Varicose veins are a common disease characterized by enlargement of the lumen of blood vessels, malfunction of the valve apparatus and the occurrence of reverse blood flow. The pathological process can be localized in different places, so there are several types of diseases:
Varicose veins on the legs are considered the most common. It is estimated that more than 30% of the population suffers from it, and the majority are 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 forever, as this 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 down the development of the disease.
The causes of varicose veins are still not clearly understood. It is understood that the disease is associated with thinning, weakness and loss of elasticity of the vascular wall, as well as incompetent valves. As a result, the veins become unevenly dilated, stretched, long, twisted, nodular. It is believed that genetic predisposition plays a decisive role in the development of the disease, ie from birth, weak blood vessels and damaged valves.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins, although they are not its 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 the development and reduce symptoms if we apply a complex treatment, which includes:
You will have to fight varicose veins all your life. Don’t engage in self-medication. 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 lesion, 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 treatment will depend on the patient's adherence to all medical recommendations. It is important to seek help at an early stage, when there is still no pain, but evening edema, heaviness and fatigue in the legs, small spider veins on the skin have appeared.
Without lifestyle changes it is impossible to effectively fight varicose veins. The rules that must be followed are completely banal, and their disregard is usually associated with a lack of will or an irresponsible attitude towards one’s health.
Special stretch knitwear is available in a large assortment today. These are leggings, socks, tights of different colors and densities, which are practically no different from ordinary ones. They have become a good alternative to elastic bandages, inconvenient to use and unaesthetic on the outside.
A special jersey cannot treat varicose veins, but it improves microcirculation, reduces stress on the veins,
prevents blood stagnation, reduces the diameter of blood vessels, increases the outflow of venous blood and lymph. The person feels light in the legs, gets less tired by evening, no swelling.
It will be difficult at first without the habit of manually pulling on compression stockings. To make your job easier, you can buy a special device.
There are four classes of medical knitwear, depending on the pressure applied. You can only wear first-class compression products, which are considered prophylactic and were previously intended for healthy people. The rest should be prescribed by a doctor, depending on the diagnosis and severity of varicose veins. You should be aware that compaction products may be contraindicated for certain diseases. Tights or socks the doctor chooses strictly according to size, otherwise the desired effect will not be.
For the treatment of varicose veins, tablets and external means in the form of gels, creams and ointments of various spectrum of action are used. They increase vascular tone, improve microcirculation, promote blood flow and prevent changes in the skin. The medications are designed to relieve fatigue, weight, discomfort, swelling, itching, cramps, and leg pain. Their appointment is strictly individual.
The main treatment for varicose veins are venotonics. They are made on the basis of wild 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 blood viscosity and reduce the likelihood of thrombophlebitis. These are fats with cooling additives in the form of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus. In addition to diluting the blood, they prevent the development of thrombophlebitis.
Antihistamines may be prescribed for itchy skin changes. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory tablets are prescribed for inflammation.
To get rid of varicose veins, operations are performed to remove the affected part of the vessel to stop the discharge of blood from the superficial vein into the deep. The operation is called a phlebectomy. In its classical form, it is less and less used today in connection with the emergence of new, less traumatic ways of dealing with varicose veins. Such treatment is generally indicated for large vein diameters and advanced cases of the disease.
A gentler method is microphlebectomy, in which part of the vein is removed in parts, not by incision, but by puncture.
Radiofrequency ablation is considered the safest and least traumatic method of treating varicose veins, although it has some contraindications. The method consists in the thermal effect of microwaves, which results in the closure of the venous lumen. Key benefits:
Laser coagulation is another way to treat varicose veins. During the procedure, a laser is applied to the wall of the vessel. Radiation leads to sticking of the vein walls and 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-operative method is one of the most common. It is used on small veins and as part of a complex treatment along with surgery. The conclusion is that a special drug with a sclerosing effect is injected into a vein with a thin needle. As a result, the walls of the vessel stick together, closing and stopping blood flow. The affected vein becomes a fibrous band. The main advantages of the method:
Pour the chopped unripe walnuts into a glass bowl and pour over the olive oil. Put in the sun for 40 days. Apply as needed by lubricating the affected area. Continue treatment for about four months.
Type a cabbage leaf, apply a layer of olive oil on one side, apply this side to the affected area, wrap and leave for a day. Continue treatment for a month.
This is one of the most effective folk remedies. For the treatment of varicose veins from the fruits of the plant is prepared tincture that must be crushed, half-filled in a glass jar (three liters) and filled with vodka. Remove to a dark place for a month, stirring occasionally. When you are ready, rub the sore spots overnight. Alcoholic tincture of chestnut for external and internal use in varicose veins can be purchased at the pharmacy.
When varicose veins appear, the question can be asked whether it is possible to engage in physical education and sports and which exercises are useful. Most doctors agree that physical activity in such a disease is very important because the dynamics benefit the veins and the static harms them. But it is equally important to consult a doctor about what types of sports you can do and what type of exercise will be optimal. In addition, the patient may be shown special therapeutic exercises that are performed directly in a medical facility. At home, you can also do simple but effective exercises that will help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins with regular exercise.
Varicose veins are an irreversible process, but they must be treated without error, especially since there are many 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 so many dangerous conditions that can result in death, such as pulmonary embolism.