Treatment of varicose veins

Varicose veins on the legs are not only a cosmetic problem that worries people about their attractiveness, but also a dangerous disease that requires adequate treatment and preventive measures.

The causes of varicose veins are many: from a sedentary lifestyle, physical overload and ending with hormonal disorders, congenital weakness of the walls of blood vessels, pregnancy. What happens during varicose veins? With varicose veins of the lower extremities, they lose their normal elasticity and stretch under blood pressure.

The valves in the veins are usually locked and when blood flows through them, they close and allow the blood to flow back. If the valves malfunction, blood can be released freely down, leading to a blood clot.

Reasons

Why do varicose veins occur and what is it? The main risk factors for the development of the disease are considered to be genetic predisposition and gender. Due to the love for high heels, hormonal changes during pregnancy and taking contraceptives, women fall victim to varicose veins twice as often as men.

The development of diseases is promoted by:

1. Heredity. It is not the disease itself that is inherited, but the genetically determined structure of the veins: weak connective tissues of the venous walls, congenital defective veins. This is why varicose veins can be seen in young, healthy and active (regardless of gender) people and even children. According to scientists, genetic predisposition is the main factor that leads to varicose veins in the legs.
2. Hormonal changes. Due to the characteristics of the body in women, periods of hormonal disorders become the causes of blood stasis. For them, the most dangerous periods are adolescence, pregnancy, the time after childbirth. The moment of menopause is also dangerous. This category of patients visits doctors 2-3 times more often. There are not enough hormones in the female organs, which are called estrogens. On the contrary, the so-called corpus luteum hormones prevail. It is believed to be the one that has a relaxing effect on the muscles. This helps to dilate the veins.
3. A sedentary, sedentary lifestyle or work that requires a long stay while standing contributes to the development of varicose veins.
4. Age. Over time, the valves and the walls of the veins become thinner, which leads to the cessation of their work.
5. Obesity. Being overweight leads to increased stress on the veins of the legs.

Stages

There are 3 stages in the development of symptoms in the development of varicose veins.

1. Compensation stage. There are no complaints. During the examination, varicose veins are observed in one or both legs.
2. Overcompensation stage. On examination, severe varicose veins are visible in the legs. Patients complain of a feeling of fullness, paraesthesia ("chills") in the lower legs, night cramps. There is a slight swelling of the legs, ankles and lower legs at night. The swelling disappears in the morning.
3. Compensation stage. Dermatitis and eczema are among the points mentioned. Patients worry about itching. The skin becomes dry, glowing, attached to the subcutaneous tissue. Minor bleeding and subsequent hemosiderin deposition cause hyperpigmentation.

By itself, varicose veins are not considered a very serious disease, but if they have already developed, they will never go away on their own, and even more, they will progress, leading to all sorts of complications that pose the greatest risk.

Signs

The first signs that indicate the beginning of varicose veins:

• rapid fatigue in the legs
• swelling of the lower extremities.
• feeling of heaviness in the legs.

In later stages, spider veins appear on the skin, protruding veins and various seals, indicating congestion in the vessels.

Symptoms of varicose veins in the legs

At different stages of varicose veins, the symptoms can be different - from almost asymptomatic small spider veins to severe and painful manifestations.

You may suspect early stage development with the following symptoms:

• the appearance of pain in the legs, a feeling of warmth and sometimes burning in the veins of the legs.
• gravity in the legs?
• swelling of the feet occurs at night.
• leg cramps start at night.
• dilated veins?
• the skin of the lower leg acquires a dark color, seals appear, food ulcers are possible.

Once you have discovered any major symptoms, you should start treating varicose veins immediately - the symptoms will not go away on their own.

Diagnostics

To diagnose varicose veins of the lower extremities and prescribe appropriate treatment, the specialist will offer the patient to undergo a comprehensive examination, which includes various methods.

1. Double-sided scanning (venous ultrasound) is the most informative method for diagnosing varicose veins, which makes it possible to get an idea of ​​the degree of varicose veins, the direction of blood flow through the veins and thetheir spaciousness, as well as detecting the presence of blood clots (thrombi).
2. Contrast ventography, which is a test method that allows you to detect dilated veins and find out how well they are available for blood.

Only a qualified venologist can diagnose varicose veins.

Varicose veins in women

Many women develop varicose veins. This is due to the predisposition of women to the disease due to the peculiarities of the female hormonal system. In addition, pregnancy and childbirth in most cases become the reasons for the appearance of varicose veins, as there is an effect of increased stress and increased blood flow to the pelvic organs.

In addition to varicose veins of the lower extremities, women often develop varicose veins in the perineal area, affecting the external genitalia, which is a consequence of the congenital or acquired weakness of vascular wall and valve insufficiency. Exposure to external factors (prolonged static stress, significant physical activity) or internal factors (excessive body weight, pelvic diseases in chronic form) leads to the formation of varicose veins.

Important! The question of the effect of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy remains open.

Development of varicose veins during pregnancy

Performing each subsequent pregnancy dramatically increases the chances of developing venous insufficiency in women and the formation of varicose veins. This is due to hormonal changes in the woman's body and a significant increase in the load on the veins.

Pregnancy significantly increases the risk of developing lower extremity varicose veins, this is facilitated by the following reasons:

1. Hormones that circulate in the blood during pregnancy increase the elasticity of the venous wall and contribute to the congestion of venous blood in the legs.
2. Increased intra-abdominal pressure in late pregnancy makes it difficult for blood to flow through the veins of the legs.
Varicose veins that appear during pregnancy can disappear completely after childbirth or develop further, depending on individual factors (heredity, presence of other factors)

Varicose veins in men Varicose veins often appear in men in the form of varicose veins - varicose veins of the sperm. Symptoms of the disease:

• pain in the testicle and a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum along the seminal vesicle, which increases with physical exercise and prolonged posture.
• on palpation of the scrotum, the twisted veins of the sperm are identified.

The development of the varicose vein becomes the cause of male infertility due to the disturbance of blood circulation and the relevant pathological changes in the normal function of the testicles:

• there is an increase in testicular temperature to body temperature. High temperature affects the course of spermatogenesis.
• testicular hypoxia (oxygen starvation, ischemia);
• accumulation of free radicals in the testicular tissues, disrupting their activity.

Treatment of varicose veins in men consists of surgery if there are signs: testicular pain, infertility, cosmetic defect in the scrotum, lack of development of the affected testicle during adolescence. However, the disease may be asymptomatic and not cause significant discomfort to the man.

Adolescents and children, when diagnosed with varicose veins, require surgery at any stage of the disease, this avoids the further development of infertility.

The operations are performed both in the usual open way and endoscopically. It is possible to perform surgery from a micro-surgical and microsurgical revascularization of the testes.

Varicose veins in children

Children are also susceptible to developing varicose veins. For them, this phenomenon is extremely rare and in most cases is a consequence of congenital pathology - vasodilation, abnormalities of the peripheral vascular system. The disease mainly affects the lower extremities. As a result, severe anatomical functional disorders occur. This leads to irreversible changes and early disability.

Important! The effectiveness of treatment depends on the age of the child. Immediate treatment is required at the first signs of varicose veins. In this case, surgery is indicated.

In addition, the development of varicose veins in adolescence has become quite common. This disease mainly affects girls. It can be caused by:

• hormonal changes in the adolescent body?
• hereditary predisposition.

Among the factors that affect the appearance of varicose veins in children, there are:

• strabismus, flat feet, hernias;
• bad attitude?
• incorrectly fitted shoes.
• overweight.

As a precautionary measure, in order to prevent the development of varicose veins, it is necessary to monitor the child's diet. The diet should be balanced, it is beneficial to include in foods rich in routine. It is found in large quantities in hazelnuts, horse chestnuts, as well as berries - rose hips, sea buckthorn, black currant. The decoctions and juices of these berries can have preventive and general strengthening of the body.

Pelvic varicose veins

Varicose veins can also occur in the pelvic area. In this form, it occurs in most cases in women, which is related to the peculiarities of the blood supply to the female body. Dilated veins cause pain and heaviness in the pelvic area, which can be caused by venous congestion

The development of varicose veins of the small pelvis occurs for several reasons:

• pregnancy and childbirth?
• change in the shape of the uterus
• lifting and carrying weights.
• hereditary predisposition?
• lack of physical activity.
• sedentary work?
• taking oral contraceptives.

If there are risk factors and symptoms of the disease, it is necessary to be examined. In the early stages, it is possible to detect small pelvic varicose veins with ultrasound diagnostics. A preliminary diagnosis is also possible with a gynecological examination during a standard procedure.

Treatment of the disease includes taking bentonite drugs, the use of special compression underwear, performing therapeutic and prophylactic exercises. It is also necessary to rule out risk factors and to be monitored regularly by a gynecologist. Due to the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment methods, surgery is indicated.

Treatment of varicose veins in the legs

For varicose veins in the legs, treatment may not be a medical necessity unless the symptoms are problematic.

However, some people may want to have varicose vein treatment for cosmetic reasons because they are unhappy with their appearance.

Let's look at the main methods that will help get rid of this problem.

1. Sclerotherapy. This method of treatment is used both independently and in combination with conservative procedures. Its essence lies in the fact that a special preparation that fills it is injected into the vein with a fine needle or syringe, and then the vein disappears completely. Sessions are held once a week, 3 to 6 of these sessions are required. The method avoids marks and scars.
2. Non-surgical treatment. If the varicose veins are in their early stages and are not very uncomfortable, then an elastic compression sock may be recommended. They are worn during daily activities. They help constrict the veins, preventing them from stretching and reducing any discomfort or pain.
3. Medical treatment of varicose veins relieves symptoms, reduces swelling and pain, slows the growth process, but is not able to completely stop the disease and repair damaged veins.
4. Laser treatment for leg varicose veins can be used on the surface of the skin. With the help of a small laser light, the process of hardening develops in the wall of the vein and the varicose veins disappear as if removed.

Physical activity - brisk walking, exercise, swimming and water exercise (except for heavy leg exercises - tennis, weightlifting, jumping) play an important role in treatment and prevention.

Venetian medicines

The action of these drugs aims to increase the tone of smooth muscle in the walls of blood vessels, which allows them to maintain their elasticity and normalize blood circulation to the affected areas.

Many of the bentonites are complex drugs. The result achieved during their use extends not only to the veins, but also to all the vessels of our body.

How to treat varicose veins with folk remedies

There are a huge number of methods for treating varicose veins in the legs with folk remedies, both for external and internal use. Below are the most common:

1. Chestnut horse flowers (50 grams), you need to pour 500 grams of alcohol and then let it brew for 14 days, shaking the bottle every day. Pass the tincture through a grid and consume a tablespoon of water three times a day before meals. How to treat for a week - take a break for two weeks. Then the treatment can be started again.
2. Dried nettle infusion is used for varicose veins. The dried crushed leaves of the plant are poured into warm with 1/2 liter of boiling water, infused for 30-40 minutes, filtered and taken 1/3 cup 3 times a day 1 hour after meals.
3. Tomato compression. Chopped tomato, lie on a bandage, gauze and spread on the toothache. For convenience, you can tie it with a rubber band or other bandage. Such a compression lasts in the vein for 2 hours, then changes to new ones, and so on for a total of 3 times. The convenience of this compression is that it can be repeated every day.
4. Walnut tincture with oil: chop the unripe walnuts, pour into a glass jar, add olive oil and infuse for 40 days in a sunny place. Lubricate the wounds with a prepared tincture. The course of treatment is long, as with the use of Kalanchoe.

In addition to folk remedies, many patients with varicose veins supplement with special exercise therapy - Mikulin exercises allow you to feel significant improvement.

Varicose veins are mainly a female disease, which is associated with the constant wearing of high-heeled shoes, pregnancy, childbirth and certain other conditions. But the disease can also affect men, especially when they have a work activity that requires more physical effort. As varicose veins cause severe damage to the veins, which can cause atrophy and thrombosis, it is important to diagnose and treat the disease early. It can be performed by functional and conservative methods. Treatment can only be chosen by the treating physician.

Traditional methods of treating varicose veins

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can relieve varicose vein pain

This home remedy is used in two ways. The first involves rubbing a small amount of apple cider vinegar on the affected areas 1-2 times a day. The latter technique is best done before bed, so you can soothe sore limbs and improve sleep. If varicose veins are found, you can soak a clean gauze with vinegar and apply it to the wound site for 5-10 minutes. Such manipulations are also repeated 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment is 2-3 weeks. A mandatory monthly break between courses is required.

Honey ointment

To make an effective treatment at home, you must use beeswax, propolis and olive oil. These ingredients should be taken in a 2: 1: 1 ratio, respectively. After complete mixing of the ingredients, they should be stored in the refrigerator. Apply homemade ointment twice a day in the morning and evening, you do not need to rinse the product. The treatment can be carried out for 3-4 weeks, after which you are required to take a break for the same period.

Chestnut horse

Chestnut solution is an effective treatment against varicose veins

To prepare the solution, collect a half-liter jar of chestnuts and peel the fruit. After that, the plant should be poured with 200 ml of alcohol or vodka, the resulting solution insists only in a dark, cool place for 14 days, so you can use the bottom drawer of the refrigerator. After resting, 30 drops of the resulting infusion are required three times after main meals. The duration of this treatment is 20-30 days.

The tincture can also be used as a scrub, so the product can not be taken internally. They rub their feet before going to bed, it is recommended to wash them first. Once the product is applied, you should go to bed immediately. Use chestnut tincture this way daily for a month. In both cases there is a need for a three-month break between treatments.

Potato juice

Potato juice for varicose veins is applied in the form of compresses

This medicine can be used for the initial degree of varicose veins, as well as for ulcers in the affected area. To do this, you need to wipe the raw potatoes and then saturate them with a clean gauze bandage. It is applied to the ulcerative lesion for five hours. After that, the compression must change. You can use potato applications 1-2 times a day for two weeks. Intervals between treatments should be at least three to four weeks.

Attention!The true effectiveness of folk remedies for varicose veins is still in doubt. Therefore, the use of such methods is recommended only with the permission of a doctor and in combination with traditional medicines.

When is it urgent to see a doctor?

In severe cases of varicose veins worsening, conditions may develop that require immediate medical attention. These cases involve the following procedures:

• the pain in the affected area is so severe that it is impossible to move one limb and get out of bed.
• the skin on palpation is characterized by increased temperature, sore throat is swollen and very dense.
• the skin has acquired a shade ranging from normal to cyanotic or close to red and purple.
• there is sudden shortness of breath, it is difficult to take even short breaths.
• there is increased sweating and severe weakness of the whole body.
• bleeding from the affected vein or the entire area.

Attention!Similar conditions can occur not only in women but also in men and children if they suffer from varicose veins. Delay in this case can threaten the patient's death if the necessary medical assistance is not provided.

Complications (consequences) of varicose veins

Varicose veins can lead to serious complications. In the last stage of the development of varicose veins, there is an excessive thinning of the walls of blood vessels, in this respect, the risk of food ulcers - they open insufficiently heal wounds in the vessels, which occur even with a small trauma, increases.

The result of varicose veins rupture is the development of thrombophlebitis. During onset, thrombosis occurs with inflammation of the venous wall and a clot forms, closing its lumen.

With the onset of acute thrombophlebitis, severe pain occurs in the area of ​​the clotted veins, body temperature rises, accompanied by chills. With superficial venous thrombophlebitis, painful seals with reddening of the skin along the veins are characteristic. Deep venous thrombophlebitis is accompanied by swelling of the limbs due to abrupt violation of venous outflow.

Disease prevention

Preventive measures play an important role in the presence of risk factors for the development of varicose veins. Therefore, you should not ignore their observance even with already diagnosed varicose veins. This will save him from further development and the need for surgery.

To reduce the risk of varicose veins, you should:

• moderate physical activity, a visit to the pool is especially useful. Swimming has a massage effect, which has a beneficial effect on blood vessels without unnecessary stress.
• Reinforcement of blood vessel walls with contrast shower. Complete the hygiene procedures with a counter foot shower. To do this, soak your feet for 10 minutes, alternating between cold and hot water.
• diet change - reduce the consumption of fatty foods, including eating foods rich in routine.
• wearing compression underwear, especially with increased physical activity in the legs.
• intake of vitamins and minerals that boost immunity, strengthen blood vessel walls and reduce the risk of blood clots

Exercises

Prevention and treatment of varicose veins also consists of performing therapeutic and prophylactic exercise exercises aimed at improving blood circulation and getting rid of signs of blood stasis.

Important! It is helpful to do these exercises on a regular daily basis.

It is necessary to start classes with pre-prepared legs: for this you need to lie on your back, placing your feet on the pillow or on the back of the sofa. Stay in this position for 10-15 minutes.

Then, while lying down, start the exercises:

1. bike - bending your knees to imitate the pedal.
2. flexion-extension of the legs at the ankle joint - the legs are extended, alternately performing flexion and extension movements.
3. and then work your fingers in the same way.
4. lift your legs at an angle and rotate your legs in and out
5. in the lying position, perform the scissors: crossing the legs alternately.
6. while standing, perform the walk in place, keeping the socks on.
7. Staying upright, we increase the toes: on inhalation, on top, on exhalation, we descend.

Varicose veins develop over a long period of time, so when the first signs appear, there is a chance that it will stop. But the only method to get rid of varicose veins completely is surgical removal of the veins.