Varicose veins are one of the oldest diseases.The question of how and with what to treat varicose veins on the legs is still asked by hundreds of people.
Today, the treatment of varicose veins on 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 then 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 on the legs is mostly faced by people whose professional activities involve sitting for a long time in one place - salesmen, drivers, office workers, hairdressers and so on.Low physical activity causes stagnation of blood in the veins, which is why the symptoms of varicose veins appear.However, this is far from the only factor that can cause varicose veins on the legs:
- Excessive weight;
- Lifting heavy objects;
- Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy or puberty;
- Long-term use of hormones;
- Wearing tight clothes that put a lot of pressure on the blood vessels in the legs (tight-fitting tights, jeans, tight knee-highs or socks).
Doctors emphasize that the habit of crossing your legs while 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 formation.Experts in the field of phlebology distinguish 4 stages of varicose veins:
- Phase 1.External changes are observed on the limbs: tortuous veins protrude on the legs and thighs, red and vascular "stars" appear.In the evening, your legs may swell a little;
- Phase 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 lower leg muscles may appear;
- Phase 3.Swelling of the legs becomes a constant phenomenon, congestion, pigmentation and dermatitis begin to form on the lower extremities;
- Phase 4.The skin becomes covered with trophic ulcers.
Despite the fact that in the initial stages the disease is difficult to recognize due to the lack of varicose veins as such, external changes on the legs should alert you and encourage you to seek medical help.Treatment of varicose veins is prescribed by a phlebologist after an ultrasound examination.The results of this study help to determine the stage of the spread of the disease, which allows the expert to understand which method will be the most effective in a particular case.
Treatment methods
According to medical statistics, some symptoms of varicose veins are observed in approximately 70% of the population of developed countries.This raises the need for the development of new methods for the treatment of varicose veins.Today, it is suggested to treat this disease with drugs, surgery and physiotherapy.In traditional medicine, the following procedures are actively used for the permanent removal of varicose veins:
- Sclerotherapy.A sclerosant is injected into the damaged veins, which "freezes" their walls.After that, 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 permanent 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 a compression suit 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 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 medication and special exercises to improve blood flow.
Prevention
Drastic treatment of varicose veins can be avoided if the disease is detected in the initial stages of development.Simple preventive measures will help not only to stop the further progression of varicose veins, but also to prevent its occurrence in people who are forced to lead a sedentary lifestyle.They are as follows:
- Nutrition.Including vegetable and fish oils in the menu, as well as products with vitamin F, will strengthen the walls of blood vessels and deal with excess weight - a common cause of varicose veins;
- Massage and contrast shower.In the evening, after a hard day's work, perform a light massage or contrast shower for the feet, pouring them first with warm and then cold water;
- Sports activities.Physical activity of moderate intensity 2-3 times a week will keep your legs in a healthy condition.Doctors advise giving priority to running, swimming and cycling;
- Walking barefoot.When you go outside the city or to the sea, don't miss the opportunity to walk barefoot on the sand or grass.This perfectly relaxes the muscles of the legs 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 greater the risk of blood clots in the veins.