One of the problems of many women and about 15% of men is varicose veins in the legs. In this disease, the vessels (veins) in the legs, which return blood rich in carbon dioxide and metabolic waste products, deform, thin, lose their tone and appear under the skin.
In addition to cosmetic defects, changes in the structure of the veins and impaired blood circulation lead to discomfort in the legs and even pain, edema and a feeling of heaviness. Although there are various medical tools and procedures that help with treatment, it is important from the beginning, as soon as the first signs of varicose veins appear, to get involved in prevention - this will help to avoid pain, swelling. , tired legs, external cosmetic defects.
What is the problem?
Varicose veins, commonly called varicose veins, are severe changes in the venous wall, its weakness, excessive stretching, due to which dark swollen veins of dark blue or purple appear under the skin. In the initial stage, small "stars" may appear from dilated capillaries, small crowns, and then larger ones.The veins have a special structure: in addition to the elastic wall, they also have small valves (pockets) that prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction. Varicose veins form when the valves in the vein walls weaken, stretch, deform, and do not close completely. Excessive wall extension and valve defects eventually lead to the fact that blood flows worse through the vessels, its movement slows down and even stops. First, the small veins appear in the form of "stars" or spider legs, and then the thicker twisted veins appear.
Other symptoms of varicose veins may include:
- calf burning, sharp sensation; discomfort in the legs, feeling of heaviness or pain;
- muscle spasms, cramps, most noticeable at night;
- swelling of the feet and ankles;
- dry or itchy, pale skin that looks thinner than healthy skin
If there is a tendency for varicose veins or the first symptoms appear, there are a number of procedures that eliminate discomfort and pain in the legs, help improve blood circulation and tone the veins.
Exercise and physical activity
Regular exercise improves blood circulation in the legs. Muscle contraction helps push the blood that has accumulated in the veins. Exercise also helps lower blood pressure, which is another negative factor that contributes to varicose veins.
Low-intensity exercise helps shrink calf muscles. They work without unnecessary stress.
Effective, low-impact exercises include:
- walking; cycling
stocking socks and compression tights
Compression garments are available at most drugstores and orthopedic stores. They dissipate pressure on the legs, squeezing the walls of the veins from the outside. Helps move blood to the heart and relieve blood clots in the lower extremities. The study found that people who used knee-length compression stockings held pressure between 18 and 21 mmHg. within a week, noted a decrease in pain and discomfort associated with varicose veins. It is important to choose socks and tights with a doctor or salon specialist, so as not to be mistaken with the degree of compression.
Plant extracts
Studies have shown that horse chestnut extract can help relieve leg pain, heaviness and itchy skin in people with chronic venous insufficiency (one of the leading causes of varicose veins).
A review study reported that sea pine extract and butcher broom extract may reduce swelling or edema of the feet, which is often associated with varicose veins.
Plant extracts and essential oils should be diluted before being applied to the skin or used in an aromatherapy dispenser.
Diet changes
Salty or sodium-rich foods contribute to swelling, including in the feet and ankles, so cutting down on salty foods can minimize water retention. Potassium-rich foods like almonds and pistachios help prevent and treat varicose veins by reducing water retention in the body. This group includes:
- almonds and pistachios;
- lentils and white beans;
- leafy vegetables;
- some types of fish, such as salmon and tuna.
Fiber foods help maintain bowel function and prevent constipation. This can be important, as stress can damage valves or cause blood clots in the veins. High fiber foods include:
- nuts, seeds and legumes;
- oats, wheat and flax seeds;
- whole grains.
Overweight people are more likely to suffer from varicose veins, so losing extra pounds can reduce pressure on the veins, reduce swelling and discomfort.
Flavonoids in food
Adding flavonoid-containing foods to your diet also helps reduce the risk of varicose veins. Flavonoids, being biologically active substances, improve blood circulation, maintain uniform blood flow and reduce the likelihood of blood accumulation in the veins. They also help lower blood pressure in the arteries and relax blood vessels, reducing stress on the veins and reducing the risk of varicose veins.
Foods that contain flavonoids include:
- vegetables: green onions, bell peppers, spinach and broccoli;
- citrus and grapes, cherries, apples and blueberries;
Herbal remedies
Some herbal preparations help to tone the veins and reduce their deformation. It is believed that taking grape seed extract can reduce swelling of the legs and other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, although there is currently very little evidence of its effectiveness. If you are taking blood thinner medication, you should avoid taking grape seed extract as a dietary supplement as it may interact with the medication and increase the risk of bleeding.
Choosing the right clothes
Wearing tight, tight, synthetic clothing can restrict blood flow to your feet. Wearing loose, breathless clothing that does not restrict blood supply to the lower body improves blood flow through the veins and reduces valve deformation.
It is also forbidden to wear tight and tight shoes. Shoes with tight toes put pressure on blood vessels and cause pain. It is recommended to choose shoes with orthopedic insole.
Wearing shoes with low heels or a comfortable, durable heel instead of high heels can also help relieve varicose vein pain in the foot.
You need to lift your legs more often
Periodically raising the legs up, ideally at the same height as the heart, or higher, helps to improve circulation. This reduces the pressure in the veins of the legs, and gravity helps the blood to flow better to the heart. You should try to raise your legs if you intend to sit for long periods of time, such as when working or resting.
Massage
Gently massaging your feet, legs and thighs can hold blood in your veins. You can use mild massage oils or moisturizers for optimal results. However, it is extremely important to avoid pressure directly on the veins, as this can damage fragile tissue. No less useful massage with water jets in the shower, including a contrast.
Continuous motion
Avoid sitting for extended periods. If you have to sit at work for a long time, you should try to get up and move, or at least change position frequently, so that blood flows completely through the veins from the legs.
Avoid sitting cross-legged as this can further restrict blood flow to the legs and feet and worsen blood circulation problems.
Treatment procedures for varicose veins
If preventative measures at home have not improved the condition of your veins, severe discomfort, pain and swelling occur, medical treatment is needed to eliminate varicose veins.
The doctor can prescribe the following:
- Endothermic ablation.This is a procedure in which heat is applied to seal the affected veins;
- Ambulatory phlebectomyThe doctor pierces the skin and removes the varicose veins through small incisions. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, practically no wounds remain;
- Sclerotherapy.This procedure uses a special foam to close the damaged veins. Blood will flow through the bypass system;
- Ligation and removal.In this procedure, varicose veins are surgically removed;
- Laser operations.light bursts of light are directed at the vein, causing it to fade;
- Endoscopic Surgery.During this operation, a small video camera is inserted into the foot to help the surgeon see better what is happening to the veins. The veins are removed through several small incisions.
Future Forecasts
Varicose veins cause discomfort and cosmetic defects. Prevention of varicose veins at home is possible, and changes in diet and lifestyle can reduce unpleasant symptoms. But as the disease progresses, you should seek medical help to eliminate the obvious defects and heal the veins themselves.