Varicose veins appear when the veins stretch and grow in size, acquire a blue-purple or red hue due to the accumulation of large amounts of blood. Varicose veins are a common disease and in most cases occur on the legs, but at the same time can form on other parts of the body.
For most people, especially women, varicose veins are primarily an aesthetic problem. In the early stages, the disease does not pose a threat to health. Swollen, ugly veins can spoil the appearance of certain parts of the body, but if you do not pay attention to the treatment and prevention of varicose veins, complications can develop over time.
There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of developing varicose veins:
In addition to the characteristic formation of bulging dark blue or purple veins, here are the main signs of the development of varicose veins:
To effectively deal with varicose veins, an integrated approach is needed that includes:
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is advisable to start wearing compression garments - socks, tights or leggings put a slight pressure from the bottom of the legs up, reducing the accumulation of blood and reducing swelling. It is necessary to constantly wear such compression clothing, only in this case a positive effect can be achieved. Wearing compression garments will not cure existing varicose veins, but will help prevent or reduce varicose veins and additional complications.
Laser endovenous ablation (radiofrequency or laser)
The laser endovenous ablation method is the most effective and safe way to treat varicose veins. This is the use of laser or radiofrequency therapy, with which the varicose vein is closed or removed. The doctor makes a small incision in the skin near the vein and inserts a catheter into it, then connects a special device to the top of the catheter to heat the catheter and close or remove the varicose vein (depending on the ablation method chosen). The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the patient usually returns home the same day.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy refers to gentle methods of treating varicose veins. During the procedure, a special substance is injected into a vein injected from varicose veins, which destroys the inner lining of the vein and leads to coagulation of the blood inside it. Over time, the vein collapses and disappears.
Surgical method
In advanced cases of varicose veins, some particularly gentle treatments are no longer effective. In this case, a patient suffering from varicose veins can be helped by surgery, during which the superficial vein is surgically removed. Indications for surgery are ulcer, bleeding, phlebitis. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, as a rule the patient returns on the same day. Pain and discomfort may occur for 2 weeks after surgery, this is normal.
Varicose Vein Training
Excessive exercise and moderate exercise are the main allies in the fight against varicose veins. Not all workouts are equally beneficial, and some can even harm a person suffering from varicose veins.
Moderate, rhythmic physical activity, such as walking, prevents disease progression and complications, as dynamic muscle movements help direct blood from the periphery to the heart.
Walking is great for preventing varicose veins, this type of physical activity promotes healthy blood circulation by stretching and contracting the venous pump in the calf muscles. Walk for at least 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.
Low Intensity Running
Running at a low pace works well for the calf muscles, but there is one drawback - running puts a strain on our joints. If you are not ready to replace running with another activity, run on grass or rubber paths, not on hard asphalt.
Elliptical and ergometer
Exercises on the elliptical trainer and stationary motor actively engage the calf muscles, this contributes to normal blood circulation.
Strength Training
Patients with varicose veins should avoid very, very intense resistance training, squats, punches and crunches. All of them negatively affect the course of the disease and contribute to its further development. During prolonged muscle tension, blood accumulates in the veins of the legs, blood circulation deteriorates, all this provokes the development of complications. It is recommended to wear compression socks during and after strength training.
Today, pharmacies offer a wide range of drugs for the treatment of varicose veins in the form of tablets, drops, ointments, creams, gels.
The main groups of drugs used to treat varicose veins
Several groups of drugs are used to treat varicose veins: ointments, creams, tablets, rarely injections.
Features of each of the following groups:
To solve the problem, it is necessary to tone the veins. Therefore, patients with varicose veins are prescribed phlebotonics (venotonics). The main task of drugs with venotonic properties is to strengthen weak blood vessels and normalize blood circulation.
Phlebotonics differ in composition and price range, so for the treatment of varicose veins you can find the most appropriate option for the drug in terms of cost.
Diosmin-containing phlebotonics
Diosmin belongs to the representatives of bioflavonoids and is found in many drugs to combat varicose veins. It has a venotonic effect, improves lymphatic drainage, improves microcirculation, reduces the adhesion of leukocytes to the venous wall and their migration to paravenous tissues, improves the diffusion and perfusion of oxygen in the skin tissue and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Blocks the production of free radicals, the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane.
Experimental studies show that diosmin doubles lymph flow, increases venous wall tone, suppresses leukocyte activity and prevents inflammation.
This is a group of drugs that affect the blood clotting system, preventing the adhesion of formed elements, platelets. Antiplatelet agents are another name for drugs in this group because, in fact, natural or synthetic substances block platelet adhesion and inhibit blood clot formation, which is often necessary in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
Antioxidants are substances that inhibit the peroxidation of lipids and proteins in the cell membrane, bind free radicals and thus slow down the oxidation and aging processes. Drugs from this group can be prescribed for the complex treatment of varicose veins. They help to improve the extensibility and elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, strengthen them and prolong the normal life of every cell in the walls of even the smallest veins.
Often varicose veins are accompanied by pain and swelling. To restore the lightness of the legs, decongestants are often prescribed in the complex treatment of varicose veins. They improve the outflow of lymph from the affected areas, remove excess fluid from the body.
As a rule, the phlebologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. Unfortunately, not all hospitals offer a doctor in this specialty. It should be borne in mind that some narrow specialists can also help in the treatment of varicose veins - this is an angiologist and vascular surgeon. The general practitioner can also help diagnose the disease and refer the patient to a specialist.
Remember that in the initial stages of the disease, pronounced clinical manifestations are usually absent. Therefore, if you suspect varicose veins, you should immediately contact a qualified professional who will diagnose. As a rule, the diagnosis of varicose veins is made taking into account the patient's complaints, examination of the lower extremities, as well as data from laboratory and instrumental methods of examination. It is possible to be convinced of the development of the disease and to take timely measures to prevent it only after a thorough examination of the patient.
All modern ointments are prescribed in addition to the basic treatment of varicose veins with drugs. Local treatment helps to achieve a complex effect on the problem.
It is recommended to use creams, gels and ointments in complex treatment, as well as for prophylactic purposes. Especially for people who have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins. In any case, when the first symptoms appear, urgent measures must be taken. Otherwise, the disease can develop and cause severe discomfort.
Local treatment of varicose veins is an important therapeutic tool, which together with medication, exercise and prevention contributes to the return of a healthy state of the circulatory system:
The use of ointments for the treatment of varicose veins is regulated by a phlebologist, who takes into account the indications and contraindications for their use. Therefore, despite the simplicity of such a drug, its use alone, without consulting a doctor, is unacceptable.
Ointments for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins on the basis of heparin are produced under different names, they differ from each other in the presence of excipients in the composition, which modify the action and effects, and also have different manufacturers.
Heparin is a unique substance, which is why it is included in many drugs for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins. The doctor will tell you which ointment to choose to treat varicose veins in the legs. In addition to heparin-based ointments, there are herbal preparations that are no less effective in preventing the development of varicose veins.
Herbal components of ointments are complex natural substances that act in a complex with varicose veins, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to relieve pain and inflammation in varicose veins. NSAID-based ointments facilitate the general condition of the patient with varicose veins and can speed up the healing process.
There are no significant differences between topical preparations in the form of ointment, gel or cream, but ointments and creams are made on the basis of vegetable or animal fats and the active ingredients in them do not dissolve completely.
The gels are produced on a water basis, due to which all active components in them dissolve completely, without residues, which contributes to faster penetration and absorption into the skin.
Local varicose veins should always be applied to clean skin. They should be used regularly, especially in severe forms of the disease. Remember that varicose veins are not just a disease and a holistic approach is needed here. It is necessary to consult a specialist, you should not self-medicate. Only after the diagnosis will the doctor be able to prescribe treatment that includes drugs for internal and external use. In this case, a patient with varicose veins should lead a healthy lifestyle.