One of the problems of many women and about 15% of men is varicose veins in the legs. In this disease, the vessels in the legs (veins), which return blood rich in carbon dioxide and metabolic waste, are deformed, dilated, lose their tone and appear under the skin.
In addition to cosmetic defects, changes in the structure of the veins and impaired blood circulation lead to discomfort in the legs and even pain, swelling and a feeling of heaviness. Although there are various medical tools and procedures that help in the treatment, it is important from the beginning, as soon as the first signs of varicose veins appear, prevention - this will help avoid pain, swelling, tired legs, external cosmetic defects.
What is the problem?
Varicose veins, commonly called varicose veins, are serious changes in the venous wall, its weakness, excessive stretching, due to which dark blue or purple twisted swollen veins appear under the skin. In the initial stage, small "stars" of dilated capillaries, small crowns and then larger ones may appear.The veins have a special structure: in addition to the elastic wall, they also have small valves (pockets) that prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction. Varicose veins form when the valves in the walls of the veins weaken, stretch, deform and do not close completely. Excessive stretching of the walls and defects of the valve eventually leads to the fact that the blood flows worse through the vessels, its movement slows down and even stops. First, the small veins appear in the form of "stars" or spider legs, and then thicker twisted veins appear.
Other symptoms of varicose veins can be:- burning in the calf, pulse sensation,
- discomfort in the legs, feeling of heaviness or pain,
- muscle spasms, cramps, most noticeable at night,
- swelling of the feet and ankles,
- dry or itchy, light skin that looks thinner than healthy skin
If there is a tendency for varicose veins or the first symptoms appear, there are certain procedures that eliminate the discomfort and pain in the legs, help improve blood circulation and stimulate the veins.
Exercise and physical activity
Regular exercise improves blood circulation in the legs. Muscle contraction helps push the blood collected in the veins. Exercise also helps lower blood pressure, which is another negative factor that contributes to varicose veins.
Low-intensity exercise helps to contract calf muscles. They work without excessive stress.
Effective low impact exercises include:
- swimming,
- walking,
- cycling,
- yoga.
Compression socks and tights
Compression stockings are available at most pharmacies and orthopedic stores. They distribute pressure to the legs, compressing the walls of the veins from the outside. Helps move blood to the heart and relieve congestion in the lower extremities. The study found that people who wore knee-length compression stockings maintained a pressure between 18 and 21 mmHg. within a week, he noted a reduction in the pain and discomfort associated with varicose veins. It is important to choose socks and tights with a doctor or salon specialist so that you do not make a mistake with the degree of compression.
Plant extracts
Studies have shown that horse chestnut extract can help relieve leg pain, heaviness and itchy skin in people with chronic venous insufficiency (one of the leading causes of varicose veins).
A review study reported that sea pine extract and butcher broom extract can reduce swelling or swelling of the feet, which is often associated with varicose veins.
Herbal extracts and essential oils must be diluted before being applied to the skin or used in an aromatherapy diffuser.
Dietary changes
Salty or sodium-rich foods contribute to bloating, including feet and ankles, so reducing salty foods can minimize water retention. Foods high in potassium such as almonds and peanuts help prevent and treat varicose veins by reducing water retention in the body. This group includes:
- almonds and peanuts,
- lentils and white beans,
- potato;
- leafy vegetables,
- certain types of fish, such as salmon and tuna.
Fiber helps maintain bowel function and prevent constipation. This can be important, as stress can damage the valves or cause blood to clog the veins. Foods high in fiber include:
- nuts, seeds and legumes,
- oats, wheat and flaxseed,
- whole grains.
Overweight people are more likely to suffer from varicose veins, so losing extra pounds can reduce pressure on the veins, reduce swelling and discomfort.
Flavonoids in food
Adding foods containing flavonoids to the diet also helps reduce the risk of varicose veins. Flavonoids, as biologically active substances, improve blood circulation, maintain uniform blood flow and reduce the possibility of blood accumulation in the veins. They also help lower blood pressure in the arteries and relax blood vessels, reducing stress on the veins and reducing the risk of varicose veins.
Foods containing flavonoids include:
- vegetables: green onions, peppers, spinach and broccoli,
- citrus fruits and grapes, cherries, apples and blueberries,
- cocoa,
- garlic.
Herbal medicines
Some herbal preparations help to stimulate the veins and reduce their deformity. It is believed that taking grape seed extract can reduce swelling of the legs and other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, although there is currently little evidence of its effectiveness. If you are taking blood thinners, you should avoid taking grape seed extract as a dietary supplement, as it may interact with the medicine and increase the risk of bleeding.
Choosing the right clothes
Wearing tight, tight, synthetic clothing can restrict blood flow to your legs. Wearing loose, breathable clothing that does not restrict blood flow to the lower body improves blood flow through the veins and reduces valve deformity.
It is also forbidden to wear tight and tight shoes. Shoes with narrow toes put pressure on blood vessels and cause pain. It is recommended to choose shoes with orthopedic soles.
Wearing low-heeled shoes or a comfortable, firm sole instead of high heels can also help relieve varicose vein pain.
You need to lift your legs more often
Periodically raising your legs up, ideally at the same height as your heart or higher, helps improve circulation. This reduces the pressure in the veins of the legs and gravity helps the smooth flow of blood to the heart. You should try to lift your legs if you plan to sit for long periods of time, such as when you are working or resting.
Massage
Gently massaging your legs, feet and thighs can hold blood in your veins. You can use gentle massage oils or moisturizer for best results. However, it is extremely important to avoid putting pressure directly on the veins, as this can damage the fragile tissue. No less useful massage with water jets in the shower, including a contrast.
Constant motion
Avoid sitting for long periods of time. If you have to sit at work for a long time, you should try to get up and move, or at least change position so that blood flows completely through the veins of the legs.
Avoid sitting cross-legged as this can further restrict blood flow to the legs and feet and worsen circulation problems.
Treatment procedures for varicose veins
If preventive measures at home have not improved the condition of your veins, severe discomfort, pain and swelling, medical treatment is needed to eliminate the varicose veins.
Your doctor may prescribe the following:
- Endothermic catalysis.This is a process in which heat is applied to seal the affected veins.
- Ambulatory phlebectomyThe doctor pierces the skin and removes the varicose veins through small incisions. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, virtually no scars remain;
- Sclerotherapy.This procedure uses a special foam to close the damaged veins. Blood will flow through the bypass system,
- Ligation and removal.In this procedure, the varicose veins are surgically removed;
- Laser functions.Intense bursts of light are directed at the vein, causing attenuation.
- Endoscopic surgery.During this operation, a small video camera is inserted into the leg to help the surgeon see better what is going on in the veins. The veins are removed through several small incisions.