Varicose veins are one of the oldest diseases.Hundreds of people are still wondering how and what to treat varicose veins in the legs.
Nowadays, the treatment of varicose veins of the legs has become accessible to everyone.
Modern medicine offers a variety of methods to combat this disease.
Reasons
Heaviness in the legs and frequent swelling of the lower extremities, and later the appearance of multiple 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 is faced in most cases by people whose professional activities involve sitting for a long time in one place: salespeople, drivers, office workers, hairdressers, etc.Low physical activity causes stagnation of blood in the veins, which is why the symptoms of varicose veins arise.However, this is not the only factor that can cause varicose veins in the legs:
- Overweight;
- Lift heavy objects;
- Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy or puberty;
- Long-term use of hormones;
- Wear tight clothing that strongly compresses the blood vessels in your legs (tight stockings, jeans, tight knee-high stockings, or socks).
Doctors also emphasize that the habit of crossing your legs when sitting also has a negative 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 that allow the problem to be detected in the early stages of its appearance.Experts in the field of phlebology distinguish 4 stages of varicose veins:
- Stage 1.External changes are observed in the extremities: tortuous veins protrude on the legs and thighs, red and vascular “stars” appear.At night, your legs may swell a little;
- Stage 2.Increases swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the legs.At night, especially after physical activity the previous day, cramps, numbness and tingling may appear in the calf muscles;
- Stage 3.Swelling of the legs becomes a constant phenomenon, compactions, pigmentation and dermatitis begin to form on the lower extremities;
- Stage 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 force you to seek medical help.Treatment of varicose veins is prescribed by a phlebologist after an ultrasound.The results of this study help determine the stage of spread of the disease, which allows the specialist to understand which method will be most effective in a particular case.
Treatment methods
According to medical statistics, some symptoms of varicose veins are observed in about 70% of residents of developed countries.This raises the need to develop new methods for the treatment of varicose veins.Nowadays it is proposed to treat this disease with medication, surgery and physiotherapy.In traditional medicine, the following procedures are actively used to permanently remove varicose veins:
- Sclerotherapy.A sclerosing drug is injected into the damaged veins, which "freezes" their walls.Subsequently, the veins dissolve and their function in the bloodstream is transferred to healthy elements;
- Laser therapy.The most popular method of treating varicose veins.In 98% of cases a lasting positive effect is achieved.The mechanism of action is similar to sclerotherapy, only a 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 to dissolve blood clots inside them.
The methods described above, although effective in the question of how to treat varicose veins in the legs, are not indicated 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 flow.
Prevention
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 stop the progression of varicose veins, but also prevent their appearance in people forced to lead a sedentary lifestyle.They are the following:
- Nutrition.Including 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 on your feet, pouring them first with warm and then cold water;
- Sports activities.Moderate intensity physical activity 2 or 3 times a week will keep your legs in healthy shape.Doctors advise giving preference to running, swimming and cycling;
- Walk barefoot.When you go out of the city or to the sea, don't miss the opportunity to walk barefoot on the sand or grass.This perfectly relaxes the leg muscles and at the same time increases the tone of the veins;
- Wear comfortable shoes.Avoid wearing tight shoes or tight stockings and socks.The more uncomfortable you feel in them, the stronger the pressure on the vessels and the greater the risk of blood clots forming in the veins.