A frequent disease of the legs after the age of thirty, and especially in women, are varicose veins. In the course of the development of this disease, the veins are deformed, their elasticity decreases, and the blood flow is disturbed. Most often, the calf muscles of the legs and the back of the knees are affected.
Varicose veins of the legs: causes of occurrence
Factors leading to the appearance of varicose veins of the lower extremities include the following:
- being overweight - puts a lot of pressure on the legs. This is especially true of obese people. Therefore, if you have weight problems, we recommend that you play sports vigorously;
- pregnancy - especially in the last few months, the load on the legs is quite noticeable, and if you do not pay constant attention to rest, varicose veins can develop;
- work associated with a long standing. If it is not possible to change jobs, it is necessary to change your attitude towards him and try to reduce the load on the legs;
- the presence of a tumor in the pelvic organs: the outflow of blood is difficult;
- diseases of the vein walls of the lower extremities, which lead to compaction of tissues and deterioration of blood outflow and the formation of blood clots;
- congenital venous valve insufficiency.
Attention! To prevent the legs from getting injured and not covered with small bruises, we recommend that you pay attention to maintaining the health of the legs from a young age. Include moderate exercise in your daily routine and try to reduce the strain on your legs. It is worth paying attention to the description of symptoms during the development of the stages of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
The initial stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities: features of the development of the disease
First of all, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the course of the first stage of varicose veins may be unnoticeable. In addition, in the field of medicine, there is even the so-called zero stage of varicose veins. During its course, the patient complains of the same sensations as in varicose veins. But during the examination, it is impossible to determine any symptoms of varicose veins. And treatment in this case is rarely prescribed, more often doctors recommend practicing a healthy lifestyle.
In the first stage, varicose veins or a web appear on the legs. Please note that there is no venous outflow disturbance at this stage. Patients seek help due to the slight dilation of the veins.
Second degree varicose veins
In the second phase, the insufficiency of the main venous trunks is added to all the symptoms already listed. In other words, in addition to heaviness in the legs and slight swelling of the leg veins, swelling and bluish nodules may appear. Please note that the size of the knots may increase after prolonged sitting or after walking in heels.
The third stage of varicose veins: features of the development of the disease
Treatment of the disease at this stage is, most often, an operation. As for the symptoms of the course, the swelling increases significantly, the legs appear swollen even in the morning. Convulsions may appear. Most often it reduces the calf muscles.
Attention! To get rid of the cramp, you need to stretch your leg and pull the sock towards you. If the leg does not obey, assign it this position with the help of your hands.
A characteristic sign of the third degree is the appearance of trophic ulcers or discoloration of the skin.
Dermatitis or eczema may also appear. Another sign of the third degree of varicose veins is dry skin. The epidermis, due to circulatory problems, loses its elasticity and the surface becomes dry.
Varicose veins: how to treat the lower limbs and their swelling
If you have been diagnosed with varicose veins, regardless of the stage, the treatment will be identical. The only difference will be in the duration of the treatment.
The treatment for varicose veins can be varied. One of the most effective methods of treating varicose veins is massage. In order not to damage it, only a professional should do it. Properly performed massage improves blood circulation in a person's lower limbs. The special pneumatic massage is also used as a kind of compression treatment. Thanks to him, the swelling of the legs becomes much less, the venous outflow of blood accelerates, and a general improvement in blood circulation in the lower limbs is observed.
Physiotherapy is also indicated for the discharge of the venous system of the legs. It is a kind of such physical education for the legs that is performed immediately before bedtime. You can show the exercises you need in any physical therapy room.
To reduce the symptoms of the disease and to prevent its aggravation, elastic bandages and stockings are used. Wearing compression stockings allows you to stop the development of the disease, improves blood flow in the legs, and most importantly, prevents the formation of blood clots. You need to pick up your compression underwear at a specialty store.
Attention! It is better not to save on such socks. After all, if the fabric isn't stretchy enough, you won't be able to wear them.
For the treatment of varicose veins, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are used. It can be pills, injections. Treatment should be prescribed exclusively by a doctor and only after a comprehensive examination. Self-medication is prohibited.
Folk methods of treating varicose veins of the legs include hirudotherapy. During the procedure, leeches, biting the skin, inject hirudin, a substance that prevents blood from clotting. As a result, the number of blood clots decreases.
Treatment and relief of the course of the disease is possible with the use of creams, ointments, gels. You can buy them at any pharmacy and you don't need a prescription for this. In the later stages of the disease, the phlebologist will offer you a prompt solution to the problem.
Anyone diagnosed with enlargement should follow a special diet. The diet should contain foods that are low in cholesterol and rich in proteins and vitamins. In this case, the use of seafood in food also has a positive effect on health. Smoked meats, broths, marinades should be excluded from the products consumed, coffee and alcohol should be avoided.
The patient's diet should contain the following foods:
- legumes, sprouted wheat grains, liver, olive or corn oil are foods rich in vitamin E. It gives elasticity to our veins;
- to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and veins of the lower extremities, vitamins C and P (rutin) are needed. Vitamin C is present in rose hips, sea buckthorn, cabbage, black currants and, of course, citrus fruits. And rutin is in the same rosehip, citrus, black currant and black chokeberry. Compotes or decoctions can be made on the basis of these berries;
- bioflavonoids facilitate movement in the veins: eat 10 cherries and dark cherries in pieces;
- Include high-fiber foods in your diet to relieve constipation. After all, everyone knows that veins suffer from constipation;
- make sure you drink at least two liters of water. With a lack of water consumed, the blood becomes viscous and thus increases the load on our veins.
It is worth saying a few words about what will happen if varicose veins are not treated in time. Remember that thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, eczema or trophic ulcers can appear as a consequence of this disease. Do not forget that pulmonary embolism can occur with advanced varicose veins.
And this disease can cause sudden death. Therefore, if you want to live happily ever after healthily, then it is best to consult your doctor in time.
After all, it is easier to cure the disease at the initial stage, and the operation at the beginning of the disease is optional. Don't be sick! Good luck!