A detailed description for our readers: how to cure varicose veins on the legs?on the website varizes-cure.rf in detail and with photographs.
In the article we talk about veins in the legs and talk about how to treat varicose veins at home.You will learn which folk remedies can be used for varicose veins, whether massage is effective and in which cases surgery is necessary.Using our tips, you can make compresses and tinctures to relieve swelling and pain from varicose veins in your legs.You will also find a list of ointments that are effective against varicose veins.
Varicose veins on the legs, veins on the legs
Varicose veins or varicose veins of the lower extremities are a disease in which the walls of superficial vessels become thinner, their lumen increases and nodular dilations form.Externally, the disease can be detected if the veins on the legs protrude.Varicose veins occur in both women and men, but women are more susceptible to the pathology.
Causes, symptoms
Varicose veins are dilated (swollen) veins that appear on the surface of the leg muscles.The veins become swollen and tortuous and stand out strongly under the skin.Why do varicose veins occur?In the lower extremities there are saphenous and deep veins;they are connected by communicative veins.Through them, blood flows from the saphenous veins to the deep ones.The muscle pump is responsible for your movement.
During physical movements, muscles contract and push blood upward.Venous valves prevent blood from flowing down.This is adequate blood circulation and is only possible with normal venous tone.
If the tone of the venous wall is reduced and the valves do not fulfill their function, the blood rises not only upwards, but also downwards.This increases pressure on the vessels, causes them to swell and expand, and promotes the formation of nodules.
Nerve endings located in the walls of blood vessels send a signal to the brain.The brain gives the command to increase venous tone.An increase in resistance further increases the load on the veins, leading to atrophy of the venous wall and the death of nerve endings.
Risk factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- lack of physical activity;
- poor nutrition;
- obesity;
- hormonal imbalance;
- pregnancy;
- genetic predisposition.
Symptoms of varicose veins in the legs:
- heaviness in the legs;
- increased fatigue;
- local pain in the leg region;
- swelling of the legs;
- nocturnal cramps - in severe cases.
In the initial stages, varicose veins manifest themselves externally by the formation of small vessels on the surface of the skin.As the disease progresses, vein dilation increases and hemodynamics become increasingly impaired.In the final stages, the superficial veins merge with the skin.The veins become blocked and trophic ulcers form.
A vein on the leg hurts - what to do?
If a bulging vein appears on the leg and it hurts, this indicates the development of varicose veins.The sooner you start treatment, the more successful it will be and the greater the chances of stopping the progression of the disease.
Which doctor should I contact for varicose veins?Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins are carried out by a phlebologist.Even in the early stages, it is necessary to consult a specialist.He will identify the main factors that influenced the development of the disease and prescribe appropriate methods of therapy and prevention.
Treatment of varicose veins in the legs
Treatment of varicose veins in the legs is done at home, unless the patient requires surgery or laser surgery.Doctors prescribe tablets, ointments and gels that improve venous circulation, break up blood clots, increase blood flow and relieve swelling and fatigue in the legs.Folk remedies can be used as additional therapy.
Treatment of varicose veins on the legs with folk remedies
In this section, we will show you how and how to treat varicose veins on the legs at home.If you are interested in how to treat varicose veins on the legs in women or how to treat varicose veins on the legs in men, you will find effective folk remedies in the table.
Traditional medicine recipes for treating varicose veins:
| Title | How it works | Instructions for use |
| Nettle | It thins the blood and improves blood circulation, helps strengthen vascular walls and prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques. | Take 5 tbsp.dry nettle and pour 250 ml of vodka.Infuse the medicine for 7 days in a dark place.Use tincture 1 tbsp.3 times a day before meals. |
| refrigerator | It thins the blood, eliminates swelling and heaviness in the legs, accelerates lymph flow and relieves pain. | Take 1-2 tbsp.baking soda and lightly moisten with water.Apply the mixture to the affected area and cover with a cabbage leaf.Secure the compress with gauze and leave overnight. You can make a foot bath with baking soda.To do this, dilute 200 g of soda in 5 liters of warm water.The duration of the procedure is 10 to 15 minutes. |
| Apple cider vinegar | Increases the tone of the venous walls, improves blood circulation, eliminates swelling and reduces pain. | Rub apple cider vinegar on the affected areas morning and night after showering. You can use apple cider vinegar as a compress.Moisten the gauze with liquid and attach it to the leg.Lie down for 1 hour, placing your feet on a pillow so that they are 15-20 cm above heart level. |
| Cabbage | Relieves swelling and redness, eliminates pain. | Take a cabbage leaf and press it with a rolling pin until the juice comes out.Grease one side of the sheet with vegetable oil and apply to the sore spot.Secure the compress with a bandage.Leave it on all day or overnight. |
| Celandine | Relieves swelling, eliminates fatigue and pain in the legs. | Prepare 1 tbsp.celandine in a glass of boiling water.Soak a linen cloth in the broth.Wrap your feet and leave for 1 hour.Carry out the procedure for 7 days.Then take a break for ten days. |
| Soap powder | Relieves inflammation and accelerates regeneration processes.Promotes the healing of cracks and wounds that aggravate varicose veins. | Grate a piece of washing powder.Grind 10 aspirin tablets and pour 250 ml of vodka into them.Add soap.Leave for 2 days.Use the product as a lotion. |
| Dear | Improves blood circulation, tones the walls of blood vessels and increases their elasticity.Strengthens general and local immunity. | Take 1 tablespoon on an empty stomach.loved every day. The foot bath is made with honey.To do this, dissolve 10 g of honey in 5 liters of warm water.The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes. |
| Absinthe | Relieves inflammation, thins the blood and improves blood circulation, reduces pain. | Pour 2 tbsp.dry wormwood with a glass of kefir.Immerse the natural fabric in the mixture.Apply the compress to the affected area and secure.Leave for 20-30 minutes. |
| Raw potatoes | Helps strengthen venous walls and improve blood circulation. | Grate the raw potatoes well.Apply the paste to your feet and secure with a bandage.Leave for 5 hours. |
| Kalanchoe | Relieves inflammation, accelerates regeneration processes, eliminates swelling. | Wash and chop some Kalanchoe leaves.Pour 500 ml of vodka.Leave for 7 days.Rub the prepared tincture into painful areas of the legs. |
Ointment for varicose veins on the legs
Varicose vein ointments are used when one or more veins are visible.Topical medications do not eliminate the disease, they only reduce the severity of the manifestations.If your vein is swollen and bulging, contact a phlebologist.The doctor will advise the use of ointments and gels in the initial stages, but the basis for stopping the disease will be prevention and elimination of risk factors.
List of ointments for varicose veins on the legs:
- Heparin ointment- cheap ointment based on sodium heparin.A blood thinner not only thins the blood but also reduces pain.
- Troxevasin— increases the tone of vascular walls, has anti-inflammatory, decongestant and slimming effects.Prevents the formation of blood clots.
- A medicine that contains leech extract.The ointment improves blood circulation, eliminates swelling and pain, and increases the tone of the walls of blood vessels.
Pills for varicose veins in the legs
In addition to ointments, tablets are also used in the early stages of varicose veins.Phlebotonics, anticoagulants, antioxidants, and antiplatelet agents are used to treat varicose veins.
Pills for varicose veins:
- Diosmin- prevents stretching of blood vessels, increases the elasticity of venous walls, reduces blood stagnation and helps normalize blood circulation.
- Dipyridamole— improves blood microcirculation, prevents the formation of blood clots.
Under no circumstances should you choose the medicine yourself.Pills for the treatment of varicose veins on the legs have a large number of contraindications for use and can only be prescribed by the attending physician.
How to relieve varicose vein pain?For leg pain, you can use medications with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects - Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Nimesulide, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol.To eliminate tiredness, lie down for a few minutes with your legs elevated above heart level and a pillow underneath them.
Compression clothing
When treating varicose veins, it is important to wear special compression garments.Stockings, knee-highs, stockings and tights with varying degrees of compression create the necessary pressure on the veins, which helps the muscle pump to push blood upward and improves blood circulation in the legs.
IN ADDITION, THE USE OF COMPRESSION REDUCES THE LOAD ON THE VEINS, AT THE END OF THE DAY THE LEGS ARE LESS TIRED AND THERE IS NO SWELLING.
You should not choose compression clothing on your own without first consulting a phlebologist.If you notice symptoms of varicose veins, see a specialist;the doctor will examine the condition of the veins and, taking into account individual characteristics, choose the compression class and type of product.
Compression classes:
- Class 1 - compression no more than 23 mm Hg.Art.Prescribed in the initial stages of varicose veins.
- Class 2 - compression of about 33 mm Hg.Art.Used to treat moderate varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.
- Class 3 - compression of about 45 mm Hg.Art.Used in the treatment of severe venous insufficiency.
- Class 4 - compression above 50 mm Hg.Art.Prescribed for severe stages of the disease.
Massage for varicose veins
Massage is another method of treating varicose veins in the early stages.However, without proper technique, the procedure can cause even more damage.The massage must be performed by a qualified specialist.
Is it possible to massage legs with varicose veins?
Foot massage for varicose veins can only be done at the initial stage of the disease.It is prohibited to carry out the procedure for trophic ulcers, thrombophlebitis and skin diseases.General contraindications include elevated body temperature, infectious diseases and inflammatory processes.Anti-cellulite massages should not be performed for varicose veins, especially using cups.
To treat varicose veins, lymphatic drainage massage is performed.Improves blood circulation and lymphatic flow, eliminates swelling, fatigue and pain.
TO PERFORM THE LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE, FIRST PASS THE SKIN SLOWLY.THEN PROMOTE FROM the calves to the shins with gentle movements, gradually increasing the pressure force.
You can also use hydromassage with alternating water temperatures.Exposure to cold and hot water increases the tone of vascular walls and improves blood circulation.
Laser treatment of leg veins
The procedure to treat varicose veins with a laser is called laser coagulation.This is a modern method that stops the downward movement of blood.The laser allows you to increase the tone of the vascular walls and normalize blood circulation.
The principle of the technique is based on the thermal effect of the laser on the inner surface of the vein and blood.Vapor bubbles form in the blood.The steam comes into contact with the shaft wall, damages it and “carbonizes” it.The resulting blood clot is replaced by connective tissue and the passage is sealed.
Contraindications for laser coagulation:
- significant expansion of the venous trunk;
- foci of inflammation in the intervention area;
- thrombophilia;
- chronic ischemia of the lower extremities;
- diseases that require priority treatment.
Surgery to remove varicose veins in the legs
The disease can be cured with conservative and minimally invasive therapy, but can only be completely eliminated through surgery.
The main surgical operation to eliminate varicose veins is phlebectomy.During the procedure, damaged veins are removed, which makes it possible to normalize blood circulation in the deep veins.
Indications:
- extensive varicose veins;
- dilated saphenous veins;
- impaired blood flow;
- trophic ulcers;
- thrombophlebitis.
Contraindications:
- late stage of varicose veins;
- cardiac ischemia;
- serious infectious diseases;
- second half of pregnancy;
- old age.
Rehabilitation after removal of leg veins
The duration of the operation is 1 to 2 hours.The first time after the procedure, the patient is under the supervision of doctors.After a few hours, he can move his legs.Stitches are removed after 10 days.
Postoperatively, the patient is advised to wear compression stockings and perform special exercises.During the rehabilitation period, it is important to get used to normal physical activity, which will ensure blood circulation but will not cause great strain on the veins.
Prevention of varicose veins in the legs
Prevention plays an important role in treating varicose veins.It is especially important to follow certain rules if there is a genetic predisposition and other risk factors, as well as after laser treatment and phlebectomy to prevent relapses of the disease.
To prevent varicose veins, you can use folk remedies and topical medications that increase the tone of the venous wall, improve blood circulation and relieve leg swelling and fatigue at the end of the working day.We describe all these means in the article.
Lifestyle, gym and diet
To prevent the development of varicose veins, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle.Give up bad habits, which include not only alcohol and smoking, but also overeating.Obesity is one of the risk factors for varicose veins.
Balance your diet, exclude fatty, fried, salty and excessively spicy foods.Include more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
If you want to prevent the development of varicose veins, don't forget about gymnastics and light exercise.To accelerate the blood in the lower extremities, gymnastics must use the legs.An excellent exercise to prevent varicose veins is cycling.
Wear comfortable shoes.If you have a predisposition to the disease, contact a phlebologist.Your doctor will help you choose compression clothing.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
Pregnant women are at greater risk of developing varicose veins.To prevent the development of the disease during pregnancy, follow simple prevention rules:
- Wear compression stockings or stockings.
- Exercise to improve blood circulation in the legs.
- Do not stand or sit in the same position for a long time.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
- Sleep on your left side;This position will avoid pinching the vein on the right side, responsible for draining blood from the lower extremities.
- Don't cross your legs.
- Eat right.
- Take a walk outside.
What happens if varicose veins are not treated?
Varicose veins are a serious condition that, if left untreated, causes dangerous complications, including:
- thrombophlebitis;
- detachment of a blood clot and blockage of the vein lumen; pulmonary embolism;
- trophic ulcers;
- swelling of various parts of the body;
- dermatitis;
- compaction of subcutaneous fat at the site of injury.
What to remember
- Varicose veins are varicose veins that occur as a result of decreased tone of the vascular wall.
- In the initial stages of varicose veins, you can use ointments and tablets, and folk remedies.The disease can only be completely cured through surgery.
- If symptoms of varicose veins occur, consult a phlebologist.He will select the appropriate treatment.
Varicose veins are a chronic disease in which the venous vessels become stretched or elongated.Varicose veins occur not only in the veins of the legs (but this is the most common form), but they can also develop in the blood vessels of other internal organs.For all forms of varicose veins, home treatment methods are very similar.
The diagnosis of the disease is made by a phlebologist or vascular surgeon, who also determines how to treat the disease in a particular case.Treatment of the pathology is based on two methods: conservative treatment of varicose veins, carried out at home, and surgical intervention.
Varicose veinsDepending on the degree of development of venous pathology, the treatment of varicose veins at home may be:
- The main treatment occurs only in the initial stages of the disease.Seeking medical help when there is minor swelling in the feet or when a vascular pattern appears in the legs allows you to cure the disease at home.
- Auxiliary treatment - in the advanced stages of the disease, when the developed pathology requires specialized therapy, and home exercises aimed at improving blood flow are a necessary addition to the main treatment.
- A preventive measure after surgery to prevent the development of pathology.
The basis of varicose veins is the fragility of the connective tissue of the wall of venous vessels, therefore conservative treatment of the disease is mainly aimed at strengthening this wall.This treatment approach is fundamental and allows you to treat varicose veins in any location: both on the legs and in the veins of internal organs.
In addition, treating varicose veins on the legs at home requires a number of additional measures:
| Taking medications | Strengthening the vascular wall |
| Take vitamin supplements | |
| Changing your diet | |
| Use of external medications | |
| Gymnastics for veins | Improved venous blood flow |
| Wear compression clothing | |
| Exercises for blood flow | |
| Sleep with your legs elevated | |
| Workflow optimization | Reducing the load on the venous vessels of the legs |
| Lose excess weight | |
| Special physical exercises | Strengthening the calf muscles |
| Lifestyle change |
Measures aimed at strengthening the vascular wall
These methods - which aim to improve the permeability of the vascular wall of the veins, increasing their tone and elasticity - are the main guidelines in the treatment of varicose veins, including those in the legs.
Includes:
- Treatment with medications that include diosmin, troxerutin, escin.Varicose veins should be treated with these medications only as prescribed by a doctor, who will select the medication and determine the frequency and duration of administration.
- Treatment with products made according to traditional medicine recipes.
- Taking vitamin preparations - it has been proven that vitamins have the greatest influence on the permeability of the vascular wall: rutin (vitamin P) and ascorbic acid.Therefore, a combination of these two vitamins is widely used to prevent and treat the disease.
- Use of ointments and gels.
Folk remedy recipes
How to treat varicose veins at home with folk remedies:
| Alcoholic tincture of horse chestnut flowers | Take 50 g of flowers, fill them with 500 ml of ethyl alcohol at a concentration of 50%.Infuse the mixture for two weeks, shaking daily and then strain.Take 30–40 drops 3 times a day before meals for 30 days. |
| Infusion of nettle leaves | Take 2 tablespoons of dry nettle herb, pour 200 ml of boiling water and leave for 1 hour.Strain the infusion, take 60 ml 3 times a day.The course of treatment is 30 days, break 15 days, repeat twice. |
| Hop cone infusion | Pour two tablespoons of dry cones into 200 ml of hot water, boil over low heat for 10 minutes and strain.Take 200 ml of infusion 2 to 3 times a day.Remember that it causes drowsiness. |
| Apple cider vinegar solution | Add 10 ml of apple cider vinegar to 200 ml of water and drink this drink morning and evening.The recipe is contraindicated for people with peptic ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract. |
Get rid of varicose veins by running
Running with varicose veins is possible in the first and second stages.It is recommended to avoid significant stress on the legs, giving preference to running and athletic walking.In the presence of thrombosis, as well as in the later stages of the disease, running is not recommended.
It is possible to get rid of varicose veins with the help of running only at the beginning of the disease, when the veins have not yet been distended.At this stage, there are no clinical symptoms of the disease.Therefore, the patient simply does not know about the need to start classes.Once the diagnosis of varicose veins is made, running is no longer capable of completely curing the pathology.
When to contact a phlebologist?
Seeing a doctor for varicose veins should happen as early as possible.The more advanced the disease is at this point, the less likely it is that the patient will be completely cured.Ideally, the person should go to the clinic when the first signs are detected: heaviness in the legs, flying pains when standing still for a long time, swelling.
Nutrition, diet for varicose veins
With varicose veins, diet plays a significant role in stabilizing the patient's condition and restoring vascular tone.
Recommended to eat:
- seafood (mussels, shrimps, squid);
- fruits rich in vitamin C (kiwi, black currant, citrus fruits);
- blood thinning products (garlic, lemon, onion, cherry).
Dietary restrictions correspond to a general bland diet.It is prohibited to consume alcoholic beverages, excessively salty, spicy, sour foods and other foods that have irritating properties.You should also not drink large amounts of coffee, tea and other drinks that have diuretic properties.
Prevention measures
The basis for preventing varicose veins is the abandonment of a sedentary lifestyle and static loads on the legs.It is recommended to go for a short run or walk several kilometers every day.During the workday, you should take short breaks dedicated to leg exercises.Additionally, you should consume the foods described in the previous section and, if necessary, wear compression tights.A moderate degree of compression helps improve blood flow in superficial veins.
Despite its apparent safety, varicose veins are a disease that, under certain conditions, poses a threat to human life.This is especially true for the later stages of the development of pathology, during which the vascular wall becomes thinner and its integrity is easily damaged.Therefore, therapy with traditional recipes should be started as soon as possible.To avoid mistakes and the use of incorrect treatment methods, you should consult your doctor before starting it.