Treatment of varicose veins

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

The causes of varicose veins are varied: from a sedentary lifestyle to physical overload to hormonal disorders, congenital weakness of the blood vessel walls, pregnancy. What happens with 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 occlusions, and when blood flows through them, they close and let the blood flow back. When the valves are not working properly, blood can freely shed downward, causing blood stasis.

reasons

Why do varicose veins appear and what is it? The main risk factors for developing the disease are considered to be genetic predisposition and gender. Because of their love of high heels, hormonal changes during pregnancy and the use of contraceptives, women are twice as likely to become victims of varicose veins than men.

The development of the disease is promoted by:

1. inheritance. It is not the disease itself that is inherited, but the genetically determined structure of the veins: weak connective tissue of the vein walls, congenital defective venous valves. Therefore, varicose veins can be observed in young, healthy and active (regardless of gender) people and even in 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 imbalances become causes of blood stagnation. For them, the most dangerous periods are puberty, pregnancy and the postpartum period. The menopausal period is also dangerous. This gender category of patients visits doctors 2-3 times more often. There aren't enough hormones in the female organs called estrogens. Instead, the so-called corpus luteum hormones predominate. It is believed to have a relaxing effect on muscles. This promotes varicose veins.
3. A sedentary, sedentary lifestyle or a job that requires a long lifespan contributes to the development of varicose veins.
4. age. Over time, the valves and venous walls become thinner, which leads to a break in their work.
5. obesity. Obesity leads to increased stress on the veins in the legs.

steps

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

1. Compensation level. There are no complaints. When examined, varicose veins are observed on one or two legs.
2. under-compensation level. On examination, pronounced varicose veins are visible on the legs. Patients complain of a feeling of fullness, paresthesia ("chills") in the shin, night cramps. In the evening there is a slight swelling of the feet, ankles and lower legs. The swelling will go away in the morning.
3. Decompensation level. Dermatitis, eczema combine the listed signs. Patients are concerned about itching. The skin becomes dry, shiny and adheres firmly to the subcutaneous tissue. Minor bleeding and subsequent hemosiderin deposits cause hyperpigmentation.

Varicose veins are not considered a very serious disease in themselves, but if they have already developed, they will never go away on their own, and even more so, it will progress, leading to all kinds of complications that are the greatest danger.

characters

The first signs that varicose veins are starting to develop:

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

In later stages, spider veins appear on the skin, protruding veins and various seals, which indicate a blockage of 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 can guess the development of the initial stage based on the following symptoms:

• the appearance of pain in the legs, a feeling of warmth and sometimes burning in the veins of the legs;
• feeling of heaviness in the legs;
• swelling of the legs occurs in the evening;
• leg cramps start at night;
• dilated veins;
• the skin of the lower leg takes on a dark color, seals appear, trophic ulcers are possible.

After discovering primary signs, you must start treating varicose veins right away - the symptoms won't go away on their own.

Diagnosis

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

1. Duplex scanning (ultrasound of veins) is the most informative method for diagnosing varicose veins of the legs. It makes it possible to get an idea of ​​the degree of varicose veins, the direction of blood flow through the veins and their patency, and to determine the presence of blood clots (thrombi).
2. Contrast venography, an examination method with which you can detect dilated veins and determine the degree of their patency for blood.

Only a highly qualified phlebologist can diagnose deep varicose veins.

Varicose veins in women

Many women have varicose veins. This is due to the predisposition of women to the disease due to the peculiarities of the female endocrine system. In addition, in most cases, pregnancy and childbirth become causes of varicose veins, due to the effect of increased stress and increased blood flow to the pelvic organs.

In addition to varicose veins of the lower extremities, women often develop perineal varicose veins that affect the external genital organs, which is a consequence of congenital or acquired weakness of the vascular wall and valve insufficiency. Exposure to external (prolonged static load, considerable physical activity) or internal factors (obesity, chronic diseases of the pelvic organs) leads to the formation of varicose veins.

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

Development of varicose veins during pregnancy

Wearing each subsequent pregnancy dramatically increases the likelihood of 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 varicose veins of the lower extremities. This is made easier for the following reasons:

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

Varicose veins in men

Varicose veins often appear in men in the form of varicose veins - varicose veins of the spermatic cord. Disease symptoms:

• pain in the testicle and a feeling of heaviness, of the scrotum along the spermatic cord, which increases with physical exertion and prolonged standing;
• During the palpation of the scrotum, the tortuous veins of the spermatic cord are determined.

The development of the varicocele becomes the cause of male infertility due to impaired blood flow and the associated pathological changes in the normal function of the testicles:

• there is an increase in testicular temperature to body temperature. High temperatures affect the course of spermatogenesis;
• testicular hypoxia (lack of oxygen, ischemia);
• The accumulation of free radicals in testicular tissues, which disrupts their activity.

Treatment of varicose veins in men consists of surgical operation if there are indications: pain in the testicles, infertility, aesthetic defect in the scrotum, insufficient growth of the affected testicle during puberty. However, the disease can be asymptomatic and cause the man no significant discomfort.

In adolescents and children, when diagnosing varicocele at any stage of the disease, surgery is required, which will prevent the further development of infertility.

Operations are performed both openly and endoscopically. It is possible to perform surgical interventions from a mini-access and microsurgical testicular revascularization.

Varicose veins in children

Children are also prone to developing varicose veins. For them, this phenomenon is extremely rare, and in most cases it is a consequence of congenital pathology - angiodysplasia, abnormalities of the peripheral vasculature. The disease mainly affects the lower extremities. As a result, pronounced anatomical dysfunction occurs. This leads to irreversible changes and early disability.

Important! The effectiveness of treatment depends on the age of the child. Requires immediate hospitalization at the first sign of varicose veins. In this case, surgery is indicated.

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

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

Some of the factors that influence the occurrence of varicose veins in children include:

• Squint, flat feet, hernias;
• bad posture;
• incorrectly fitting shoes;
• overweight.

In order to avoid the development of varicose veins, it is necessary to monitor the child's diet as a preventive measure. Diet should be balanced, it is beneficial to include foods 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. Decoctions and juices from these berries can be preventative and general strengthening for the body.

Pelvic varicose veins

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

The development of varicose veins in 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;
• take oral contraceptives.

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

Treatment of the disease includes taking venotonic medication, wearing special compression underwear, and performing therapeutic and prophylactic gymnastics. It is also necessary to rule out risk factors and be regularly monitored by a gynecologist. With the ineffectiveness of conservative methods of treatment, surgical intervention is indicated.

Treatment of varicose veins in the legs

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

However, some people may want to be treated for varicose veins for cosmetic reasons because they are unhappy with the way they look.

Let's take a look at the main methods that can be used to fix 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 filling is injected into the vein with a thin needle or syringe, and then the vein completely disappears. The meetings take place once a week. 3 to 6 of these sessions are required. The method avoids scars and scars.
2. Non-surgical treatment. If varicose veins are in an early stage and are not too uncomfortable, elastic compression stockings can be recommended. They are worn during daily activities. They help to constrict the veins, keep them from stretching, and limit discomfort or pain.
3. Medical treatment for varicose veins relieves symptoms, relieves swelling and pain, slows down the process of development, but cannot completely stop the disease and restore damaged veins.
4. Laser treatment of varicose veins in the legs can be applied to the surface of the skin. With the help of a small flash of laser light, the process of sclerosis develops in the vein wall and the varicose vein disappears, as if it had been removed.

Physical activity - brisk walking, gymnastics, swimming and movement in the water (except for sports exercises with heavy loads on the legs - tennis, weight lifting, jumping) play an important role in treatment and prevention.

Venotonic drugs

The action of these drugs is aimed at increasing the tone of the smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels, which allows them to maintain their elasticity and normalize blood circulation in the affected areas.

Many of the venotonics are complex drugs. The effect that is achieved when using them extends not only to the veins, but also to all the vessels in our body.

How to treat varicose veins with folk remedies

There are a variety of methods of treating varicose veins on the legs with folk remedies, both for external and internal use. The following are the most common:

1. Horse chestnut blossoms (50 grams), you need to pour 500 g of alcohol, then let it steep for 14 days and shake the bottle every day. Pass the tincture through a net and consume a tablespoon of water three times a day before meals. Heal for a week - take a two week break. The treatment can then be restarted.
2. Dried nettle infusion is used for varicose veins. Dry crushed leaves of the plant are poured into a thermos with 1/2 liter of boiling water, infused for 30-40 minutes, filtered and taken 1 hour after meals 1/3 cup three times a day.
3. tomato compress. Finely chopped tomato, put on a bandage, gauze and apply on the sore area. For convenience, you can tie it with an elastic band or other bandage. Such a compress lasts for 2 hours on the vein, then changes to a new one a total of three times, and so on. The advantage of this compress is that it can be repeated every day.
4. Walnut oil tincture: chop unripe nuts, pour into a glass container, add olive oil and leave in a sunny place for 40 days. Lubricate sores with a ready-made tincture. The course of treatment is long, as with the use of Kalanchoe.

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

Varicose veins are predominantly female diseases that are associated with constant wearing of high heel shoes, pregnancy, childbirth, and a number of other circumstances. However, the disease can also affect men, especially if they have a job that requires more physical exertion. Since varicose veins cause excessive wear and tear on the veins, which can lead to atrophy and thrombosis, it is important to diagnose and treat the disease in a timely manner. It can be done using both operative and conservative methods. The treatment can only be selected by the attending physician.

Traditional methods of treating varicose veins

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can relieve pain in varicose veins

This home remedy is used in two ways. The first is to rub a small amount of apple cider vinegar on the affected areas 1-2 times a day. The last technique is best done before bed so you can soothe sore limbs and improve sleep. If varicose veins are localized, you can soak a clean gauze with vinegar and apply it to the sore area 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 is required between courses.

Honey ointment

To make an effective home remedy, you need to use beeswax, propolis, and olive oil. These ingredients must be taken in a ratio of 2: 1: 1. After thorough stirring, the components must be stored in the refrigerator. Homemade ointment is applied twice a day in the morning, and in the evening there is no need to wash off the product. The therapy can be carried out for 3-4 weeks, after which it is necessary to take a break for the same period.

Horse chestnut

Horse chestnut solution is an effective remedy for varicose veins

To prepare the solution, you need to collect half a liter of chestnuts and peel the fruit. After that, the plant must be watered with 200 ml of alcohol or vodka. The resulting solution is infused only in a dark, cool place for 14 days. You can use the lower drawer of the refrigerator for this. After weaning, it is necessary to take 30 drops of the resulting infusion three times after the main meals. The duration of such treatment is 20-30 days.

The tincture can also be used as a rub. In this case, the product cannot be taken internally. You rub your 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 like this every day for a month. In both cases, a three-month break is required between treatments.

Potato juice

Potato juice against varicose veins is in the form of compresses

used

This remedy 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 compress must be changed. You can use potato applications two or two times a day for two weeks. The breaks between therapies should be at least three to four weeks.

Attention!The real effectiveness of folk remedies for varicose veins is still in doubt. Therefore, it is recommended to use such methods only with the approval of a doctor and in combination with conventional drugs.

When do you need to see a doctor urgently?

In severe cases of exacerbation of the varicose veins, conditions may develop that require immediate medical attention. Such cases include the following processes:

• The pain in the affected area is so severe that it is impossible to move a limb and get out of bed.
• The skin when palpating is characterized by an elevated temperature, the sore spot is swollen and very dense;
• skin has changed from normal to bluish or almost 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;
• There is bleeding from the affected vein or the entire area.

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

Complications (consequences) of varicose veins

Varicose veins can lead to serious complications. At the last stage of the development of varicose veins, extreme thinning of the walls of blood vessels is observed. In this regard, the risk of the appearance of trophic ulcers - open, poorly healing wounds on the vessels, which appear even with minor trauma, increases.

The result of a varicose vein rupture is the development of thrombophlebitis. In the course of occurrence, the formation of thrombosis occurs with inflammation of the vein wall, and a thrombus is formed, which closes its lumen.

With the development of acute thrombophlebitis, severe pain appears in the area of ​​the thrombosed veins, the body temperature rises, accompanied by chills. With thrombophlebitis of superficial veins, painful seals with reddening of the skin along the veins are characteristic. Deep vein thrombophlebitis is accompanied by edema of the extremities due to a sharp violation of the 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 saves further development and the need for surgical intervention.

To reduce the risk of developing varicose veins you must:

• Moderate physical activity, a visit to the pool is particularly useful. Swimming has a massage effect that has a positive effect on blood vessels without unnecessary stress.
• Strengthening the walls of blood vessels with a contrast shower. Complete hygiene procedures with a contrast foot shower. To do this, water your feet alternately between cold and warm water for 10 minutes.
• Dietary change - reducing the consumption of fatty foods, including the diet of routine foods;
• Wear compression underwear, especially if you are physically active on your legs;
• intake of vitamins and mineral complexes that strengthen immunity, strengthen vascular walls and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Exercises

The prevention and treatment of varicose veins also consists in performing therapeutic and prophylactic gymnastics exercises to improve blood circulation and eliminate signs of blood stagnation.

Important! It is beneficial to do these exercises regularly on a daily basis.

It is necessary to start the lesson with a preliminary preparation of the legs: to do this, you need to lie on your back and put your feet on the pillow or the back of the sofa. Stay in this position for 10-15 minutes.

Next, start the exercises lying down:

1. Bicycle - Bend your knees to mimic pedaling.
2. Flexion-extension of the feet in the ankle joint - legs are extended, perform alternating flexion and extension movements;
3. then work your toes the same way;
4. Lift your legs at an angle and twist your feet in and out.
5. Perform the scissors exercise in a lying position: alternately cross your legs;
6. Stand in place while you put your socks on.
7. In a standing position we stay on our socks: when we breathe in we go up, when we breathe out we go down.

The varicose vein disease develops over a long period of time. So when the first signs appear, there is a chance that it will stop its course. The only way to get rid of varicose veins completely is through surgical removal of veins.