Every woman wants her legs to always be in good condition. But what if one day, standing in front of a mirror, you find your feet covered with unsympathetic vascular "stars"? Impersonation will not work. It is impossible to ignore it, because this "decoration" will be brighter and bigger. The fight against varicose veins on the lower part of the legs, although not easy, needs to be done. However, you must 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 elasticity, stretch, widen and bend.
Varicose veins on the legs have long been known to be a serious disease. In general, in a very unpleasant way, we pay for the opportunity to walk on two legs. The effects of various adverse factors cause weakness of the venous wall and blood stasis in the lower part of the body.
As a result, vessels overflow, and venous valve function worsens. The result - tired, sore feet, there is a feeling of heaviness, swollen feet and ankles. Soon, other symptoms were added in the form of cosmetic imperfections. In the future, more severe complications may occur.
Previously, it was believed that varicose veins in the legs - a disease of people who "stand" profession, and the first symptoms appear around 35 years. This is partly true. But today varicose veins are getting younger. It can be stated that the disease is already a problem for the "computer generation" aged 20-30 years.
Unfortunately, there are no obvious symptoms of approaching varicose veins on the legs. But if your feet start to ache and get tired, a feeling of heaviness in your feet appears and you have seizures - this is a reason to be vigilant.
And the appearance of bluish veins that are almost unknown to many people - the vascular network, which then, if left untreated, will become more pronounced - is a signal to act. It is necessary to sound the alarm when a group of saphenous veins has appeared on the surface of the foot, because the consequences of this disease are ugly blood clots and boils, which are very difficult to fight. Treatment of varicose veins on 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 this disease raises the risk of thrombus tearing the vessel wall. And this, in turn, can lead to the development of pulmonary embolism, when a thrombus enters the pulmonary tract, partially or completely interfering with the function of the respiratory system. It can even result in death.
Varicose veins on the legs: and it threatens me?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to mention the exact cause of the appearance of varicose veins on the legs. The disease is the result of various factors. And each of us faces some of them every day.
Reason 1. Heredity
Phlebologists say that varicose veins are a "family" disease. If a mother or grandmother suffers from this disease, then in 90 percent of 100 it can be said that you are at risk. Through genes, structural features of blood vessels are transmitted to us. And if the venous wall is weak, then the influence of any provoking factor is enough for the disease to make itself felt.
Reason 2. Pregnancy
Carrying a child is one of the most important provoking factors in the development of varicose veins, because changes in hormone levels cause a decrease in venous tone. In addition, during pregnancy, the veins are almost always compressed by the growing uterus. In addition, weight gain. But our veins experience the greatest stress during childbirth. According to statistics, in 50 percent of women, varicose veins that have fallen asleep before manifest themselves at some point.
Reason 3. Uncomfortable clothes and shoes
Uncomfortable and tight clothing, such as skinny jeans, can cause varicose veins. No less dangerous are tight shoes and high heels. The wider the shoe, the less pressure on the foot. Balancing the thin stiletto, we burden our veins with a very large load. And if you also carry a heavy grocery bag in your hand, then you can say goodbye to beautiful legs forever.
Reason 4. Work conditions and bad habits
Don’t forget about the people who hold the classic "standing" profession (salesman, waitress, hairdresser, stewardess and more). They have varicose veins - almost an occupational disease. The whole team of office workers approached them, because every long stay in one position (even sitting, even standing) commits his dirty deeds. And if you add bad habits like smoking, chewing bread and sandwiches, which cause excess weight, then varicose veins will not keep you waiting. Yes, of course, this also includes many people’s love of sitting cross -legged.
Reason 5. Excessive sports
Not all fitness is good. Lovers inhaling barbells in the gym is at serious risk. Weight lifting is one of the causes of varicose veins. If you have a predisposition for varicose veins, you should not overload your legs with excessive exercise. Strength training and martial arts lessons are not for you.
Diagnostics 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 Doppler ultrasound, which will determine the quality of blood flow in the vessel and show if there is an obstruction to it, and transilumination - transilumination of superficial veins using special light, which allows the specialist to easily distinguish damaged veins from normal. These necessary measures will make it possible to identify the disease in a timely manner 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 heaviness in the legs, has a pleasant calming effect. This method of treatment will not bring immediate relief, because the active ingredient penetrates the skin in small doses. Beneficial effect only on the superficial saphenous vein. However, with regular use, ointments and gels can correct the condition in the early stages of varicose veins on the legs.
- Venotonic:medication used for venous insufficiency (prescribed only by a doctor). These medications help reduce swelling, relieve leg pain, and also strengthen blood vessel walls and increase blood flow. Venotonics perfectly complement the action of local drugs to achieve maximum effect in the treatment of deep veins.
- Endovasal laser coagulation (EVLK):methods of treating vascular "stars" and "nets, " precursors of varicose veins in the legs. The doctor acts on the sick vessel with a laser and the "asterisk" disappears. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. After a few weeks, there was no warning of manipulation on the skin.
- Sclerotherapy:procedure when a substance - sclerosant - is injected into a troubled vein with a syringe, and the affected veins appear to stick together from the inside and stop functioning, and blood begins to flow through the healthy veins. But this procedure is not suitable for everyone. It is set if the node is not too large.
- Ozone therapy:a new method of treating varicose veins, used to get rid of spider veins. Ozone is injected with a small needle directly into the lumen of the vessel and causes it to stick together. To achieve a visible effect, several procedures are sufficient.
- Phlebectomy:surgical intervention, when a sore vein is removed, is one of the most effective methods of treatment. The day after surgery, you can go home, but at least another month you will need to wear special tights or bandage your legs. During the operation, a small puncture is made in the leg, which after a few seconds is almost invisible.
It is widely believed that hirudotherapy or treatment of varicose veins with leeches helps to get rid of varicose veins on the legs. In fact, the substance that leeches release when bitten, hirudin, helps reduce blood clotting. Spider veins and veins do not disappear anywhere. Moreover, boils can form at the site of the bite, which are then difficult to cure.
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, it has practically no contraindications. Water treatment is ideal for the prevention of varicose veins, as it can level the blood vessels. Walking is also a good method to fight venous disease. For example, take an escalator or stairs. No heavy bags. It is better to walk two stops to the metro than to go by transport. And at home you can do the most basic "bike" exercises in the supine position.
Step 2. Elegant helper
Modern compression knitwear: knee -high and tight can help overcome fatigue and heaviness in the legs. They are sold in pharmacies and are strictly selected by doctors based on foot parameters. In appearance, medical tights are no less beautiful and stylish than usual. In addition, they help the ship to cope with the load better.
Step 3. Tasty and healthy
First, being overweight puts a serious burden on blood vessels. So if you have a few 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 blood vessels. This is facilitated by vitamins such as ascorbic acid and rutin found in sea buckthorn, raspberries, citrus fruits, chokeberries, 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 no higher than 4 centimeters are the best choice for every day. In high -heeled shoes, the foot is in a state of forced bend, as a result, the nutrition of the small ducts of the toes is disrupted, venous congestion occurs, swelling in the ankles and calves.
Step 5. Care and maintenance
To prevent varicose veins on the legs, it is useful to rinse your feet with cold water after bathing. You can do the massage yourself: moving the movement from the bottom up to the groin. Excessive heat is dangerous for the veins, therefore, if there is a tendency for varicose veins on the legs, it is better to exclude baths and saunas from your life. And don't sunbathe too often. Ultraviolet light reduces the elasticity of tissues and venous walls, and leads to varicose veins. You can sunbathe, but not at noon, but until 11 a. m. and after 5 p. m.
Yes, varicose veins on the legs are a chronic condition. However, timely prevention of varicose veins will help prevent the occurrence of the disease and reduce the risk of complications.