If you have varicose veins, you must strictly follow all the doctor's prescriptions and know what not to do with this disease.If you do not comply with a number of restrictions and do not eliminate the influence of negative external factors, the manifestations of varicose veins will only progress.
Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic defect that many try to hide under clothes, but also a serious pathology.Therefore, doctors call this condition varicose veins.Changes in the veins of the legs and sometimes in other areas (lower abdomen, chest) require constant medical supervision.
The patient must scrupulously follow all the phlebologist's prescriptions and know what not to do in case of varicose veins in the legs.If you do not comply with a number of restrictions and do not eliminate the influence of negative external factors, the manifestations of the disease (deformation of the venous walls, blood stagnation, expansion of the lumen of the veins) will only progress.
If the patient does not take into account the possible contraindications for varicose veins on the legs, the effectiveness of the prescribed drug therapy will decrease and the risk of complications will increase.The key question that a patient should ask the doctor after making the diagnosis is: what is prohibited for varicose veins of the lower extremities, what foods, manipulations or loads are prohibited and why?The specialist will tell you in detail what restrictions you should comply with, recommend useful articles and resources where you can get reliable information.
What foods should you not eat if you have varicose veins?
When talking about nutrition, your doctor will specifically focus on foods that are prohibited for varicose veins in the legs.It is enough to limit the intake of some foods and it is better to avoid some dishes and drinks altogether so as not to worsen the condition of the veins.
- Flours and sweet products.Small amounts are acceptable, but you should limit your intake of foods rich in light carbohydrates.Excess calories with excessive consumption of baked goods and sweets threatens overweight and obesity, which increases the load on the legs and impairs blood circulation.
- Dishes with animal fats and trans fats.It is worth limiting fried foods and dishes with butter.And trans fats are food products that are on the list of what you shouldn't eat if you have varicose veins.Excess fat threatens pathological weight gain and changes in the tone of the vascular wall.
- Spicy and very salty dishes.This is another group of foods that you shouldn't eat if you have varicose veins.They retain water in the veins, causing swelling, especially in the lower limbs.The retention of excess fluid in the vessels increases the pressure on the walls of the veins, dilating and deforming them even more.
- Alcohol.You should not believe the myths that small doses of alcohol are good for blood vessels.Ethyl alcohol and its metabolic products briefly dilate, but then significantly narrow blood vessels.Thin vein walls can suffer from excessive load and inflammatory processes are possible.Additionally, alcohol increases the risk of blood clots in the veins.
- Coffee.Doctors recommend avoiding this drink or limiting it to 1-2 cups a day.But why shouldn't you use coffee against varicose veins?The biologically active substances contained in coffee inhibit intestinal peristalsis, causing constipation, which is dangerous for hemorrhoids and varicose veins in the legs.
- Drinks with chicory.Patients have a logical question: why can't you drink chicory if you have varicose veins, since it does not contain caffeine?The plant compounds contained in this drink help to thin the blood, actively dilate the blood vessels and increase the permeability of the vascular wall.This worsens the course of the disease.
What exercises should you not do if you have varicose veins?
Although physical activity for varicose veins is necessary, it should be moderate and proper exercise.It is important to discuss with your phlebologist what exercises you should not do if you have varicose veins in your legs.The danger comes from those sports and exercises that increase the load on the leg muscles (strength training, weight lifting) and impact load (jumping, squats, running).
What sports should you not do if you have varicose veins?
- any type of weight lifting;
- volleyball and football in the presence of protruding veins (in the early stages of varicose veins, non-professional activities are acceptable provided that an elastic bandage is used before the match);
- sprint, marathon types of running.
What exercises are not allowed for varicose veins of the legs:
- it is important to give up squats;
- Skipping rope, aerobic step and trampoline are not permitted.
All prohibited exercises described above for varicose veins increase the load on the walls of the veins, contribute to blood stagnation and can lead to the development of complications (thrombophlebitis, thrombosis).
Is it possible to massage your legs if you have varicose veins?
Any mechanical effect, especially rubbing and squeezing of veins, negatively affects the condition of the vascular wall, causes its damage and creates conditions for the formation of thrombus.Therefore, when asked whether it is possible to perform vacuum, anti-cellulite, lymphatic drainage massage with cups or brush for varicose veins, the doctor will certainly answer negatively.
Bath and sauna for varicose veins
Although contrasting foot baths and showers are recommended for varicose veins, which train the venous wall and improve blood flow, this does not apply to visiting the sauna and bathhouse.High temperatures help slow blood flow in the veins and can cause damage to the walls and the formation of blood clots and edema.
Is it possible to make a compress for varicose veins?
Any thermal effects negatively influence the conditions of the venous walls and blood circulation.But for some other procedures there is no ban.When asked whether it is possible to do a cold compress for varicose veins, use light scrubs or creams, gels, the doctor will answer in the affirmative.If this effect affects only the superficial layers of the skin without pressure, compression of the limbs or twisting, such procedures are not prohibited.
Is it possible to perform hair removal for varicose veins?
If you have been diagnosed with varicose veins, you can remove unwanted hair from your legs using a razor (carefully, without cutting the skin) or depilatory cream.These are the safest ways to remove unwanted hair.You can also do laser and electrolysis for varicose veins, but you need to consult your doctor first.
Mechanical hair removal (tweezers or epilator) is unacceptable, especially in the later stages.Methods such as hair removal with wax, sugar paste (sugaring) and photoepilation also cause a lot of controversy.
Why can't you make sugar for varicose veins?The most important problems with these methods are heat exposure and mechanical damage to the upper layers of the skin.Therefore, the use of these methods should be discussed with a doctor, based on existing disorders and the stage of varicose veins.
General recommendations for varicose veins
For varicose veins it is important to constantly monitor a phlebologist, follow all recommendations and take the necessary medications.Varicose veins require major changes to your usual lifestyle.Without them, the effect of the drugs will not be as noticeable and complications are likely.Advised:
- Move as much as possible and, if possible, give up sedentary work and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Limit vigorous physical activity, heavy lifting, straining and increased intra-abdominal pressure.
- Change your diet to prevent constipation and diarrhea.They negatively affect blood circulation in the veins of the pelvis and lower limbs.A balanced diet is no less important to get all the necessary nutrients, vitamin and mineral components and limit the intake of empty calories that lead to excess weight.
- Abandon bad habits that negatively affect vascular tone and blood circulation.
- Wear compression garments if recommended by your doctor.
- Get adequate rest, sleep at least 8 hours.During sleep and rest, the legs should be in an elevated position.This facilitates the outflow of blood from the lower limbs.
- Perform gymnastics and contrast foot baths to tone the walls of the veins.
- Use all medications prescribed by the doctor in strict accordance with the treatment regimen, without changing the medications at your own discretion.
- Avoid attempts to self-medicate varicose veins with dubious folk recipes.Any therapeutic measures should be discussed with a doctor.