this disease.If you do not comply with some restrictions and do not eliminate the influence of negative external factors, then the manifestations of varicose veins will only progress.
Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic defect that many people try to hide under clothes, but also a serious medical condition.Therefore, doctors call this condition varicose veins.Changes in the veins in the legs and sometimes in other areas (lower abdomen, chest) require constant medical supervision.
Patients must strictly follow all the surgeon's instructions and know what not to do when they have varicose veins in their legs.If certain restrictions are not observed and the influence of negative external factors is not eliminated, the manifestations of the disease (deformation of the vein walls, blood stagnation, dilation of the veins) will only progress.
If the patient does not take into account possible contraindications to varicose veins in the legs, the effectiveness of the prescribed drug treatment will decrease and the risk of complications will increase.The important question that the patient should ask the doctor after diagnosis is: what is prohibited for varicose veins of the lower limbs, what foods, manipulations or loads are prohibited and why?The expert will tell you in detail what restrictions you should adhere to, recommend useful articles and resources where you can get reliable information.
What foods should people with varicose veins not eat?
When discussing nutrition, the doctor will pay special attention to foods that are prohibited for people with varicose veins in the legs.Just limit your intake of certain foods, it's better to avoid certain foods and drinks altogether to avoid making your vein condition worse.
- Flour and sweet products.Small amounts are acceptable, but you should limit your intake of foods rich in light carbohydrates.Excess calories from excessive consumption of baked goods and sweets pose a risk of overweight and obesity, increase the load on the legs and impair blood circulation.
- Dishes containing animal fats and trans fats.It is necessary to limit fried foods and dishes containing butter.And trans fats are on the list of foods you should not eat if you have varicose veins.Excess fat threatens pathological weight gain and changes the tone of the vessel walls.
- Spicy and highly salty dishes.This is another food group that you should avoid eating if you have varicose veins.They retain water in the veins, causing swelling, especially in the lower limbs.Retaining excess fluid in the vessels increases pressure on the vein walls, causing them to expand and deform further.
- Ale.You should not believe rumors that drinking small amounts of alcohol is good for blood vessels.Ethyl alcohol and its metabolic products dilate in the short term, but then greatly constrict blood vessels.Thin vein walls may be subjected to excessive load and an inflammatory process may occur.In addition, alcohol also increases the risk of blood clots forming in the veins.
- Coffee.Doctors recommend avoiding this drink or limiting it to 1-2 small cups per day.But why shouldn't coffee be used to treat varicose veins?Biologically active ingredients in coffee inhibit intestinal motility, causing constipation, which is dangerous for hemorrhoids and varicose veins in the legs.
- Drinks with chicory.Patients have a reasonable question: why can't you drink chicory if you have varicose veins, because it does not contain caffeine?Plant compounds in this drink help thin the blood, actively dilate blood vessels and increase the permeability of the vessel walls.This aggravates the course of the disease.
What exercises should you not do if you have varicose veins?
Although physical activity for varicose veins is necessary, moderate and consistent exercise is necessary.It is important to discuss with your vein doctor what exercises you should not do if you have varicose veins in your legs.The danger comes from sports and exercises that increase the load on the leg muscles (strength training, weight lifting) and impact loads (jumping, squatting, running).
What sports should you not do if you have varicose veins?
- any type of weightlifting;
- volleyball and football in the presence of protruding veins (in the early stages of varicose veins, non-professional activities are accepted provided that an elastic bandage is used before the match);
- sprint and marathon types.
Exercises that are not allowed for people with varicose veins in the legs:
- it is important to give up squats;
- Jump rope, aerobics and trampolines are not allowed.
All the prohibited exercises described above for varicose veins increase the load on the vein walls, contribute to blood stagnation and can lead to the development of complications (thrombophlebitis, thrombophlebitis).
Can you massage your feet if you have varicose veins?
Any mechanical impact, especially rubbing and compression of the veins, negatively affects the condition of the vessel wall, causes damage and facilitates the formation of thrombus.So, to the question of whether it is possible to perform vacuum massage, anti-cellulite, lymphatic drainage with a cup or varicose veins brush, the doctor will definitely answer no.
Bathing and steaming treat varicose veins
Although foot baths and showers are recommended as opposed to varicose veins, helping to train the vein walls and improve blood flow, this does not apply to visits to saunas and bathhouses.High temperatures help slow blood flow in the veins and can cause damage to the vein walls, blood clots and edema.
Can body wraps be used for people with varicose veins?
Any thermal impact negatively affects the condition of the vein walls and blood circulation.But for some other procedures there is no ban.When asked whether it is possible to apply cold compresses to treat varicose veins, use mild exfoliants or creams or gels, the doctor will answer in the affirmative.If this effect affects only the superficial layers of the skin without causing pressure, compression or twisting of the limbs, then such procedures are not prohibited.
Can people with varicose veins wax hair?
If you have been diagnosed with varicose veins, you can remove unwanted hair on your legs with a razor (be careful not to cut the skin) or depilatory cream.These are the safest ways to remove unwanted hair.You can also have laser and electrolysis done for varicose veins, but you must consult your doctor first.
Mechanical hair removal (tweezers or epilator) is unacceptable, especially in the later stages.Methods such as waxing, sugar paste (with sugar) and photoepilation are also controversial.
Why can't you make sugar for varicose veins?The most important problem of these methods is exposure to heat and mechanical damage to the upper layers of the skin.Therefore, the use of these methods should be discussed with the doctor, based on the existing complaints and the stage of the varicose veins.
General recommendations for varicose veins
For varicose veins, it is important to constantly monitor the vein surgeon, follow all recommendations and take the necessary medications.Varicose veins require major changes in your usual lifestyle.Without them, the drug's effects will not be noticeable and complications may occur.Recommendation:
- Move as much as possible, and if possible, give up a sedentary job and sedentary lifestyle.
- Limit heavy physical activity, lifting heavy objects, exertion and increased intra-abdominal pressure.
- Adjust your diet to prevent constipation and diarrhea.They negatively affect blood circulation in the veins of the pelvis and lower limbs.A balanced diet is equally important to get all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals, while limiting the intake of empty calories that lead to overweight.
- Give up bad habits that negatively affect vascular tone and blood circulation.
- Wear compression garments if recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Get proper rest, sleep at least 8 hours.While sleeping and resting, your legs should be in an elevated position.This facilitates blood flow from the lower limbs.
- Perform gymnastics exercises and contrasting foot baths to tone the vein walls.
- Use all medications prescribed by your doctor according to the treatment regimen, do not arbitrarily change medications.
- Avoid trying to treat varicose veins yourself with unclear folk recipes.Any treatment should be discussed with your doctor.