Every woman wants her feet to be in excellent condition. But what if one day, standing in front of the mirror, you discover that your feet are full of unfriendly "stars" of blood vessels? Camouflage will not work. It cannot be ignored, as later on these "decorations" will only become brighter and larger. The fight against varicose veins of the lower extremities is not easy, but necessary. After all, you have to agree that wearing trousers forever is not the most attractive prospect.
Varicose veins of the legs are a serious condition in which the veins lose their elasticity, stretch, dilate and bend.
Varicose veins have long been known as a dangerous disease. Generally speaking, in such an unpleasant way, we pay the price for the opportunity to walk on two legs. The action of various adverse factors leads to weakening of the venous walls and stagnation of blood in the lower half of the body.
As a result, the vessels become overloaded, and the venous valves become less and less functional. As a result, the legs are tired, sore, there is a feeling of heaviness, and the feet and ankles swell. Over time, other symptoms were added in the form of cosmetic defects. In the future, more serious complications may occur.
In the past, it was believed that varicose veins of the legs - a disease of the "stand-by" profession and the first symptoms appeared about 35 years. This is partly true. But nowadays varicose veins are getting younger and younger rapidly. It can be said that this disease has become a problem of the 20-30 year old "computer generation".
Unfortunately, there are no obvious symptoms of varicose veins in the legs. But if your legs start to hurt and fatigue, your legs appear heavier and you have seizures - this is reason for you to be on the lookout.
And the appearance of barely noticeable bluish veins that are familiar to many - the network of blood vessels, which later, if they are left untreated, becomes more noticeable - is a signal. for action. It is alarming that entire clusters of saphenous veins have appeared on the surface of the leg, as the result of the disease is ugly blood clots and ulcers, which are difficult to treat. Treatment of varicose veins in the legs can take decades.
The most dangerous consequence of varicose veins is the development of thrombophlebitis - the formation of blood clots in the lumen of the veins.
The inflammatory process that accompanies the disease creates a risk of thrombosis that ruptures the vessel wall. And this, in turn, can lead to the development of pulmonary embolism, when a blood clot penetrates the blood vessels of the lungs, partially or completely disrupting the functioning of the respiratory system. And can even lead to death.
Varicose veins in the legs: and does it threaten me?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to name the exact cause of the appearance of varicose veins in the legs. This disease is the result of many different factors. And each of us has to deal with some of them on a daily basis.
Reason 1. Heredity
Vein specialists say that varicose veins are a "family" disease. If a mother or grandmother had the disease, 90% out of 100 could argue that you are at risk. Through genes, features of the structure of blood vessels are passed on to us. And if the venous walls are weak, then the influence of any provoking factor is enough for the disease to develop on its own.
Reason 2. Pregnancy
Carrying a child is one of the most important provoking factors in the development of varicose veins, since changes in hormone levels lead to a decrease in venous tone. Also, during pregnancy, the veins are almost always compressed by the growing uterus. Plus, the weight goes up. But our veins are under the greatest pressure during childbirth. Statistically, in 50 percent of women, varicose veins previously manifest themselves at this particular time.
Reason 3. Uncomfortable clothes and shoes
Uncomfortable, tight clothing, such as tight jeans, can cause varicose veins. Equally harmful are tight shoes and high heels. The wider the sole of the boot, the less stress it puts on the foot. Balancing on thin heels, we had to bear a huge load. And if you also carry heavy grocery bags in your arms, then you can say goodbye to beautiful legs forever.
Reason 4. Working conditions and bad habits
Do not forget about the holders of the classic "standing" professions (salesman, waiter, hairdresser, hostess and many others). They suffer from varicose veins - almost an occupational disease. An army of office workers is approaching them, for any long stay in one position (whether sitting, even standing) is their dirty act. And if you add to that bad habits like smoking, snacking on sandwiches and sandwiches that lead to overweight, varicose veins won't keep you waiting. Yes, of course, this also includes the fact that many people like to sit cross-legged.
Reason 5. Sports overload
Not all fitness is good. People who enjoy sipping a dumbbell in the gym are at risk of serious illness. Lifting weights is one of the causes of varicose veins. If you are prone to varicose veins, you should not exercise too much for your legs. Strength training and martial arts are not for you.
Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins
As is clear, varicose veins in the legs are not a cosmetic defect, therefore, when the first unpleasant sensations appear in the legs, you should immediately see a vein doctor.
If necessary, the doctor can order Doppler ultrasound, which will determine the quality of the blood flow in the vessels and indicate whether there are any obstacles to it, and the transfusion of the veins. shallow by using a special light, allowing the therapist to easily distinguish. a damaged vein from a normal vein. These necessary measures will help you to promptly identify the disease at an early stage and take the necessary measures in time.
If we talk about the treatment of varicose veins, then modern medicine knows several ways to deal with varicose veins:
- Topical remedies (ointment, gel):relieves fatigue and a feeling of heaviness in the legs, has a pleasant soothing effect. This treatment will not provide immediate pain relief, as the active ingredient penetrates the skin in small doses. The beneficial effect is only on superficial saphenous veins. However, with regular use, ointments and gels can correct varicose veins in the legs in the early stages.
- Venotonic:medicine for venous insufficiency (prescription only). These medications help reduce swelling, relieve leg pain, and strengthen blood vessel walls and improve blood flow. Venotonics perfectly complements the action of topical remedies for maximum effectiveness in the treatment of deep veins.
- Endovasal laser coagulation (EVLK):a treatment of "star" and "mesh" blood vessels, a history of varicose veins of the legs. The doctor acts on the diseased vessel with a laser and the "asterisk" disappears. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. After a few weeks, there is no reminder about skin manipulation.
- Treatment therapy:a procedure where substances - scleroderma - are injected into a problem vein using a syringe and the affected vein seems to stick together from the inside and stops working, and blood begins to flow through the veinshealthy veins. But this procedure is not suitable for everyone. It is specified if the nodes are not very large.
- Ozone therapy:a new method to treat varicose veins, used to remove spider veins. Ozone is injected with a fine needle directly into the vessel and causes it to stick together. To achieve a visible effect, several procedures are enough.
- Vein ablation:Surgical intervention, when the diseased vein is removed, is one of the most effective treatments. You can go home the day after surgery, but for at least another month you will need to wear special tights or bandages. During surgery, small punctures are made in the leg, which after a while are barely visible.
It is believed that hirudotherapy or treatment of varicose veins with leeches helps to get rid of varicose veins in the legs. In fact, the substance that leeches secrete when bitten, hirudin, helps reduce blood clotting. Not even spider veins disappear anywhere. Furthermore, sores can form at the site of the bite, which is then very difficult to cure.
Prevention is the best treatment for varicose veins: 5 steps to healthy veins
A healthy lifestyle is the best way to say no to varicose veins and many other diseases!
Step 1. Motion is life
Swimming is a popular form of physical activity, with practically no contraindications. Water treatments are best suited for preventing varicose veins, as they tone blood vessels. Walking is also a good way to fight venous disease. For example, take the escalator or the stairs. Please do not have heavy bags. It is better to walk two stations to the metro than to go by transport. And at home you can do the most elementary exercise "cycling" in a supine position.
Step 2. Elegant Helper
Modern compression knitwear: knee-length tights and tights will help combat fatigue and heaviness in the legs. They are sold in pharmacies and are selected individually by the doctor based on the parameters of the foot. In terms of appearance, medical tights are no less beautiful and fashionable than ordinary pants. In addition, they help ships better cope with increased loads.
Step 3. Delicious and healthy
Firstly, excess weight puts a serious load on the blood vessels. So if you have a few unnecessary pounds, it's better to get rid of them. Second, the diet to prevent varicose veins should aim to strengthen the vessel walls. This is boosted by vitamins like ascorbic acid and rutin found in sea buckthorn, raspberries, citrus fruits, chokeberry, strawberries, rose hip, and mountain ash. And common buckwheat is rich in the natural antioxidant quercetin, which not only strengthens blood vessels, but also has anti-cancer properties.
Step 4. Beauty without sacrificing
Comfortable shoes with heels no higher than 4 cm are the best choice for every day. When wearing high heels, the feet are forced to bend, as a result, the nutrition of the small blood vessels of the toes is disturbed, the appearance of venous congestion, swelling in the ankles and calves.
Step 5. Care and maintenance
To prevent varicose veins in your legs, you should wash your feet with cold water after bathing. You can do a self-massage: stroking from the bottom up from the feet to the groin. Hot water is too dangerous for the veins, therefore, if there is a risk of varicose veins in the legs, it is better to exclude baths and saunas from your life. And do not overdo sunbathing. Ultraviolet rays reduce the elasticity of tissues and vein walls, and lead to varicose veins. You can sunbathe but not at noon but until 11am and after 5pm.
Yes, varicose veins in the legs is a chronic condition. However, timely prevention of varicose veins will help prevent the condition from occurring and reduce the risk of developing possible complications.