Varicose veins are a fairly common disease among the adult population. According to the World Health Association, approximately 40% of people are affected by this disease with varying degrees of severity.
The disease is more typical of women; one in five representatives of the fair sex is susceptible to varicose veins. Men suffer from this disease to a lesser extent and only 10% face this problem.
In the initial stages, the disease is of little concern and does not pose a threat to the patient's life, but later dangerous diseases, for example, thrombophlebitis, can develop. The resulting blood clots already pose a serious threat to life.
Depending on the etiology, two forms of varicose veins are distinguished, shown in the table:
| Primary | Secondary | |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Weakening, interruption of the structure of the venous wall | Impaired outflow of venous blood due to improper functioning of vascular valves |
| Aggravating factors | Excess weight, pregnancy, standing work, compression of the veins by elements of clothing, congenital weakness of the venous walls | Development of various types of tumors, termination following trauma |
Causes of the disease
The essence of the disease lies in an abnormal increase in pressure in the superficial vessels due to rupture of the valves, which normally facilitate the flow of venous blood in one direction (towards the heart). When disturbed, the valves weaken and blood begins to stagnate in the veins, leading to their stretching, the formation of knots, etc. In this case, a slowdown in blood flow is observed, which leads to a disturbance of the trophism of cells and tissues and the formation of ulcerative processes.
Main causes of the disease:
- genetic predisposition;
- remain in an upright position for a long time;
- limited movement during the day;
- endocrine system disorders, both due to diseases and due to taking hormonal drugs;
- pregnancy;
- physical activity of various kinds (at work, in the gym, at the dacha, etc. );
- lower limb injuries;
- bad habits, especially smoking.
Note.The risk group includes people who spend the whole day standing, sitting and who move little, for example sellers, teachers, drivers, people sitting at the computer, etc.
The fact is that people who sit for a long time compress their blood vessels and this slows down blood circulation. Therefore, varicose veins develop in this case regardless of age, and in those who stand for a long time, according to physical laws, blood creates constant pressure on the vessels and, as a result, they begin to deform, which leads to development of the disease.
Also at risk are:
- women wearing high-heeled shoes;
- people who practice sports with loads on their legs (strength sports, tennis);
- all people working standing;
- people, out of habit, cross one leg over the other when sitting;
- people who drink a lot of coffee and alcohol-containing drinks, which contribute to the thickening of the blood, thus hindering its outflow.
How to recognize the disease
The first sign of varicose veins is the appearance of tiredness in the legs at the end of the day, the appearance of swelling, which is why shoes become tight. Rare cramps and pain in the calf muscles are also possible.
You can visually notice the manifestation of the disease by the so-called stars, consisting of modified inflamed blood vessels. As varicose veins progress, irreversible pathologies occur in the larger diameter vessels and begin to appear under the skin. The knotty appearance of the latter is due to the refinement of the walls in certain places.
Main features
But to understand more accurately whether it is varicose veins or not, we specifically list the main signs of the disease:
- pain and heaviness in the legs;
- unpleasant, hot, burning pain running along the veins;
- after a working day, swelling of the legs is clearly visible;
- nocturnal cramps in the calves;
- veins become wider, more tortuous, dense to the touch;
- the epithelium of the legs becomes denser and darker;
- Trophic ulcers are possible.
Prevention and treatment
If you identify symptoms of varicose veins, you should consult a specialist. Treatment and prevention of varicose veins require contact with medical institutions.
Only a doctor, having determined the exact diagnosis, should determine therapy and eliminate the causes. There are a number of simple rules, observance of which can stop the development of the disease or even in some cases help prevent its development.
The main ones are listed below:
- Avoid the effects of temperature on the veins. Hot baths, saunas, long exposures to the sun lead to a decrease in vascular tone, which causes blood stagnation, especially in the legs;
- Physical activity. All sports, except those with heavy loads, are beneficial for the cardiovascular system. Light jogging, aerobics, morning gymnastics and fitness strengthen the veins particularly well.
- Overweight. For a variety of reasons, the condition of the blood and blood vessels worsens in obese people. A larger volume creates greater pressure, the heart has to work much harder to pump all the blood, excess cholesterol leads to blockage of blood vessels, the development of atherosclerosis, thrombosis and other diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Advise.If you do not want to have varicose veins and feel cheerful, carefully monitor your weight and prevent the development of obesity.
- Tight, constricting clothing interferes with blood circulation. Eliminate tight stockings, socks and tights with tight elastic, do not tighten the belt too much and generally eliminate any compression of the veins.
It should be noted that there are special compression stockings and tights to inhibit the development of varicose veins. - Distribute the load while working, change your position, don't stay static for a long time.
- When sitting, don't put one leg over the other. This interferes with the passage of venous blood through the vessels.
- More movement. A static position for a long time in a sitting position, and especially in a standing position, provokes the development of the disease due to increased pressure in the legs and slowing down of the outflow of venous blood. Therefore, the more movements, the better. Take breaks, change positions, etc.
- Normalization of stool. Both constipation and diarrhea negatively affect the vascular system. Therefore, make sure your diet includes foods rich in fiber. Avoid legumes, beer and yeast products if you are prone to flatulence.
- Eat less salt. Salt and then drinking liquids cause swelling.
- Do limb exercises. Before going to bed and after waking up in the morning, it is good to make rotational movements of the fingers and toes for a few minutes, this will improve blood circulation.
- Avoid tight shoesand the one with high heels.
- After a workday, at home, make it a rule to wash or rinse your feet in cold water.
Keep in mind that it is helpful to prevent varicose veins by walking barefoot in the dew or along the shore near the surf line, getting your feet wet.
In the event that there are no manifestations of varicose veins, but there is a predisposition to this disease, it will be useful to massage the legs every day. It's very easy to do. The technique consists of stroking the legs and kneading.
Note.Massage is contraindicated if the doctor has diagnosed varicose veins!
Patients are recommended to keep their lower limbs elevated during rest or sleep. To do this, it is advisable to place your feet on a hill; to do this, use all available means, you can place a pillow or pillow.
A contrast shower for your feet helps, or after taking a hot shower, rinse your feet with fresh or cold water.
Swimming is indicated for varicose veins, it not only makes all muscle groups work, but also perfectly strengthens blood vessels. Morning jogging, hiking, cycling and skiing are also good options.
Physiotherapy
Treatment and prevention of varicose veins will be successful if you do gymnastics.
Below are simple exercises that you can do without distracting yourself from work or household chores:
- Calf raises. The instructions to follow are simple. To do this, you need to stand straight, legs together, feet next to each other. Perform the lifts about 30 times, standing on your toes and returning to the starting position. There are three types of exercises:
- toes next to each other, heels next to each other;
- toes next to each other, heels apart;
- heels close together, toes apart.
It is recommended to perform all variations 20-30 times for each position;
- Roll over on your feet. Stand straight with your feet together. Roll from toes to heels. Repeat on the inside and back of your feet as well. The number of repetitions is arbitrary; dedicate 2-3 minutes to the exercises.
- Bicycle. It can be performed either lying down or sitting in a chair. Use your feet to imitate riding a bicycle, as shown in the photo. The legs should be completely straightened while performing. 30-40 repetitions will be enough.
Nutrition and diet
Proper nutrition and compliance with the diet not only help to cope with varicose veins, but also have a positive effect on the body as a whole. Enrich your diet with plant foods, especially fruits, and eliminate fatty, spicy, salty and smoked foods, which lead to thickening of the blood and blood clots.
Vegetarian diets are preferable, but since this is not suitable for everyone, try to favor lean meats, fish and animal proteins of marine origin. Reduce alcohol consumption as much as possible, eat more enriched foods, especially rich in vitamins A, B, C and E.
The first and last help to strengthen the epithelial vascular walls, and also increase the general immunity of the body. Regular intake of vitamin C and E helps strengthen the collagen fibers of blood vessels and their valves.
Scientists have demonstrated the positive effect of consuming fresh garlic on the cardiovascular system, thanks to its unique chemical composition. Let's just focus on the effect.
Garlic prevents the formation of blood clots and promotes the dissolution of existing ones, preventing the development of atherosclerosis and varicose veins. Furthermore, it stimulates the body's defense mechanisms and helps prevent colds.
It is important to note that you should not abuse garlic. It is enough to eat a couple of cloves a day. If you are too dependent on this condiment, you may end up with stomach and heart problems.
Some fundamental nutritional rules:
- lean meat, stewed or boiled, is recommended;
- lactic acid-based products such as yogurt, kefir and cheese are very healthy, especially when their fat content is low;
- increase the consumption of vegetables, wholemeal products and legumes. They are rich in fiber and potassium compounds. The first helps in the fight against waste in the body and constipation; Potassium regulates channels during the metabolism of sea salt in body tissues. Please note that industrial processing reduces the amount of useful microelements and eliminates the beneficial properties of the fiber;
- it is advisable to reduce the quantity of fast (sweet) carbohydrates and salt to minimum values;
- For cooking, use dishes with a special coating that allows you to cook food without using fats that heat up on the surface;
- replace animal fats with vegetable fats, do not cook in the same oil twice;
- To dress the salad, use olive oil, low-calorie sour cream, kefir or yogurt.
Treatment of varicose veins
Varicose veins are quite difficult to treat and it is much easier to prevent their appearance or control the development of the disease by slowing down its progression. When the disease is diagnosed, according to statistics, about 15-20% of patients are completely cured, but one should not despair.
Damaged veins have an elongated structure, which causes stagnant processes in them. In case of severe vascular lesions, surgical treatment by removal of the ear is necessary to avoid further spread of the disease to healthy veins.
Today there are many methods of treating the disease. In most cases these are minimally invasive techniques, and only in an advanced state does the patient end up on the operating table.
Among the most frequently used ones we highlight the following:
- Sclerotherapy.In simple words, removal of a vein without direct surgery. The conclusion is that a special drug is injected into the damaged blood vessel using a needle, which glues the walls of the veins and after about a week it resolves itself.
- Laser therapy.A special probe connected to a laser is inserted into the vein through a microincision. The vein is burned from the inside, which leads to adhesion of its walls and its subsequent resorption.
Basic treatment techniques
Early diagnosis of the disease contributes to the success of treatment if started in a timely manner. The more developed varicose veins are, the more difficult it is to treat the disease.
Among the main techniques, therapeutic massage has proven to be effective, but under the condition that it is performed by a specialist. Thanks to appropriate manipulations of the legs, blood circulation increases and congestion of blood vessels decreases.
Treatment often involves wrapping the limbs with elastic bandages or using special compression stockings. This helps to avoid the development of the disease and the occurrence of complications such as thrombophlebitis.
The additional compression created compresses the veins, their lumens narrow, creating an increase in blood flow, reducing congestion in the vessels. This prevents the blood from thickening and forming blood clots.
The treatment also includes compliance with all the basic preventive measures described above. Among them, special attention should be paid to diets, the fight against excess weight, regular rest and therapeutic exercises.
After consulting the attending physician, drug therapy and the use of various creams and ointments are prescribed. Medicines taken orally have an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect and also help to thin the blood and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
Cream for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins gives the same result. The price of such drugs is affordable and they are available without a prescription. Their use does not cause complications, but it is still advisable to seek the professional opinion of a doctor.
Traditional methods of treatment
Treatment and prevention of varicose veins with traditional medicine is not a panacea for the disease, but it can improve the results of basic treatment and relieve symptoms, especially since it is convenient to use at home.
The most popular methods are as follows:
- take baths with a decoction of medicinal herbs (St. John's wort, chamomile, plantain, etc. ), which help strengthen blood vessels and increase blood flow;
- compresses with sea buckthorn oil or aloe juice have an excellent healing effect and are used to treat eczema and trophic ulcers (honey applications can also be used for this purpose);
- the use of decoctions or tinctures of herbs that help thin the blood (hawthorn, licorice or angelica root, sweet clover herb and others).
Complications of varicose veins
If varicose veins are not treated or not taken seriously, stagnant processes will progress, causing the development of the disease and giving rise to a number of concomitant pathologies, which significantly worsen the general condition and reduce the comfort of life. The nutrition of the epithelial layers of the skin deteriorates.
This causes the appearance of eczema, necrosis or trophic ulcers, which become chronic. Due to the formation of blood clots, the veins become abnormally tortuous and swell severely.
Lime begins to deposit in them and the so-called "vein stones" appear. The nodules that appear may rupture and bleed. The swelling of the legs becomes permanent and "elephantiasis" appears.