Varicose veins turn blue-purple or red due to the accumulation of large amounts of blood when the veins stretch and grow. Varicose veins are a common disease and often manifest themselves in the legs, but can also occur in 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 ruin 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 the risk of developing varicose veins:
In addition to the characteristic formation of dark blue or purple veins, the main symptoms of developing varicose veins are:
To effectively combat the problem of varicose veins, you need an integrated approach that includes the following.
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is recommended to start wearing compression garments - socks, tights or tights apply light pressure from the bottom of the foot upwards to reduce blood clotting and reduce swelling. This type of compression garment should always be worn, only in this case a positive effect can be achieved. Wearing tight clothing will not cure existing varicose veins, but will help prevent or reduce dilated veins and further complications.
Laser endovenous ablation (radiofrequency or laser)
Laser endovenous ablation is the most effective and reliable way to treat varicose veins. Varicose veins are the use of laser or radio frequency therapy to close or remove the vein. The doctor makes a small incision in the skin near the vein and inserts a catheter into it, then a special device is attached to the end of the catheter, thereby heating the catheter and closing or removing the varicose vein (depending on the chosen method of ablation). The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the patient usually returns home the same day.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a subtle method of treating varicose veins. During the procedure, a special substance is injected into the vein affected by varicose veins, which destroys the lining of the vein and causes blood to clot inside. Over time, the vein collapses and disappears.
Surgical method
In advanced varicose veins, some particularly mild treatments are no longer effective. In this case, surgical removal of the superficial vein during surgery can help a patient suffering from varicose veins. Indications for surgery are ulcers, bleeding, phlebitis. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, as a rule, the patient goes home the same day. Pain and discomfort may occur within 2 weeks after surgery, which is normal.
Training for varicose veins
Many movements and moderate exercise are key allies in the fight against varicose veins. Not all exercises are equally beneficial, and some can harm a person suffering from varicose veins.
Moderate, rhythmic physical activity, such as walking, prevents the development of disease and complications, because dynamic muscle movements help to divert blood from the environment to the heart.
Walking is great for preventing varicose veins, this type of physical activity promotes healthy circulation by stretching and narrowing the venous pump in the calf muscles. Walk at least 5 times a week for at least 30 minutes.
Low intensity work
Running at low speeds works well for calf muscles, but there is one drawback - running puts stress on our joints. If you're not ready to replace running with another activity, run on grass or rubber roads, not on hard asphalt.
Elliptical and sports bike
Training on an elliptical trainer and stationary bike actively engages the calf muscles, which helps normal blood circulation.
Power Education
Patients with varicose veins should avoid strenuous resistance exercises, squats, lungs, and wheezing. All of them have a negative impact on the course of the disease and contribute to its further development. During prolonged muscle tension, blood accumulates in the arteries of the legs, blood circulation deteriorates, all of which leads to the development of complications. It is recommended to 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, gels.
The main groups of drugs used in the treatment of varicose veins
Several groups of drugs are used to treat varicose veins: ointments, creams, tablets, less injections.
Features of each of the listed groups:
To solve the problem, it is necessary to increase the tone of the arteries. Therefore, phlebotonics (venotonics) is 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 vary in composition and price range, so you can find the most cost-effective drug for the treatment of varicose veins.
Diosmin
PhlebotonicsDiosmin is a bioflavonoid and is included in many medications to fight varicose veins. It has a venotonic effect, improves lymphatic drainage, improves microcirculation, reduces the adhesion of leukocytes to the venous wall and migration to the tissues of the pelvis, improves the diffusion and perfusion of oxygen in the skin tissue and has anti-inflammatory effect. Inhibits the production of free radicals, the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane.
Experimental studies have shown that diosmin doubles lymph output, increases venous wall tone, suppresses leukocyte activity, and prevents inflammation.
This is a group of drugs that affect the blood clotting system, preventing the adhesion of the formed elements, platelets. Antiplatelet agents are another name for drugs in this group because, in fact, natural or synthetic substances prevent platelet adhesion and prevent the formation of blood clots, which are often needed in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
Antioxidants are substances that prevent the peroxidation of lipids and proteins in the cell membrane, bind free radicals and thus slow down the oxidation and aging processes. Drugs in this group can be prescribed for the complex treatment of varicose veins. They help to improve and strengthen the dilation and elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, and prolong the normal life of every cell in the walls of even the smallest blood vessels.
Varicose veins are often accompanied by pain and swelling. Decongestants to relieve the legs are often prescribed in the complex treatment of varicose veins. They improve lymph flow 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 in this specialty. It should be noted that some narrow specialists can also help in the treatment of varicose veins - this is an angiologist and vascular surgeon. The general practitioner can also help diagnose the disease and refer the patient to an appropriate specialist.
Keep in mind that there are no obvious clinical manifestations in the early stages of the disease. Therefore, if you suspect varicose veins, you should contact a qualified specialist who will diagnose it immediately. As a rule, the diagnosis of varicose veins is made taking into account the patient's complaints, examination of the lower extremities, as well as data from laboratory and instrumental research methods. Timely measures to ensure the development and prevention of the disease are possible only after a thorough examination of the patient.
All modern ointments are prescribed in addition to the basic drug treatment of varicose veins. Local treatment helps to have a complex effect on the problem.
In complex treatment, as well as for prophylactic purposes, the use of creams, gels and ointments is recommended. Especially for people with a genetic predisposition to varicose veins. In any case, immediate action should be taken when the first symptoms appear. Otherwise, the disease can develop and cause serious concern.
Local treatment of varicose veins, along with medication, exercise therapy and prevention, is an important therapeutic tool that helps to restore the health of the circulatory system:
The use of ointments for the treatment of varicose veins is regulated by a phlebologist, taking into account the indications for use and contraindications. Therefore, despite the simplicity of such a drug, its use on its own without consulting a doctor is unacceptable.
Ointments for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins based on heparin are produced under different names, differ in the presence of excipients that change their action and manifestations, and have different manufacturers.
Heparin is a unique substance, so 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 in the legs. In addition to heparin-based ointments, there are herbal remedies that are less effective in preventing the development of varicose veins.
The herbal components of the ointment 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 can alleviate the general condition of a patient with varicose veins and accelerate the healing process.
There is no difference between topical preparations in the form of ointments, gels or creams, but ointments and creams are made on the basis of vegetable or animal oils, and the active ingredients are not completely soluble.
Gels are water-based, so all the active ingredients in them are completely dissolved without residue, which helps the skin to penetrate and be absorbed faster.
Local varicose veins should always be applied to clean skin. It should be used regularly, especially in severe forms of the disease. Remember, varicose veins are not a simple disease and a comprehensive approach is needed here. A specialist consultation is required, you should not treat yourself. Only after diagnosis will the doctor be able to prescribe treatment, which includes drugs for internal and external use. In this case, a patient with varicose veins should lead a healthy lifestyle.