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.

Today, the treatment of varicose veins in the legs is available to everyone.

Modern medicine offers various methods to fight this disease.

Reasons

Heaviness in the legs and frequent swelling of the lower limbs, and subsequently the appearance of numerous spider webs, signal 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 activity is connected with long sitting in one place - salesmen, drivers, office workers, hairdressers, etc.Low physical activity provokes stagnation of blood in the veins, which is why symptoms of varicose veins occur.However, this is far from the only factor that can provoke varicose veins on the legs:

• overweight;
• Lifting heavy objects;
• Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy or puberty;
• Long-term use of hormones;
• Wearing tight clothes that put a lot of pressure on the blood vessels of the legs (tight tights, jeans, tight knee or socks).

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

Stages and symptoms

Before treating varicose veins of the legs, it is necessary to determine the stage of the disease.Fortunately, varicose veins have a number of characteristic signs, which allows the problem to be detected in the early stages of its occurrence.Specialists in the field of phlebology distinguish 4 stages of varicose veins:

1. Stage 1.External changes in the limbs are observed: curved veins stand out on the legs and thighs, red and vascular "stars" appear.In the evening, your feet may swell slightly;
2. Stage 2.Swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the legs increase.At night, especially after physical activity the day before, cramps, numbness and tingling in the calf muscles may occur;
3. Stage 3.Swelling of the legs becomes a constant phenomenon, seals, pigmentation and dermatitis begin to form on the lower limbs;
4. Stage 4.The skin is covered with trophic ulcers.

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

Methods of treatment

According to medical statistics, some symptoms of varicose veins are observed in approximately 70% of residents of developed countries.This gives rise to the need to develop new methods for the treatment of varicose veins.Today, it is proposed to treat this disease with medication, surgery and physical therapy.In traditional medicine, the following procedures are actively used for the permanent removal of varicose veins:

• Sclerotherapy.A sclerosing drug is injected into the damaged veins, which "freezes" their walls.Subsequently, the veins dissolve and their function in the blood flow is transferred to healthy elements;
• Laser therapy.The most popular method of treating varicose veins.A lasting positive effect is achieved in 98% of cases.The 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 a compression garment for 2 years to restore normal blood flow;
• Hirudotherapy.Leeches have a positive effect on the veins, helping the blood clots in them to dissolve.

The methods described above, although effective in the question of how to treat varicose veins on the legs, are not indicated for everyone.

For example, during pregnancy and in the initial stage 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 will help not only to stop the further progression of varicose veins, but also to prevent its appearance in people forced to lead a sedentary lifestyle.They are as follows:

• Eating.The inclusion in the menu of vegetable oils and fish oil, as well as products with vitamin F, will strengthen the walls of blood vessels and deal with excess weight - a common cause of varicose veins;
• Massage and contrast shower.In the evening, after a hard day's work, do a light massage or contrast shower on your feet, dousing them first with warm and then with cold water;
• Sports activities.Moderate-intensity physical activity 2-3 times a week will keep your feet in good shape.Doctors advise giving preference to jogging, swimming and cycling;
• Walking barefoot.When you go out of town or at the sea, don't miss the opportunity to walk barefoot on sand or grass.This perfectly relaxes the muscles of the legs 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 vessels and the greater the risk of blood clots in the veins.