Varicose veins occur when the veins are stretched and enlarged, they acquire a blue-violet or red hue, due to the accumulation of large amounts of blood. Varicose veins are a very widespread disease and in most cases it manifests itself on the legs, but at the same time they can form in other parts of the body.
For most people, especially women, varicose veins are primarily a cosmetic problem. In the early stages, the disease does not pose a threat to health. Ugly, swollen veins can spoil the appearance of certain parts of the body, but if you don't pay attention to the treatment and prevention of varicose veins, complications can develop over time.
There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing varicose veins:
In addition to the characteristic formation of bulging dark blue or purple veins, these are the main signs of the development of varicose veins:
To effectively treat the problem of varicose veins, an integrated approach is needed, including:
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is recommended to start wearing compression clothing: tights, tights or leggings apply slight pressure from the lower leg upwards, which reduces the accumulation of blood and reduces theswelling. It is necessary to wear such compression clothing constantly, only in this case can a positive effect be achieved. Wearing compression garments will not cure existing varicose veins, but it will help prevent or reduce varicose veins and other complications.
Endovenous laser ablation (radiofrequency or laser)
Endovenous laser ablation is by far the most effective and safest way to treat varicose veins. It is the use of laser or radiofrequency therapy, with the help of 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 a special device is attached to the tip of the catheter, with which the catheter is heated and closes or removes the varicose vein (depending on the methodchosen ablation). 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 the vein affected by varicose veins, destroying the inner lining of the vein and causing the blood to clot inside. After a while, the vein collapses and disappears.
Surgical method
In advanced cases of varicose veins, some especially gentle treatment methods are no longer effective. In this case, a patient suffering from varicose veins can be helped by an operation, during which the superficial vein is surgically removed. Indications for surgery are ulcers, bleeding, phlebitis. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, as a rule, the patient goes home the same day. Pain and discomfort can occur for 2 weeks after surgery, this is normal.
Training for varicose veins
A lot of movement 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.
Rhythmic and moderate physical activity, such as walking, prevents disease progression and complications because the dynamic movements of the muscles help direct blood from the periphery to the heart.
Walking is excellent 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 at least 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.
Running at low intensity
Running at a slow pace works well for the calf muscles, but it has a downside: running puts pressure on our joints. If you're not ready to replace running with another activity, run on grass or rubber tracks, not on hard asphalt.
Elliptical and exercise bike
Exercising on the elliptical trainer and stationary bike actively engages the calf muscles, this contributes to normal blood circulation.
Strength training
Patients with varicose veins should avoid a lot of very intense resistance training, squats, lunges, and sit-ups. 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. Compression stockings are recommended 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
For the treatment of varicose veins, several groups of drugs are used: ointments, creams, tablets, less often injections.
Characteristics of each of the groups listed:
To solve the problem, it is necessary to increase the tone of 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, therefore, for the treatment of varicose veins, you can find the most suitable drug option in terms of cost.
Phlebotonics containing diosmin
Diosmin belongs to the representatives of bioflavonoids and is found in many drugs for the fight against 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 the paravenous tissues, improves the diffusion and perfusion of oxygen in the skin tissue and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It blocks the production of free radicals, the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane.
Experimental studies have shown that diosmin doubles the outflow of lymph, increases the tone of the venous wall, suppresses the activity of leukocytes and prevents inflammation.
This is a group of drugs that affect the blood clotting system, preventing the adhesion of the formed elements, platelet plates. Antiplatelet agents are another name for drugs in this group, because, in fact, natural or synthetic substances block the adhesion of platelets and inhibit the formation of blood clots, which is often necessary in the treatment of varicose veins. the lower extremities.
Antioxidants are substances that inhibit the peroxidation of lipids and proteins in the cell membrane, bind to free radicals and, therefore, slow down the processes of oxidation and aging. Drugs of this group can be prescribed in the complex treatment of varicose veins. They help to improve the extensibility and elasticity of the walls of the blood vessels, strengthen them and prolong the normal life of each cell in the walls of even the smallest veins.
Varicose veins are often accompanied by pain and swelling. To restore lightness to 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 general rule, a phlebologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. Unfortunately, not all medical institutions offer a physician in this specialty. It should be noted that some limited specialists can also provide assistance in the treatment of varicose veins - this is an angiologist and vascular surgeon. The GP can also help diagnose the disease and refer the patient to the appropriate specialist.
Remember that in the early stages of the disease, pronounced clinical manifestations are often absent. Therefore, if you suspect varicose veins, you should immediately contact a qualified specialist who will diagnose it. As a rule, the diagnosis of varicose veins is carried out taking into account the patient's complaints, the examination of the lower extremities, as well as laboratory data and instrumental research methods. It is possible to make sure of the development of the disease and take timely measures to prevent it only after a thorough examination of the patient.
All modern ointments are prescribed in addition to the main 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 treatments, 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 serious discomfort.
The local treatment of varicose veins is an important therapeutic tool that, together with medication, exercise therapy 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 on its own, without consulting a doctor, is unacceptable.
Heparin-based ointments for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins are produced under different names, differ from each other in the presence of excipients in the composition that modify the action and the manifested effects, and also have different manufacturers.
Heparin is a unique substance, which is why it is included in many medications for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins. The doctor will tell you which ointment to choose for the treatment of varicose veins on the legs. In addition to heparin-based ointments, there are herbal preparations that are no less effective in preventing the development of varicose veins.
The 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.
Nonsteroidal 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 accelerate the healing process.
There are no significant differences between the topical preparations in the form of ointment, gel or cream; however, ointments and creams are made from vegetable or animal fats and the active ingredients they contain do not dissolve completely.
The gels are produced water-based, for this reason, all the active components in them dissolve completely, leaving no residue, which contributes to a faster penetration and absorption into the skin.
Topical varicose veins should always be applied to clean skin. They should be used regularly, especially in severe forms of the disease. Remember, varicose vein disease is not a simple disease, and a comprehensive approach is needed here. A specialized consultation is required, you should not self-medicate. Only after the diagnosis is made, the doctor will be able to prescribe a treatment, which includes drugs for internal and external use. In this case, a patient with varicose veins must lead a healthy lifestyle.