Varicose veins are one of the oldest diseases.The question of how and 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 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 subsequently the appearance of multiple varicose 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 involve sitting in the same place for a long time: sellers, drivers, office workers, hairdressers and so on.Poor physical activity causes blood to stagnate in the veins, which is why the 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 use of hormones;
- Wearing tight clothing that strongly compresses the blood vessels in the legs (tight tights, jeans, knee-highs or tight socks).
Doctors also point out that the habit of crossing your legs when sitting also has a negative effect on the health of your veins.
Phases and symptoms
Before treating varicose veins on the legs, it is necessary to determine the stage of the disease.Fortunately, varicose veins present a series of characteristic signs that allow you to detect the problem in the early stages of its appearance.Experts in the field of phlebology distinguish 4 stages of varicose veins:
- Phase 1.External changes are observed in 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 the feeling of heaviness in the legs increase.At night, especially after physical activity the day before, cramps, numbness and tingling in the calf muscles may appear;
- Phase 3.The swelling of the legs becomes a constant phenomenon, compaction, pigmentation and dermatitis begin to form on the lower limbs;
- Phase 4.The skin becomes covered with trophic ulcers.
Despite the fact that in the initial stages it is difficult to recognize the disease due to the lack of varicose veins as such, external changes in the legs should alert you and push 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 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 about 70% of residents of developed countries.This raises the need to develop new methods for treating varicose veins.Today it is proposed to cure this disease with drugs, surgery and physiotherapy.In traditional medicine, the following procedures are actively used to permanently eliminate varicose veins:
- Sclerotherapy.A sclerosing drug is injected into the damaged veins which "freezes" the walls.Subsequently the veins dissolve and their function in the bloodstream is transferred to healthy elements;
- Laser therapy.The most popular method for treating varicose veins.A lasting positive effect is achieved in 98% of cases.The mechanism of action is similar to sclerotherapy, only laser is used here;
- 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 on the legs, are not suitable for everyone.
For example, during pregnancy and in the initial stages of the disease, doctors prescribe conservative treatment methods: wearing compression clothing, 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 further progression of varicose veins, but also prevent their appearance 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 containing vitamin F, will strengthen the walls of blood vessels and cope with excess weight, a common cause of varicose veins;
- Contrast massage and shower.In the evening, after a hard day's work, perform a light massage or a contrast shower on your feet, watering them first with warm and then cold water;
- Sports activities.Moderate intensity physical activity 2-3 times a week will keep your legs in good shape.Doctors recommend giving priority to jogging, swimming and cycling;
- Walk barefoot.When you go out of town or to the seaside, 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 tights and socks.The more uncomfortable you feel, the greater the pressure in the vessels and the greater the risk of blood clots forming in the veins.