Varicose veins are a common disease characterized by an increase in the lumen of the blood vessels, malfunction of the valve apparatus and the appearance of reverse blood flow. The pathological process can be located in different places, so there are several types of disease:
Varicose veins in the legs are considered the most common. It is estimated that more than 30% of the population suffers from it, the majority being women. Varicose veins on the legs are not only ugly protruding veins, but also many unpleasant sensations and inconveniences. The pathological process is accompanied by severity, pain, edema, and often leads to dangerous complications: thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, trophic ulcers. Many would like to know how to get rid of varicose veins for good, as it 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 the development of the disease.
The causes of varicose veins are not yet clearly understood. The disease is understood to be associated with thinning, weakness, and loss of elasticity of the vascular wall, as well as incompetent valves. As a result, the veins are unevenly dilated, stretched, elongated, twisted, nodular. It is believed that a genetic predisposition plays a decisive role in the onset of the disease, that is, from birth, weak vessels and defective valves.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins, although they are not their 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 down development and reduce symptoms if we apply comprehensive treatment, including:
You will have to fight varicose veins all your life. Don't self-medicate. It is necessary to be examined by a phlebologist or vascular surgeon, who will diagnose, determine the stage of the disease and the severity of the injury, and prescribe the appropriate treatment. The main task is to eliminate or reduce clinical manifestations, stop progression, prevent relapses and the development of complications.
The effectiveness of the treatment will depend on the patient's compliance with all the doctor's recommendations. It is important to seek help at an early stage, when there is still no pain, but evening edema, heaviness and fatigue of the legs, small spider veins on the skin have appeared.
Without changing your lifestyle, it is impossible to effectively combat varicose veins. The rules to follow are completely banal and non-compliance with them is often associated with a lack of willpower or an irresponsible attitude towards health.
The special stretch jersey is available today in a great variety. These are knee-high stockings, stockings, stockings of different colors and densities, which practically do not differ from ordinary ones. They have become a good alternative to elastic bandages, uncomfortable to wear and apparently unsightly.
The special T-shirt can not treat varicose veins, but it improves microcirculation, reduces stress on veins,
At first it will be difficult without the habit of putting compression stockings on hand. To simplify your task, you can buy a special device.
There are four kinds of medical knitwear, depending on the pressure applied. You can only use products of the first compression class, which are considered prophylactic and intended rather for healthy people. The rest must be prescribed by a doctor, depending on the diagnosis and severity of the varicose veins. You should be aware that compression products may be contraindicated for certain diseases. Pantyhose or stockings are selected by a doctor strictly in accordance with the size, otherwise the desired effect will not be.
For the treatment of varicose veins, tablets and external agents in the form of gels, creams and ointments of diverse spectrum of action are used. They increase vascular tone, improve microcirculation, promote blood flow and prevent skin changes. The medications are designed to relieve fatigue, heaviness, discomfort, swelling, itching, cramps, and pain in the legs. Their appointment is strictly individual.
The main means of treating varicose veins are venotonics. They are made from horse chestnut, rutin, grape leaves and are almost always well tolerated by patients. Available in the form of tablets, capsules, gels.
Anticoagulants are used to reduce the viscosity of the blood and reduce the likelihood of thrombophlebitis. These are ointments with cooling additives in the form of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus. In addition to thinning the blood, they prevent the development of thrombophlebitis.
Antihistamines may be prescribed for itchy skin changes. For inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pills are prescribed.
To get rid of varicose veins, operations are performed to remove the affected part of the vessel in order to stop the discharge of blood from the superficial to the deep vein. 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 of treating varicose veins. Such treatment, as a rule, is indicated for large diameter veins and advanced cases of the disease.
A gentler method is microflebectomy, in which a section of a vein is removed in parts and not through an incision, but through a puncture.
Radiofrequency ablation is considered the safest and least traumatic method of treating varicose veins, although it has some contraindications. The method consists of the thermal effect of microwaves, as a result of which the venous lumen is closed. Key benefits:
Laser coagulation is another method of treating varicose veins. During the procedure, a laser is applied to the wall of the vessel. The radiation causes the adhesion of the walls of the veins and the complete closure of the lumen. 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 delivered. The procedure is less traumatic, complications are very rare.
This non-operational method is one of the most common. It is used in small veins and as part of a complex treatment in conjunction with a surgical procedure. The bottom line is that a special drug with a sclerosing effect is injected into a vein with a fine needle. As a result, the vessel walls stick together, close, and stop blood flow. The affected vein turns into a fibrous cord. The main advantages of the method:
Pour chopped green walnuts into a glass dish and pour with olive oil. Put in the sun for 40 days. Apply as needed, lubricating the affected area. Continue the treatment for about four months.
Beat a cabbage leaf, apply a layer of olive oil on one side, apply this side to the affected area, bandage and leave to act for a day. Continue the treatment for a month.
This is one of the most effective home remedies. For the treatment of varicose veins, a tincture is prepared from the fruits of the plant, which must be crushed, half filled in a glass container (three liters) and filled with vodka. Remove to a dark place for a month, stir from time to time. When you're ready, rub the sore spots overnight. Chestnut alcohol tincture for external and internal use with varicose veins can be purchased at the pharmacy.
When varicose veins appear, the question may arise whether it is possible to do physical education and sports and what exercises are useful. Most doctors agree that physical activity in such a disease is very important, as dynamics are good for the veins and static is bad. But it's just as important to check with your doctor about what kinds of sports you can do and what kinds of loads will be optimal. Also, the patient can be shown special therapeutic exercises, which are carried out directly in a medical institution. At home, you can also do simple but effective exercises that, 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 quite a few 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 a condition so dangerous that it can result in death, such as pulmonary embolism.