Every woman wants her legs to always be in good shape. But what if one day, standing in front of the mirror, she discovers that her legs are covered in unsympathetic vascular "stars"? The costume will not work. It is impossible to ignore it, as these "decorations" will only get brighter and bigger. The fight against varicose veins of the lower extremities, although not easy, is necessary. After all, you have to agree that wearing pants forever is not the most tempting prospect.
Varicose veins in the legs are a serious condition in which the veins lose their elasticity, stretch, dilate, and bend.
Varicose veins in the legs have long been known as a serious disease. In general, in such an unpleasant way, we paid for the opportunity to walk on two legs. The impact of various unfavorable factors leads to weakness of the venous walls and stagnation of blood in the lower half of the body.
As a result, the vessels become overloaded and the venous valves function worse and worse. The result: the legs get tired, ache, there is a feeling of heaviness, the feet and ankles swell. A little later, other symptoms are added in the form of cosmetic blemishes. In the future, more serious complications are possible.
Previously, it was believed that varicose veins on the legs - a disease of people of professions "standing", and the first symptoms appear around 35 years. This is partially true. But today varicose veins are getting younger and younger. It can be said that the disease has already become a problem for the "computer generation" in their 20s and 30s.
Unfortunately, there are no clearly pronounced symptoms of approaching varicose veins on the legs. But if his legs began to ache and get tired, heaviness appeared in his legs and he suffers from seizures, this is a reason to be on guard.
And the appearance of barely noticeable bluish veins that are familiar to many (vascular networks, which later, if left untreated, will become more noticeable) is a signal for action. It is worth sounding the alarm when entire groups of saphenous veins have already appeared on the surface of the legs, because the result of the disease is blood clots and unpleasant ulcers, which are very difficult to combat. Treatment of varicose veins in the legs can last for decades.
The most dangerous consequence of varicose veins is the development of thrombophlebitis, the formation of a blood clot in a vein.
The inflammatory process that accompanies the disease creates the risk of a thrombus dislodging from the vessel wall. And this, in turn, can lead to the development of a pulmonary embolism, when a thrombus enters the vessels of the lungs, partially or completely disrupting the functioning of the respiratory system. And it can even lead to death.
Varicose veins on the legs: and is it threatening me?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to name the exact cause of the appearance of varicose veins on the legs. This disease is the consequence of several factors. And each of us faces some of them every day.
Reason 1. Inheritance
Phlebologists say that varicose veins are a "family" disease. If a mother or grandmother suffered from this disease, then in 90 percent of every 100 it can be argued that they are at risk. Through genes, the characteristics of the structure of blood vessels are transmitted to us. And if the walls of the veins are weak, then the influence of any of the provoking factors is enough for the disease to make itself felt.
Reason 2. Pregnancy
Carrying a child is one of the most important triggers in the development of varicose veins, since changes in hormonal levels lead to a decrease in venous tone. Also, during pregnancy, the veins are almost always compressed by the growing uterus. Also, the weight increases. But our veins experience the most pressure during labor. According to statistics, in 50 percent of women, varicose veins that previously slept manifest at this particular time.
Reason 3. Uncomfortable clothes and shoes
Uncomfortable and tight clothing, such as skinny jeans, can cause varicose veins. No less harmful are tight shoes and high heels. The wider the sole of the boots, the less stress on the feet. Swinging on fine stilettos, we put a huge load on our veins. And if you also carry heavy bags of food in your hands, then you can say goodbye to the beautiful legs forever.
Reason 4. Working conditions and bad habits
Don't forget about the people who practice the classic "standing" professions (salespeople, waiters, hairdressers, hostesses, and many others). They have varicose veins, almost an occupational disease. An entire army of office workers approaches them, since any prolonged stay in a position (even sitting, even standing) does its bad deed. And if you add to this bad habits like smoking, eating buns and sandwiches, which leads to excess weight, varicose veins will not keep you waiting. Yes, of course, this also includes the love of many for sitting cross-legged.
Reason 5. Sports overload
Not all fitness is good. Lovers of drinking a barbell at the gym are at serious risk. Weight lifting is one of the causes of varicose veins. If you have a predisposition to varicose veins, you should not overload your legs with excessive exercise. Strength training and martial arts lessons are not for you.
Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins.
As is already clear, varicose veins on the legs are not a cosmetic defect, therefore, with the appearance of the first unpleasant sensations in the legs, you should immediately consult a phlebologist.
If necessary, the doctor can prescribe a Doppler ultrasound, which will determine the quality of the blood flow in the vessels and show if there are any obstacles to it, and transillumination - transillumination of the superficial veins with a special light, which allows the specialist to distinguish easily a damaged vein from a normal one. These necessary measures will make it possible to identify the incipient disease in time and take the necessary measures in a timely manner.
If we talk about the treatment of varicose veins, then modern medicine knows several ways to treat varicose veins:
- Local remedies (ointments, gels):Relieves fatigue and the feeling of heaviness in the legs, has a pleasant calming effect. This method of treatment will not provide instant relief, as the active ingredient penetrates through the skin in small doses. The beneficial effect is only on the superficial saphenous veins. However, with regular use, ointments and gels can correct the situation in the initial stage of varicose veins on the legs.
- Venotonic:medicines used for venous insufficiency (prescribed only by a doctor). These medications help reduce swelling, relieve leg pain, and also strengthen blood vessel walls and improve blood flow. Venotonics perfectly complement the action of local remedies to achieve the maximum effect in the treatment of deep veins.
- Endovasal Laser Coagulation (EVLK):a method to treat vascular "stars" and "networks", precursors of varicose veins in the legs. The doctor acts on the diseased vessel with a laser and the "asterisk" disappears. The procedure is done under local anesthesia. After a couple of weeks, there are no reminders of the manipulation on the skin.
- Sclerotherapy:a procedure in which substances (sclerosing agents) are injected into a problem vein with a syringe, and the affected vein appears to stick from the inside and stops working, and blood begins to flow through healthy veins. But this procedure is not suitable for everyone. It is prescribed if the nodes are not very large.
- Ozone therapy:a new method of treating varicose veins, which is used to eliminate spider veins. Ozone is injected with a small needle directly into the lumen of the glass and causes it to stick. To achieve a visible effect, several procedures are enough.
- Phlebectomy:Surgical intervention, when the diseased vein is removed, is one of the most effective treatment methods. The day after the operation, you can go home, but for at least another month you must wear special stockings or bandage your leg. During the operation, small punctures are made in the leg, which after a while are almost invisible.
Hirudotherapy or treating varicose veins with leeches is widely believed to help eliminate varicose veins on the legs. In fact, the substance that leeches secrete when bitten, hirudin, helps reduce blood clotting. Neither spider veins nor veins disappear anywhere. Also, ulcers can form at the site of the bite, which are then difficult to heal.
Prevention is the best treatment for varicose veins: 5 steps to vein health
A healthy lifestyle is the best way to say no to varicose veins and many other diseases!
Step 1. Movement is life
Swimming is a universal type of physical activity, practically devoid of contraindications. Water treatments are the most suitable for the prevention of varicose veins, since they tone the blood vessels well. Walking is also a good way to fight venous diseases. For example, climbing an escalator or stairs. No heavy bags, please. It is better to walk two stops to the subway than to go by transport. And at home you can do the most basic exercise "bicycle" in the supine position.
Step 2. Elegant helpers
Modern Compression Knitwear: Knee-high stockings and leggings will help combat fatigue and heaviness in your legs. They are sold in pharmacies, and the doctor selects them strictly individually depending on the parameters of the leg. In appearance, medicinal stockings are no less beautiful and fashionable than ordinary ones. In addition, they help vessels to better cope with increased loads.
Step 3. Delicious and healthy
First of all, excess weight places a significant burden on the blood vessels. So if you have a couple of unnecessary pounds, then it is better to get rid of them. Second, nutrition to prevent varicose veins should be aimed at strengthening the walls of the blood vessels. This is facilitated by vitamins such as ascorbic acid and rutin contained in sea buckthorn, raspberries, citrus fruits, chokeberry, strawberries, rose hips and mountain ash. And common buckwheat is rich in the natural antioxidant quercetin, which not only strengthens blood vessels, but also has anti-cancer properties.
Step 4. Beauty without sacrifice
Comfortable shoes with heels that do not exceed 4 centimeters are the best option for every day. In high-heeled shoes, the foot is in a state of forced flexion, as a result, the nutrition of the small vessels of the fingers is disturbed, venous congestion and swelling of the ankles and calves occur.
Step 5. Care and maintenance
To prevent varicose veins in the legs, it is helpful to rinse your legs with cold water after showering. You can massage yourself: stroking movements from the bottom up from the foot to the groin. Overheating is dangerous for the veins, therefore, if there is a predisposition to varicose veins on the legs, it is better to exclude the bath and sauna from your life. And do not abuse sunbathing either. Ultraviolet light reduces the elasticity of vein tissues and walls and leads to varicose veins. You can sunbathe, but not at noon, but until 11 in the morning and after 5 in the afternoon.
Yes, varicose veins in the legs are a chronic disease. However, timely prevention of varicose veins will help prevent the onset of the disease and reduce the risk of developing possible complications.