Treatment of varicose veins

Varicose veins of the legs are not only a cosmetic problem that worries people about their attractiveness, but also a dangerous disease that requires adequate treatment and compliance with preventive measures.

The causes of varicose veins are many: from a sedentary lifestyle, physical overload and ending with hormonal disorders, congenital weakness of the walls of blood vessels, pregnancy. What happens during varicose veins? In varicose veins of the lower extremities, they lose their normal elasticity and stretch under blood pressure.

The valves in the veins are usually locked and when the blood passes through them, they close and allow the blood to flow back. If the valves are defective, blood can flow freely down, leading to blood stasis.

Causes

Why do varicose veins appear and what is it? The main risk factors for the development of the disease are considered to be genetic predisposition and sex. Due to the love of high heels, hormonal changes during pregnancy and taking contraceptives, women are victims of varicose veins twice as often as men.

The development of the disease is encouraged by:

1. Heredity. It is not the disease itself that is inherited, but the genetically determined structure of the veins: weak connective tissues of the venous walls, congenital defective venous valves. Therefore, varicose veins can occur in young, healthy and active (regardless of gender) people and even children. According to scientists, genetic predisposition is the main factor leading to varicose veins in the legs.
2. Hormonal changes. Due to the characteristics of the body in women, periods of hormonal disorders become causes of blood stagnation. For them, the most dangerous periods are puberty, pregnancy, the time after birth. The time when menopause occurs is also dangerous. This gender category of patients visits doctors 2-3 times more often. There are not enough hormones in the female organs called estrogens. Instead, the so-called corpus luteum hormones predominate. It is believed that it has a relaxing effect on muscles. This promotes varicose veins.
3. Sedentary, sedentary lifestyle or work that requires a long time contributes to the development of varicose veins.
4. Age. Over time, the valves and walls of the veins become thinner, which leads to disruption of their work.
5. Obesity. Being overweight leads to increased stress on the veins of the legs.

Stages

There are 3 stages of progression of symptoms in the development of varicose veins.

1. Compensation stage. No complaints. On examination, varicose veins of one or two legs are observed.
2. Subcompensation stage. Examination of the legs shows marked varicose veins. Patients complain of a feeling of satiety, paresthesia ("chills") in the shins, night cramps. In the evening there is a slight swelling of the legs, ankles and calves. The swelling disappears in the morning.
3. Decompensation stage. These symptoms are joined by dermatitis, eczema. Patients worry about itching. The skin becomes dry, shiny, close to the subcutaneous tissue. Minor bleeding and subsequent hemosiderin deposition cause hyperpigmentation.

By itself, varicose veins are not considered a very serious disease, but if it has already developed, it will never go away on its own and even more, will progress, leading to any complications that represent the mostthe greatest danger.

Signs

The first signs of varicose veins:

• rapid leg fatigue;
• swelling of the lower limbs;
• feeling of heaviness in the legs.

In the later stages of the skin, spider veins, bulging veins and various seals appear, which indicates congestion in the vessels.

Symptoms of varicose veins of the legs

In the different stages of varicose veins, the symptoms can be different - from almost asymptomatic small spider veins to severe and painful manifestations.

You may suspect the development of the initial stage of the following symptoms:

• the appearance of pain in the legs, a feeling of warmth and sometimes burning in the veins of the legs;
• weight in the legs;
• swelling of the legs occurs in the evening;
• leg cramps begin at night;
• varicose veins;
• the skin of the lower leg acquires a dark color, seals appear, trophic ulcers are possible.

Once you have detected any primary signs, you should start treatment for varicose veins immediately - the symptoms will not go away on their own.

Diagnostics

To diagnose varicose veins of the lower extremities and prescribe appropriate treatment, the specialist will suggest that the patient undergo a comprehensive examination, which includes various methods.

1. Duplex scanning (vein ultrasound) is the most informative method for diagnosing varicose veins of the legs, which gives an idea of ​​the extent of varicose veins, the direction of blood flow through the veins and their patency, as well asand detect the presence of blood clots (thrombi).
2. Contrast venography, which is a method of examination that allows you to detect varicose veins and learn about the degree of their patency for blood.

Only a highly qualified phlebologist can diagnose varicose veins.

Varicose veins in women

Many women experience varicose veins. This is due to the predisposition of women to the disease due to the peculiarities of the female hormonal system. In addition, pregnancy and childbirth in most cases become causes of varicose veins, as there is an effect of increased load and increased blood flow to the pelvic organs.

In addition to varicose veins of the lower extremities, women often develop varicose veins in the perineal area, affecting the external genitalia, which is a consequence of congenital or acquired weakness of the vessel wall and valve insufficiency. Exposure to external (prolonged static stress, significant physical activity) or internal factors (overweight, pelvic diseases in a chronic form) leads to the formation of varicose veins.

Important! The question of the influence of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy remains open.

Development of varicose veins during pregnancy

Wearing each subsequent pregnancy dramatically increases the chances of developing venous insufficiency in women and the formation of varicose veins. This is due to hormonal changes in a woman's body and a significant increase in the load on the veins.

Pregnancy significantly increases the risk of developing varicose veins of the lower extremities, this is facilitated by the following reasons:

1. Hormones circulating in the blood during pregnancy increase the elasticity of the venous wall and contribute to the congestion of venous blood in the legs.
2. Increased intra-abdominal pressure at the end of pregnancy makes it difficult for blood to flow through the veins of the legs.
3. Varicose veins that appear during pregnancy may disappear completely after birth or continue forward depending on individual factors (heredity, the presence of other factors that contribute to this).

Varicose veins in men

Varicose veins often appear in men in the form of varicocele - varicose veins of the spermatic cord. Symptoms of the disease:

• testicular pain and a feeling of heaviness, scrotum, along the spermatic cord, which increases with exercise and prolonged standing;
• during palpation of the scrotum, the curved veins of the spermatic cord are determined.

The development of varicocele becomes a cause of male infertility due to impaired blood circulation and associated pathological changes in the normal functioning of the testicles:

• there is an increase in testicular temperature to body temperature. High temperature affects the course of spermatogenesis;
• testicular hypoxia (oxygen starvation, ischemia);
• accumulation of free radicals in the tissues of the testicles, disrupting their activity.

Treatment of varicose veins in men consists of surgery if there are indications: testicular pain, infertility, aesthetic defect in the scrotum, lack of growth of the affected testicle during puberty. However, the disease may be asymptomatic and not cause significant discomfort to the man.

In adolescents and children, when varicocele is diagnosed, surgery is required at each stage of the disease, this avoids the further development of infertility.

Operations are performed both in the usual open way and endoscopically. It is possible to perform mini-access surgery and microsurgical revascularization of the testicles.

Varicose veins in children

Children are also prone to developing varicose veins. For them, this phenomenon is extremely rare and in most cases is a consequence of congenital pathology - angiodysplasia, abnormalities of the peripheral vascular system. The disease mainly affects the lower extremities. As a result, pronounced anatomical functional disorders appear. This leads to irreversible changes and early damage.

Important! The effectiveness of treatment depends on the age of the child. Requires immediate hospitalization at the first signs of varicose veins. In this case, an operation is shown.

In addition, the development of varicose veins in adolescence has become quite common. This disease mainly affects girls. It can be provoked by:

• hormonal changes in the adolescent body;
• hereditary predisposition.

Among the factors influencing the appearance of varicose veins in children are:

• squint, flat feet, hernia;
• bad stand;
• improperly fitted shoes;
• overweight.

For preventive purposes, to avoid the development of varicose veins, it is necessary to monitor the child's nutrition. The diet should be balanced, it is useful to include in foods foods rich in routine. It is found in large quantities in hazelnuts, horse chestnuts, as well as in fruits - rose hips, sea buckthorn, blackcurrant. Decoctions and juices of these fruits can have a preventive and tonic effect on the body.

Pelvic varicose veins

Varicose veins can also occur in the pelvic area. In this form it occurs in most cases in women, which is associated with the peculiarities of the blood supply to the female body. Varicose veins cause a feeling of pain and heaviness in the pelvic area, which can be caused by venous congestion.

The development of varicose veins in the pelvis occurs for several reasons:

• pregnancy and childbirth;
• change in the shape of the uterus;
• lifting and carrying weights;
• hereditary predisposition;
• lack of physical activity;
• sedentary work;
• taking oral contraceptives.

If there are risk factors and symptoms of the disease, it is necessary to undergo an examination. In the early stages, it is possible to detect varicose veins of the pelvis with ultrasound diagnosis. Preliminary diagnosis is also possible during a gynecological examination during a standard procedure.

Treatment of the disease includes taking venotonic drugs, wearing special compression underwear and performing therapeutic and prophylactic gymnastics. It is also necessary to exclude risk factors and to be monitored regularly by a gynecologist. With the ineffectiveness of conservative methods of treatment, surgery is indicated.

Treatment of varicose veins of the legs

For varicose veins of the legs, treatment may not be necessary unless the symptoms are problematic.

However, some people may want to treat varicose veins for cosmetic reasons because they are unhappy with their appearance.

Let's look at the basic methods that will help get rid of this problem.

1. Sclerotherapy. This method of treatment is used both alone and in combination with conservative procedures. Its essence lies in the fact that a special filler is injected into the vein with a thin needle or syringe, then the vein completely disappears. Sessions are held once a week, requiring 3 to 6 of these sessions. The method avoids scars and scars.
2. Non-surgical treatment. If varicose veins are at an early stage and if they do not cause too much discomfort, then elastic compression stockings may be recommended. They are worn during daily activities. They help to constrict the veins, preventing them from stretching and reducing discomfort or pain.
3. Medical treatment of varicose veins relieves symptoms, reduces swelling and pain, slows down the development process, but is not able to stop the disease completely and repair damaged veins.
4. Laser treatment of varicose veins of the legs can be used on the surface of the skin. With the help of a small flash of lightning in the vein wall, a process of sclerosis develops and the varicose vein disappears as if it had been removed.

Physical activity - brisk walking, gymnastics, swimming and water exercises (excluding sports with a heavy load on the legs - tennis, weightlifting, jumping) play an important role in treatment and prevention.

Venotonic drugs

The action of these drugs is aimed at increasing the tone of smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels, which allows them to maintain their elasticity and normalize blood circulation in the affected areas.

Many venotonics are complex drugs. The effect that is achieved when using them extends not only to the veins, but also to all vessels in our body.

How to treat varicose veins with folk remedies

There are a huge number of methods for treating varicose veins in the legs with folk remedies, both for external and internal use. Below are the most common:

1. Horse chestnut flowers (50 grams), you need to pour 500 g of alcohol, then leave it to infuse for 14 days, shaking the bottle every day. Pass the tincture through a net and consume a tablespoon of water three times daily before meals. How to heal in one week - take a break for two weeks. Then the treatment can be restarted.
2. Dried nettle tincture is used for varicose veins. The dry crushed leaves of the plant are poured into a thermos with 1/2 liter of boiling water, infused for 30-40 minutes, filtered and taken 1/3 cup 3 times a day 1 hour after meals.
3. Tomato compress. Finely chopped tomatoes, lay on a bandage, gauze and apply to the sore spot. For convenience, you can tie it with an elastic or other bandage. Such a compress lasts in the vein for 2 hours, then changed to a new one and so on a total of 3 times. The convenience of this compress is that it can be repeated every day.
4. Oil tincture of walnuts: cut unripe nuts, pour into a glass jar, add olive oil and leave in a sunny place for 40 days. Lubricate the affected areas with ready-made tincture. The course of treatment is as long as with the use of Kalanchoe.

In addition to folk remedies, many patients with varicose veins supplement therapy with special gymnastics - Mikulin exercises allow you to feel significant improvement.

Varicose veins are mainly female diseases, which is associated with constant wearing of high-heeled shoes, pregnancy, childbirth and a number of other circumstances. But the disease can also affect men, especially if they have work that requires more physical effort. As varicose veins cause severe wear and tear of the veins, which can provoke their atrophy and thrombosis, it is important to diagnose the disease in time and treat it. It can be performed by operative and conservative methods. The treatment can be chosen only by the attending physician.

Traditional methods for treating varicose veins

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can relieve pain in varicose veins

This home remedy is used in two ways. The first involves rubbing a small amount of apple cider vinegar into the affected areas 1-2 times a day. The latter technique is best done at bedtime so you can soothe sore limbs and improve sleep. If varicose veins are localized, you can soak a clean gauze with vinegar and apply on the inflamed area for 5-10 minutes. Such manipulations are also repeated 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment is 2-3 weeks. Mandatory monthly rest is required between courses.

Honey ointment

To make an effective home remedy, you need to use beeswax, propolis and olive oil. These ingredients should be taken in a ratio of 2: 1: 1, respectively. After thoroughly mixing the components, they should be stored in the refrigerator. Apply homemade ointment twice a day in the morning and evening, it is not necessary to rinse the product. The therapy can be carried out for 3-4 weeks, after which rest is required for the same period.

Horse Chestnut

Horse chestnut solution is an effective remedy for varicose veins

To prepare the solution, collect a half-liter jar of chestnuts and peel the fruit. Then the plant should be poured with 200 ml of alcohol or vodka, the resulting solution is infused only in a dark, cool place for 14 days, for this you can use the bottom box of the refrigerator. After precipitation, it is required to take 30 drops of the resulting infusion three times after main meals. The duration of such treatment is 20-30 days.

The tincture can also be used as a rub, in which case the product cannot be taken internally. They rub their feet before going to bed, it is recommended to wash them first. As soon as the product is applied, you should go to bed immediately. Use a tincture of chestnuts this way daily for a month. In both cases, a break of three months is needed between treatments.

Potato juice

Potato juice for varicose veins is applied in the form of compresses

This medicine can be used for the initial stage of varicose veins, as well as for ulcers in the affected area. To do this, you need to wipe the raw potatoes and then saturate them with a clean gauze bandage. It is applied to the ulcer lesion for five hours. The compress must then be replaced. You can use potato applications 1-2 times a day for two weeks. Intervals between therapy should be at least three to four weeks.

Attention!The true effectiveness of folk remedies for varicose veins is still in doubt. Therefore, it is recommended to use such methods only with a doctor's permission and in combination with traditional medicines.

When is there an urgent need to see a doctor?

In severe cases of varicose veins, conditions may develop that require immediate medical attention. These cases include the following processes:

• The pain in the affected area is so severe that it is impossible to move the limb and get out of bed;
• the skin on palpation is characterized by fever, the inflamed area is swollen and very dense;
• the skin has acquired a shade ranging from normal to cyanotic or close to red and purple;
• has sudden shortness of breath, it is difficult to take even short breaths;
• has increased sweating and severe weakness of the whole body;
• has bleeding from the affected vein or the entire area.

Attention!Similar conditions can occur not only in women but also in men and children if they suffer from varicose veins. Delay in this case can endanger the patient's death if the necessary medical care is not provided.

Complications (consequences) of varicose veins

Varicose veins can lead to serious complications. At the last stage of the development of varicose veins there is an extreme thinning of the walls of blood vessels, in this regard increases the risk of trophic ulcers - open poorly healing wounds in the vessels, occurring even with minor trauma.

The result of rupture of varicose veins is the development of thrombophlebitis. In the course of the occurrence, the formation of thrombosis occurs with inflammation of the venous wall and a thrombus forms, which closes its lumen.

With the development of acute thrombophlebitis, severe pain appears in the area of ​​thrombosed veins, body temperature rises, accompanied by chills. In thrombophlebitis of superficial veins are characterized by painful seals with reddening of the skin in the veins. Deep vein thrombophlebitis is accompanied by swelling of the limbs due to a sharp violation of venous outflow.

Disease prevention

Preventive measures play an important role in the presence of risk factors for the development of varicose veins. Therefore, you should not neglect to follow them, even with already diagnosed varicose veins. This will save from its further development and the need for surgery.

To reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, you should:

• moderate physical activity, visiting the pool is especially useful. Swimming has a massage effect, having a beneficial effect on blood vessels without undue stress;
• strengthen the walls of blood vessels with a contrast shower. Complete the hygienic procedures with a contrast foot shower. To do this, water your feet for 10 minutes, alternating cold and warm water;
• change in diet - reducing the consumption of fatty foods, including in the diet of foods rich in routine;
• wearing compression underwear, especially with increased physical activity of the legs;
• intake of vitamins and mineral complexes that increase immunity, strengthen the walls of the vessel and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Exercises

The prevention and treatment of varicose veins also consists of performing exercises for therapeutic and prophylactic gymnastics, aimed at improving blood circulation and eliminating signs of blood stasis.

Important! It is useful to do these exercises regularly every day.

You need to start training with your feet in advance: for this you need to lie on your back, placing your feet on the pillow or back of the sofa. Stay in this position for 10-15 minutes.

Then, while lying down, start the exercises:

1. bicycle - bend the knees to mimic pedaling;
2. flexion-extension of the feet in the ankle joint - the legs are elongated, flexion and extension movements are performed sequentially;
3. then work with your toes in the same way;
4. lift your legs at an angle and turn your legs in and out;
5. lying down, perform the scissor exercise: successive crossing of the legs;
6. while standing, walk on the spot while wearing socks;
7. Staying upright, we lift the socks: inhale up, exhale go down.

Varicose veins develop over a long period of time, so when the first signs appear, there is a chance that it will stop. But the only method to completely get rid of varicose veins is surgical removal of the veins.