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 every person.

Modern medicine offers a variety of methods to combat this disease.

Reasons

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

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

Doctors also emphasize that the habit of crossing your legs when sitting also has a bad 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 a number of characteristic signs, which makes 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 protrude on the legs and thighs, red and vascular “stars” appear.In the evening, your legs may swell a little;
2. Stage 2.Swelling and 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. Stage 3.Swelling of the legs becomes a constant phenomenon, compactions, pigmentation and dermatitis begin to form on the lower extremities;
4. Stage 4.The skin becomes 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 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 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 approximately 70% of residents of developed countries.This raises the need to develop new methods for 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 sclerosant drug is injected into 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.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 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 veins, helping blood clots inside 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 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 was detected in the initial stages of development.Simple preventive measures will help not only stop the further progression of varicose veins, but also prevent its occurrence in people forced to lead a sedentary lifestyle.They are as follows:

• 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 of 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 2-3 times a week will keep your legs in healthy shape.Doctors advise giving preference to jogging, swimming and cycling;
• Walking barefoot.When going out of town or to the sea, do not 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 tights and socks.The more uncomfortable you feel in them, the stronger the pressure in the vessels and the higher the risk of blood clots forming in the veins.