Every woman wants her legs to always be in great shape. But what if one day standing in front of a mirror you find that your legs are covered with unsympathetic vascular "stars"? Camouflage will not work. It is impossible to ignore, as further these "decorations" will only become brighter and larger. Fighting varicose veins in the lower limbs, while not easy, is necessary. After all, you have to agree that wearing pants forever isn’t the most tempting prospect.
Varicose veins of the legs are a serious condition in which the veins lose their elasticity, stretch, dilate and bend.
Varicose veins in the legs have long been known as a serious disease. Roughly in this not-so-pleasant way, we pay for the opportunity to walk on two legs. The effect of various adverse factors leads to weakness of the venous walls and stagnation of blood in the lower half of the body.
As a result, the vessels are overloaded and the venous valves are getting worse and worse. The result - the legs are tired, sore, there is a feeling of heaviness, the legs and ankles are swollen. A little later, other symptoms appear in the form of cosmetic imperfections. More serious complications are possible in the future.
Previously, it was believed that varicose veins in the legs - a disease of people in "standing" professions, and the first symptoms appear after about 35 years. This is partly true. But today, varicose veins are rapidly rejuvenating. It can be stated that the disease has already been a problem for the 20-30 year old "computer generation".
Unfortunately, there are no clear symptoms on the legs to approach varicose veins. But if your legs start to hurt and get tired, your legs will have difficulty and you will have cramps - that’s why you need to be careful.
And the appearance of the barely noticeable bluish vessels that are familiar to many — vascular networks that will be more noticeable later if left untreated — is a sign of action. It is worth alerting if whole clusters of saphenous veins have already appeared on the surface of the legs because the outcome of the disease is ugly blood clots and ulcers that are very difficult to fight. Treating varicose veins on the legs can take decades.
The most dangerous consequence of varicose veins is the development of thrombophlebitis - a blood clot in a vein.
The inflammatory process that accompanies the disease creates the risk of the thrombus rupturing the vessel wall. This, in turn, can lead to the development of pulmonary embolism when a thrombus enters the vessel of the lungs, partially or completely disrupting the functioning of the respiratory system. And it can even lead to death.
He's back on his feet: and that threatens me?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to name the exact cause of the appearance of varicose veins on the foot. This disease is the result of various factors. And each of us faces some of them every day.
Cause 1. Inheritance
Phlebologists say varicose veins are a "familial" disease. If a mother or grandmother has suffered from this disease, 90 percent of 100 are arguable that you are at risk. Through genes, the peculiarities of the structure of blood vessels are passed on to us. And if the walls of the blood vessels are weak, then the effect of any provocative factor is enough to make the disease feel.
Cause 2. Pregnancy
Having a child is one of the most important provoking factors in the development of varicose veins, as changes in hormonal levels lead to a decrease in venous tone. In addition, during pregnancy, the veins are almost always compressed by the growing uterus. In addition, the weight increases. But our veins experience the greatest pressure during childbirth. According to statistics, in 50 percent of women, the previously dormant varicose vein manifests itself at this particular time.
Cause 3. Uncomfortable clothes and shoes
Uncomfortable, tight clothing such as thin jeans can cause varicose veins. No less harmful are tight shoes and high heels. The wider the sole of the boot, the less the load on the foot. Balancing on thin stiletto legs, we put a huge load on our veins. And if you also carry a heavy bag of food in your hand, you can say goodbye to your beautiful legs forever.
Cause 4. Working conditions and bad habits
Don’t forget the people who maintain the classic "standing" professions (salespeople, waiters, hairdressers, stewardesses, and many others). They have varicose veins - almost an occupational disease. An entire army of office workers is approaching them, as any prolonged stay in one position (whether sitting or standing) will do its dirty deed. And if we add to that bad habits like smoking, snacking on buns and sandwiches that lead to being overweight, the varicose veins won’t wait. Yes, of course, this also includes the fact that many people like to cross their legs.
Cause 5. Sports overload
Not all fitness is good. Dumbbell lovers in the gym are at serious risk. Weight gain is one of the causes of varicose veins. If you are prone to varicose veins, do not overload your legs with excessive exercise. Strength training and martial arts classes are not for you.
Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins
As is already obvious, varicose veins on the legs are not cosmetic defects, so you should immediately consult a phlebologist as soon as the first discomfort appears in the legs.
If necessary, the doctor may prescribe Doppler ultrasound, which determines the quality of blood flow in the blood vessels and shows if there are any obstructions, as well as transillumination - scanning the superficial veins with a special light that allows the practitioner to easily distinguish a damaged vein from normal. . These necessary measures make it possible to identify the initial disease in good time and to take the necessary measures in good time.
When it comes to treating varicose veins, modern medicine knows a number of ways to treat varicose veins:
- Topical treatments (ointments, gels):relieves fatigue and heaviness in the legs, has a pleasant calming effect. This method of treatment does not bring immediate relief because the active ingredient penetrates the skin in small doses. The beneficial effect only applies to superficial saphenous veins. However, with regular use, ointments and gels can correct the situation in the initial stages of varicose veins in the legs.
- Venotonic:medicines used to treat venous insufficiency (only prescribed by a doctor). These medications reduce swelling, relieve leg pain, and strengthen blood vessel walls and improve blood flow. Venotonics perfectly complements the effects of local remedies to achieve maximum effect in the treatment of deep veins.
- Endovascular laser coagulation (EVLK):a method for treating "stars" and vascular "networks", the varicose vein precursors of the legs. The doctor acts on the patient's vessel with a laser and the "star" disappears. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. After a few weeks, there is no reminder of the manipulation on the skin.
- Sclerotherapy:a procedure in which substances - sclerotants - are injected into the problem vein with a syringe and the affected vein appears to stick together from the inside and stop, and blood begins to flow through the healthy veins. But this procedure is not for everyone. This is required if the nodes are not too large.
- Ozone therapy:a new method of treating varicose veins that is used to eliminate spider veins. Ozone is injected directly into the lumen of the vessel with a small needle and sticks together. Several methods are sufficient to achieve a visible effect.
- Phlebectomy:surgery, when the patient’s vein is removed, is one of the most effective treatments. You can go home the day after surgery, but you will need to wear special tights or tie your legs for at least another month. During the operation, small punctures are made in the leg, which are almost invisible after a while.
It is widely believed that hirudotherapy or treatment of varicose veins with leeches helps to get rid of varicose veins in the legs. In fact, the substance that secretes leeches when bitten, hirudin, helps reduce blood clotting. Neither the spider veins nor the blood vessels disappear anywhere. Moreover, ulcers may develop at the site of the bite, which is then difficult to cure.
Prevention is the best treatment for varicose veins: 5 steps for vein health
A healthy lifestyle is the best way to say no to varicose veins and many other diseases!
1st step. Movement is life
Swimming is a universal physical activity with virtually no contraindications. Water treatments are best suited to prevent varicose veins as they tone the blood vessels well. Walking is also a good way to fight venous diseases. For example, up the escalator or stairs. Don't be a heavy bag, please. It is better to walk to the metro by two stops than by transport. And at home, the most basic workout can be done on a "bike" in a supine position.
Step 2. Elegant helpers
Modern compression knitwear: knee pants and tights help against fatigue and leg difficulties. They are sold in pharmacies and are strictly individually selected by the doctor based on the parameters of the foot. In appearance, the pants are no less beautiful and fashionable than usual. They also help ships cope better with the increased load.
Step 3 Delicious and healthy
First, being overweight puts a heavy strain on the blood vessels. So if you have some extra pounds, you better get rid of them. Second, to prevent varicose veins, nutrition should be directed to strengthen the walls of the blood vessels. This is aided by vitamins found in sea buckthorn, raspberries, citrus fruits, chokeberries, strawberries, rosehips and mountain ash, such as ascorbic acid and rutin. And common buckwheat is rich in the natural antioxidant quercetin, which not only strengthens blood vessels but also has anti-cancer properties.
Step 4. Beauty without sacrifice
Comfortable shoes with heels up to 4 centimeters are the best choice every day. In high-heeled shoes, the foot is forced to bend, as a result of which the feeding of the small blood vessels in the toes is disturbed, venous congestion occurs, swelling in the ankles and calves.
Step 5 Care and maintenance
To prevent varicose veins on the feet, it is useful to rinse your feet with cold water after showering. You can also have a massage: stroking movements from the bottom up from the foot to the groin. Overheating is dangerous for the veins, so if you are prone to varicose veins in your legs, it is better to exclude the bath and sauna from your life. And don’t overuse the sun. Ultraviolet light reduces the elasticity of tissues and venous walls and leads to varicose veins. You can sunbathe, but not at noon, but until 11 a. m. and 5 p. m.
Yes, varicose veins in the legs are a chronic condition. However, timely prevention of varicose veins helps to avoid the occurrence of the disease and reduces the risk of possible complications.