Translated from the ancient Greek language, "varicose veins" means "swelling". In theory, a similar disease can appear anywhere on the body, but the most common lesion is the feet.
The essence of the problem
Veins in the body play a very important role, representing a network of branched reservoirs that bring blood from the tissues to the heart muscle. In the lower extremities, this network is expressed in the form of deep and superficial veins, interconnected by an emergency blood discharge system.
As a rule, the main focus is on the deep veins, so they are significantly stronger and more voluminous. And on the surface, about 15% of the total work remains.
The heart is a "pump" that carries blood through the veins. Some of the blood flows through the veins against gravity (when walking, moving or collecting). When the muscles are relaxed (when standing), the blood rushes down, under the influence of the same gravity. But not everything is so simple, the valves placed on the walls of the vessels do not let it turn.
In cases where the valves are "broken", the veins are dilated and inflamed, then they are unable to maintain blood flow. This process contributes to the swelling and swelling of the veins. The damaged blood supply becomes the root from which the varicose veins in the legs start.
Causes of varicose veins
There are many reasons for this:
- Varicose veins can be inherited, meaning there is a congenital weakness of the vessel walls.
- The occurrence of varicose veins can be associated with human activity and immunity.
One thing is for sure, the disease does not arise like that, something has to serve as an impetus.
During work sitting in the veins, or more precisely in the pelvis, blood stasis occurs, which then manifests itself in health problems. Varicose veins arise from a sedentary lifestyle, therefore, with standing work, there are no barriers to its origin.
It is no coincidence that this disease, first of all, is called an occupational disease of vendors and hairdressers.
Below are also clear provocateurs:
- mbipesha (mbipesha),
- Frequent weight gain
- foot injuries.
Another factor is the increase in intra-abdominal pressure. The size of the veins is constantly changing, suction - the veins narrow, the extraction, on the contrary, expands. When a person pushes hard, the veins become severely stressed and under the pressure created they begin to dilate.
Of course, this does not mean that absolutely everyone is at risk, but chronic constipation and coughing can cause varicose veins.
Varicose veins during pregnancy
Very often varicose veins can be found in pregnant women. Increasingly, the uterus exerts involuntary pressure on the veins of the legs. In this case, nature has protected women from serious consequences and donated to the body, during pregnancy, a sufficient amount of sex hormones, which make the walls of blood vessels plastic and malleable. As a rule, here the disease is reversible; after birth, the veins return to their previous state.
Prevention methods
Absolutely every disease is much easier to prevent than to cure, and varicose veins are no exception. Let's take a look at the key preventative measures:
- Forget tight and uncomfortable shoes. Women should remember that the "everyday" heel should not be more than five centimeters. In the evening, please your feet with a massage and a fresh bath, then throw them up and lie in this position for 15 minutes.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes that do not have straps or tight elastic bands.
- Walk barefoot on the pebble if possible. Minimally, adjust these therapies yourself during the holidays.
- Check your diet. Eliminate, or at least reduce, the consumption of spicy, salty and smoked foods. The same goes for alcohol.
- Sport is an excellent prevention of varicose veins. An exception may be the initial stage of the disease. If you notice the first signs and symptoms in yourself, then the load should be weak and before you start training, be sure to consult your doctor.
- If you have a sedentary job, try to get up as often as possible and walk around the room. Do basic exercises, at least throw a little. Do not cross your legs while sitting, this is very bad for blood circulation.
- Do not overdo it with baths, saunas and hot tubs. After "hot" procedures, be sure to rinse with fresh water.
Stages of development of varicose veins
- The first stage.Pain and discomfort are absent, only cosmetic defects are observed. A branched pattern of veins appears on the legs, "stars" and "mesh" appear. In the evening, the feet swell a lot.
- The second phase.There is noticeable swelling in the ankle area and heavy weight on the foot. In the evening, cramps, numbness, tingling, and tingling may occur.
- The third phase.persistent severe swelling of the feet, seals form on the skin, pigmentation changes appear in places, itching and dermatitis.
- The fourth stage.Trophic ulcers appear on the skin of the feet.
What measures should be taken in the initial stage
Varicose veins of the lower extremities, if in the early stages, respond well to treatment, it is quite possible that a competent "war" will stop its development.
First, follow all the precautions described above. Review your wardrobe, if necessary, eliminate all "harmful" things, do the same with shoes. Give your feet a contrasting bath, walk more barefoot and balance your meals.
Second, at the first symptoms, get tight underwear, it could be sweater or socks. Their principle of action is to distribute the pressure on the foot in such a way that blood circulation is normalized, and the symptoms are significantly weakened.
In terms of consultation, it is necessary to visit not only a phlebologist, but also a gynecologist (for women) and an orthopedist. It is possible that hormonal contraceptives or flat feet may have caused circulatory problems.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancyAlmost every woman during pregnancy faces swelling problems of the legs and circulatory disorders. The enlarged uterus constantly presses on the inferior vena cava, interfering with its normal functioning.
But, as mentioned a little above, varicose veins in this case are reversible, the main thing is to take the necessary preventive measures in time.
- Buy comfortable orthopedic shoes so that your feet do not get tired when walking.
- Take daily walks. Do not stay or stay for a long time. To prevent venous stasis, place your feet on a hill while resting.
- Wear compression garments to avoid bulging.
- Light physical exercises that involve only the legs will be a good help. The simplest movements of the legs in different directions are sufficient.
- Vitamin C is very good in preventing varicose veins. It has many beneficial properties that will give elasticity to the veins, while reducing the risk of many diseases.
Treatment of varicose veins
Complete cure of the disease is possible only in an operative way. Medications and exercise are used as auxiliary methods.
PhlebektomyOperations can be surgical in nature or using the latest technology. The former include phlebectomy, when varicose veins are removed.
Laser
In the second group there is laser coagulation, here there is no incision, heat radiation is applied to the problem area of the body.
Scleotherapy
Another way to get rid of varicose veins is sclerotherapy. A special solution is injected into the damaged vein, using a thin needle, which sticks to the walls of the vessels and then disperses them.
But no matter what the doctors want, they are simply not able to eliminate the main cause of varicose veins - the weakness of the vessel walls. Only in your power to prevent disease through preventive measures.
Special Exercises
Below we list a number of exercises that will not take much of your time, but the effect will be great. You can make them at home.
- Exercise 1.Lie on the floor, raise your feet at a 90 ° angle to the floor, and start moving your toes "from you to you. "Repeat 10 times.
- Exercise 2.In the prone position, lift your legs and "draw" circles with your feet, 10 times in each direction.
- Exercise 3.The well-known "birch" has a good effect. From a prone position, raise your legs and pelvis, supporting the latter in your arms. Lock in this position for a few seconds. Repeat 4 times.
- Tip:Take some time to extend. First, your body will always be flexible, and second, it will contribute to the displacement of blood from the veins.
- Exercise 4.Lie on the floor with your feet together, knees pointing in different directions. Grab the legs and pull them towards you. Stay in this position for a while. Play the exercise 4 times.
- Exercise 5.Lie on your left side and stand on your elbow, grabbing your right foot with your right hand. Do some spring movements with your hip back (trying to reach with the heels on the buttocks), extend for 10 seconds. Do the same for the left side.
Ointments
The purpose of medicines in treating varicose veins is to give the veins elastic and normal condition. The necessary drugs will be recommended by a specialist for complex treatment.
A cream containing an anticoagulant can have a good prophylactic effect. The role of the latter is to anesthetize the affected areas as well as strengthen the blood vessels. Often creamy anti-varicose preparations contain a number of vitamins: C, B5 and B1, thanks to them the regeneration period is significantly reduced.
Tablets are also common in treatment, which:
- improve vascular tone;
- relieves inflammation;
- accelerate blood flow and lymph flow;
- eliminate microcirculation disorders.
Tablets are divided into several groups: corticosteroids, phlebotonics, antithrombotic analgesics and non-steroids.
Folk remedies
The conservative method of treatment is effective in the first stage of varicose veins, when a person feels heaviness in the legs and notices a venous network in the skin. The sooner corrective action is taken, the faster and more accurate the results will be. Below are some simple but effective recipes.
Garlic compress
Gruel is prepared from garlic and integrated butter, in a ratio of 1: 2, which is then applied to the affected areas, fixing with paper and bandage. Duration of exposure - at night, in the morning rinse your feet with warm water.
Chestnut
Chestnut tincture for internal use. Pour fifty grams of dry product with 500 ml of alcohol. The resulting product should be insisted for 14 days, filtered. Take three times daily before meals with water.
Kalanchoe Ointment
A liter jar should be half filled with leaves and the rest filled with 70% alcohol. The resulting tincture should be placed in a dark place for two weeks, but shake it daily. The finished ointment is rubbed daily on the damaged areas.
Love yourself and be healthy!