Varicose vein treatment

Varicose veins on the legs are not only a cosmetic problem that worries people because of their attractiveness, but also a dangerous disease that requires proper treatment and adherence to preventive measures.

There are many reasons for the appearance of varicose veins: from a sedentary lifestyle, physical overload and ending with hormonal disturbances, congenital weakness of the walls of blood vessels, pregnancy. What happens during varicose veins? With varicose veins of the lower extremities, they lose their normal elasticity and stretch under blood pressure.

Valves in veins are normally blocked, and when blood passes through them they close and allow blood to flow back. If the valves are not working properly, blood can flow freely downward, leading to blood stasis.

Reasons

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

The development of diseases is promoted by:

1. Inheritance. 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. That is why varicose veins can be observed in young, healthy and active people (regardless of sex) and even in 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 disturbances become the causes of blood stagnation. For them, the most dangerous periods are puberty, pregnancy, the time after childbirth. The time when menopause comes is also dangerous. This gender category of patients visits doctors 2-3 times more often. There are not enough hormones in the female organs, which are called estrogens. Instead, the so-called corpus luteum hormones prevail. It is believed that it is he who has a relaxing effect on the muscles. This promotes varicose veins.
3. A sedentary, sedentary lifestyle, or a time-consuming job contributes to the development of varicose veins.
4. Age. Over time, the valves and the walls of the veins become thinner, causing their work to be interrupted.
5. Obesity. Being overweight leads to increased stress on the veins in the legs.

Stages

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

1. Compensation stage. There are no complaints. On examination, varicose veins are seen on one or two legs.
2. Subcompensation stage. On examination, pronounced varicose veins are visible on the legs. Patients complain of a feeling of fullness, paresthesia ("chills") in the shins, night cramps. There is slight swelling of the feet, ankles, and lower legs at night. The swelling goes away in the morning.
3. Decompensation stage. Dermatitis, eczema join the listed signs. Patients are concerned about itching. The skin becomes dry, shiny and strongly adhered to the subcutaneous tissue. Minor bleeding and subsequent hemosiderin deposition lead to 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, furthermore, it will progress, leading to all kinds of complications that pose the greatest danger.

Signs

The first signs that indicate the beginning of the development of varicose veins:

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

In later stages, spider veins appear on the skin, bulging veins, and various seals, indicating congestion in the vessels.

Symptoms of varicose veins in the legs

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

You can suspect early stage development by the following symptoms:

• the appearance of pain in the legs, a feeling of heat and sometimes burning in the veins of the legs;
• heaviness in the legs;
• swelling of the legs appears at night;
• leg cramps start at night;
• dilated veins;
• the skin on the lower leg turns dark, seals appear, trophic ulcers are possible.

Having discovered any primary signs, you should immediately start treating varicose veins; symptoms will not go away on their own.

Diagnosis

In order to diagnose varicose veins of the lower extremities and prescribe the appropriate treatment, the specialist will offer the patient a complete examination, which includes several methods.

1. The duplex examination (ultrasound of the veins) is the most informative method for the diagnosis of varicose veins of the legs, which gives an idea of ​​the degree of the varicose veins, the direction of blood flow throughveins and their permeability, as well as detecting the presence of blood clots (thrombi).
2. Contrast venography, which is an examination method that allows you to detect dilated veins and to know the degree of patency of the blood.

Only a highly qualified phlebologist can diagnose deep vein 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. Also, pregnancy and childbirth in most cases become the causes of varicose veins, as there is an effect of increased stress 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 region, affecting the external genital organs, which is a consequence of congenital or acquired weakness of the vascular wall and valve insufficiency. Exposure to external factors (prolonged static stress, significant physical activity) or internal factors (excess body weight, diseases of the pelvic organs 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

Carrying out 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 the 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 congestion of venous blood in the legs.
2. Increased intra-abdominal pressure in late pregnancy makes it difficult for blood to flow through the veins in the legs.
3. Varicose veins that occur during pregnancy can disappear completely after delivery or progress further, depending on individual factors (heredity, presence of other contributing factors).

Varicose veins in men

Varicose veins often present in men as varicocele, that is, varicose veins of the spermatic cord. Symptoms of the disease:

• pain in the testicle and a feeling of heaviness, scrotum, along the spermatic cord, which increases with physical exertion and prolonged standing;
• During scrotal palpation, the contoured veins of the spermatic cord are determined.

The development of varicocele becomes the 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 the temperature of the testicles to body temperature. High temperature affects the course of spermatogenesis;
• testicular hypoxia (lack of oxygen, ischemia);
• accumulation of free radicals in testicular tissues, interrupting their activity.

The treatment of varicose veins in men consists of a surgical operation if there are indications: pain in the testicle, infertility, cosmetic defect in the scrotum, lack of growth of the affected testicle during puberty. However, the disease can be asymptomatic and cause no significant discomfort to the man.

In adolescents and children, when varicocele is diagnosed, surgery is necessary at any stage of the disease, this prevents further development of infertility.

The operations are performed both in the usual open and endoscopic manner. Surgical intervention is possible from a mini-access and microsurgical testicular revascularization.

Varicose veins in children

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

Important! The effectiveness of treatment depends on the age of the child. It requires immediate hospitalization at the first signs of varicose veins. In this case, surgery is indicated.

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

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

Among the factors that affect the appearance of varicose veins in children are:

• strabismus, flat feet, hernias;
• bad posture;
• ill-fitting shoes;
• overweight.

For preventive purposes, to avoid the development of varicose veins, it is necessary to monitor the child's nutrition. The diet must be balanced, it is beneficial to include rich foods in the routine. It is found in large quantities in hazelnuts, horse chestnuts and berries: rose hip, sea buckthorn, black currant. The decoctions and juices of these berries can have a general preventive and strengthening effect on the body.

Pelvic varicose veins

Varicose veins can also appear in the pelvic area. In this form, it is found in most cases in women, which is associated with the peculiarities of the blood supply to the female body. Enlarged 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 small pelvis occurs for several reasons:

• pregnancy and childbirth;
• change in the shape of the uterus;
• lift and carry 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 small pelvis with ultrasound diagnostics. Preliminary diagnosis is also possible with 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 be regularly monitored by a gynecologist. With the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment methods, surgical intervention is indicated.

Treatment of varicose veins in the legs

For varicose veins in the legs, treatment may not be medically necessary unless symptoms are troublesome.

However, some people may wish to receive treatment for varicose veins for cosmetic reasons because they are not happy with their appearance.

Let's look at the main methods that will help eliminate this problem.

1. Sclerotherapy. This method of treatment is used both independently and in combination with conservative procedures. Its essence lies in the fact that a special preparation that fills it is injected into the vein with a fine needle or syringe, subsequently the vein disappears completely. Sessions are held once a week, 3-6 of these sessions are required. The method avoids scars and scars.
2. Non-surgical treatment. If varicose veins are in their early stages and not too uncomfortable, elastic compression stockings may be recommended. They are used during daily activities. They help to constrict the veins, preventing them from stretching and limiting any discomfort or pain.
3. Medical treatment of varicose veins relieves symptoms, reduces swelling and pain, slows down the development process, but cannot completely stop the disease and restore damaged veins.
4. Laser treatment for varicose veins of the legs can be used on the surface of the skin. With the help of a small flash of laser light, the sclerosis process develops in the vein wall and the varicose vein disappears as if it had been removed.

Physical activity: brisk walks, gymnastics, swimming and water exercises (except sports exercises with a heavy load on the legs: tennis, weight lifting, jumping) play an important role in treatment and prevention.

Venotonic drugs

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

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

How to treat varicose veins with home remedies

There are a large number of methods to treat varicose veins in the legs with home remedies, both for external and internal use. The most common are shown below:

1. Horse chestnut flowers (50 grams), it is necessary to pour 500 g of alcohol, then leave to stand for 14 days, shaking the bottle every day. Pass the tincture through a mesh and consume a tablespoon with water three times a day before meals. How to heal for a week: Take a break for two weeks. The treatment can then be restarted.
2. Dried nettle infusion is used for varicose veins. The crushed dry 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 tomato, lie 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 for 2 hours in the vein, then changes to a new one, and so on for a total of 3 times. The convenience of this compress is that it can be repeated every day.
4. Walnut oil tincture: chop green walnuts, pour into a glass container, add olive oil and leave in a sunny place for 40 days. Lubricate sore spots with a prepared tincture. The course of treatment is long, as with the use of Kalanchoe.

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

Varicose veins are predominantly female diseases, associated with constant wearing of high-heeled shoes, pregnancy, childbirth, and a host of other circumstances. But the disease can also affect men, especially if they have a work activity that requires more physical effort. Since varicose veins cause severe wear of the veins, which can lead to their atrophy and thrombosis, it is important to diagnose the disease early and treat it. It can be carried out using conservative and operational methods. Treatment can only be selected by the attending physician.

Traditional methods to treat varicose veins

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can relieve pain from varicose veins

This home remedy is used in two ways. The first is to rub a small amount of apple cider vinegar on the affected areas 1-2 times a day. The latter technique is best done before bedtime, so that you can relieve sore limbs and improve sleep. If the varicose veins are localized, you can soak a clean gauze with vinegar and apply on the sore spot for 5-10 minutes. Such manipulations are also repeated 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment is 2-3 weeks. A mandatory monthly break 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 shaking the components well, they should be stored in the refrigerator. Homemade ointment is applied twice a day in the morning and in the evening, it is not necessary to wash off the product. Therapy can be carried out for 3-4 weeks, after which it is required to take a break for the same period.

Horse Chestnut

The horse chestnut solution is an effective remedy against varicose veins

To prepare the solution, you must collect a half-liter jar of chestnuts and peel the fruit. After that, the plant must 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 lower drawer of the refrigerator. After settling, it is required to take 30 drops of the resulting infusion three times after the main meals. The duration of such treatment is 20 to 30 days.

The tincture can also be used as an ointment, in which case the product cannot be brought inside. They rub their feet before going to bed, it is recommended to wash them first. After applying the product, you should immediately lie down. Use chestnut tincture in this way daily for a month. In both cases, a three-month break is required between treatments.

Potato juice

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

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

Attention!The real effectiveness of home remedies for varicose veins is still in doubt. Therefore, it is recommended to use such methods only with the permission of a doctor and in combination with traditional drugs.

When is an urgent need to see a doctor?

In severe cases of exacerbation 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 a limb and get out of bed;
• the skin on palpation is characterized by an increase in temperature, the sore spot is swollen and very dense;
• the skin has acquired a tone from normal to bluish or close to red and purple;
• there is sudden shortness of breath, it is difficult to breathe even briefly;
• there is increased sweating and severe weakness of the whole body;
• there is bleeding from the affected vein or from the entire area.

Attention!Similar conditions can occur not only in women, but also in men and children, if they suffer from varicose veins. The delay in this case can threaten the death of the patient if the necessary medical assistance is not provided.

Complications (consequences) of varicose veins

Varicose veins can cause serious complications. In the last stage of the development of varicose veins, an extreme thinning of the walls of the blood vessels is observed, in this sense, the risk of trophic ulcers increases: open wounds that heal poorly in the vessels, which arise even withminor trauma.

Thrombophlebitis develops as a result of the rupture of varicose veins. In the course of the onset, the formation of thrombosis with inflammation of the vein wall occurs and a thrombus is formed that closes its lumen.

With the development of acute thrombophlebitis, severe pain appears in the area of ​​the thrombosed veins, the body temperature rises, accompanied by chills. With thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins, painful seals with reddening of the skin along the veins are characteristic. Deep vein thrombophlebitis is accompanied by edema of the extremities due to a strong violation of venous flow.

Disease prevention

Preventive measures play an important role in the presence of risk factors for the development of varicose veins. Therefore, you should not ignore its compliance even with already diagnosed varicose veins. This will prevent its further development and the need for surgical intervention.

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

• moderate physical activity, a visit to the pool is especially helpful. Swimming has a massage effect, which has a beneficial effect on the blood vessels without unnecessary stress;
• strengthening the walls of the blood vessels with a contrast shower. Complete hygienic procedures with contrast foot shower. To do this, water your feet for 10 minutes, alternating between cold and warm water;
• change the diet: reduce the consumption of fatty foods, even in the diet of foods rich in the routine;
• wearing compression underwear, especially with increased physical activity in the legs;
• intake of vitamins and mineral complexes that enhance immunity, strengthen the walls of the vessels and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Exercises

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

Important! It is beneficial to perform these exercises regularly on a daily basis.

It is necessary to begin the classes with a previous preparation of the legs: for this it is necessary to lie on the back, placing the feet on the cushion or the back of the sofa. Stay in this position for 10-15 minutes.

Then, while lying down, start the exercises:

1. bicycle: bend your knees to imitate pedaling;
2. flexion-extension of the feet at the ankle joint: legs are extended, alternately perform flexion and extension movements;
3. then wiggle your toes in the same way;
4. raise your legs at an angle and turn your feet in and out;
5. in the prone position, perform the scissors exercise: alternately crossing the legs;
6. while standing, walk in place, while keeping your socks on;
7. Remaining standing, we raise the toes: on the inhale, up, on the exhale, we go down.

Varicose vein disease develops for a long time, so when the first signs appear, there is a possibility of stopping its course. But the only method to completely get rid of varicose veins is the surgical removal of the veins.