Varicose veins are one of the oldest diseases.The question of how and how to treat varicose veins in the legs is still a question that hundreds of people ask.
Today, the treatment of varicose veins in the legs has become accessible to everyone.
Modern medicine offers many different methods to combat this disease.
Reason
A feeling of heaviness in the legs and frequent swelling in the lower limbs, followed by the appearance of many 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 in the legs in most cases is faced by people whose professional activities require them to sit in one place for a long time - salespeople, drivers, office workers, hairdressers, etc.Low physical activity causes stagnation of blood in the veins, which is why symptoms of varicose veins appear.However, this is not the only factor that can cause varicose veins in the legs:
- Overweight;
- Lifting heavy objects;
- Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy or puberty;
- long-term hormone use;
- Wear tight clothing that puts strong pressure on the blood vessels in the legs (tight pants, jeans, knee-high tights or socks).
Doctors also emphasize that the habit of crossing your legs when sitting also negatively affects vein health.
Stages and symptoms
Before treating varicose veins in the legs, it is necessary to determine the stage of the disease.Fortunately, varicose veins have some characteristic signs that help detect the problem in its early stages when it first appears.Experts in the field of phlebology distinguish 4 stages of varicose veins:
- Stage 1.External changes in the limbs are observed: zigzag veins protrude on the legs and thighs, red “stars” and blood vessels appear.In the evening, your legs may swell a bit;
- Stage 2.Swelling and feeling of heaviness in the legs increase.At night, especially after physical activity the previous day, cramps, numbness and tingling in the calf muscles may appear;
- Stage 3.Swelling of the legs becomes a regular phenomenon, bruises, pigmentation and dermatitis begin to form on the lower limbs;
- Stage 4.The skin becomes covered with trophic ulcers.
Despite the fact that in the early stages it is difficult to recognize this disease due to the lack of varicose veins, external changes in the legs will warn you and prompt you to seek medical help.Treatment of varicose veins is prescribed by a phlebologist after an ultrasound.The results of this study help determine the stage of spread of the disease, allowing specialists to understand which methods will be most effective in a particular case.
Treatment methods
According to medical statistics, some symptoms of varicose veins are observed in about 70% of residents of developed countries.This increases the need to develop new methods to treat varicose veins.Nowadays, it is proposed to treat this disease with medication, surgery and physical therapy.In traditional medicine, the following procedures are actively used to permanently eliminate varicose veins:
- Sclerotherapy.A sclerosing drug is injected into damaged veins, “freezing” their walls.The veins then dissolve and their function in the blood is transferred to healthy elements;
- Laser therapy.The most popular method of treating varicose veins.A long-term positive effect is achieved in 98% of cases.The mechanism of action is similar to sclerotherapy, here only lasers are used;
- Cut veins.It is surgery to remove damaged veins.After surgery, the patient is forced to wear a compression garment for 2 years to restore normal blood flow;
- Hirudo therapy.Leeches have a positive effect on veins, helping to dissolve blood clots inside them.
The methods described above, although effective in the matter of how to treat varicose veins on the legs, are not indicated for everyone.
For example, during pregnancy and in the early stages of the disease, doctors prescribe conservative treatment methods: wearing compression garments, medications and special exercises to improve blood flow.
prevent
Radical treatment of varicose veins can be avoided if the disease is detected at an early stage of development.Simple preventive measures will help not only prevent the further progression of varicose veins, but also prevent its occurrence in people forced to lead a sedentary lifestyle.They are as follows:
- Nutrition.Include vegetable oil and fish oil in the menu, as well as products with vitamin F, which will strengthen the walls of blood vessels and cope with overweight - a common cause of varicose veins;
- Massage and contrast bath.In the evening, after a hard day's work, do a light massage or contrast bath for your feet, pouring first warm water and then cold water;
- Sports activities.Moderate-intensity physical activity 2-3 times a week will keep your feet healthy.Doctors advise prioritizing jogging, swimming and cycling;
- Go barefoot.When out in the city or at the beach, don't miss the opportunity to walk barefoot on the sand or grass.This perfectly relaxes the leg muscles, while increasing the tone of the veins;
- Wear comfortable shoes.Avoid wearing tight shoes or tight pants and socks.The more uncomfortable you feel while in them, the stronger the pressure in the vessels and the higher the risk of blood clots forming in the veins.