Every woman wants her legs to be always in top shape. But what if one day you stand in front of the mirror and discover that your legs are covered with unsympathetic vascular "stars"? Disguise won't work. It is impossible to ignore as these "decorations" only get lighter and bigger. The fight against varicose veins of the lower extremities is not easy, but necessary. After all, you have to agree that wearing pants forever isn't the most alluring prospect.
Varicose veins in the legs are a serious condition in which the veins lose their elasticity, stretch, widen, and bend.
Varicose veins on the legs have long been known as a serious condition. By and large, we are paying in such an uncomfortable way for being able to walk on two legs. The influence of various unfavorable factors leads to weakness in the walls of the veins and congestion of blood in the lower half of the body.
As a result, the vessels are overloaded and the venous valves work increasingly poorly. The result - the legs get tired, painful, there is a feeling of heaviness, the feet and ankles swell. A little later, other symptoms appear in the form of cosmetic imperfections. More serious complications are possible in the future.
It was previously believed that varicose veins in the legs - a disease of people in "standing" professions - and the first symptoms are around 35 years old. This is partly true. But today varicose veins are getting younger quickly. It should be noted 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 when your legs became too painful and tired, you began to feel heaviness in your legs and suffer from cramps - this is a reason to be on your guard.
And the appearance of barely noticeable bluish veins, familiar to many - vascular networks that are more noticeable later if left untreated - is a signal to act. It is worth sounding the alarm when whole accumulations of saphenous veins have already appeared on the surface of the legs, because the result of the disease is ugly blood clots and ulcers, which are very difficult to fight. Treating varicose veins on the legs can take decades.
The most dangerous consequence of varicose veins is the development of thrombophlebitis - the formation of a blood clot in a vein.
Due to the inflammatory process that accompanies the disease, there is a risk that a thrombus will tear off the vessel wall. And this, in turn, can lead to the development of pulmonary embolism, when a thrombus enters the pulmonary vessels and partially or completely disrupts the functioning of the respiratory system. And it can even lead to death.
Varicose veins on the legs: and is it threatening me?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the appearance of varicose veins on the legs. This disease is a result of various factors. And each of us faces some of them every day.
Reason 1. Inheritance
Phlebologists say that varicose veins are a "family disease". If a mother or grandmother had this disease, 90 percent of 100 percent can argue that you are at risk. Genes give us the characteristics of the structure of blood vessels. And if the walls of the veins are weak, then the influence of one of the provoking factors is enough for the disease to make itself felt.
Reason 2. Pregnancy
Carrying a child is one of the main provoking factors in the development of varicose veins, since 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, 50 percent of women manifest previously dozing varicose veins at this point.
Reason 3. Uncomfortable clothes and shoes
Uncomfortable, tight clothing such as skinny jeans can cause varicose veins. No less harmful are tight shoes and high heels. The wider the sole of the boot, the less stress on the feet. Balancing on thin stilettos, we put enormous strain on our veins. And if you still carry heavy shopping bags in your hands, then you can say goodbye to beautiful legs forever.
Reason 4. Working conditions and bad habits
Do not forget the people who have the classic "standing" professions (salespeople, waiters, hairdressers, stewardesses and many others). You have varicose veins - almost an occupational disease. A whole army of office workers is approaching them, as every prolonged stay in one position (even while sitting, even standing) does its dirty work. And when you add to that bad habits like smoking, buns and sandwiches that lead to obesity, varicose veins won't wait for you. Yes, of course that also includes the love of many to sit cross-legged.
Reason 5. Sports overload
Not all fitness is good. Lovers of barbells in the gym are at serious risk. Lifting weights is one of the causes of varicose veins. If you are prone to varicose veins, you shouldn't overload your legs with excessive exercise. Weight 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, so if the first unpleasant sensations in the legs appear, you should immediately consult a phlebologist.
If necessary, the doctor can prescribe Doppler ultrasound, which determines the quality of blood flow in the vessels and indicates whether there are any obstacles to it, and fluoroscopy - fluoroscopy of superficial veins with a special light that allows the specialist to easily distinguish a damaged vein from onenormal. These necessary measures make it possible to recognize the incipient illness in good time and to take the necessary measures in good time.
If we talk about the treatment of varicose veins, modern medicine knows several ways to deal with varicose veins:
- Local remedies (ointments, gels):relieve tiredness and heaviness in the legs, have a pleasantly calming effect. This method of treatment does not provide immediate relief as the active ingredient penetrates 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 at the initial stage of varicose veins on the legs.
- Venotonic:Medication for venous insufficiency (prescribed only by a doctor). These drugs help reduce swelling, relieve leg pain, and also help strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve blood circulation. Venotonics perfectly complement the action of local remedies for maximum effect in the treatment of deep veins.
- Endovascular Laser Coagulation (EVLK):a method of treating "stars" and vascular "networks", precursors of varicose veins in the legs. The doctor intervenes with a laser on the diseased vessel and the "asterisk" disappears. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. After a few weeks there are no memories of the manipulation on the skin.
- Sclerotherapy:a procedure in which a substance - sclerosant - is injected into a problem vein with a syringe and the affected vein appears to stick together from the inside and stop working, and blood begins to flow through healthy veins. But this procedure is not suitable for everyone. It is prescribed when the knots are not very large.
- Ozone therapy:a new method of treating varicose veins that is used to clear spider veins. Ozone is injected directly into the lumen of the vessel with a small needle, causing it to stick together. Several methods are sufficient to achieve a visible effect.
- Phlebectomy:Surgery to remove the diseased vein is one of the most effective treatments. You can go home the day after the surgery, but you will need to wear special tights or bandage your leg for at least another month. During the operation, small punctures are made in the leg, which after a while are almost invisible.
It is widely believed that hirudotherapy, or treating varicose veins with leeches, helps get rid of varicose veins on the legs. In fact, the substance that leeches secrete when they bite, hirudin, helps reduce blood clotting. Neither spider veins nor veins disappear anywhere. In addition, ulcers can form at the site of the bite, which can then be 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 that has practically no contraindications. Water treatments are best for preventing varicose veins because they tone the blood vessels well. Walking is also a great way to combat venous disease. For example, up an escalator or stairs. No heavy bags, please. It is better to walk two stops to the subway than to take the public transport. And at home, you can do the most basic exercise "bicycle" while lying on your back.
Step 2. Elegant helpers
Modern compression knitwear: knee socks and tights help against fatigue and heaviness in the legs. They are sold in pharmacies and selected by the doctor strictly individually based on the parameters of the leg. In appearance, medical tights are no less beautiful and fashionable than ordinary ones. They also help the ships to cope better with the increased load.
Step 3. Delicious and healthy
First, being overweight puts a serious strain on blood vessels. So if you have a few unnecessary pounds, it is better to get rid of them. Second, for the prevention of varicose veins, the diet should be aimed at strengthening the walls of blood vessels. Vitamins such as ascorbic acid and rutin, which are contained in sea buckthorn, raspberries, citrus fruits, aronia, strawberries, rose hips and mountain ash, contribute to this. 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 a heel no more than 4 centimeters are the best choice for every day. In high-heeled shoes, the foot is in a forced flexion state, which disrupts the nourishment of the small toe vessels, venous congestion occurs, and swelling in the ankles and calves.
Step 5. Care and maintenance
To prevent varicose veins on your legs, it makes sense to rinse your legs with cold water after showering. You can massage yourself: stroking movements from the bottom up, from the foot to the groin. Overheating is dangerous for the veins, so if you are predisposed to varicose veins on your legs, it is better to exclude the bath and sauna from your life. And not too much sunbathing either. 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 in the legs are a chronic condition. However, timely prevention of varicose veins will help avoid the occurrence of the disease and reduce the risk of possible complications.