Varicose veins are a common disease characterized by an increase in the lumen of blood vessels, a malfunction of the valve apparatus and the occurrence of reverse blood flow. The pathological process can be localized in different places, so there are several types of the disease:
Varicose veins of the legs are considered the most common. It is estimated that more than 30% of the population suffers from it, with the majority being women. Varicose veins on the legs are not only ugly protruding veins, but also many unpleasant sensations and inconveniences. The pathological process is accompanied by severity, pain, edema, and often leads to dangerous complications: thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers. Many would like to know how to get rid of varicose veins forever, since it significantly impairs the quality of life. But, unfortunately, this phenomenon is irreversible, and the only thing that can be achieved is to stop or slow down the development of the disease.
The causes of varicose veins are still not clearly understood. It is understood that the disease is associated with thinning, weakness and loss of elasticity of the vascular wall, as well as valve incompetence. As a result, the veins become unevenly dilated, stretched, long, twisted, nodular. It is believed that a genetic predisposition plays a decisive role in the onset of the disease, that is, from birth, weak vessels and defective valves.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins, although they are not its causes:
Varicose veins are a chronic process that begins gradually and only progresses over time. To date, it is impossible to completely defeat the disease, but it is possible to slow down the development and reduce symptoms if you apply a complex treatment, which includes:
You will have to fight varicose veins all your life. Do not self-medicate. It is necessary to be examined by a phlebologist or vascular surgeon who will diagnose, determine the stage of the disease and the severity of the lesion, and prescribe the appropriate treatment. The main task is to remove or reduce clinical manifestations, stop progression, prevent relapses and the development of complications.
The effectiveness of treatment will depend on the patient's compliance with all the doctor's recommendations. It is important to seek help at an early stage, when there is still no pain, but evening edema, heaviness and fatigue of the legs, small spider veins on the skin have appeared.
Without changing your lifestyle, it is impossible to effectively fight varicose veins. The rules to follow are completely banal, and failure to follow them is usually associated with a lack of willpower or an irresponsible attitude towards one's health.
Special stretch knitwear is available today in a large assortment. These are knee-highs, stockings, tights of different colors and density, which practically do not differ from ordinary ones. They have become a good alternative to elastic bandage, inconvenient in use and outwardly unaesthetic.
Special jersey cannot treat varicose veins, but it improves microcirculation, reduces stress on veins,
prevents blood from stagnating, reduces the diameter of blood vessels, increases the outflow of venous blood and lymph. A person feels lightness in his legs, by the evening he gets less tired, there are no swelling.
At first it will be difficult without the habit of putting on compression hosiery by hand. To simplify your task, you can purchase a special device.
There are four classes of medical knitwear, depending on the pressure applied. You can wear only products of the 1st compression class, which are considered prophylactic and are intended rather for healthy people. The rest should be prescribed by a doctor, depending on the diagnosis and severity of varicose veins. You should be aware that compression products may be contraindicated for certain diseases. Tights or stockings are selected by a physician strictly according to size, otherwise the desired effect will not be.
For the treatment of varicose veins, tablets and external agents in the form of gels, creams and ointments of various spectrum of action are used. They increase vascular tone, improve microcirculation, promote blood outflow, and prevent skin changes. Medicines are designed to relieve fatigue, heaviness, discomfort, swelling, itching, cramps, and pain in the legs. Their appointment is strictly individual.
The main means of treating varicose veins are venotonics. They are made on the basis of horse chestnut, rutin, grape leaves and are almost always well tolerated by patients. Available in the form of tablets, capsules, gels.
Anticoagulants are used to reduce blood viscosity and reduce the likelihood of thrombophlebitis. These are ointments with cooling additives in the form of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus. In addition to thinning the blood, they prevent the development of thrombophlebitis.
Antihistamines may be prescribed for itchy skin changes. For inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pills are prescribed.
To get rid of varicose veins, operations are performed to remove the affected part of the vessel in order to stop the discharge of blood from the superficial vein into the deep one. The operation is called phlebectomy. In its classical form, it is used less and less today in connection with the emergence of new, less traumatic ways of dealing with varicose veins. Such treatment, as a rule, is indicated for large vein diameters and advanced cases of the disease.
A more gentle method is microflebectomy, in which a section of a vein is removed in parts and not through an incision, but through a puncture.
Radiofrequency ablation is considered the safest and least traumatic method of treating varicose veins, although it has some contraindications. The method consists in the thermal effect of microwaves, as a result of which the venous lumen is closed. Key benefits:
Laser coagulation is another method of treating varicose veins. During the procedure, a laser is applied to the vessel wall. Radiation leads to sticking of the vein walls and complete closure of the lumen. It is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia without incisions. A catheter is inserted into the lumen of the vein, through which an LED is inserted and radiation is supplied. The procedure is less traumatic, complications are very rare.
This non-operational method is one of the most common. It is used on small veins and as part of a complex treatment along with surgical intervention. The bottom line is that a special medicine with a sclerosing effect is injected into a vein using a thin needle. As a result, the walls of the vessel stick together, close and stop blood flow. The affected vein becomes a fibrous cord. The main advantages of the method:
Pour chopped unripe walnuts into a glass dish and pour over with olive oil. Put in the sun for 40 days. Apply as needed, lubricating the affected area. Continue treatment for about four months.
Beat off a cabbage leaf, apply a layer of olive oil on one side, apply this side to the affected area, bandage and leave for a day. Continue treatment for a month.
This is one of the most effective folk remedies. For the treatment of varicose veins, a tincture is prepared from the fruits of the plant, which must be crushed, half filled in a glass container (three-liter) and filled with vodka. Remove to a dark place for a month, stir from time to time. When ready, rub the sore spots overnight. Alcohol tincture of chestnut for external and internal use with varicose veins can be bought at the pharmacy.
When varicose veins appear, the question may arise about whether it is possible to do physical education and sports and what exercises are useful. Most doctors agree that physical activity in such a disease is very important, since dynamics is beneficial for the veins and static is harmful. But it is equally important to consult with your doctor about what kinds of sports you can do and what kind of loads will be optimal. In addition, the patient can be shown special therapeutic exercises, which are carried out directly in a medical institution. At home, you can also do simple but effective exercises that, with regular exercise, will help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins.
Varicose veins is an irreversible process, but it must be treated without fail, especially since there are quite a few modern methods that must be used in combination. Without treatment, there is a high risk of developing complications such as chronic venous insufficiency, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers, and even such a dangerous condition that can result in death, such as pulmonary embolism.