A common disease of the legs after thirty years, and especially in women, are varicose veins. During the development of this disease, the veins become deformed, their elasticity decreases, and blood circulation is disturbed. Most often, the calf muscles of the legs and the back of the knees are affected.
Varicose veins of the legs: causes of appearance
The factors leading to the appearance of varicose veins of the lower extremities are as follows:
- being overweight - puts a lot of strain on the legs. This is especially true for obese people. Therefore, if you have weight problems, we recommend that you exercise vigorously;
- pregnancy - especially in the last few months, the load on the legs is quite noticeable, and if you do not constantly pay attention to rest, varicose veins can develop;
- work associated with a long standing period. If it is not possible to change jobs, then you need to change your attitude towards it and try to reduce the load on your legs;
- the presence of a tumor in the pelvic organs - the outflow of blood is difficult;
- diseases of the walls of the veins of the lower extremities, resulting in compaction of tissues and deterioration of blood flow, as well as the formation of blood clots;
- congenital venous valve insufficiency.
Warning! In order to prevent your legs from hurting and being covered with minor bruises, we recommend that you pay attention to maintaining the health of your legs from an early age. Include moderate exercise in your daily routine and try to reduce the strain on your legs. Attention should be paid to the description of symptoms when developing stages of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
The initial stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities: features of the development of the disease
First of all, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the course of the first stage of varicose veins may be imperceptible. In addition, within the framework of medicine, there is even the so-called zero stage of varicose veins. During its evolution, the patient complains of the same sensations as with varicose veins. But during the examination it is impossible to determine the symptoms of varicose veins. And treatment in this case is rarely prescribed, most often doctors recommend practicing a healthy lifestyle.
At the first stage, spider veins or a mesh appears on the legs. Please note that there is no venous outflow disturbance at this stage. Patients seek help due to the slight dilation of the veins.
second degree varicose veins
At the second stage, the insufficiency of the main venous trunks is added to all the symptoms already listed. In other words, in addition to heaviness in the legs and a slight widening of the veins in the legs, swelling and bluish nodules may appear. Please note that the size of the knots may increase after prolonged sitting or walking with heels.
The third stage of varicose veins: features of the development of the disease
Treatment of the disease at this stage is most often an operation. As for the symptoms of the course, the swelling increases significantly, the legs look swollen even in the morning. Seizures may appear. Most often it reduces the calf muscles.
Warning! In order to get rid of the cramp, you need to stretch your leg and pull the sock towards you. If the leg does not obey, give it that position using your hands.
A characteristic sign of the third degree is the appearance of trophic ulcers or discoloration of the skin.
Dermatitis or eczema may also appear. Another sign of the third degree of varicose veins is dry skin. The epidermis, due to circulatory problems, loses elasticity and the surface becomes dry.
Varicose veins: how to treat the lower extremities and their swelling
If you have been diagnosed with varicose veins, regardless of the stage, the treatment will be the same. The only difference will be in the duration of the treatment.
The treatment of varicose veins can be varied. One of the most effective methods of treating varicose veins is massage. In order not to harm it, only a professional should do it. A massage well done improves blood circulation in a person's lower limbs. Special pneumatic massage is also used as a kind of compression treatment. Thanks to him, the swelling of the legs becomes much less, the venous outflow of blood is accelerated, and a general improvement in blood circulation in the lower extremities is observed.
Physiotherapy is also suitable for relieving the venous system of the legs. It is a kind of physical education for the legs that is done just before bedtime. You can show the exercises you need in any physiotherapy room.
To reduce the symptoms of the disease and prevent its worsening, elastic bandages and stockings are used. Wearing compression stockings helps stop the development of the disease, improves blood circulation in the legs and, most importantly, prevents the formation of blood clots. You need to get compression underwear from a specialty store.
Warning! It is better not to save on such lows. After all, if the fabric isn't elastic enough, you won't be able to wear them.
For the treatment of varicose veins, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are used. It can be pills, injections. Treatment should only be prescribed by a doctor and only after a full examination. Self-medication is prohibited.
Popular methods of treating varicose veins in the legs include hirudotherapy. During the procedure, leeches, biting the skin, inject hirudin, a substance that prevents the blood from clotting. As a result, the number of blood clots decreases.
Treatment and relief of the course of the disease is possible with the use of creams, ointments and gels. You can buy them at any drugstore and you don't need a prescription for it. In the later stages of the disease, the phlebologist will offer you a quick solution to the problem.
Anyone diagnosed with hypertrophy should follow a special diet. The diet should contain foods low in cholesterol and high in protein and vitamins. In this case, the use of seafood in the diet also has a positive effect on health. Smoked meats, broths, marinades should be excluded from the products consumed, coffee and alcohol should be avoided.
The patient's diet should contain the following foods:
- legumes, sprouted wheat grains, liver, olive or corn oil are foods rich in vitamin E. It gives elasticity to our veins;
- to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and veins of the lower extremities, vitamins C and P (rutin) are needed. Vitamin C is found in rose hips, sea buckthorn, cabbage, black currant and, of course, citrus fruits. And the rutin is in the same rosehips, citrus, black currant and chokeberry. On the basis of these berries, compotes or decoctions can be made;
- bioflavonoids facilitate circulation in the veins - eat 10 cherries and black cherries in pieces;
- Include foods high in fiber in your diet to relieve constipation. After all, everyone knows that the veins suffer from constipation;
- make sure you drink at least two liters of water. With a lack of water consumed, the blood becomes viscous and hence the load on our veins increases.
It is worth saying a few words about what will happen if the varicose veins are not cured in time. Remember that thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, eczema or trophic ulcers can appear as a result of such a disease. Remember that with advanced varicose veins, pulmonary embolism can occur.
And this disease can cause sudden death. Therefore, if you want to live healthy and happy forever, it is better to consult your doctor in time.
After all, it is easier to cure the disease at the initial stage, and the operation at the onset of the disease is optional. Don't be sick! Good luck!