Varicose veins are one of the oldest diseases.The question of how and with what to treat varicose veins in the legs is still asked by hundreds of people.
Today, the treatment of varicose veins in the legs has become available to every person.
Modern medicine offers various methods to fight this disease.
Reasons
Heaviness in the legs and frequent swelling of the lower extremities, and later the appearance of numerous spider veins indicate 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 most often caused by people whose professional activities consist of sitting in one place for a long time - salesmen, drivers, office workers, hairdressers, etc.Low physical activity causes stagnation of blood in the veins, due to which the symptoms of varicose veins appear.But 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 (tight tights, jeans, above the knee or socks) that strongly compresses the blood vessels in the legs.
Doctors also point out that your habit of crossing your legs while sitting also has a bad effect on the health of your arteries.
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 symptoms, which allow us to detect the problem in the early stages of its occurrence.Specialists in the field of phlebology distinguish 4 stages of varicose veins:
- Stage 1.External changes are observed in the limbs: tortuous veins appear on the legs and thighs, red and vascular "stars" appear.Your feet may be slightly swollen in the evening;
- Stage 2.The feeling of swelling and heaviness in the legs increases.Cramps, numbness and tingling may appear in the calf muscles at night, especially after physical activity the day before;
- Stage 3.Swelling of the legs becomes a constant phenomenon, compressions, pigmentation and dermatitis begin to appear in the lower extremities;
- Stage 4.The skin is covered with trophic ulcers.
Although it is difficult to recognize the disease due to the absence of varicose veins in the initial stages, 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 ultrasound examination.The results of this study help to determine the stage of the spread of the disease, which allows the specialist to understand which method will be most effective in a particular situation.
Treatment methods
According to medical statistics, about 70% of residents of developed countries have some symptoms of varicose veins.This increases the need to develop new methods for the treatment of varicose veins.Today, this disease is treated with medicine, surgery and physiotherapy.In traditional medicine, the following procedures are actively used to get rid of varicose veins permanently:
- Sclerotherapy.A sclerosing drug is injected into the damaged vessels, which "freezes" their walls.Later, the vessels dissolve and their function in the blood circulation passes to the healthy elements;
- Laser therapy.The most popular method of treating varicose veins.A permanent positive effect is achieved in 98% of cases.The mechanism of action is similar to sclerotherapy, where only laser is used;
- Venectomy.This 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 blood vessels, helping to dissolve blood clots inside them.
Although the methods described above are effective in the question of how to treat varicose veins in the legs, they 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 medication and special exercises to improve blood flow.
Prevention
Acute treatment of varicose veins can be avoided if the disease is detected in the early stages of development.Simple preventive measures will not only help to stop the further development of varicose veins, but will also prevent its occurrence in people who are forced to lead a sedentary lifestyle.They are as follows:
- Nutrition.The menu includes vegetable oils and fish oil, as well as products with vitamin F, which will strengthen the walls of blood vessels and fight 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 for your feet or a contrast shower, first with hot and then with cold water;
- Sports activities.Moderate-intensity physical activity 2-3 times a week will keep your legs in good shape.Doctors recommend jogging, swimming and cycling;
- Walk barefoot.Don't miss the opportunity to walk barefoot on the sand or grass when you go out of town or to the sea.It 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 veins and the higher the risk of blood clots in the veins.