How to treat varicose veins

Varicose veins are one of the oldest diseases.The question of how and what to treat varicose veins on the legs is still asked by hundreds of people.

Nowadays, the treatment of varicose veins on the legs has become available to everyone.

Modern medicine offers many ways to fight the disease.

Reasons

Heaviness of the legs and frequent swelling of the lower limbs, followed by the appearance of multiple spider veins, indicate the beginning of the development of varicose veins.The main cause of the disease is a sedentary lifestyle.It is no coincidence that the problem of varicose veins in the legs is mostly faced by people whose professional activities involve sitting in one place for a long time - salesmen, drivers, office workers, hairdressers, etc.Low physical activity causes stagnation of blood in the veins, which is why the symptoms of varicose veins appear.However, this is far from the only factor that can trigger the formation of varicose veins in the legs:

• Overweight;
• Lifting heavy objects;
• Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy or puberty;
• Long-term use of hormones;
• Wearing tight clothing that severely compresses the blood vessels in the legs (tight tights, jeans, tight knee pants or socks).

Doctors also emphasize that the habit of crossing our legs while sitting also has a bad effect on the health of the veins.

Stages and symptoms

Before treating varicose veins on the legs, the stage of the disease must be determined.Fortunately, varicose veins have many characteristic symptoms that allow you to detect the problem in its early stages.Experts in phlebology distinguish 4 stages of varicose veins:

1. Section 1.External changes can be observed in the limbs: tortuous veins protrude on the legs and thighs, red and vascular "stars" appear.In the evening, your legs may swell slightly;
2. Section 2.The feeling of swelling and heaviness in the legs increases.At night, especially after the previous day's physical activity, cramps, numbness and tingling may occur in the calf muscles;
3. Section 3.Swelling of the legs becomes a permanent phenomenon, compactions, pigmentation and skin inflammation begin to develop on the lower limbs;
4. Section 4.The skin is covered with trophic ulcers.

Despite the fact that it is difficult to recognize the disease in the initial stage due to the absence of varicose veins, external changes in the legs should alert you and you should seek medical help.Treatment of varicose veins is prescribed by a phlebologist after an ultrasound examination.The results of the study help to determine the stage of the spread of the disease, which allows the specialist to understand which method will be the most effective in a particular case.

Treatment methods

According to medical statistics, some symptoms of varicose veins are observed in about 70% of the population of developed countries.This raises the need to develop new methods for the treatment of varicose veins.Today, this disease is treated with medication, surgery and physiotherapy.In traditional medicine, the following procedures are actively used to permanently get rid of varicose veins:

• Sclerotherapy.A sclerosing drug is injected into the damaged veins, which "freezes" the walls.After this, the veins dissolve and their function is transferred to the healthy elements in the blood stream;
• Laser therapy.The most popular way to treat varicose veins.In 98% of cases, a lasting positive effect is achieved.Its mechanism of action is similar to sclerotherapy, only a laser is used here;
• Venectomy.This is the surgical removal of damaged veins.After surgery, patients are forced to wear compression garments for 2 years to restore normal blood flow;
• Hirudotherapy.Leeches have a positive effect on the veins, helping to dissolve blood clots in them.

The methods described above, although effective in the treatment of varicose veins on the legs, are not recommended for everyone.

For example, during pregnancy and in the initial stages of the disease, doctors prescribe conservative treatment methods: wearing compression clothing, taking medications and special exercises to improve blood flow.

Prevention

Drastic treatment of varicose veins can be avoided if the disease is detected in the initial stages of development.Simple preventive measures not only stop the further progression of varicose veins, but also prevent their occurrence in people who are forced to lead a sedentary lifestyle.These are:

• Nutrition.The inclusion in the menu of vegetable oils and fish oil, as well as products containing vitamin F, strengthens the walls of blood vessels and copes with excess weight - this is a common cause of varicose veins;
• Massage and contrast shower.In the evening, after a hard day's work, do a light massage or a contrast shower on your legs, first pouring warm and then cold water;
• Sports activities.Moderate-intensity physical activity 2-3 times a week keeps your legs in a healthy shape.Doctors advise giving preference to jogging, swimming and cycling;
• Walking barefoot.If you go out of town or to the sea, don't miss the opportunity to walk barefoot on sand or grass.This perfectly relaxes the leg muscles and at the same time increases the tone of the veins;
• Wear comfortable shoes.Avoid wearing tight shoes or tight tights and socks.The more uncomfortable you feel in them, the stronger the pressure in the blood vessels and the greater the risk of blood clots in the veins.