How to treat varicose veins

Varicose veins are one of the oldest diseases.The question of how and how to treat varicose veins on the legs is still asked by hundreds of people.

Today, treatment for varicose veins in the legs has become accessible to everyone.

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

Reasons

Heaviness in the legs and frequent swelling of the lower extremities, and later 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 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 causes stagnation of blood in the veins, which is why symptoms of varicose veins appear.However, this is far from the only factor that can cause varicose veins in the legs:

• Overweight;
• Lift heavy objects;
• Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy or puberty;
• Prolonged use of hormones;
• Wear tight clothing that severely compresses the blood vessels in the legs (tight tights, jeans, tight knee-high socks or stockings).

Doctors also emphasize that the habit of crossing your legs when sitting also harms vein health.

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.Specialists in the field of phlebology distinguish 4 stages of varicose veins:

1. Step 1.External changes are observed in the limbs: tortuous veins protrude on the legs and thighs, red and vascular “stars” appear.At night, your legs may swell a little;
2. Step 2.They increase swelling and the feeling of heaviness in the legs.At night, especially after physical activity the previous day, cramps, numbness and tingling may appear in the calf muscles;
3. Step 3.Swelling of the legs becomes a constant phenomenon, compactions, pigmentation and dermatitis begin to form on the lower extremities;
4. Step 4.The skin becomes covered with trophic ulcers.

Despite the fact that in the early stages it is difficult to recognize the disease due to the lack of varicose veins themselves, 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 to 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 sclerosing drug is injected into the 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 that of sclerotherapy, here only laser is used;
• 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 to dissolve blood clots inside them.

The methods described above, although effective in the question of how to treat varicose veins in the legs, are not suitable for everyone.

For example, during pregnancy and in the early 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 is detected in the early stages of development.Simple preventive measures will help not only stop the progression of varicose veins, but also prevent their occurrence in people forced to lead a sedentary lifestyle.They are the following:

• 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's work, give your feet a light massage or contrast shower, watering them first with warm and then cold water;
• Sports activities.Moderate-intensity physical activity 2 to 3 times a week will keep your legs in healthy shape.Doctors advise giving preference to running, swimming and cycling;
• Walk barefoot.When leaving the city or to the sea, don't miss the opportunity to walk barefoot on the 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 socks and stockings.The more discomfort you feel in them, the stronger the pressure on the vessels and the greater the risk of blood clots forming in the veins.