Treatment of varicose veins: the best methods and drugs

Varicose veins appear when the veins stretch and grow in size, turning blue-purple or red due to the accumulation of large amounts of blood. Varicose veins are a widespread disease and in most cases it manifests itself in the legs, but at the same time it can form in other parts of the body.

Signs of varicose veins

For most people, especially women, varicose veins are mainly an aesthetic problem. In the early stages, the disease is not a threat to health. Swollen, ugly veins can ruin the appearance of certain parts of the body, but if you do not pay attention to the treatment and prevention of varicose veins, complications can develop over time.

The causes of varicose veins

There are several factors that can increase the risk of varicose veins:

  • Hereditary predisposition. If someone in your family has varicose veins, you have every chance of inheriting the disease.
  • Gender. According to statistics, varicose veins are more common in women than in men.
  • Age. With age, veins and valves become weaker and varicose veins are more likely to develop.
  • Interruption of blood flow between arteries and veins.
  • Hormonal changes. This is especially true during pregnancy, the premenstrual period and menopause, when hormonal changes occur. During these periods, the risk of varicose veins increases. During pregnancy, the developing fetus presses on the veins in the legs. In addition, any subsequent pregnancy increases the risk of varicose veins.
  • Obesity. Being overweight puts too much pressure on the veins, which can cause varicose veins.
  • "Sedentary" and "permanent" work and sedentary lifestyle. If you have to stand or sit for a long time, the risk of varicose veins increases. This is because it is more difficult for the veins to carry blood to the heart during prolonged immobility.

The main symptoms of varicose veins

In addition to the characteristic formation of swollen dark blue or purple veins, here are the main signs of varicose veins:

  • Slight swelling of the ankles and feet, especially after long periods of standing.
  • Pain, burning and heaviness in the legs.
  • Cramps and palms of the feet.
  • Itching in the ankle and lower leg, often misdiagnosed as dry skin.
  • Discoloration of the skin in the area of ​​varicose veins (bruises).

Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities

An effective approach is needed to effectively address the problem of varicose veins, which includes:

  • Medications for the treatment of varicose veins - tablets, capsules and drops.
  • Topical treatments - creams, ointments and gels?
  • Compression therapy?
  • Right way of life
  • Moderate physical activity?
  • Saving and surgical methods (intravenous laser removal, sclerotherapy)

Compression therapy

When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is recommended to start wearing compression garments - socks, leggings or leggings apply light pressure from the bottom of the foot upwards, reducing blood accumulation and reducing swelling. It is necessary to constantly wear such compression garments, only in this case a positive result can be achieved. The use of compression garments will not cure existing varicose veins, but will help prevent or reduce varicose veins and further complications.

Saving and surgical treatment methods

Endogenous laser removal (radio frequency or laser)

The method of laser intravenous catalysis is by far the most effective and safe way to treat varicose veins. It is the use of laser or radiofrequency therapy, with the help of which the varicose vein is closed or removed. The doctor makes a small incision in the skin near the vein and inserts a catheter into it, then a special device is attached to the end of the catheter, with which the catheter is heated and the vein is closed or removed (depending on the method of removal chosen). The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the patient usually returns home the same day.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy refers to the mild methods of treating varicose veins. During the procedure, a special substance is injected into the vein affected by varicose veins, which destroys the inner lining of the vein and causes the blood inside it to coagulate. Over time, the vein collapses and disappears.

Surgery method

In advanced cases of varicose veins, some very mild treatments are no longer effective. In this case, a patient suffering from varicose veins can be helped by an operation, in which the superficial vein is surgically removed. The indications for surgery are ulcers, bleeding, varicose veins. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, as a rule, the patient returns home the same day. Pain and discomfort may occur for 2 weeks after surgery, this is normal.

Surgical method

Physical activity and a bad lifestyle

Varicose veins education

Lots of movement and moderate exercise are the main allies in the fight against varicose veins. Not all workouts are equally beneficial, and some can even hurt a person with varicose veins.

Moderate, rhythmic physical activity, such as walking, prevents the progression of the disease and complications, because dynamic muscle movements help direct blood from the periphery to the heart.

Walking is ideal for preventing varicose veins, this type of physical activity promotes healthy blood circulation by stretching and contracting the venous pump in the calf muscles. Walk for at least 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.

Low volume operation

Running at a slow pace works well for the calf muscles, but it has one drawback - running puts pressure on our joints. If you are not ready to replace running with another activity, run on grass or rubber trails, not on hard asphalt.

Elliptical exercise bike

Exercise on the elliptical trainer and the stationary bike actively engages the calf muscles, which contributes to normal blood circulation.

Strength Training

Patients with varicose veins should avoid strenuous resistance training, squats, lungs and stiffness. All of these negatively affect the course of the disease and contribute to its further development. During prolonged muscle tension, blood accumulates in the veins of the legs, blood circulation deteriorates, all of which cause the development of complications. It is recommended to wear compression stockings during and after endurance training.

The most effective drugs for the treatment of varicose veins

Today, pharmacies offer a wide range of drugs for the treatment of varicose veins in the form of tablets, drops, ointments, creams, gels.

The main groups of drugs used to treat varicose veins

For the treatment of varicose veins, many groups of drugs are used: ointments, creams, tablets, less often injections.

Characteristics of each of the groups listed:

  • Separators. They prevent the formation of clots, reduce the adhesion of platelets and erythrocytes and their ability to adhere (attach) to the endothelium of blood vessels. They reduce the surface tension of erythrocyte membranes, facilitate their deformation when passing through capillaries and improve blood flow.
  • Phlebotonics. They act to improve venous outflow.
  • Venotonics. Help normalize the filling of blood vessels.
  • Anticoagulants. They change the viscosity of the blood.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, are used to eliminate pain.
  • Fibrinolytics. Reduces the risk of developing venous thrombosis.
  • Antioxidants. They have a strengthening effect.

Phlebotonics

To solve the problem, it is necessary to increase the tone of the veins. Therefore, phlebotonics (ventonics) are prescribed to patients with varicose veins. The main task of drugs with bentonite properties is to strengthen weak blood vessels and normalize blood circulation.

Phlebotonics differ in composition and price range, so for the treatment of varicose veins, you can find the most suitable drug option in terms of cost.

Phlebotonics containing Diosmin

Diosin is one of the representatives of bioflavonoids and is found in many medicines to fight varicose veins. It has a benton effect, improves lymphatic drainage, improves microcirculation, reduces the attachment of leukocytes to the venous wall and their migration to inflamed tissues, improves oxygen diffusion and infusion into skin tissue and has anti-inflammatory action. Excludes the production of free radicals, the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane.

Experimental studies have shown that diosmin doubles lymph outflow, increases venous wall tone, suppresses leukocyte activity and prevents inflammation.

Separators

This is a group of drugs that affect the blood coagulation system, preventing the adhesion of formed elements, platelets. Antiplatelet agents are another name for drugs in this group, as, in fact, natural or synthetic substances prevent platelet adhesion and inhibit the formation of blood clots, which is often necessary for the treatment of varicose veins.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that inhibit the peroxidation of lipids and proteins in the cell membrane, bind free radicals and thus slow down the oxidation and aging processes. Drugs in this group can be prescribed in the complex treatment of varicose veins. They help to improve the extensibility and elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, to strengthen them and to extend the normal life of each cell in the walls of even the smallest veins.

Decongestants

Varicose veins are often accompanied by pain and swelling. To restore lightness in the legs, decongestants are often prescribed in the complex treatment of varicose veins. They improve the outflow of lymph from the affected areas, remove excess fluid from the body.

Which doctor treats varicose veins?

As a rule, a venologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. Unfortunately, not all medical institutions offer a doctor of this specialty. We need to keep in mind that some close specialists are also able to help treat varicose veins - this is a vascular and vascular surgeon. The GP can also help diagnose the disease and refer the patient to the appropriate specialist.

Remember that in the early stages of the disease, there are usually no severe clinical manifestations. Therefore, if you suspect varicose veins, you should contact a specialist who will diagnose it immediately. As a rule, the diagnosis of varicose veins is made taking into account the patient's complaints, the examination of the lower extremities, as well as data from laboratory and organic research methods. It is possible to ensure the development of the disease and to take timely measures to prevent it only after a thorough examination of the patient.

External treatments for the treatment of varicose veins

External means

All modern ointments are prescribed except for the main treatment of varicose veins with drugs. Topical treatment helps to achieve a complex effect on the problem.

It is recommended to use creams, gels and ointments in complex therapy, as well as for prophylactic purposes. Especially for people who have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins. In any case, when the first symptoms appear, urgent measures must be taken. Otherwise, the disease can develop and cause severe discomfort.

Topical treatment of varicose veins is an important therapeutic tool that, along with medication, exercise therapy and prevention, helps restore a healthy circulatory system:

  • Heparin-based ointments are used in the combined treatment of varicose veins, together with tablets. The ointment is applied to the affected skin. Absorbed and has a therapeutic effect, the active substance heparin strengthens the walls of veins and capillaries, improves the absorption of blood clots in microthrombi.
  • Plant extracts, especially horse chestnut, have a heparin-like effect and in addition stimulate regenerative processes and improve the condition of the skin. Ointments based on plant extracts affect the metabolism of the skin and blood vessels, have a multifaceted effect, have a regenerative effect and improve the appearance of the skin and blood vessels.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in addition to relieving pain and inflammation, alleviate the general condition of patients with varicose veins and affect the recovery processes in the body. External use of drugs does not reduce their effectiveness, it allows you to act on sore throats locally.

The use of ointments for the treatment of varicose veins is regulated by a venologist, who takes into account the indications and contraindications for their use. Therefore, despite the simplicity of such a drug, its use on its own, without consulting a doctor, is unacceptable.

Heparin Ointments

Ointments for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins based on heparin are produced under different names, differ in the presence of excipients in the composition that modify the action and the manifested results, and also have different manufacturers.

Heparin is a unique substance, therefore it is included in many medicines for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins. Your doctor will tell you which ointment to choose for the treatment of varicose veins in the legs. In addition to heparin-based ointments, there are herbal preparations that are no less effective in preventing the development of varicose veins.

Topical preparations with Venetian and stimulating effect

Herbal ointments are complex natural substances that act in a complex with varicose veins, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve blood circulation.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to relieve pain and inflammation in varicose veins. NSAID-based ointments ease the general condition of the patient with varicose veins and can speed up the healing process.

How are ointments, creams and gels different?

There are no significant differences between topical preparations in the form of ointment, gel or cream, however, ointments and creams are made on the basis of vegetable or animal fats and their active ingredients do not dissolve completely.

Gels are produced on the basis of water, for this reason, all the active ingredients dissolve completely, without residues, which contributes to faster penetration and absorption into the skin.

Topical varicose veins should always be applied to clean skin. They should be used regularly, especially in severe forms of the disease. Remember, varicose veins are not a simple disease and a comprehensive approach is needed here. You need to consult a specialist, you should not do self-medication. Only after diagnosis will the doctor be able to prescribe treatment, which includes medications for internal and external use. In this case, a patient with varicose veins should follow a healthy lifestyle.

10.11.2020