Varicose veins occur when the veins stretch and grow in size, they take on a blue-purple or red hue, due to the accumulation of large amounts of blood. Varicose veins are a widespread disease and in most cases manifests itself on the legs, but at the same time it can form on other parts of the body.
For most people, especially women, varicose veins are primarily an aesthetic problem. In the early stages, the disease does not pose a threat to health. Swollen, ugly veins can spoil 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.
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing varicose veins:
In addition to the characteristic formation of bulging dark blue or purple veins, here are the main signs of developing varicose veins:
To effectively deal with the problem of varicose veins, an integrated approach is needed, which includes:
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is recommended to start wearing compression clothing - stockings, tights or leggings apply light pressure from the bottom of the leg upward, reducing blood accumulation and reducing swelling. It is necessary to wear such compression clothing all the time, 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 enlarged veins and further complications.
Laser endovenous ablation (radiofrequency or laser)
The method of laser endovenous ablation is by far the most effective and safe way to treat varicose veins. It is the use of laser or radio frequency 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 into it, then a special device is connected to the tip of the catheter, with which the catheter heats up and closes or removes the varicose vein (depending on the chosen ablation method). The procedure is performed using 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 destroys the inner lining of the vein and causes blood to clot inside it. Over time, the vein collapses and disappears.
Surgical method
In advanced cases of varicose veins, some especially gentle methods of treatment are no longer effective. In this case, a patient suffering from varicose veins can be helped by an operation, during which the superficial vein is surgically removed. The indications for surgery are ulcers, bleeding, phlebitis. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, as a rule, the patient goes home on the same day. Pain and discomfort may occur for 2 weeks after surgery, this is normal.
Training for varicose veins
A lot 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 harm a person suffering from varicose veins.
Moderate, rhythmic physical activity such as walking prevents disease progression and complications because dynamic muscle movements help direct blood from the periphery to the heart.
Walking is great for the prevention of 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-intensity running
Running at a low pace works well for the calf muscles, but it has one drawback - running puts stress on our joints. If you are not ready to replace running with another activity, run on grass or rubberized tracks, not on hard asphalt.
Elliptical and exercise bike
Exercising on the elliptical trainer and stationary bike actively engages the calf muscles, this contributes to normal blood circulation.
Strength training
Patients with varicose veins need to avoid a lot of very intense resistance training, squats, lunges and crunches. All of them 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 this provokes the development of complications. It is recommended to wear compression stockings during and after strength training.
Today, pharmacies offer a wide range of medicines 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
Several groups of drugs are used for the treatment of varicose veins: ointments, creams, tablets, less often injectable solutions.
Characteristics of each of the listed groups:
To solve the problem, it is necessary to increase the tone of the veins. Therefore, patients with varicose veins are prescribed phlebotonics (venotonics). 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, therefore, for the treatment of varicose veins, you can find the most suitable drug option in terms of cost.
Phlebotonics containing Diosmin
Diosmin belongs to the representatives of bioflavonoids and is found in many drugs for the fight against varicose veins. It has a venotonic effect, improves lymphatic drainage, improves microcirculation, reduces the adhesion of leukocytes to the venous wall and their migration to paravenous tissues, improves oxygen diffusion and perfusion in the skin tissue, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Blocks the production of free radicals, the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane.
Experimental studies have shown that diosmin doubles the outflow of lymph, 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, preventing the adhesion of formed elements, platelet plates. Antiplatelet agents are another name for drugs in this group, because, in fact, natural or synthetic substances block the adhesion of platelets and inhibit the formation of blood clots, which is often necessary 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 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, strengthen them and prolong the normal life of every cell in the walls of even the smallest veins.
Often, varicose veins are accompanied by pain and swelling. To restore lightness to 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.
As a rule, a phlebologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. Unfortunately, not all medical institutions offer a doctor of this specialty. It should be borne in mind that some narrow specialists are also able to provide assistance 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, pronounced clinical manifestations are usually absent. Therefore, if you suspect varicose veins, you should immediately contact a qualified specialist who will diagnose. As a rule, the diagnosis of varicose veins is carried out taking into account the patient's complaints, examination of the lower extremities, as well as data from laboratory and instrumental research methods. It is possible to be convinced of the development of the disease and take timely measures 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 achieve a complex effect on the problem.
It is recommended to use creams, gels and ointments in complex treatment, as well as for prophylactic purposes. Especially for people who have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins. In any case, when the first symptoms occur, urgent measures must be taken. Otherwise, the disease can develop and cause severe discomfort.
Local treatment of varicose veins is an important therapeutic tool that, along with medication, exercise therapy and prevention, contributes to the return of 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 use independently, without consulting a doctor, is unacceptable.
Ointments for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins based on heparin are produced under different names, they differ from each other in the presence of excipients in the composition that modify the action and manifested effects, and also have different manufacturers.
Heparin is a unique substance, therefore it is included in many drugs for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins. The doctor will tell you which ointment to choose for the treatment of 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.
Non-steroidal 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 speed up 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 in them do not completely dissolve.
Gels are produced on a water basis, for this reason, all active components in them dissolve completely, without residue, which contributes to faster penetration and absorption into the skin.
Topical varicose veins should always be applied to clean skin. They must be used regularly, especially in severe forms of the disease. Remember, varicose veins disease is not a simple disease, and a comprehensive approach is needed here. Consultation with a specialist is required, you should not self-medicate. Only after the diagnosis is made, the doctor will be able to prescribe treatment, which includes drugs for internal and external use. In this case, a patient with varicose veins must lead a healthy lifestyle.