How to treat varicose veins?

Varicose veins are a common disease characterized by an increase in the lumen of the blood vessels, malfunction of the valve apparatus, and reverse blood flow. The pathological process can be localized in different places, as a result of which there are several types of diseases:

• dilation of the veins of the esophagus;
• rectal veins (hemorrhoids);
• veins of the small pelvis;
• varicocele (varicocele);
• lower extremity veins.

Varicose veins of the legs are considered the most common. According to some estimates, more than 30% of the population suffers from this disease, of which the majority are women. Varicose veins in the legs are not only ugly protruding veins but also bring many uncomfortable and inconvenient feelings. The pathological process is accompanied by severity, pain, edema, and often leads to dangerous complications: thrombophlebitis, thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcer. Many people want to know how to get rid of varicose veins permanently, as it significantly reduces the quality of life. But, unfortunately, this phenomenon is irreversible, and the only thing that can be achieved is to prevent or slow down the development of the disease.

Reason

The cause of varicose veins is still not fully understood. It is understood that the disease is associated with thinning, weakening and loss of elasticity of the vessel walls, as well as inactivation of the valves. As a result, the veins become irregularly dilated, stretched, elongated, and nodularly formed. It is believed that genetic factors play a decisive role in the onset of the disease, i. e. , from birth, the pulse is weak and the valves are defective.

There are several factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins, although they are not the cause of it:

• Genetics (according to experts, the risk of disease in people whose parents have the disease is up to 70%).
• Belongs to the female gender. This is due to hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, as well as taking hormonal birth control and wearing high heels.
• Occupational activities involving prolonged sitting or sitting (hairdressers, salespeople, surgeons, waiters, drivers, accountants, programmers and others).
• Old age, in which the weakening of the vascular wall and the wear and tear of the valve apparatus is a natural phenomenon.
• Intervention activities.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Increased intra-abdominal pressure due to overweight, pregnancy, heavy lifting (weightlifters, weightlifters), frequent straining with chronic constipation and coughing.

Treatments

Varicose veins are a chronic process that begins gradually and only progresses over time. To date, it has not been possible to completely defeat the disease, but it is possible to slow its development and reduce symptoms with a complex treatment approach, which includes:

• lifestyle changes;
• Diet;
• physical therapy exercises;
• compression therapy;
• drugs (for internal use and local administration);
• surgical intervention;
• thermal process;
• folk methods.

You will have to fight varicose veins for the rest of your life. Do not self-medicate. Need to be examined by a phlebologist or vascular surgeon, the doctor will diagnose, determine the stage of the disease and extent of damage, and then prescribe the appropriate treatment. The main task is to eliminate or reduce clinical manifestations, stop progression, prevent recurrence and the development of complications.

The effectiveness of treatment will depend on the patient's observance of all the doctor's recommendations. It is important to seek help in the early stages, when the pain is still not gone, but swelling in the evening, heavier and tired legs, small spider veins in the skin have appeared.

Lifestyle adjustment

Without lifestyle changes, it is not possible to effectively deal with varicose veins. The rules to be followed are completely trivial, and failure to follow them often involves a lack of will or an irresponsible attitude towards one's well-being.

• Maintain a normal body weight.
• Break up with bad habits: alcohol and smoking.
• Refuse to sunbathe, go to steam rooms and saunas, take hot baths (including foot baths).
• Refuse high heels (no more than 4-5 cm high).
• Wear a special stretch jersey.
• Provide physical activity. It could be walking, swimming, physical therapy exercises, some sports. The main thing is to exclude squats, weightlifting, long-distance running, jumping, martial arts.
• Proper nutrition. The diet should include lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, whole grains, seafood. The amount of meat should be reduced. Smoked, fried, salty and fatty foods should be eliminated. From beverages, prioritize green tea, clean water, fruit drinks, natural fresh juices and limit coffee.
• Take every opportunity during the day to raise your legs to an angle of about 20 degrees.
• Buy a special pillow for your legs so that they are higher than your heart when you sleep.
• Try to wash your feet with cool water often.

Compression therapy

Special t-shirts are available today in large quantities. These are knee-high socks, tights, tights of different colors and shades, practically no different from regular pants. They have become a good alternative to elastic bandages, which are inconvenient to use and look less aesthetically pleasing.

Coat specifically cannot treat varicose veins, but it improves microcirculation, relieves strain on veins, prevents blood from stagnation, reduces the diameter of blood vessels, enhances the flow of venous blood and lymph. A person feels lightness in his legs, by evening he is less tired, no more swelling.

At first, if you don't get into the habit of using your hands to place knitted goods, it will be very difficult. To make things easier for yourself, you can purchase a special device.

There are four types of medical knitwear, depending on the pressure applied. You can only wear products of compression type 1, which are considered prophylactic and intended for healthy people. The rest should be prescribed by a doctor, depending on the diagnosis and severity of venous insufficiency. You should know that compression products may be contraindicated for a number of diseases. Tights or socks are selected by the doctor according to the correct size, otherwise the desired effect will not be achieved.

Medicines for treatment

For the treatment of varicose veins, tablets and external agents in the form of gels, creams and ointments of various effects are used. They increase the tone of blood vessels, improve microcirculation, promote blood outflow and prevent changes in the skin. It is designed to relieve fatigue, heaviness, discomfort, swelling, itching, cramps and pain in the legs. They are strictly individually assigned.

The main means of treating varicose veins are intravenous drugs. They are made on the basis of horse chestnut, rutin, grape leaves and are almost always well tolerated by patients. Available in the form of tablets, capsules, gels.

Gel or cream should be applied to the varicose leg area daily and gently massaged.

Anticoagulants are used to reduce blood viscosity and reduce the chance of thrombophlebitis. This is an ointment based on heparin with cooling additives in the form of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus. In addition to thinning the blood, they also prevent the development of thrombophlebitis.

For skin changes that cause itching, antihistamines may be prescribed. For inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.

Surgical intervention

To get rid of varicose veins, surgery is done to remove the affected part of the vessel to prevent the discharge of blood from the superficial veins into the deep veins. The surgery is called varicose veinectomy. In its classical form, it is used less and less because of the emergence of new, less traumatic methods of dealing with varicose veins. Such treatment, as a rule, is indicated for large vein diameters and advanced cases of the disease.

A more gentle method is microscopic ablation, in which part of the vein is removed in parts and not through an incision, but through a puncture.

Heat method

Radiofrequency ablation is considered the safest and least traumatic varicose vein treatment, although it has some contraindications. This method includes the thermal effect of microwaves, due to which the venous lumen is closed. Main advantages:

• outpatient treatment;
• without anesthesia and incision;
• recovery does not take long;
• the procedure is easily tolerated;
• can be done in the summer;
• No bruising after treatment, swelling and pain are negligible.

Radiofrequency ablation is a treatment for varicose veins of the lower extremities.

Laser coagulation is another varicose vein treatment. During this process, a laser is shined on the vessel wall. Radiation leads to adhesion of the venous walls and complete closure of the lumen. It is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia without an incision. A catheter is inserted into the vein, through which an LED is inserted and radiation is delivered. The procedure is minimally traumatic and complications are rare.

Therapeutic therapy

This non-surgical method is one of the most popular. It is used on small veins and as part of complex treatments along with surgery. The bottom line is that a special sclerotherapy drug is injected into a vein with a thin needle. As a result, the vessel walls stick together, closing and stopping blood flow. The affected vein turns into a rope. The main advantages of the method:

• outpatient treatment;
• low invasiveness;
• Easy to do;
• the duration of the procedure is about 20 minutes;
• good aesthetic effect.

If the disease is just beginning, it is possible to develop a complication such as deep vein thrombosis.

Traditional method

Walnut alcohol

Pour chopped unripe walnuts into a glass dish and pour olive oil on top. Put in the sun for 40 days. Apply as needed, lubricating affected area. Continue treatment for about four months.

Cabbage leaves

Break a cabbage leaf, apply a layer of olive oil on one side, apply this face to the affected area, cover and leave for a day. Continue treatment for one month.

Horse chestnut

This is one of the effective folk remedies. To treat varicose veins, a tincture is prepared from the fruit of the plant, which must be crushed, half poured into a glass jar (three liters) and filled with vodka. Remove in a dark place for a month, stirring occasionally. When ready, apply to sores overnight. Chestnut tincture can be purchased to apply topically and apply topically to varicose veins.

Physical therapy is an integral part of the treatment of complex varicose veins.

Exercise

When varicose veins appear, the question may arise as to whether it is possible to participate in physical activities, sports and what exercises are useful. Most doctors agree that physical activity in such a disease is important, since movement is beneficial for veins and static is harmful. But it's equally important to consult with your doctor about what types of sports you can do and what type of load would be optimal. In addition, patients can see special therapeutic exercises, performed directly in the medical facility. At home, you can also perform simple but effective exercises, just regular practice will help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins.

1. Lie on your back with pillows under your feet so that they are at a 20-degree angle. Close your eyes, completely relax, take a deep breath.
2. In a supine position, raise your legs vertically and rotate your feet alternately in and out.
3. Lie on your back and move your legs like you would on a bicycle.
4. Lie on your back, raise your legs and cross (pull).
5. Stand up straight, lower your arms and legs. Slowly raise your toes, then lower down slowly.
6. Walk in place, do not tear the socks off the floor.
7. Sitting in a chair, bend your ankles toward you and away from you, then flex your toes in the same way.
8. Pour an elastic stream of water over your feet (alternately cool and warm).

Conclusion

Varicose veins are an irreversible process, but it must be treated definitively, especially since there are quite a few modern methods that must be used in combination. Without treatment, there is an increased risk of developing complications such as chronic venous insufficiency, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers, and even a life-threatening condition that can lead to death. mortality, such as pulmonary embolism.