About 15% of many women and men have varicose veins in their legs. With this disease, the blood vessels in the legs (veins), which are rich in carbon dioxide and metabolic waste products in the blood, return, become deformed, dilute, lose their tone, and appear under the skin.
In addition to cosmetic defects, changes in the structure of the veins and reduced blood circulation cause unpleasant sensations in the legs, as well as pain, swelling and heaviness. Although there are a variety of medical devices and procedures that help with treatment, it is important to engage in prevention as soon as the first signs of varicose veins appear - this will help prevent pain, swelling, and tired legs from external cosmetic defects.
What is the problem?
Varicose veins, commonly called varicose veins, are abrupt changes in the venous wall, its weakness, excessive stretching, due to which dark blue or purple twisted veins appear under the skin. Initially, small "stars" may appear from dilute capillaries, with small crowns and then larger ones.
Veins have a special structure: in addition to the elastic wall, they also have small valves (pockets) that prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction. Varicose veins are formed when the valves on the walls of the veins weaken, stretch, deform, and do not close completely. Excessive cutting of walls and valve defects eventually leads to the fact that the blood flows worse on the vessels, its movement is slowed down and at the same time it stops. First, small veins appear in the form of "stars" or spider legs, and then thicker twisted veins appear.
Other symptoms of varicose veins may include:- Calf burning, murmur sensation;
- discomfort in the legs, feeling of heaviness or pain; Muscle spasms, convulsions, more noticeable at night;
- Swelling of legs and feet;
- Dry or itchy, pale skin that looks thinner than healthy skin
If there is a tendency to varicose veins or the first symptoms appear, there are a number of procedures that eliminate discomfort and pain in the legs, help improve blood circulation and tone the veins.
Exercise and physical activity
Regular exercise improves blood circulation in the legs. Muscle contraction contributes to the blood collected in the veins. Exercise also helps lower blood pressure, which is another negative factor that contributes to varicose veins.
Low-intensity exercise helps to compress calf muscles. They work without unwanted stress.
Effective, low-impact exercises include:
- Swim;
- walking;
- bicycle;
- Yoga.
Compression socks and clamps
Compression stockings are available at most pharmacies and orthopedic stores. They spread pressure on the legs, applying to the walls of the veins from the outside. This helps move blood to the heart and relieves swelling of the blood in the lower extremities. The study showed that people who used knee compression braces maintained a pressure of 18 to 21 MHz. Within a week, there was a reduction in pain and discomfort associated with varicose veins. It is important to choose socks and socks with your doctor or salon specialist to avoid compromising the degree of compression.Plant extracts
Studies have shown that horse chestnut extract can relieve leg pain, heaviness and itching in people with chronic venous insufficiency (one of the leading causes of varicose veins).
A survey ofreviews found that sea pine extract and butcher broom extract can reduce swelling or edema of the leg, which is often associated with varicose veins.
Herbal extracts and essential oils should be diluted before use on the skin or before use in aromatherapy diffusers.
Diet changes
Salty or sodium-rich foods promote swelling, including in the feet and ankles, so cutting down on salty foods can minimize water retention. Food-rich foods such as almonds and pistachios help prevent and treat varicose veins by reducing water retention in the body. This group includes:
- almonds and pistol;
- lentils and white beans;
- potatoes;
- Leafy vegetables;
- Some species of fish, such as salmon and tuna.
Fiber foods help the intestines work and prevent constipation. This can be important as stress can damage valves or cause blood to clot in the arteries. High fiber foods include:
- nuts, seeds and legumes;
- oats, wheat and flax; ; x / li>
- whole grain.
Overweight people are more likely to suffer from varicose veins, so losing extra pounds can reduce pressure on the veins, reduce swelling and discomfort.
Flavonoids in food
Adding flavonoid-containing foods to your diet also helps reduce the risk of varicose veins. Flavonoids, as biologically active substances, improve blood circulation, maintain a uniform blood flow and reduce the likelihood of blood accumulation in the veins. They also help lower blood pressure and relax blood vessels in the arteries, reduce stress on the veins, and reduce the risk of varicose veins.
Foods containing flavonoids include:
- Vegetables: green onions, oil peppers, spinach and broccoli;
- Citrus and grapes, cherries, apples and blueberries;
- cocoa;
- Garlic.
Herbal remedies
Some herbal remedies help to dilate the veins and reduce their deformation. It is believed that taking grape seed extract may reduce leg swelling and other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, although there is currently little evidence of its effectiveness. If you are taking antihypertensive medications, you should avoid taking grape seed extract as a dietary supplement as it can interact with medications and increase the risk of bleeding.
Choosing the right clothes
Wearing tight, tight, and synthetic clothing may restrict blood flow to the legs. Wearing loose, breathable clothing that does not restrict blood flow to the lower extremities improves blood flow through the veins and reduces valve deformation.
It is also forbidden to wear tight and tight shoes. Narrow toe shoes put pressure on blood vessels and cause pain. It is advisable to choose shoes with orthopedic supports.
Wearing low-heeled shoes or a comfortable, stable sole instead of high heels will also help relieve varicose vein pain in the legs.
It is necessary to increase the legs more often
Periodically raising the legs above, ideally at the same height as the heart, or higher, helps to improve circulation. This reduces the pressure in the veins of the legs, while gravity helps the blood to flow smoothly to the heart. You should try to raise your legs if you are going to sit for a long time, for example at work or at rest.
massage
Gently massaging your feet, legs and thighs can keep blood in your veins. You can use gentle massage oils or moisturizers for optimal results. However, it is very important to avoid putting pressure directly on the veins as this can cause damage to the fragile tissue. No less useful massage with sparkling water including shower, including contrast.
Constant motion
Avoid sitting for long periods of time. If you have to sit at work for a long time, you should try to get up and move, or at least change your position at least often so that blood flows completely from the veins to the legs.
Avoid sitting cross-legged as this may further restrict blood flow to the legs and feet and worsen circulatory problems.
Varicose veins treatment procedures
If prophylactic measures at home do not improve the condition of your veins, there is severe discomfort, pain and swelling, medical treatment is needed to eliminate varicose veins.
Your doctor may prescribe the following:
- Endothermic ablation.This is a procedure in which heat is applied to the affected veins;
- Outpatient phlebectomyThe doctor rubs the skin and opens the varicose veins through small wounds. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, practically no scars remain; Sclerotherapy
- .This procedure uses a special foam to close the damaged veins. Blood will flow into the bypass vein system;
- Ligation and removal.In this procedure, the varicose veins are surgically removed;
- Laser surgeries.Intense flashes of light are directed at the vein, causing it to disappear;
- Endoscopic surgery.During this operation, a tiny video camera is inserted into the leg to help the surgeon better see what is happening to the veins. The veins are removed with several small incisions.
Future forecasts
Varicose veins cause discomfort and cosmetic defects. It is possible to prevent varicose veins at home, and changes in diet and lifestyle can reduce unpleasant symptoms. As the disease progresses, you should seek medical attention to correct the visible defects and heal the veins yourself.