How to treat varicose veins

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

Today, the treatment of varicose veins of the legs has become accessible to everyone.

Modern medicine offers various methods to combat this disease.

Reasons

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

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

Doctors also point out that the habit of crossing your legs while sitting also has an adverse effect on the health of your veins.

Stages and symptoms

Before treating varicose veins of 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. Step 1.External changes in the limbs are observed: tortuous veins protrude on the legs and thighs, red and vascular “stars” appear.In the evening, your legs may swell a little;
2. Step 2.Swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the legs increase.At night, especially after physical activity the day before, cramps, numbness and tingling in the calf muscles may appear;
3. Step 3.Swelling of the legs becomes a constant phenomenon, compactions, pigmentation and dermatitis begin to form on the lower limbs;
4. Step 4.The skin becomes covered with trophic ulcers.

Despite the fact that at first it is difficult to recognize the disease due to the absence of varicose veins as such, external changes in the legs should alert you and prompt you to consult a doctor.Treatment of varicose veins is prescribed by a phlebologist after an ultrasound scan.The results of this study help to 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 of treating 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.Subsequently, the veins dissolve and their function in the blood circulation is transferred to healthy elements;
• Laser therapy.The most popular method for treating varicose veins.A lasting positive effect is obtained in 98% of cases.The mechanism of action is similar to sclerotherapy, only a laser is used here;
• Venectomy.This involves the surgical removal of damaged veins.After surgery, patients are required to wear compression garments for 2 years to restore normal blood flow;
• Hirudotherapy.Leeches have a positive effect on veins, helping to dissolve blood clots in them.

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

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

Prevention

Radical treatment of varicose veins can be avoided if the disease was detected in the early 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 as follows:

• Nutrition.The inclusion of vegetable oils and fish oil in the menu, as well as products containing vitamin F, will strengthen the walls of blood vessels and cope with excess weight - a common cause of varicose veins;
• Massaging and contrasting shower.In the evening, after a hard day's work, perform 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 to 3 times a week will keep your legs in good shape.Doctors advise giving priority to jogging, swimming and cycling;
• Walk barefoot.When you go out of the city or to the sea, do not 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 tights and socks.The more uncomfortable you feel there, the greater the pressure in the vessels and the higher the risk of blood clots forming in the veins.