Varicose veins are a fairly common pathological condition characterized by an increase in the diameter of the lumen, thinning of the vein walls, and the appearance of "nodules".
"Varicose veins" means "swelling" from the ancient Greek language. Theoretically, a similar disease can appear anywhere on the body, but the most common injury is to the feet.The essence of the problem
The veins in the body play a very important role, representing a network of branched reservoirs that carry blood from the tissues to the heart muscle. In the lower extremities, this network is expressed in the form of deep and superficial veins, which are interconnected by the emergency blood drainage system.
Usually the main focus is on the deep veins, so they are noticeably stronger and more voluminous. On the surface, about 15% of the total work remains.
The heart is a "pump" that carries blood to the arteries. Some blood flows into the veins against gravity (during walking, movement, or tingling). When the muscles are relaxed (while standing), the blood rushes, under the influence of the same gravity. Everything is so simple, the valves located on the walls of the vessel do not let it back.
When the valves are "broken", the veins are dilated and inflamed, they can not maintain blood circulation. This process promotes swelling and rash of the veins. Disruption of the blood supply occurs at the root, from where varicose veins begin in the legs.
Causes of varicose veins
There are many reasons for this:
- Varicose veins can be inherited, ie there is a congenital weakness of the blood vessel walls.
- The presence of varicose veins can be associated with human activity and immunity.
One thing is for sure, the disease does not arise just like that, it has to serve as a stimulus.
In the veins, or rather while sitting in the pelvis, blood stagnates, which later manifests itself in health problems. Varicose veins arise from a sedentary lifestyle, so with standing work, there are no obstacles to its emergence.
It is no coincidence that this disease is primarily called the occupational disease of sellers and hairdressers.
Obvious provocateurs also include:
- Excess weight (obesity),
- Frequent rise
- Leg injuries.
Another factor is the increase in intra-abdominal pressure. The size of the veins is constantly changing, inhalation - the vessels narrow, exhalation, on the contrary, widens. When a person pushes hard, the veins experience a heavy load and begin to expand under the pressure created.
Of course, this does not mean that absolutely everyone is at risk, but chronic constipation and coughing can cause varicose veins.
Varicose veins during pregnancy
Varicose veins are very common in pregnant women. The ever-expanding uterus inadvertently puts pressure on the veins from the legs. In this case, nature protected women from serious consequences and during pregnancy gave the body a sufficient amount of sex hormones that make the walls of blood vessels plastic and supple. Usually the disease is reversible here; After childbirth the veins return to their previous state.
Prevention methods
It is much easier to cure absolutely any disease than varicose veins are no exception. Let’s take a look at the key preventative measures:
- Forget tight and uncomfortable shoes. Women should remember that the "everyday" heel should be no more than five centimeters. In the evenings, please massage your feet with a cool bath, then throw them up and lie down in this position for 15 minutes.
- Wear clothing that does not have tight elastic bands or belts.
- Walk barefoot on the pebbles as much as possible. At the very least, arrange these therapies while you are on vacation.
- Control your diet. Eliminate or at least reduce the consumption of spicy, salty and smoked foods. The same goes for alcohol.
- Sport is an excellent prevention of varicose veins. The exception may be the initial stage of the disease. If you notice the first signs and symptoms in yourself, then the load should be weak and be sure to consult a doctor before exercising.
- If you have a sedentary job, try to get up and walk around the room as often as possible. Do the basic exercises, at least slightly jumped. Do not cross your legs while sitting, it is very bad for blood circulation.
- Do not overdo baths, saunas and hot baths. After "hot" procedures, be sure to rinse with cool water.
Stages of development of varicose veins
- The first stage.There is no pain or discomfort, only cosmetic defects are observed. A branching pattern of veins appears on the legs, "stars" and "grid" appear. In the evening, the legs swell strongly.
- The second stage.There is obvious swelling in the ankle area and severe heaviness in the legs. In the evenings there may be convulsions, numbness, pins and needles.
- The third stage. Persistent severe swelling of the feet, rings forming on the skin, pigmentation changes in the areas, itching and dermatitis.
- The fourth stage.Trophic ulcers appear on the skin of the feet.
What measures should be taken at the initial stage
Varicose veins of the lower extremities, if it is in its infancy, responds well to treatment, it is quite possible that a competent "fight" will stop its development.
First of all, follow all the preventive measures described above. Look through your wardrobe, if necessary, avoid all the "harmful" things, do the same with shoes. Give your feet a contrasting shower, walk more barefoot and balance the meal.
Secondly, at the first symptoms, buy compression underwear, it can be tights or socks. The principle of their action is to distribute the pressure on the legs so that the blood circulation is normalized and the symptoms are significantly weakened.
As for consultations, it is necessary to visit not only a phlebologist, but also a gynecologist (for women) and an orthopedist. Presumably, hormonal contraceptives or flatulence can cause circulatory problems.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
During pregnancy, almost all women suffer from swelling of the legs and circulatory disorders. The enlarged uterus constantly attaches to the inferior vena cava, which interferes with its normal functioning.
But, as mentioned above, varicose veins are reversible in this case, the main thing is to take the necessary preventive measures in time.
- Buy comfortable orthopedic shoes so that your feet do not get tired while walking.
- Take a walk daily. Do not sit or stand for long. To prevent venous stasis, place your feet on the hill at rest.
- Wear compression garments to prevent swelling.
- A good help would be light physical exercises that only involve the legs. The simplest movements of the foot in different directions are sufficient.
- Vitamin C is very good for the prevention of varicose veins. It has many useful properties that give elasticity to the veins, reduce the risk of many diseases.
Treatment of varicose veins
Complete cure of the disease is possible only through surgery. Medications and exercises are used as auxiliary methods.
Phlebectomy
Operations can be of a surgical nature or using the latest technology. Phlebectomy is included first when the varicose veins open.
Laser
In the second group there is laser coagulation, there are no incisions here, heat radiation is applied to the problem area of the body.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is another way to get rid of varicose veins. A special solution is injected into the damaged vein, using a thin needle that sticks to the walls of the blood vessels and then opens them.But no matter what the doctors say, they simply can not eliminate the main cause of varicose veins - the weakness of the vessel walls. Only you can prevent the disease by using preventive measures.
Special Exercises
Listed below is a series of physical exercises that will not waste you much time, but the effect will be great. You can do this at home.
- Exercise 1.Lie on the floor, lift your legs at a 90 ° angle to the floor and start moving your fingers "from you to you". Repeat 10 times.
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- Exercise 3. Well-known "vodka" works well. Raise your legs and pelvis from a prone position, and the latter put your hands. Lock in this position for a few seconds. Repeat 4 times.
- Tip:Take your time. Firstly, your body will always be flexible and secondly, it will help move blood from the veins.
- Exercise 4.Lie on the floor, feet together, elbows in the opposite direction. Grab your legs and pull towards you. Stay in this position for a while. Play Exercise 4 times.
- Exercise 5.Start on the left side and rest on the elbow, holding the right leg with the right hand. Do a few spring movements on the back of the thigh (try to reach the heel to the buttocks), stop for 10 seconds. Do the same for the left side.
Ointments
The purpose of medication for the treatment of varicose veins is to give the veins elasticity and normal condition. The necessary drug will be recommended by a specialist for complex treatment.
Cream containing anticoagulant can have a good prophylactic effect. The role of the latter is to anesthetize the affected areas as well as to strengthen the blood vessels. Often anti-varicose vein creams contain a lot of vitamins: C, B5 and B1, thanks to which the regeneration period is significantly reduced.
Pills are also available during treatment which:
- Improves vascular tone;
- relieves inflammation;
- speed up blood circulation and lymphatic flow;
- Eliminate microcirculation disorders.
tablets are divided into several groups: corticosteroids, phlebotonics, antithrombotic and nonsteroidal analgesics.
Folk remedies
Conservative treatment is effective in the first stage of varicose veins, when a person feels heaviness in the legs and notice a venous network on the skin. The sooner corrective action is taken, the sooner and more accurate the results will be. Below are some simple but effective recipes.
Garlic compress
Gruel is made from grated garlic and butter in a ratio of 1: 2, which is then applied to the affected areas, fixed with paper and bandage. Duration of exposure - at night, wash your feet in the morning with warm water.
Chestnut
Chestnut tincture for internal use. Pour fifty grams of dry product with 500 ml of alcohol. The obtained product should be insisted on for 14 days, filtered. Take water three times a day before meals.
Kalanchoe ointment
Fill a liter jar halfway with leaves and fill the rest with 70% alcohol. The resulting tincture should be placed in a dark place for two weeks, but stir daily. The finished ointment is washed daily on the damaged areas.
Love yourself and be healthy!