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 adequate treatment and prevention.

There are many causes of varicose veins: sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity and hormonal disorders, congenital weakness of the walls of blood vessels, pregnancy. What happens during varicose veins? With varicose veins of the lower extremities, they lose their normal elasticity and stretch under blood pressure.

The valves in the arteries normally lock and close as blood passes through them, allowing the blood to flow again. If the valves do not work properly, blood can flow freely downstream, causing blood stasis.

Reasons

Why does varicose veins occur and what is it? The main risk factors for the development of the disease are genetic predisposition and sex. Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from varicose veins due to high-heeled shoes, hormonal changes during pregnancy and contraceptive use.

Disease development:

Supported by

1. Heredity. It is not the disease itself that is inherited, but the structure of the genetically determined vessels: weak connective tissues of the venous walls, vascular valves with congenital defects. For this reason, varicose veins can be observed in young, healthy and active (regardless of gender) people and even children. According to scientists, genetic predisposition is the main factor that causes varicose veins in the legs.
2. Hormonal changes. In women, due to the characteristics of the body, periods of hormonal disorders cause blood stasis. The most dangerous periods for them are puberty, pregnancy and postpartum. It is also dangerous when menopause comes. This category of patients is 2-3 times more likely to see a doctor. Women do not have enough hormones called estrogen. Instead, the so-called corpus luteum hormones predominate. It is believed to have a relaxing effect on the muscles. It develops varicose veins.
3. A sedentary, sedentary lifestyle or work that requires prolonged standing can help develop varicose veins.
4. Age. Over time, the valves and vessel walls become thinner, which leads to disruption.
5. Obesity. Excess weight causes increased stress on the arteries in the legs.

Stages

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

1. Compensation phase. No complaints. Varicose veins in one or both legs are observed during the examination.
2. Subcompensation phase. Examination reveals obvious varicose veins in the legs. Patients complain of satiety, paresthesia in the legs ("chills"), night cramps. In the evening, there is a slight swelling in the legs, ankles and lower legs. The swelling disappears in the morning.
3. Decompensation phase. Dermatitis, eczema are associated with the listed symptoms. Patients are concerned with itching. The skin becomes dry, shiny and firmly adheres to the subcutaneous tissue. Minor bleeding and subsequent hemosiderin deposition cause hyperpigmentation.

Varicose veins are not a very serious disease in themselves, but if they are already developed, they will never go away on their own, and moreover, will lead to all sorts of complications that pose the greatest danger.

Signs

The first signs of the development of varicose veins:

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

In the later stages, spider veins appear on the skin, the veins and various seals swell, which indicates the density in the veins.

Symptoms of varicose veins in the legs

Symptoms can vary at different stages of varicose veins - from almost asymptomatic small spider veins to severe and painful manifestations.

You may suspect the development of an early stage with the following symptoms:

• pain in the legs, feeling of heat and sometimes the appearance of burning in the veins of the legs;
• weight on legs;
• swollen feet in the evening;
• leg cramps start at night;
• dilated veins;
• The skin of the lower leg turns dark, seals are visible, trophic ulcers are possible.

You should start treatment for varicose veins as soon as you notice any major symptoms - the symptoms will not go away on their own.

Diagnostics

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

1. Duplex scanning (ultrasound examination of blood vessels) is the most informative method for the diagnosis of varicose veins of the legs, which provides an idea of ​​the degree of varicose veins, the direction of blood flow in the veins and their openness, as well as the presence of blood clots (thrombi). allows.
2. Contrast venography is a method of examination that allows you to detect dilated vessels and study their degree of openness to the blood.

Only a highly qualified phlebologist can diagnose deep vein varicose veins.

Varicose veins in women

Many women experience varicose veins. This is due to the fact that women are prone to disease due to the characteristics of the female hormonal system. In addition, pregnancy and childbirth are often the cause of varicose veins due to the effects of increased stress on the pelvic organs and blood flow.

In addition to varicose veins of the lower extremities, women often develop varicose veins in the perineal region that affect the external genitalia, which is a congenital or acquired weakness of the vascular wall and valve insufficiency. Exposure to external (long-term static stress, significant physical activity) or internal factors (excess body weight, chronic pelvic diseases) causes varicose veins.

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

Development of varicose veins during pregnancy

Each subsequent pregnancy dramatically increases a woman's chances of developing venous insufficiency and varicose veins. This is due to hormonal changes in the female body and a significant increase in the load on the arteries.

Pregnancy significantly increases the risk of developing varicose veins of the lower extremities, which is due to the following reasons:

1. Hormones circulating in the blood during pregnancy increase the elasticity of the venous wall and help block venous blood in the legs.
2. Increased intra-abdominal pressure in late pregnancy makes it difficult for blood to flow through the arteries of the legs.
3. Varicose veins that occur during pregnancy may disappear completely after birth or may progress further depending on individual factors (heredity, the presence of other influencing factors).

Varicose veins in men

Varicose veins in men often occur in the form of varicocele - varicose veins of the spermatic cord. Symptoms:

• pain in the testicle and a feeling of heaviness along the spermatic cord, scrotum, increased physical exertion and prolonged standing;
• Palpation of the scrotum reveals twisted vessels of the spermatic cord.

Causes of male infertility associated with the development of varicocele, circulatory disorders and pathological changes in the normal functioning of the testicles:

• There is an increase in body temperature in the testicle temperature. High temperatures affect the course of spermatogenesis;
• testicular hypoxia (oxygen starvation, ischemia);
• Accumulation of free radicals in testicular tissues and disruption of their activity.

Treatment of varicose veins in men consists of surgery when there are symptoms: pain in the testicles, infertility, aesthetic defect in the scrotum, underdevelopment of the affected testicles during adolescence. However, the disease can be asymptomatic and does not cause serious discomfort in men.

When diagnosing varicocele in adolescents and children, surgery is required at any stage of the disease, which prevents further development of infertility.

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

Varicose veins in children

Children are also susceptible to the development of varicose veins. For them, this phenomenon is extremely rare and in most cases is the result of congenital pathology - angiodysplasia, anomalies of the peripheral vascular system. The disease mainly affects the lower extremities. As a result, obvious anatomical and functional disorders occur. This leads to irreversible changes and early disability.

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

In addition, the development of varicose veins during adolescence has become a very common phenomenon. The disease mainly affects girls. This can be caused by:

• hormonal changes in the body of a teenager;
• hereditary tendency.

Among the factors that affect the appearance of varicose veins in children are:

• tight, straight legs, hernia;
• weak posture;
• incorrectly installed shoes;
• overweight.

For prophylactic purposes, it is necessary to monitor the child's nutrition to prevent the development of varicose veins. The diet should be balanced, it is useful to include rich foods daily. Contains a large amount of hazelnuts, horse chestnuts, as well as berries - rose hips, sea buckthorn, black currant. Decoctions and juices from these berries can have a protective and general strengthening effect on the body.

pelvic varicose veins

Varicose veins can also be in the pelvic region. This form is most common in women, which is associated with the characteristics of the blood supply to the female body. Dilated arteries cause pain and heaviness in the pelvic region, which can lead to 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 tendency;
• lack of physical activity;
• sedentary work;
• taking oral contraceptives.

If there are risk factors and symptoms of the disease, it is necessary to be examined. In the early stages, it is possible to detect varicose veins of the small pelvis with ultrasound diagnosis. Initial diagnosis is also possible with a gynecological examination during a standard procedure.

Treatment of the disease includes taking venotonic drugs, wearing special compression underwear and therapeutic and prophylactic gymnastics. Risk factors should be ruled out and monitored regularly by a gynecologist. Surgical intervention is indicated due to the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment methods.

Treatment of varicose veins in the legs

Treatment may not be medically necessary if the symptoms for varicose veins in the legs are not problematic.

However, some people may want to be treated for varicose veins for cosmetic reasons because they are not happy with their appearance.

Let's look at the main methods that will help you get rid of this problem.

1. Sclerotherapy. This method of treatment is used in combination with both independent and conservative procedures. Its essence is that a special drug that fills it is injected into a vein with a thin needle or syringe, and then the vein disappears completely. Sessions are held once a week, 3-6 of these sessions are required. The method avoids scars and scars.
2. Non-surgical treatment. If varicose veins are in the early stages and do not cause much discomfort, elastic compression stockings may be recommended. They are worn during daily activities. Helps narrow blood vessels, limit stretching and discomfort or pain.
3. Medical treatment of varicose veins relieves symptoms, reduces swelling and pain, slows down the development process, but does not completely stop the disease and can not repair damaged vessels.
4. Laser treatment of varicose veins in the legs can be used on the surface of the skin. With the help of a small laser light, the process of sclerosis develops in the vessel wall and the varicose veins disappear as they are removed.

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

Venotonic drugs

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

Most venotonics are complex drugs. The effect of using them extends not only to the arteries, but to all the arteries in our body.

How to treat varicose veins with folk remedies

There are many ways to treat varicose veins in the legs with folk remedies for both external and internal use. Below are the most common:

1. Horse chestnut flowers (50 grams), pour 500 g of alcohol, then shake the bottle every day and infuse for 14 days. Pass the tincture through a mesh and consume a tablespoon of water three times a day before meals. How to get better in a week - take a break for two weeks. Then treatment can be restarted.
2. Dry nettle infusion is used for varicose veins. The dried 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 1/3 cup 3 times a day 1 hour after meals.
3. Tomato compress. Stretch finely chopped tomatoes, bandage, gauze and apply to the wound. You can tie it with elastic or another bandage for convenience. Such a compress lasts for 2 hours in the vein, then changes to a new one, and so on. A total of 3 times. The convenience of this compress is that it can be repeated every day.
4. Walnut oil tincture: chop unripe nuts, pour into a glass jar, add olive oil and keep in a sunny place for 40 days. Lubricate the wounded spots with ready tincture. The course of treatment is as long as Kalanchoe is used.

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

Varicose veins are mainly a disease of women, they are often associated with wearing high heels, pregnancy, childbirth and a number of other conditions. However, the disease can also affect men, especially if there is a work activity that requires more physical effort. Because varicose veins cause severe wear and tear that can trigger vascular atrophy and thrombosis, it is important to diagnose and treat the disease in a timely manner. It can be done surgically and conservatively. Treatment can be selected only by the attending physician.

Traditional methods of treatment of varicose veins

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar relieves pain in varicose veins

This home remedy is used in two ways. The first involves rubbing a small amount of apple cider vinegar on the affected areas 1-2 times a day. The latest technique is best before bed, so you can soothe aching limbs and improve sleep. If varicose veins are localized, you can soak a clean skin with vinegar and apply to the painful area for 5-10 minutes. Such manipulations are repeated 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment is 2-3 weeks. A mandatory monthly break is required between courses.

Honey ointment

You need beeswax, propolis and olive oil for an effective home remedy. These substances are required to be taken in a 2: 1: 1 ratio, respectively. After mixing the components well, they should be stored in the refrigerator. Homemade ointment is applied twice a day in the morning and evening, the product does not need to be washed. 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 against varicose veins

To prepare the solution, collect a half-liter jar of chestnuts and peel the fruit. After that, the plant should be poured with 200 ml of alcohol or vodka, the resulting solution is insisted only in a dark and cool place for 14 days, for which you can use the bottom drawer of the refrigerator. After settling, it is required to take 30 drops of the infusion, which occurs three times after the main meal. The duration of such treatment is 20-30 days.

Tincture can also be used for rubbing, in which case the product can not be taken internally. They rub their feet before going to bed, it is recommended to wash them first. You should go to bed immediately after applying the product. Use chestnut tincture in this way daily for a month. In both cases, a three-month break is required between treatments.

Potato juice

Potato juice is used as a compress for varicose veins

This tool can be used for the initial degree of varicose veins, as well as 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 within five hours. After that, the compress needs to be replaced. You can use potato applications 1-2 times a day for two weeks. Intervals between therapy 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 permission of a doctor and in combination with traditional medicines.

When should I see a doctor immediately?

Complications of varicose veins can develop in situations that require urgent medical attention. These cases involve the following processes:

• The pain in the affected area is so severe that it is impossible for a limb to move and get out of bed;
• On palpation, the skin is characterized by increased temperature, the wound is swollen and very dense;
• skin turned blue from normal or close to red and purple;
• There is a sudden shortness of breath, even shortness of breath is difficult;
• has 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 who suffer from varicose veins. In this case, the delay can threaten the patient's death if the necessary medical care is not provided.

Complications of varicose veins (results)

Varicose veins can cause serious complications. In the final stages of the development of varicose veins, there is an excessive thinning of the walls of blood vessels, in this regard, the risk of trophic ulcers - poor healing wounds in the veins, even with minor trauma.

The result of rupture of varicose veins is the development of thrombophlebitis. During appearance, thrombosis occurs with inflammation of the vessel wall, and a thrombus forms that closes the lumen.

With the development of acute thrombophlebitis, thrombosis is accompanied by severe pain in the arteries, fever and chills. In superficial vascular thrombophlebitis, painful seals with redness of the skin along the arteries are characteristic. Deep vein thrombophlebitis is accompanied by edema of the extremities due to acute impairment of venous flow.

Disease prevention

Preventive measures play an important role in the presence of risk factors for the development of varicose veins. Therefore, you should not follow them with varicose veins that have already been diagnosed. This will save it from further development and the need for surgery.

To reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, you should do the following:

• Moderate physical activity, swimming is especially useful. Swimming has a massage effect, has a beneficial effect on blood vessels without unnecessary stress;
• Strengthen the walls of blood vessels with a contrast shower. Complete hygiene procedures with a contrasting foot shower. To do this, soak your feet for 10 minutes alternately between cold and hot water;
• dietary change - reducing the consumption of fatty foods, including in the daily diet of rich foods;
• wear compression underwear, especially with increased physical activity in the legs;
• Intake of vitamin and mineral complexes that increase immunity, strengthen blood vessel walls and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Exercises

Prevention and treatment of varicose veins consists of therapeutic and prophylactic gymnastics exercises aimed at improving blood circulation and getting rid of the symptoms of blood stasis.

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

You need to start the lessons by preparing your feet in advance: to do this, you need to lie on your back with your feet on the back or back of the sofa. Stay in this position for 10-15 minutes.

Then, start stretching exercises:

1. bike - bend your knees to mimic pedaling;
2. Bending-stretching of the legs at the ankle joint - the legs stretch, alternately perform flexion and extension movements;
3. then work your toes in the same way;
4. Lift your legs at an angle and bend your legs in and out;
5. Perform scissor exercises in a lying position: take turns crossing your legs;
6. walk on your feet, holding socks;
7. Standing up, we raise our toes: on the breath, up, on the exhalation, we go down.

Varicose veins develop over a long period of time, so there is a chance to stop them when the first symptoms appear. However, the only way to get rid of varicose veins completely is to remove the veins surgically.