Varicose veins is a very dangerous disease that scares many girls. In this disease, the veins in the legs often enlarge, they become visible from the outside, which greatly impairs the aesthetic appearance. At the same time, the danger is not limited to appearance, as the disease can cause serious consequences, so you should consult a doctor immediately after the first signs of varicose veins in women's legs. When addressed in the early stages, it is possible to eliminate the disease without the use of surgery; as the severity worsens, the likelihood of treatment with conservative therapy decreases.
The reasons for the development of varicose veins
Varicose veins are considered a disease that occurs when there is a genetic predisposition to it, as well as external stimulation due to improper lifestyle or severe stress.The factors influencing the onset of the disease are multifaceted, therefore 3 types of probable causes are conditionally distinguished. The first, the most common, is a genetic change that is localized in the vessels, the probable causes: thin walls, insufficient valves or they are weak. The second, hereditary factor, in people whose parents have suffered from such a disease, the risk of occurrence is many times higher. The third reason is quite voluminous - a negative impact from the outside, but often accompanies other listed factors.
The following external causes can provoke the first signs of varicose veins in women:
- Prolonged stay in an upright or sitting position;
- The patient leads a measured life without physical exertion;
- Bad habits, the most dangerous are smoking and drugs, but alcohol is not inferior in negative effects;
- Pathology in the function of the valves;
- Various diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- Wrong diet;
- The negative impact of the environment;
- Obesity, overweight is one of the most dangerous factors for the development of varicose veins;
- Mechanical injuries to the legs;
- Use of uncomfortable clothing that compresses blood vessels, such as high heels;
- Chronic constipation.
The primary signs of varicose veins of the legs can be observed in people of different ages, but most often these are women over 40 years. Each year, new average statistical minima are established for the occurrence of varicose veins in young people. Symptoms can occur even under the age of 20. At the same time, 70% of cases of varicose veins are registered in women. To prevent side effects, you should consult a phlebologist, who will diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Preparations for external use
Varicose vein creams and ointments come in many different forms depending on the brand.They act on the veins of the legs and relieve swelling, relieve pain, relieve the syndrome of heavy legs, tone the walls of the vessel and to some extent dilute the blood.Despite a number of positive points, it is worth noting that it is difficult to achieve full recovery with the help of drugs, as the expansion of the walls is irreversible.
Most often, the treatment of varicose veins in women begins or is supplemented with creams:
- Phlebotonics - their main effect is to improve the tone of the membranes, which helps prevent further varicose veins. At the same time it is possible to eliminate swelling, burning sensation, convulsions, especially at night;
- Anticoagulants (medicines to thin the blood) - the purpose of the medicine is to increase the parameters of the fluid in the blood, which prevents the formation of blood clots in the varicose vein and improves blood flow upwards. Mandatory for thrombophlebitis. In addition, they reduce the swelling of the legs and stimulate blood circulation;
- Anti-inflammatory. This includes non-steroidal drugs that can help reduce the inflammatory response.
Treatment with ointments as the main therapy is prescribed in the early stages of the disease, and then the prevention of further development is the main task. In the later stages, it acts as an integral part of complex therapy or accelerates rehabilitation.
Drug therapy
More often than other methods, drugs are used because they act in a complex and accompany almost all stages of treatment of the disease.If signs of varicose veins are found in the legs, in most cases various medical methods are prescribed, only rare exceptions can lead to surgery.
Most drugs have their own characteristics of use, dosage and side effects, so self-medication is not recommended, you should consult a specialist.
Before treating varicose veins in the legs in women, it is necessary to undergo examinations to determine which methods of treatment will be most acceptable and to determine the cause of the disease.Medications are usually divided into 3 categories: normalizing blood flow, preventing the risk of complications and eliminating symptoms.In order to qualitatively eliminate the symptoms of varicose veins in the legs in women and to achieve regression of the disease, drugs must be used in a complex way. There are such groups of drugs:
- Anticoagulants help to thin the blood;
- Phlebotonics improve the quality of vessel walls;
- Angioprotectors prevent adverse effects and reduce vascular permeability;
- Antioxidants help eliminate oxidative reactions;
- Corticosteroids, antispasmodics, anti-inflammatory drugs help relieve pain, swelling and inflammation;
- Vitamins and minerals, immunomodulators contribute to the regeneration of the body's properties to counteract the development of pathology.
The dosage and choice of the drug should be made by the doctor. Quite often drugs are used a little by different groups to have a complex effect.
Anticoagulants are indicated for use only when there is a risk of blood clots, ie with increased blood density. Antioxidants are prescribed mainly at the risk of complications. Vitamin complexes are shown to everyone, but should be selected individually based on diagnostic data.
Varicose veins are called female disease, but it is mainly associated with veins, therefore in men it also occurs quite often. The described drugs can be used by a strong half of society.
Surgery
If it was not possible to cure varicose veins in the early stages, then a more radical method - surgery - could replace conservative therapy. Today, minimally invasive methods are most common, when only a small puncture is needed to inject drugs or devices. The standard method of surgery is used only if there is an increased risk of a blood clot breaking.
Surgeries are indicated in the presence of such manifestations in girls:
- Complex form of the disease;
- Pathology in the subcutaneous veins;
- The blood circulation is disturbed, the patient's life becomes difficult;
- The appearance of complications in the form of thrombosis or trophic ulcers;
- The rapid development of the disease, which provokes a risk to the patient's health.
At the same time, a number of contraindications include:
- High blood pressure;
- Ischemia;
- Diseases of infectious etiology that provoke fever;
- Adult age;
- Erysipelas inflammation or eczema;
- II-III trimester of pregnancy.
The standard operation is called a phlebectomy.When performed, the damaged vessel is completely eliminated, this applies to both large and small branches.Several small incisions are made in the process, which allows only local anesthesia to be used. Crosectomy is performed in a similar way when the vein is not removed, but only ligated.
More modern techniques - laser, sclero, ultrasound therapy. In the process, a small puncture is made with an insulin syringe or a small incision. A special substance (sclerosant) or device is injected into the vessel. As a result, the vein sticks together and the blood circulation dries out in the vessel. Today, a new method of sclerotherapy has been developed that allows the use of a foam drug.
Treatment with leeches
Leeches are a drug that has long been known for its positive effect on the blood. Thanks to them, various diseases, especially cardiovascular, have been treated before.Despite the availability of many modern techniques, hirudotherapy is still popular.
Leeches' saliva contains a unique substance called hirudin, which prevents the blood from clotting so that it becomes more fluid. In this case, the drug helps to dissolve blood clots. So the blood is not only diluted, but also purified. Doctors note that after treatment, the swelling is eliminated, the legs and feet stop hurting, blood flow is normalized.
Hirudotherapy is prescribed at all stages of the disease. The standard course of treatment is 5-6 sessions. When taking the course, you should take a break for 3-4 months. During the procedure, 1-2 leeches and 3 more leeches are placed on the most problematic places along the entire affected vein.
Healing exercises
Exercise and warm-up should be done every morning. By performing a set of simple exercises, it is possible to significantly improve the quality of human health:
- Take a lying position on your back and raise your legs to a perpendicular position, you can throw them on the wall. Keep your feet in this position for 3 minutes. In this case, breathing should be slow, using the chest, not the stomach;
- Recumbent exercise bike. It is necessary to perform the movement of the legs, which resembles a bicycle, the duration of the exercise is 3-5 minutes;
- In an upright position, lift yourself on your toes, you do not need to get up high, it is enough to detach 1 cm from the surface. The action is performed about 30 times;
- Standing should be pumped to the toe with one foot, then with the other. The angle of the foot must not exceed 45 °. The duration of the procedure is 15 minutes; over time the load should increase.
It is recommended to take daily walks, at least half an hour. Swimming is an effective means of protection, you should visit the pool once a week.
Other treatments
It is not necessary to focus only on the main component of treatment, as the effect of drugs can be significantly improved with the help of aids. Thanks to additional methods, it is possible to eliminate the symptoms, increase the effect of the drugs and reduce the risk of recurrence.
The main recommendation of the doctor is to use the right diet. It is possible to use folk remedies. To determine the correct diet, it is recommended to consult a nutritionist to find the best foods to normalize blood circulation. There are general principles that must be followed:
- Eat lots of vegetables, preferably raw;
- Eat more fruits or berries, preferably raw, but frozen or dried fruits are suitable in winter;
- Add nuts and legumes to your diet;
- There are many seafood;
- For cooking, give preference to flaxseed or olive oil;
- Exclude from the diet fried, fatty, spicy, smoked, salty and sweet foods;
- Give up alcohol, coffee, cigarettes completely.
Lifestyle plays an important role, it is important to spend your time in active recreation, using cycling, walking, exercise, dancing, swimming. In order to maintain the normal condition of the legs, gymnastics should be done daily. When standing or sitting for a long time, it is recommended to charge it periodically every 2 hours.
An important condition for the process of rehabilitation and prevention is the use of compression underwear. It compresses the legs, so the blood supply to the legs takes place through the saphenous veins and the load is removed from the visible vessels. There are bed linen with different levels of compression, the attending physician will provide information of the required form.
Traditional medicine recipes
Folk recipes are very popular today, as some plants have a powerful effect on relieving the symptoms of the disease.
The most popular folk remedies:
- Horse chestnut, almost all its derivatives are used;
- White acacia inflorescences;
- Lilac flowers;
- Swamp creeping leaves;
- Vine leaves;
- Wormwood leaves;
- Willow bark;
- The stems are celandine.
The plants are prepared in the form of tincture. Add 2-4 tablespoons of selected raw materials and pour 0, 5 liters of alcohol. Insist for 2 weeks in a place inaccessible to the sun. Use filtered liquid for lotions, leaving them overnight.
Treatment during pregnancy
Therapy during pregnancy should be selected only by a physician who will give preference to drugs without contraindications during this period. Preventive measures are usually chosen: diet, exercise and creams are also used.
Tinctures of wormwood, chamomile, hops and calendula are recommended for pregnant women. They are applied as lotions or compresses at night. At the same time it is important to avoid hot baths, saunas and not to use alcoholic solutions inside.