Modern people spend more and more time in a sitting position: while at the computer or moving to the right place in the car.The more often we deny ourselves walking, the more we expose ourselves to the risk of developing varicose veins.
More than half of the population of our planet faces this problem in one way or another.The diagnosis of varicose veins dates back to ancient times.The greatest doctors dedicated many years to its study, but unfortunately they never managed to obtain the desired results.That is why such a disease still exists today, which very often disturbs people of working age.What causes this disease?
Varicose veins - causes of appearance
First of all, a conversation about varicose veins should begin with some information about the functioning of our circulatory system.As you know, blood circulates throughout our body, and the initiator of this process is our heart: it contracts rhythmically, directing blood through arteries, vessels and so on.The essence of the process itself is that, having reached the legs, the blood must turn around and make the return journey.And this is where the problem arises that leads to the development of varicose veins.
In addition to the heart, the leg muscles also contribute to the movement of blood through the vessels.If they are in good shape (they constantly contract and relax), there are no problems with the movement of blood through the vessels.If the veins dilate, a space forms between the valves and the blood flow slows.The vein stretches and the person suffers from the appearance of varicose veins.
It is worth noting that varicose veins do not occur only in the lower extremities: there are cases of dilation of the veins of the abdominal organs, pelvic veins, testicular veins and spermatic cord.The most common are varicose veins in the legs.
The reasons for the appearance of varicose veins on the legs include the following factors:
- Extra kilos.One of the most common causes of varicose veins is excess weight, as it creates greater pressure on the veins of the lower extremities.
- Activities that involve standing for excessive periods of time.
- Inactivity or physical inactivity.Unlike the previous factor, the cause of the development of varicose veins can be a "sedentary" lifestyle.
- Pregnancy.Unfortunately, it also increases the risk of varicose veins.The lack of necessary rest when carrying a child in the final stages creates a certain load on the body and, in particular, on the woman's legs.
- Inheritance.Oddly enough, but such a disease can be transmitted to you from your parents, grandparents.In addition, varicose veins can be located in completely different places.
It would be a serious mistake to believe that these factors contribute to the formation and development of varicose veins.These are just the main reasons.Hormonal imbalances, frequent stress and even bad habits can trigger this disease.Many will wonder: how, for example, can alcohol influence the appearance of varicose veins?The answer is simple.Drinks containing alcohol contribute to the dehydration of our body and, therefore, blood vessels do not receive the necessary amount of nutrients.
Even seemingly small things like elastic stockings or tight socks impede blood movement, thus increasing the risk of varicose veins.
Symptoms of varicose veins
The disease can progress over many years.In the early stages, varicose veins can be completely asymptomatic.Only occasionally a person may feel heaviness, nagging pain in the legs and cramps in the calf muscles after a long walk.In the later stages the symptoms become more and more noticeable and varicose veins can be identified without a doubt.
First of all, the signs of the onset of such a problem are annoying pains in the legs, swelling and cramps.It is important that, in the case of varicose veins, all these symptoms are "muffled" while walking or after sleeping.
Very often we attribute this discomfort to tiredness after a hard day at work or after active recreation.This is why people visually identify varicose veins.Swollen dark blue veins become visible on the legs, and small red-blue varicose veins appear.
Many women in the fight against varicose veins face only the aesthetic component of the problem, wearing trousers or other clothing that hides their legs.You need to fight thoroughly: do not postpone the treatment of varicose veins, because the consequences can become more significant.
Methods and means for the treatment of varicose veins
How to find the right treatment for varicose veins?Sometimes a person just needs a certain amount of time to rest to avoid the first signs of deformation of the veins.Unfortunately, people turn to specialists when varicose veins are already in an advanced stage and immediate surgery is needed.Below are the various treatment methods for varicose veins.
Treatment of varicose veins with laser
Modern medicine is developing more and more actively, and doctors have the opportunity to carry out drug-free treatment of the disease.One of these methods is laser treatment of varicose veins or, in other words, coagulation.The essence of this process is to close the lumen of the dilated veins.Areas damaged by varicose veins are “welded” using a high-energy laser.The operation does not take much time (about 40 minutes) and on this day the patient can go home or return to work.For this reason, this treatment method is called “outpatient surgery”.The most important thing is the cosmetic effect.After this treatment there are no scars left on the body.
In order for the laser to act on the vein, a special fiber is inserted through the injection.Subsequently, the vein spasms, after which the lumen closes.The vein does not participate in blood flow and is subsequently replaced by connective tissue.This treatment allows you to achieve the effect of removing varicose veins.
Despite the effectiveness of this method, unforeseen circumstances are also possible.If you start the treatment of varicose veins, the veins that have reached large dimensions can unblock and subsequently return to their place, returning the previous discomfort.
Traditional treatment for varicose veins
Recently, people have become increasingly skeptical of medical medicine and various surgical interventions.They choose an alternative option - treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies.Such treatment methods have been tested for decades.
Some plant varieties provide effective home treatment and prevention of varicose veins.Undoubtedly, the desired result will be possible only if used correctly.One of these medicinal plants is nettle.
The disadvantage of treating varicose veins with home remedies is expressed in its duration.A medicinal decoction of nettle should be taken morning and evening for six months.During home treatment, you should also follow a certain diet: if possible, exclude fatty, fried, salty and sweet foods from your diet.Only overall will the implemented rules be able to produce the desired effect.
Another example of a medicinal plant is acacia.White acacia flowers are used in the form of compresses, tinctures and lotions.This remedy promotes the reabsorption of swollen veins due to varicose veins, giving the legs a feeling of lightness.
Among the traditional methods of treating varicose veins are those that can cope with swelling and pain in the legs.Apple cider vinegar is proof of this.
It has special healing properties that are so effective in fighting varicose veins.This product contains many minerals and trace elements that have a beneficial effect on the human body.It also contains vitamins A, B and C.
Treating varicose veins with apple cider vinegar helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels.In addition, it has an anti-inflammatory effect, eliminates swelling and tones the skin.There are several ways to use this product at home:
- Rub apple cider vinegar after bath or shower.
- Compresses.To make a compress, you need to apply gauze soaked in apple cider vinegar to the damaged area and isolate the area.
- Another way to treat varicose veins is irrigation.Apple cider vinegar is diluted in water (150 g of vinegar per 2 liters of warm water) and areas with varicose veins are sprinkled with this solution.
Note!Clay (blue, green or white) is also useful for treating varicose veins.Damaged areas should be coated with clay soaked in cold water.
Other treatments for varicose veins
In addition to surgery to remove veins, treatment of varicose veins at home and laser therapy, there are a number of drugs: special ointments, anticoagulants, anti-inflammatories and painkillers.The use of a complex of such drugs is recommended only after the prescription of the attending physician.
Massage is another treatment and prevention method that can relieve the symptoms of varicose veins, as it promotes better blood circulation in the body.It is better to entrust the massage for varicose veins to a qualified specialist, otherwise the effect may be the opposite, aggravating the situation.
Let's dispel the myth!Many people consider hirudotherapy (leech treatment) to be an effective method for varicose veins.This is a misunderstanding.Such treatment only contributes to blood thinning, which will in no way affect the main problem of varicose veins - the increase in venous lumen.Furthermore, the results of such therapy can be negative for the patient.Pigmentation and prolonged bleeding are only a small part.Leech saliva contains a large number of allergens that can cause inflammatory reactions in humans.
Prevention of varicose veins
Why treat varicose veins if you can prevent their appearance in advance!Following simple rules will help you not only prevent the appearance and long-term treatment of varicose veins, but also improve your health.
We must not forget that the meaning of our whole life is movement.From childhood we are taught to do morning exercises and take a contrast shower.Not in vain!This is the secret to the health of our entire body.
I love sports.You don't have to torture yourself with grueling workouts.You can choose the sport you like.The main thing is to constantly be in motion and not let your body gain unnecessary kilos, which can cause the appearance of varicose veins.In this case, particular attention must be paid to nutrition: if possible, exclude fatty foods or try to reduce their quantity to a minimum.Don't forget: we are what we eat.
Let's abandon everyone's favorite pose: “leg to leg”.In this position, blood circulation is disrupted, which also negatively affects the lower extremities and contributes to the development of varicose veins.It is better to place a small bench or stand under your feet.
Make sure your shoes are comfortable, have low heels, and that the elastics of your socks and stockings don't squeeze your feet.
Reconsider your lifestyle and never forget that our health is in our hands!