Varicose veins are a common disease characterized by an increase in the lumen of blood vessels, a malfunction of the valve apparatus and the occurrence of reverse blood flow. The pathological process can be located in different places, so there are different types of the disease:
Varicose veins in the legs are considered the most common. It is estimated that over 30% of the population suffer from it, mostly women. Varicose veins on the legs are not only ugly bulging veins, but also a lot of unpleasant sensations and inconveniences. The pathological process is accompanied by severity, pain, edema and often leads to dangerous complications: thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers. Many would like to know how to get rid of varicose veins forever, as it significantly impairs the quality of life. But, unfortunately, this phenomenon is irreversible and the only thing that can be achieved is to stop or slow down the development of the disease.
The causes of varicose veins are not yet clearly understood. It is understood that the disease is associated with thinning, weakness and loss of elasticity of the vascular wall, as well as incompetent valves. As a result, the veins become unevenly dilated, elongated, long, twisted, nodular. A genetic predisposition is believed to play a decisive role in the onset of the disease, i. e. weak blood vessels and defective valves from birth.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins, although they are not the causes:
Varicose veins are a chronic process that begins gradually and only progresses over time. To date, it is impossible to completely defeat the disease, but it is possible to slow down the development and reduce symptoms if complex treatment is applied, which includes:
You will have to fight varicose veins for life. Do not self-medicate. It is necessary to be examined by a phlebologist or vascular surgeon who will diagnose, determine the stage of the disease and the severity of the injury and prescribe the appropriate treatment. The main task is to remove or reduce clinical manifestations, stop progression, prevent relapses and the development of complications.
The effectiveness of the treatment will depend on the patient's compliance with all the doctor's recommendations. It is important to seek help at an early stage, when there is still no pain, but evening edema, heaviness and fatigue in the legs, small varicose veins on the skin have appeared.
Without changing your lifestyle, it is impossible to effectively combat varicose veins. The rules to follow are completely trivial and failure to comply with them is usually associated with a lack of willpower or an irresponsible attitude towards one's health.
The special stretch knitwear is now available in a large assortment. These are knee-highs, stockings, tights of different colors and densities, which practically do not differ from ordinary ones. They have become a good alternative to elastic bandages, uncomfortable in use and outwardly unsightly.
The special mesh can not treat varicose veins, but improves microcirculation, reduces stress on the veins,
prevents blood stagnation, reduces the diameter of blood vessels, increases the outflow of venous blood and lymph. A person feels lightness in the legs, in the evening he gets tired less, there is no swelling.
In the beginning it will be difficult without the habit of wearing compression stockings by hand. To simplify your task, you can purchase a special device.
There are four classes of medical knitwear, depending on the pressure applied. You can only wear products of the 1st compression class, which are considered condoms and are intended rather for healthy people. The rest should be prescribed by a doctor depending on the diagnosis and severity of varicose veins. Be aware that compression products may be contraindicated for some diseases. Pantyhose or stockings are selected by a doctor strictly according to the size, otherwise the desired effect will not be.
For the treatment of varicose veins, tablets and external agents in the form of gels, creams and ointments of various spectrum of action are used. They increase vascular tone, improve microcirculation, promote blood flow and prevent skin changes. The drugs are designed to relieve fatigue, heaviness, discomfort, swelling, itching, cramps and pain in the legs. Their appointment is strictly individual.
The main means of treating varicose veins are venotonics. They are made on the basis of horse chestnut, rutin, grape leaves and are almost always well tolerated by patients. Available in the form of tablets, capsules, gel.
Anticoagulants are used to reduce blood viscosity and reduce the likelihood of thrombophlebitis. These are ointments with refreshing additives in the form of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus. In addition to thinning the blood, they prevent the development of thrombophlebitis.
Antihistamines may be prescribed for itchy skin changes. For inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pills are prescribed.
To get rid of varicose veins, operations are carried out to remove the affected part of the vessel in order to block the discharge of blood from the superficial to the deep vein. The operation is called phlebectomy. In its classical form, it is used less and less today in connection with the emergence of new and less traumatic ways of treating varicose veins. Such treatment, as a rule, is indicated for large vein diameters and advanced cases of the disease.
A gentler method is microflebectomy, in which a section of a vein is removed in parts and not through an incision, but through a puncture.
Radiofrequency ablation is considered the safest and least traumatic method for treating varicose veins, although it has some contraindications. The method consists in the thermal effect of microwaves, as a result of which the venous lumen is closed. Main advantages:
Laser coagulation is another method of treating varicose veins. During the procedure, a laser is applied to the vessel wall. The radiation leads to the adhesion of the vein walls and the complete closure of the lumen. It is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia without incisions. A catheter is inserted into the lumen of the vein, through which an LED is inserted and radiation is provided. The procedure is less traumatic, complications are very rare.
This inoperative method is one of the most common. It is used on small veins and as part of a complex treatment along with surgery. The conclusion is that a special medicine with a sclerosing effect is injected into a vein using a fine needle. As a result, the vessel walls unite, close, and disrupt blood flow. The affected vein becomes a fibrous cord. The main advantages of the method:
Pour the chopped unripe walnuts into a glass dish and pour over with olive oil. Put in the sun for 40 days. Apply as needed, lubricating the affected area. Continue the treatment for about four months.
Beat a cabbage leaf, apply a layer of olive oil on one side, apply this side to the affected area, bandage and leave for a day. Continue the treatment for a month.
This is one of the most effective folk remedies. For the treatment of varicose veins, a tincture is prepared from the fruits of the plant, which must be crushed, filled halfway into a glass container (three liters) and filled with vodka. Move to a dark place for a month, stir from time to time. When ready, scrub your sore spots overnight. Alcoholic chestnut tincture for external and internal use with varicose veins can be purchased at the pharmacy.
When varicose veins appear, the question may arise whether it is possible to engage in physical education and sports and which exercises are useful. Most doctors agree that physical activity in such a disease is very important, since the dynamics are beneficial to the veins, and static electricity is harmful. But it is equally important to consult with your doctor about what types of sports can be practiced and what kind of load will be optimal. In addition, the patient can be shown special therapeutic exercises, which are performed directly in a medical institution. At home you can also do simple but effective exercises which, with regular exercise, will help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins.
Varicose veins are an irreversible process, but it must be treated without fail, especially since there are some modern methods that must be used in combination. Without treatment, there is a high risk of developing complications such as chronic venous insufficiency, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers, and even a condition so dangerous that it can result in death, such as pulmonary embolism.