Every woman hopes that her legs will always be in perfect condition. But if one day, standing in front of the mirror, you find that your legs are covered with blood vessels "stars" without sympathetic nerves? Pretending will not work. It cannot be ignored, because further these "decorations" will only become bigger and bigger. Fighting varicose veins of the lower extremities is not easy, but it is necessary. After all, you must agree that wearing pants forever is not the most attractive prospect.
Varicose veins in the legs are a serious disease in which the veins lose their elasticity, stretch, dilate, and bend.
For a long time, varicose veins in the legs were considered a serious disease. In general, in this unpleasant way, we paid for the opportunity to walk on two legs. The influence of various unfavorable factors leads to weakening of the vein wall of the lower body and blood stagnation.
As a result, the blood vessels are overloaded and the venous valve is getting worse and worse. The result-the leg was tired, injured, there was a feeling of heaviness, the feet and ankles were swollen. Later, other symptoms appear in the form of cosmetic defects. More serious complications may occur in the future.
In the past, it was thought that varicose veins in the legs-a disease of "standing" professionals, the first symptoms appeared in about 35 years. This is correct to a certain extent. But today, varicose veins are rapidly getting younger. It can be said that this disease has become a problem for the 20-30 year old "computer generation".
Unfortunately, there are no obvious symptoms of varicose veins in the legs. But if your legs start to ache and tired, your legs will become heavy and you will twitch-this is why you should beware.
The appearance of the almost inconspicuous blue veins that many people are familiar with—the vascular network, which, if left untreated, will become more obvious in the future—is a signal to take action. When a cluster of large saphenous veins has appeared on the surface of the leg, it is worth sounding the alarm, because the result of this disease is ugly blood clots and ulcers, which are difficult to fight. The 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 blood clots in the veins.
The inflammatory process that accompanies the disease creates the risk of thrombus tearing the blood vessel wall. This in turn will lead to the development of pulmonary embolism, when the thrombus enters the pulmonary blood vessels, partially or completely destroying the function of the respiratory system. It may even cause death.
Varicose veins on the legs: Does it threaten me?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to tell the exact cause of varicose veins in the legs. This disease is the result of a combination of many factors. Each of us has to face some of them every day.
Reason 1. Inheritance
Phlebologists say that varicose veins are a "family" disease. If your mother or grandmother has this disease, 90% of 100 people can think you are at risk. Through genes, the characteristics of blood vessel structure are passed to us. If the vein wall is weak, then the influence of any predisposing factor is enough to make the disease feel itself.
Reason 2. Pregnancy
Carrying a child is one of the most important factors leading to the development of varicose veins, because changes in hormone levels can cause a decrease in vein tone. In addition, during pregnancy, the veins are almost always compressed by the growing uterus. In addition, weight gain. But our blood vessels are under the greatest pressure during childbirth. According to statistics, in 50% of women, varicose veins that have previously dozed off will show up at this specific time.
Reason 3. Uncomfortable clothes and shoes
Uncomfortable, tight-fitting clothes, such as tight jeans, can cause varicose veins. Tight shoes and high heels are equally harmful. The wider the sole of the boot, the less pressure on the foot. Keeping balance on stiletto heels puts a huge burden on our blood vessels. And if you still carry a heavy grocery bag in your hand, then you can say goodbye to beautiful legs forever.
Reason four: working conditions and bad habits
Don't forget those who have classic "standing" occupations (salesman, waiter, hairdresser, flight attendant, etc. ). They have varicose veins-almost an occupational disease. A large group of office workers are approaching them, because any long-term maintenance of a posture (even sitting or even standing) is a dirty behavior. If you add to the bad habits such as smoking, eating bread and sandwiches that lead to overweight, then varicose veins won't keep you waiting. Yes, of course, this also includes many people who like to sit cross-legged.
Reason 5. Exercise overload
Not all fitness is good. Lovers who drink barbells in the gym face serious risks. Weightlifting is one of the causes of varicose veins. If you are prone to varicose veins, you should not over-exercise your legs. Strength training and martial arts classes are not for you.
Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins
It is already clear that varicose veins on the legs are not a cosmetic defect, so when the first unpleasant sensation appears in the legs, you should immediately consult a phlebologist.
If necessary, the doctor can prescribe Doppler ultrasound, which will determine the quality of blood flow in the blood vessels and show if there are any obstacles, as well as transillumination-using special light to transilluminate the superficial veins so that experts can easily distinguish from normal veinsOf damaged veins. These necessary measures will enable people to detect the initial illness in time and take necessary measures in time.
If it comes to the treatment of varicose veins, then modern medicine knows several ways to treat varicose veins:
- Local therapy (ointment, gel):It relieves leg fatigue and heaviness, and has a pleasant soothing effect. This treatment will not relieve immediately because the active substance penetrates the skin in small doses. The beneficial effect is only on the superficial saphenous vein. However, regular use of ointments and gels can correct the early stages of varicose veins in the legs.
- venom:Medications for venous insufficiency (only prescribed by a doctor). These drugs help reduce swelling, relieve leg pain, strengthen blood vessel walls and improve blood flow. Venotonics perfectly complements the role of local therapy to achieve the maximum effect of treating deep veins.
- Intravascular Laser Coagulation (EVLK):A method of treating "stars" and blood vessel "nets", which are the precursors of varicose veins in the legs. The doctor uses a laser to act on the diseased blood vessel, and the "asterisk" disappears. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. After a few weeks, there was no reminder about skin manipulation.
- Sclerotherapy:A process of injecting a substance-hardener-into the problem vein with a syringe. The affected veins seem to stick together from the inside and stop working, and blood starts to flow through the healthy veins. But this program is not for everyone. If the node is not very large, specify.
- Ozone therapy:A new method for the treatment of varicose veins, used to eliminate spider veins. Use a small needle to inject ozone directly into the lumen of the blood vessel to make it stick together. To achieve significant results, a few procedures are sufficient.
- Phlebectomy:Surgical intervention after removal of the diseased vein is one of the most effective treatment methods. You can go home the day after the operation, but you will need to wear special tights or leg bandages for at least one month. During the operation, small holes will appear in the legs, which are almost invisible after a period of time.
It is generally believed that leech therapy or treating varicose veins with leech helps to get rid of varicose veins in the legs. In fact, hirudin, a substance secreted by leeches after being bitten, helps reduce blood clotting. Neither spider veins nor veins disappear anywhere. In addition, ulcers can form at the bite site, which is difficult to heal.
Prevention is the best way to treat 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. Exercise is life
Swimming is a common physical activity with almost no contraindications. Hydrotherapy is best for preventing varicose veins because they can regulate blood vessels well. Walking is also a good way to fight venous diseases. For example, going up the escalator or stairs. Please don't bring heavy bags. It is better to walk two stops to the subway than to go by transport. At home, you can do the most basic exercise "biking" in the supine position.
Step 2. Elegant helper
Modern compression knitwear: Knee-length socks and tights help relieve leg fatigue and heaviness. They are sold in pharmacies and are strictly individually selected by doctors based on leg parameters. From the appearance point of view, medicinal tights are not more beautiful and fashionable than ordinary tights. In addition, they help ships better cope with increased loads.
Step 3. Delicious and healthy
First of all, being overweight will put a serious load on the blood vessels. Therefore, if you have some unnecessary weight, it is best to get rid of them. Secondly, in order to prevent varicose veins, nutrition should be aimed at strengthening the blood vessel walls. Vitamins such as ascorbic acid and rutin contained in sea buckthorn, raspberries, citrus fruits, chokeberries, strawberries, rose hips and mountain ash can promote this. The common buckwheat is rich in natural antioxidant quercetin, which not only strengthens blood vessels, but also has anti-cancer effects.
Step 4. Beauty without sacrificing
Comfortable shoes with a heel no higher than 4 cm are the best choice for daily use. When wearing high-heeled shoes, the feet are forced to bend, causing the nutrition of the small blood vessels of the toes to be disturbed, venous congestion, and swelling of the ankles and calves.
Step 5. Care and maintenance
To prevent varicose veins on the legs, it is useful to rinse the legs with cold water after showering. You can do the massage yourself: from the soles of the feet to the groin, strokes from the bottom up. Overheating is dangerous for veins, so if your legs are prone to varicose veins, it is best to exclude bathing and saunas from your life. Also don't overuse sunbathing. Ultraviolet rays reduce the elasticity of tissues and vein walls and cause varicose veins. You can sunbathe, but not at noon, but after 11 am and 5 pm.
Yes, varicose veins in the legs are a chronic disease. However, timely prevention of varicose veins will help avoid the occurrence of diseases and reduce the risk of possible complications.