How do you treat varicose veins?

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.

Nowadays, the treatment of varicose veins on the legs is accessible to every person.

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

Reasons

Feelings of heaviness in the legs and frequent swelling of the lower extremities, as well as the appearance of multiple spider veins, indicate 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 affects people whose professional activities require sitting in one place for a long time - salespeople, drivers, office workers, hairdressers, etc. Low physical activity leads to stagnation of blood in the veins, which is why symptoms of varicose veins appear.However, this is far from the only factor that can provoke varicose veins in the legs:

• obesity;
• lifting heavy objects;
• changes in hormone levels during pregnancy or puberty;
• Long-term use of hormones;
• Wearing tight clothing that severely compresses the blood vessels in the legs (tight tights, jeans, tight knee socks or socks).

Doctors also emphasize that the habit of crossing your legs while sitting also has a negative impact on 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 that make it possible to detect the problem at an early stage of its occurrence.Experts in the field of phlebology distinguish 4 stages of varicose veins:

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

Although in the initial stages it is difficult to detect the disease due to the absence of varicose veins, external changes on the legs should alert you and prompt 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 spread of the disease, allowing the specialist to understand which method is 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.Today it is proposed to treat this disease with medication, surgery and physiotherapy.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.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.In 98% of cases, a lasting positive effect is achieved.The mechanism of action is similar to sclerotherapy; only a laser is used;
• Venectomy.This involves the surgical removal of damaged veins.After surgery, patients must wear compression garments for two years to restore normal blood flow.
• Hirudotherapy.Leeches have a positive effect on the veins and help dissolve blood clots in them.

Although the methods described above are effective in treating varicose veins on the legs, they are not suitable for everyone.

For example, during pregnancy and in the initial stages of the disease, doctors prescribe conservative treatment methods: wearing compression stockings, taking medications and special exercises to improve blood circulation.

Prevention

Drastic treatment of varicose veins can be avoided if the disease is detected in the early stages of development.Simple preventive measures will not only help stop the further progression of varicose veins, but also prevent their appearance in people who are forced to lead a sedentary lifestyle.They are as follows:

• Nutrition.The inclusion of vegetable oils and fish oil in the menu, as well as products with vitamin F, strengthens the walls of blood vessels and copes with excess weight - a common cause of varicose veins;
• Massage and contrast shower.In the evening, after a hard day at work, perform a light massage or contrast shower for your feet, dousing them first with warm and then with cold water;
• Sports activities.Moderate physical activity 2-3 times a week keeps your legs healthy.Doctors advise giving preference to jogging, swimming and cycling;
• Walk barefoot.When you leave the city or go to the sea, don't miss the opportunity to walk barefoot on 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 in it, the greater the pressure in the vessels and the higher the risk of blood clots forming in the veins.