Varicose veins occur when the veins stretch and grow in size, take on a blue-purple or red hue, due to the accumulation of large amounts of blood. Varicose veins are a widespread disease and in most cases it occurs on the legs, but at the same time it can form on other parts of the body.
For most people, especially women, varicose veins are primarily a cosmetic problem. In the early stages, the disease does not pose a threat to health. Swollen and ugly veins can spoil the appearance of some 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 bulging veins, here are the main signs of the development of varicose veins:
To effectively address the problem of varicose veins, an integrated approach is needed that includes:
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is recommended to start wearing compression garments: stockings, tights or leggings apply gentle pressure from the lower leg upwards, reducing blood accumulation and reducing swelling. It is necessary to always wear such compression clothing, only in this case it is possible to achieve a positive effect. Wearing compression garments will not cure existing varicose veins, but it will help prevent or reduce varicose veins and further complications.
Intravenous laser ablation (radiofrequency or laser)
The laser intravenous ablation method is by far the most effective and safest way to treat varicose veins. It is the use of laser or radiofrequency therapy, with the help of which a varicose vein is closed or removed. 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 catheter tip, with which the catheter heats and closes or removes the varicose vein (depending on the chosen ablation method). The procedure is performed using local anesthesia and the patient usually returns home the same day.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy refers to the gentle methods of treating varicose veins. During the procedure, a special substance is injected into the vein affected by the varicose veins, which destroys the inner lining of the vein and causes the blood inside it to clot. After some time, the vein collapses and disappears.
Surgical method
In advanced cases of varicose veins, some particularly gentle treatment methods are no longer effective. In this case, a patient suffering from varicose veins can be helped by an operation, during which the superficial vein is surgically removed. Indications for surgery are ulcers, bleeding, phlebitis. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, usually the patient returns home the same day. Pain and discomfort can occur for 2 weeks after surgery, this is normal.
Training for varicose veins
A lot of movement and moderate exercise are the main allies in the fight against varicose veins. Not all workouts are equally beneficial, and some can even harm a person suffering from varicose veins.
Moderate and rhythmic physical activity, such as walking, prevents disease progression and complications because dynamic muscle movements help direct blood from the periphery to the heart.
Walking is excellent for the prevention of varicose veins, this type of physical activity promotes healthy blood circulation by stretching and contracting the venous pump in the calf muscles. Walk for at least 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.
Low intensity running
Running at a slow pace works well for the calf muscles, but has a disadvantage: running puts stress on the joints. If you're not ready to replace running with another activity, run on grass or rubber trails, not hard asphalt.
Elliptical and exercise bike
Exercise on the elliptical trainer and stationary bike actively engages the calf muscles, promoting normal blood circulation.
Strength training
Patients with varicose veins should avoid very intense resistance training, squats, lunges and crunches. All of them adversely affect the course of the disease and contribute to its further development. During prolonged muscle tension, blood accumulates in the veins of the legs, blood circulation deteriorates, all this provokes the development of complications. It is recommended to wear compression stockings during and after strength training.
Today, pharmacies offer a wide range of medicines for the treatment of varicose veins in the form of tablets, drops, ointments, creams, gels.
The main groups of drugs used for the treatment of varicose veins
For the treatment of varicose veins, several groups of drugs are used: ointments, creams, tablets, less often injections.
Characteristics of each of the listed groups:
To solve the problem, it is necessary to increase the tone of the veins. Therefore, phlebotonics (venotonics) are 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 differs in composition and price range, therefore, for the treatment of varicose veins, you can find the most suitable drug option in terms of cost.
Phlebotonics containing Diosmin
Diosmin belongs to the representatives of bioflavonoids and is found in many drugs for the fight against varicose veins. It has a venotonic effect, improves lymphatic drainage, improves microcirculation, reduces the adhesion of leukocytes to the venous wall and their migration to paravenous tissues, improves oxygen diffusion and perfusion in the skin tissue, has an anti-inflammatory effect. It blocks the production of free radicals, the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane.
Experimental studies have shown that diosmin doubles the outflow of the lymph, increases the tone of the venous wall, suppresses the activity of leukocytes and prevents inflammation.
This is a group of drugs that affect the blood coagulation system, preventing the adhesion of formed elements, platelet plates. Antiplatelet agents are another name for drugs of this group, because, in fact, natural or synthetic substances block the adhesion of platelets and inhibit the formation of blood clots, which is often necessary in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
Antioxidants are substances that inhibit 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 in the complex treatment of varicose veins. They help improve the extensibility and elasticity of blood vessel walls, strengthen them and prolong the normal life of each cell in the walls of even the smallest veins.
Often varicose veins are accompanied by pain and swelling. To restore lightness to the legs, decongestants are often prescribed in the complex treatment of varicose veins. They improve the outflow of lymph 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 of this specialty. It should be borne in mind that some narrow specialists are also able to assist in the treatment of varicose veins - this is an angiologist and a vascular surgeon. The primary care physician can also help diagnose the disease and refer the patient to the appropriate specialist.
Remember that in the initial stages of the disease, pronounced clinical manifestations are usually absent. Therefore, if you suspect varicose veins, you should immediately contact a qualified specialist who will make the diagnosis. As a rule, the diagnosis of varicose veins is carried out taking into account the patient's complaints, examination of the lower extremities, as well as the data of instrumental and laboratory research methods. It is possible to make sure of the development of the disease and take timely measures to prevent it only after a thorough examination of the patient.
All modern ointments are prescribed in addition to the main treatment of varicose veins with drugs. Local treatment helps to achieve a complex effect on the problem.
It is recommended to use creams, gels and ointments in complex treatment, as well as for prophylactic purposes. Especially for people who have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins. In any case, when the first symptoms appear, urgent measures must be taken. Otherwise, the disease can develop and cause severe discomfort.
Local treatment of varicose veins is an important therapeutic tool which, together with drugs, physical therapy and prevention, contributes to the return of a healthy state of the circulatory system:
The use of ointments for the treatment of varicose veins is regulated by a phlebologist, who takes into account the indications and contraindications for their use. Therefore, despite the simplicity of such a drug, its use alone, without consulting a doctor, is unacceptable.
Heparin-based ointments for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins are produced under different names, differ from each other in the presence of excipients in the composition that change the action and effects manifested, and also havedifferent 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 on the legs. In addition to heparin-based ointments, there are herbal preparations that are no less effective in preventing the development of varicose veins.
The herbal components of the ointments are complex natural substances that act in a complex way 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 facilitate the general condition of the patient with varicose veins and can accelerate the healing process.
There are no significant differences between topical preparations in the form of ointment, gel or cream, however, ointments and creams are made on the basis of vegetable or animal fats and the active ingredients contained in them do not completely dissolve.
Gels are water-based products, which is why all the active components in them dissolve completely, leaving no residue, which contributes to faster penetration and absorption into the skin.
Topical varicose veins should always be applied to clean skin. They need to be used regularly, especially in severe forms of the disease. Remember, varicose vein disease is not a simple disease and an integrated approach is needed here. Specialist consultation is required, you should not self-medicate. Only after the diagnosis, the doctor will be able to prescribe treatment, which includes drugs for internal and external use. In this case, a patient with varicose veins must lead a healthy lifestyle.