Varicose veins occur when the veins stretch and increase in size. They take on a blue-purple or red hue due to the accumulation of large amounts of blood. Varicose veins are a common disease and in most cases manifest on the legs, but they can also form on other parts of the body at the same time.
For most people, especially women, varicose veins are primarily an aesthetic problem. In the early stages, the disease poses no health hazard. Swollen, ugly veins can affect the appearance of certain parts of the body. However, if you don't pay attention to the treatment and prevention of varicose veins, complications can develop over time.
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing varicose veins:
In addition to the characteristic formation of plump dark blue or purple veins, here are the main features for the development of varicose veins:
To effectively address the problem of varicose veins, an integrated approach is required that includes:
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is recommended that you wear compression clothing - stockings, tights, or leggings apply slight pressure from the bottom of the leg upwards, which reduces blood buildup and swelling. It is necessary to constantly wear such compression clothing, only in this case a positive effect can be achieved. Wearing compression garments will not cure existing varicose veins, but it will help prevent or reduce varicose veins and other complications.
Endovenous laser ablation (high frequency or laser)
The laser endovenous ablation method is by far the most effective and safest method for treating 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 tiny incision in the skin near the vein and inserts a catheter. A special device is then attached to the tip of the catheter, which heats the catheter and closes or removes the varicose vein (depending on the chosen ablation method). The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the patient usually returns home the same day.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy refers to the gentle methods of treating varicose veins. During the procedure, a special substance is injected into the vein affected by varicose veins, which breaks the inner lining of the vein and causes blood to clot in it. After a while, the vein collapses and disappears.
Surgical method
In advanced cases of varicose veins, some particularly gentle treatment methods are no longer effective. In this case, a patient with varicose veins can be helped by an operation that surgically removes the superficial vein. The indications for an operation are ulcers, bleeding, phlebitis. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and the patient usually goes home the same day. Pain and discomfort can occur 2 weeks after the operation, this is normal.
Training for varicose veins
Lots of exercise and moderate exercise are the main allies in the fight against varicose veins. Not all workouts are equally beneficial, and some can even harm a person with varicose veins.
Moderate, rhythmic physical activity such as walking prevents disease progression and complications, as 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 flow by stretching and contracting the venous pump in the calf muscles. Walk for at least 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.
Running with low intensity
Walking at a low level works well for the calf muscles, but it has one disadvantage: running puts stress on our joints. If you're not ready to replace running with another activity, run on grass or rubberized paths, not hard asphalt.
Elliptical and exercise bikes
When you train with the elliptical trainer and the stationary bike, the calf muscles are actively used. This contributes to normal blood flow.
Strength training
Patients with varicose veins must avoid a lot of very intense strength training, squats, lunges, and crunches. They all have a negative effect on the course of the disease and contribute to its further development. With prolonged muscle tension, blood accumulates in the veins of the legs, blood circulation deteriorates, which leads to complications. It is recommended that you wear compression stockings during and after strength training.
Today pharmacies offer a wide range of drugs for the treatment of varicose veins in the form of tablets, drops, ointments, creams and gels.
The main groups of drugs for the treatment of varicose veins
To treat varicose veins, different groups of drugs are used: ointments, creams, tablets, less often injections.
Features of each of the groups listed:
To solve the problem, it is necessary to increase the tone of the veins. Therefore, phlebotonics (venotonics) are prescribed to patients with varicose veins. The main task of drugs with venotonic properties is to strengthen weak blood vessels and normalize blood circulation.
Phlebotonics differ in composition and price range. Hence, for the treatment of varicose veins, you can find the most appropriate drug option in terms of cost.
Phlebotonics with Diosmin
Diosmin is one of the representatives of the bioflavonoids and is contained in many medicines used to combat varicose veins. It has a venotonic effect, improves lymphatic drainage, improves microcirculation, reduces the adhesion of leukocytes to the vein wall and their migration into paravenous tissues, improves oxygen diffusion and perfusion in skin tissue and has anti-inflammatory effects. Blocks the production of free radicals, the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane.
Experimental studies have shown that Diosmin doubles lymph drainage, increases the tone of the venous wall, suppresses the activity of leukocytes and prevents inflammation.
This is a group of drugs that affect the blood coagulation system and prevent the adhesion of formed elements and platelet plates. Antiplatelet agents are another name for drugs in this group because natural or synthetic substances block the adhesion of blood platelets and prevent blood clots from forming, which is often required in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
Antioxidants are substances that inhibit the peroxidation of lipids and proteins in the cell membrane, bind free radicals and thereby slow down the oxidation and aging processes. Drugs of this group can be prescribed in the complex treatment of varicose veins. They help improve the ductility and elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, strengthen them and extend the normal life of every cell in the walls of even the smallest veins.
Varicose veins are often associated with pain and swelling. In the complex treatment of varicose veins, decongestants are often prescribed to restore lightness to the legs. They improve lymph drainage from the affected areas and remove excess fluid from the body.
Usually a phlebologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. Unfortunately, not all medical institutions offer a doctor in this specialty. It should be borne in mind that some close specialists can also help in the treatment of varicose veins - this is an angiologist and a vascular surgeon. The general practitioner can also help diagnose the disease and refer the patient to the appropriate specialist.
Remember that in the initial stages of the disease there are usually no pronounced clinical manifestations. Therefore, if you suspect varicose veins, you should immediately contact a qualified specialist who will make the diagnosis. Diagnosis of varicose veins is usually made taking into account the patient's complaints, examination of the lower extremities, as well as data from laboratory and instrument research methods. It is possible to convince yourself of the development of the disease and take measures in a timely manner so as to prevent it only after a thorough examination of the patient.
All modern ointments are prescribed in addition to the main treatment of varicose veins with drugs. Local treatment helps to create a complex effect on the problem.
It is recommended to use creams, gels and ointments in complex treatments, as well as for prophylactic purposes. Especially for people who are genetically predisposed to varicose veins. In any case, when the first symptoms appear, urgent action must be taken. Otherwise, the disease can develop and cause serious discomfort.
The local treatment of varicose veins is an important therapeutic tool that, in addition to medication, exercise therapy and prevention, helps restore a healthy state of the circulatory system:
The use of ointments for the treatment of varicose veins is regulated by a phlebologist who takes into account the indications and contraindications for their use. Therefore, despite the simplicity of such a drug, its independent use without consulting a doctor is unacceptable.
Heparin-based ointments for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins are produced under different names. They differ from each other in the presence of auxiliary substances in composition that change the action and the manifested effects, and also have different manufacturers.
Heparin is a unique substance, so it is included in many medicines used to treat and prevent varicose veins. The doctor will tell you which ointment to choose for treating varicose veins on the legs. In addition to heparin-based ointments, there are herbal preparations that are no less effective in preventing the development of varicose veins.
Herbal components of ointments are complex natural substances that act in a complex with varicose veins, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to relieve pain and inflammation in varicose veins. Ointments based on NSAIDs facilitate the general condition of the patient with varicose veins and can accelerate the healing process.
There are no significant differences between topical preparations in the form of an ointment, gel or cream. However, ointments and creams are made on the basis of vegetable or animal fats and the active ingredients they contain are not completely dissolved.
Gels are made on a water basis. For this reason, all active ingredients contained in it dissolve completely and without leaving any residue, which contributes to faster penetration and absorption into the skin.
Topical varicose veins should always be applied to clean skin. They need to be used regularly, especially with severe forms of the disease. Remember that varicose vein disease is not a simple disease and a comprehensive approach is required here. Consultation with a specialist is required, you should not self-medicate. Only after the diagnosis is made, the doctor can prescribe treatment that includes drugs for internal and external use. In this case, a patient with varicose veins must lead a healthy lifestyle.