Every woman wants her legs to always be in great shape. But what if one day, standing in front of the mirror, you discover that your legs were covered with nasty vascular "stars"? The disguise won't work. It is impossible to ignore this, as further these "decorations" will only become brighter and larger. The fight against varicose veins of the lower limbs, although not easy, is necessary. After all, you have to agree that wearing pants forever isn't 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 on the legs have long been known as a serious disease. In general, in such a not very pleasant way, we pay 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 are overloaded and the venous valves work worse and worse. The result: the legs get tired, they hurt, there is a feeling of heaviness, the feet and ankles swell. Shortly after, other symptoms are added in the form of cosmetic imperfections. In the future, more serious complications are possible.
Previously, it was believed that varicose veins in the legs - a disease of people of "standing" professions, and the first symptoms appeared about 35 years. This is partly true. But today varicose veins are rapidly getting younger. It can be argued that the disease has already become a problem for the 20-30 year old "computer generation".
Unfortunately, there are no clearly pronounced symptoms of approaching varicose veins on the legs. But if your legs began to ache and get tired, heaviness appeared in the legs and you suffer from convulsions - this is a reason to be on guard.
And the appearance of barely noticeable bluish veins familiar to many - vascular networks, which later, if left untreated, will become more noticeable - is a signal for action. It is worth raising the alarm when whole clusters of saphenous veins have already appeared on the surface of the legs, because the outcome of the disease is bad blood clots and ulcers, 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 a blood clot in a vein.
The inflammatory process that accompanies the disease creates the risk of a thrombus leaving the vessel wall. And this, in turn, can lead to the development of pulmonary embolism, when a thrombus enters the pulmonary vessels, partially or completely disrupting the functioning of the respiratory system. And it can even lead to death.
Varicose veins on the legs: and does it threaten me?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to name the exact cause of the appearance of varicose veins on the legs. This disease is a consequence of various factors. And each of us faces some of them every day.
Reason 1. Inheritance
Phlebologists claim that varicose veins are a "familiar" disease. If a mother or grandmother has suffered from this disease, 90 percent out of 100 can be argued that you are at risk. Through genes, 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 baby is one of the most important provoking factors in the development of varicose veins, as changes in hormone levels lead to a decrease in venous tone. Also, during pregnancy, the veins are almost always compressed by the growing uterus. In addition, the weight increases. But our veins experience the greatest pressure during childbirth. According to statistics, in 50 percent of women, previously dozing varicose veins manifest themselves 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 narrow shoes and high heels. The wider the sole of the boots, the less stress is on the feet. Balanced on thin stilettos, we put a huge load on our veins. And if you also carry heavy shopping bags in your hands, you can say goodbye to beautiful legs forever.
Reason 4. Working conditions and bad habits
Do not forget the people who carry out the classic "standing" professions (shop assistants, waiters, hairdressers, hostesses and many others). They have varicose veins, almost an occupational disease. A whole army of office workers are closing in on them, as any prolonged stay in one position (even sitting, even standing) makes its dirty gesture. And if you add to this bad habits like smoking, snacking on sandwiches and sandwiches, which leads to excess weight, varicose veins will not keep you waiting. Yes, of course, this also includes the love of many to sit cross-legged.
Reason 5. Sports overload
Not all physical fitness is good. Lovers of sipping on a barbell in 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 shouldn't overload your legs with excessive exercise. Strength training and martial arts classes are not for you.
Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins
As 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 vessels and show whether there are any obstacles to it, and transillumination - transillumination of the superficial veins using a special light, which allows the specialist to easily distinguish a vein damaged by a normal one. These necessary measures will allow 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, modern medicine knows several ways to deal with varicose veins:
- Local remedies (ointments, gels):relieve fatigue and the feeling of heaviness in the legs, have a pleasant calming effect. This method of treatment will not bring immediate relief, as the active substance 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:drugs used for venous insufficiency (prescribed only by a doctor). These medicines help reduce swelling, relieve leg pain, and also strengthen blood vessel walls and improve blood flow. The venotonics perfectly complement the action of local remedies to obtain the maximum effect in the treatment of deep veins.
- Intravascular laser coagulation (EVLK):a method of treating vascular "stars" and "networks", precursors of varicose veins of the legs. The doctor acts on the diseased vessel with a laser and the "asterisk" disappears. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. After a couple of weeks, there are no memories of the manipulation on the skin.
- Sclerotherapy:a procedure in which substances - sclerosants - are injected into a problematic 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 knots are not very large.
- Ozone therapy:a new method of treating varicose veins, which is used to eliminate varicose veins. The ozone is injected with a small needle directly into the lumen of the vessel and makes it adhere. To achieve a visible effect, several procedures are enough.
- Phlebectomy:surgical intervention, when the diseased vein is removed, is one of the most effective methods of treatment. The day after the operation, you can go home, but for at least another month you need to wear special pantyhose or bandage your leg. During the operation, small punctures are made in the leg, which after a while are almost invisible.
It is widely believed that hirudotherapy or varicose vein treatment with leeches helps to get rid of 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. In addition, ulcers can form at the bite site, which are therefore 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 without contraindications. Water treatments are best suited for the prevention of varicose veins, as they tone the blood vessels well. Walking is also a good way to combat venous disease. For example, on an escalator or on a ladder. No heavy bags, please. It is better to walk two stops to the subway than to go by public transport. And at home you can do the most basic exercise "bicycle" in the supine position.
Step 2. Elegant helpers
Modern compression knitwear: knee-highs and tights help against fatigue and heaviness in the legs. They are sold in pharmacies and are selected strictly individually by the doctor based on the parameters of the leg. In appearance, medicinal tights are no less beautiful and fashionable than ordinary ones. In addition, they help ships better cope with increased cargo.
Step 3. Delicious and healthy
First, excess weight seriously loads blood vessels. So, if you have a couple of unnecessary pounds, then it's best to get rid of them. Secondly, 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 contained in sea buckthorn, raspberries, citrus fruits, aronia, strawberries, rose hips and rowan. And regular buckwheat is rich in the natural antioxidant quercetin, which not only strengthens blood vessels, but also has anticancer 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 forced bent state, as a result, the nutrition of the small vessels of the toes is disturbed, 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 the legs with cold water after a shower. You can do a massage yourself: stroking the bottom-up movements from the foot to the groin. Overheating is dangerous for the veins, so if there is a predisposition to varicose veins on the legs, it is better to exclude the bath and sauna from your life. And also don't abuse sunbathing. Ultraviolet light reduces the elasticity of tissues and venous walls and leads to varicose veins. You can sunbathe, but not at noon, but until 11am and after 5pm.
Yes, varicose veins in the legs are a chronic condition. However, timely prevention of varicose veins will help avoid the onset of the disease and reduce the risk of developing possible complications.