Varicose veins are one of the oldest diseases.The question of how and what to use to treat varicose veins in the legs is still asked by hundreds of people.
Today, treating varicose veins in the legs is available to everyone.
Modern medicine offers a variety of methods to combat this disease.
reason
Heaviness in the legs and frequent swelling of the lower limbs, and the subsequent appearance of multiple spider veins, mark the beginning of varicose veins.The main cause of the disease is a sedentary lifestyle.It is no coincidence that most of the time people whose professional activities involve sitting in one place for long periods of time (salespeople, drivers, office workers, hairdressers, etc.) face the problem of varicose veins in the legs.Inadequate physical activity can cause venous blood to stagnate, which is why varicose vein symptoms occur.However, this is far from the only cause of varicose veins in the legs:
- overweight;
- lift heavy objects;
- Changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy or puberty;
- long-term use of hormones;
- Wearing tight clothing (tight pants, jeans, tight knee socks or socks) that puts strong pressure on the blood vessels in your legs.
Doctors also emphasize that the habit of crossing your legs while sitting can also have a negative impact on vein health.
Stages and symptoms
Before treating varicose veins in the legs, it is necessary to determine the stage of the disease.Fortunately, varicose veins have many characteristic symptoms, making it possible to detect the problem in its early stages.Experts in the field of phlebology divide varicose veins into 4 stages:
- Stage one.Observe external changes in the extremities: protruding tortuous veins on the calves and thighs, redness and "stars" of blood vessels.At night, your legs may feel a little swollen;
- The second stage.Increased swelling and heaviness in the legs.You may experience cramping, numbness, and tingling in your calf muscles at night, especially after physical activity the day before;
- The third stage.Leg swelling becomes an ongoing phenomenon and compaction, pigmentation, and dermatitis begin to appear in the lower extremities;
- The fourth stage.The skin is covered with trophic ulcers.
Although the disease can be difficult to recognize in the initial stages due to the absence of varicose veins, external changes in the legs should alert you and prompt you to seek medical help.Treatment of varicose veins is performed by a phlebologist after an ultrasound scan.The results of this study help determine the stages of disease spread, allowing experts to understand which methods are most effective in specific situations.
Treatment
According to medical statistics, about 70% of residents in developed countries have some symptoms of varicose veins.This raises the need to develop new methods of treating varicose veins.Today, medications, surgery, and physical therapy are recommended to treat the disease.In traditional medicine, the following methods are actively used to permanently eliminate varicose veins:
- Sclerotherapy.A sclerosing drug is injected into the damaged vein to "freeze" the vein wall.Subsequently, the veins dissolve and their function in the blood is transferred to healthy elements;
- Laser treatment.The most popular method of treating varicose veins.Long-lasting positive results were achieved in 98% of cases.The mechanism of action is similar to sclerotherapy, except that a laser is used;
- Phlebectomy.This is done by surgically removing the damaged vein.After the surgery, the patient was forced to wear a compression garment for 2 years to restore normal blood flow;
- Leech therapy.Leeches have a positive effect on veins and help dissolve blood clots in blood vessels.
Although the above methods are effective in treating varicose veins in the legs, they are not suitable for everyone.
For example, during pregnancy and in the early stages of the disease, doctors prescribe conservative treatments: wearing compression garments, taking medications and performing special exercises to improve blood flow.
prevention
If the disease is detected in the initial stages of the development of varicose veins, drastic treatment of them can be avoided.Simple preventive measures can not only help stop the further development of varicose veins, but can also prevent varicose veins from developing in people who are forced to lead a sedentary lifestyle.They are as follows:
- Nutrition.The menu includes vegetable and fish oils, as well as products containing vitamin F, which strengthens blood vessel walls and combats excess weight (a common cause of varicose veins);
- Massage and contrast shower.In the evening, after a hard day's work, give your feet a light massage or contrast shower, first with warm, then cold water;
- Sports activities.Moderate physical activity 2-3 times a week will keep your legs in shape.Doctors recommend jogging, swimming and cycling as a priority;
- Walk barefoot.When out of town or out on the water, don’t miss the opportunity to walk barefoot on the sand or grass.This perfectly relaxes the leg muscles while increasing venous tone;
- Wear comfortable shoes.Avoid wearing tight shoes or tight tights and socks.The more uncomfortable you feel, the greater the pressure in your blood vessels and the higher the risk of blood clots forming in your veins.