How to treat varicose veins

Varicose veins are one of the oldest diseases.The question of how and what to treat varicose veins in the legs is still asked by hundreds of people.

Today, treatment for varicose veins in the legs has become accessible to every person.

Modern medicine offers a number of methods to fight this disease.

reason

Heaviness in the legs and frequent swelling of the lower extremities, and then the appearance of numerous spider veins, 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 in most cases is faced by people whose professional activities involve sitting in one place for a long time - salesmen, drivers, office workers, hairdressers, etc.Low physical activity provokes stagnation of blood in the veins, which is why the symptoms of varicose veins appear.However, this is far from the only factor that can provoke varicose veins in the legs:

• Overweight;
• Lifting heavy objects;
• Changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy or puberty;
• Long-term use of hormones;
• Wearing tight clothing that constricts the blood vessels in the legs (tight tights, jeans, knee-length tights or socks).

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

Stages and symptoms

Before treating varicose veins in the legs, it is necessary to determine the stage of the disease.Fortunately, varicose veins have a number of characteristic signs, which makes it possible to detect the problem in the early stages of its appearance.Experts in the field of phlebology distinguish 4 stages of varicose veins:

1. Phase 1.External changes are observed in the limbs: tortuous veins appear in the legs and thighs, red and vascular "stars" appear.In the evening, your feet may swell a little;
2. Phase 2.Swelling and feeling of heaviness in the legs increases.At night, especially after physical activity the day before, cramps, numbness and tingling in the calf muscles may appear;
3. Phase 3.Swelling of the legs becomes a constant phenomenon, compressions, pigmentation and dermatitis begin to form on the lower extremities;
4. Phase 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 make you seek medical help.Treatment of varicose veins is prescribed by a phlebologist after an ultrasound scan.The results of this study help determine the stage of the spread of the disease, which allows the specialist to understand which method will be more effective in a particular case.

Treatment methods

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

• Sclerotherapy.A sclerosing drug is injected into the damaged veins, which "freezes" their walls.The veins are then dissolved, and their function in the circulation of the blood is transferred to healthy elements;
• Laser therapy.The most popular method for treating varicose veins.A lasting positive effect is achieved in 98% of cases.The mechanism of action is similar to sclerotherapy, only one laser is used here;
• Venectomy.It is the surgical removal of damaged veins.After surgery, patients are forced to wear compression garments for 2 years to restore normal blood flow;
• Hirudotherapy.Leeches have a positive effect on the veins, helping the blood clots inside them to dissolve.

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

For example, during pregnancy and in the initial stages of the disease, doctors prescribe conservative treatment methods: wearing compression garments, taking medications and special exercises to improve blood circulation.

Preventing

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:

• Nutrition.The inclusion of vegetable oils and fish oil in the menu, as well as products with vitamin F, will strengthen the walls of blood vessels and cope 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 for your feet, pouring them first with warm and then cold water;
• Sports activities.Moderate-intensity physical activity 2-3 times a week will keep your feet in healthy shape.Doctors advise giving preference to running, swimming and cycling;
• I walked barefoot.When you go out of town or to the sea, don't miss the opportunity to walk barefoot on the 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 on the vessels and the higher the risk of blood clot formation in the veins.