Varicose veins are a common disease characterized by enlargement of the lumen of blood vessels, malfunction of the valvular apparatus and the occurrence of reverse blood flow. The pathological process can be localized in different places, due to which there are several types of disease:
Varicose veins of the legs are considered the most common. It is estimated that more than 30% of the population suffers from this, most of them women. Varicose veins of the legs are not only ugly protruding veins, but also very unpleasant sensations and inconveniences. The pathological process is accompanied by heaviness, pain, swelling and often leads to dangerous complications: thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers. Many would like to know how to get rid of varicose veins forever, as this significantly impairs the quality of life. But, unfortunately, this phenomenon is irreversible and the only thing that can be achieved is to stop or slow down the development of the disease.
The causes of varicose veins are not yet clearly understood. It is understood that the disease is associated with thinning, weakness and loss of elasticity of the vessel wall, as well as incompetent valves. As a result, the veins become unevenly dilated, dilated, long, twisted, nodular. Genetic predisposition is thought to play a crucial role in the onset of the disease, ie from birth, weak blood vessels and defective valves.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins, although they are not its causes:
Varicose veins are a chronic process that begins gradually and only progresses over time. To date, it is impossible to completely defeat the disease, but it is possible to slow development and reduce symptoms if complex treatment is applied, which includes:
You will have to fight varicose veins for the rest of your life. Do not self-medicate. You need to be examined by a phlebologist or vascular surgeon, who will diagnose, determine the stage of the disease and the severity of the lesion, and prescribe the appropriate treatment. The main task is to eliminate or reduce the clinical manifestations, to stop the progression, to prevent recurrences and the development of complications.
The effectiveness of treatment will depend on the patient's adherence to all the doctor's recommendations. It is important to seek help at an early stage, when there is still no pain, but there is already swelling, heaviness and fatigue of the legs, small spider veins on the skin.
Without changing your lifestyle, it is impossible to effectively fight varicose veins. The rules that must be followed are completely banal and non-compliance is usually associated with a lack of will or irresponsible attitude to human health.
Today, special stretch knitwear is available in a wide range. These are knee-high socks, tights of different colors and densities, which are practically no different from ordinary ones. They have become a good alternative to the elastic bandage, uncomfortable to use and externally unaesthetic.
Special jersey can not cure varicose veins, but improves microcirculation, reduces stress on the veins,
prevents blood stasis, reduces the diameter of blood vessels, increases the flow of venous blood and lymph. A person feels lightness in his legs, by the evening he gets less tired, there is no swelling.
At first it will be difficult without the habit of putting on compression knitwear. To make things easier, you can buy a special device.
There are four classes of medical knitwear depending on the pressure applied. You can only wear 1st class compression products that are considered prophylactic and are more intended for healthy people. The rest should be prescribed by a doctor depending on the diagnosis and severity of varicose veins. You should know that compression products may be contraindicated in some diseases. Tights or socks are chosen by a doctor strictly according to size, otherwise the desired effect will not be.
For the treatment of varicose veins are used tablets and external means in the form of gels, creams and ointments with different spectrum of action. They increase vascular tone, improve microcirculation, promote blood flow and prevent skin changes. The drugs are designed to relieve fatigue, heaviness, discomfort, swelling, itching, cramps and pain in the legs. Their appointment is strictly individual.
The main treatments for varicose veins are venotonics. They are made on the basis of horse chestnut, rutin, grape leaves and are almost always well tolerated by patients. It is available in the form of tablets, capsules, gels.
Anticoagulants are used to reduce blood viscosity and reduce the likelihood of thrombophlebitis. These are ointments with cooling additives in the form of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus. In addition to diluting the blood, they prevent the development of thrombophlebitis.
To get rid of varicose veins, operations are performed to remove the affected part of the vessel to stop the flow of blood from the superficial vein into the deep. The operation is called a phlebectomy. In its classic form, it is used less and less today in connection with the emergence of new, less traumatic ways to deal with varicose veins. Such treatment, as a rule, is indicated for large diameters of veins and advanced cases of the disease.
A more gentle method is microphlebectomy, in which a section of a vein is removed in parts, not by incision but by puncture.
Radiofrequency ablation is considered the safest and least traumatic method of treating varicose veins, although there are some contraindications. The method consists in the thermal effect of the microwaves, as a result of which the venous lumen closes. Key benefits:
Laser coagulation is another method of treating varicose veins. During the procedure, a laser is applied to the vessel wall. Radiation causes the walls of the veins to stick together and the lumen to close completely. It is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia without incisions. A catheter is inserted into the lumen of the vein, through which an LED is inserted and radiation is applied. The procedure is less traumatic, complications are very rare.
This non-operative method is one of the most common. It is used on small veins and as part of a complex treatment together with surgery. The conclusion is that a special drug with a sclerosing effect is injected into the vein with the help of a thin needle. As a result, the walls of the vessel stick together, close and stop the flow of blood. The affected vein becomes a fibrous cord. The main advantages of the method:
Pour sliced unripe walnuts in a glass jar and pour olive oil. Put in the sun for 40 days. Apply as needed, lubricating the affected area. Continue treatment for about four months.
Wean a cabbage leaf, apply a layer of olive oil on one side, apply this side on the affected area, bandage and leave for a day. Continue treatment for one month.
This is one of the most effective folk remedies. For the treatment of varicose veins, a tincture of the fruit of the plant is prepared, which must be crushed, half-filled in a glass vessel (three-liter) and filled with vodka. Remove to a dark place for a month, stirring occasionally. When you are ready, rub the sore spots overnight. Alcoholic tincture of chestnut for external and internal use in varicose veins can be purchased at the pharmacy.
When varicose veins appear, the question may arise whether it is possible to engage in physical education and sports and what exercises are useful. Most doctors agree that physical activity in such a disease is very important, because the dynamics are good for the veins, and static is harmful. But it is equally important to consult a doctor about what sports you can do and what loads will be optimal. In addition, the patient may be shown special therapeutic exercises that are performed directly in a medical facility. At home, you can also do simple but effective exercises, which with regular exercise will help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins.
Varicose veins are an irreversible process, but they must be treated without fail, especially since there are many modern methods that must be used in combination. Without treatment, there is a high risk of developing complications such as chronic venous insufficiency, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers and even such a dangerous condition that can lead to death, such as pulmonary embolism.