How to treat varicose veins

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

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

Modern medicine offers various methods to combat this disease.

The reasons

Heaviness in the legs and frequent swelling of the lower legs, and subsequently the appearance of various spider veins, mark the beginning of the development of varicose veins.The main cause of this disease is an inactive lifestyle.It is no coincidence that the problem of varicose veins in the legs in most cases is faced by people whose professional activities involve sitting in one place for a long time - salesmen, drivers, office workers, hairdressers, etc.Low physical activity creates blood stagnation in the veins, which is why the symptoms of varicose veins appear.However, this is far from the only factor that can trigger varicose veins in the legs:

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

Doctors also emphasize that the habit of crossing your legs while sitting also has a negative effect on the health of your veins.

Stages and symptoms

Before treating varicose veins on the legs, it is necessary to determine the stage of the disease.Fortunately, varicose veins have some characteristic signs, which make it possible to detect the problem in the early stages of its occurrence.Experts in the field of phlebology distinguish 4 stages of varicose veins:

1. Stage 1.External changes in the limbs are observed: tortuous veins stand out on the legs and thighs, red and vascular "stars" appear.In the evening, your feet may swell slightly;
2. Stage 2.Swelling and heaviness in the legs increases.At night, especially after physical activity the day before, cramps, numbness and tingling in the calf muscles may appear;
3. Stage 3.Swelling of the legs becomes a constant phenomenon, compaction, pigmentation and dermatitis begin to form on the lower part;
4. Stage 4.The skin becomes covered with trophic ulcers.

Despite the fact that in the early stages it is difficult to recognize this disease due to the lack of such varicose veins, external changes in the legs should alert you and prompt you to seek medical help.Treatment of varicose veins is prescribed by a phlebologist after an ultrasound scan.The results of this study help to determine the extent of the spread of the disease, which allows experts to understand which method is most effective in a particular case.

Treatment methods

According to medical statistics, some symptoms of varicose veins are observed in about 70% of the population of developed countries.This creates the need to develop new methods to treat varicose veins.Today, it is suggested to treat this disease with drugs, surgery and physiotherapy.In traditional medicine, the following procedures are actively used to get rid of varicose veins permanently:

• Sclerotherapy.A sclerosant drug is injected into the damaged vein, which "freezes" its walls.After that, the vein dissolves, and its function in the bloodstream is transferred to a healthy element;
• Laser therapy.The most popular method to treat varicose veins.A lasting positive effect is achieved in 98% of cases.The mechanism of action is similar to sclerotherapy, only a laser is used here;
• Venectomy.It is surgery to remove the damaged vein.After surgery, the patient had to wear a compression garment for 2 years to restore normal blood flow;
• Hirudotherapy.Leeches have a positive effect on the veins, helping blood clots in them to dissolve.

The methods described above, although effective in the question of how to treat varicose veins on 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 garments, taking special medications and exercises to increase blood flow.

Prevention

Drastic treatment of varicose veins can be avoided if the disease is detected at an early stage of development.Simple preventive measures will help not only stop the further development of varicose veins, but also prevent their occurrence in people who are forced to lead a sedentary lifestyle.They are as follows:

• Nutrition.Including vegetable oil and fish oil in the menu, as well as products with vitamin F, will strengthen the walls of blood vessels and overcome excess weight - a common cause of varicose veins;
• Contrast massage and shower.In the evening, after a day's work, do a light massage or a contrast shower for your feet, pouring first with warm water and then cold water;
• Sports activities.Moderate intensity physical activity 2-3 times a week will keep your feet in healthy shape.Doctors advise giving priority to jogging, swimming and cycling;
• Walk barefoot.When going out of town or to the sea, don't miss the opportunity to walk barefoot on 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 pants and socks.The more uncomfortable you feel in it, the stronger the pressure in the vessels and the higher the risk of blood clots forming in the veins.