Symptoms of varicose veins in the legs and treatment depend on each other.When varicose veins on the legs are just beginning to develop, they can be stopped with specialized medications and creams.They will help weakened blood vessels regain their former tone.If the signs of varicose veins on the legs begin to appear more strongly, that is, if spider veins and severe swelling appear, it is worth resorting to hardware therapy that restores normal blood circulation.
Not all patients know how to properly treat varicose veins in the legs without surgery.Some suggest that taking herbs and using homemade ointments can help, but this is only a small part of the leg varicose veins treatment methods that are effective in the early stages of the disease.When the symptoms of varicose veins in the legs become permanent, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will prescribe the necessary medications and advise how to treat a particular patient.We will further consider the most popular methods of treating varicose veins of the lower extremities (VLVC).
Drug therapy
As we mentioned earlier, the shape of varicose veins affects the characteristics of their treatment.In the early stages, doctors try to get by with drug therapy.One of its advantages is the absence of direct surgical intervention.But even if varicose veins of the lower extremities have entered the second stage, you cannot stop taking medications.They will help improve blood flow in varicose veins and prevent further stretching of the vascular wall.
Ointments and gels
These medications increase the tone of blood vessels in the legs.They can be used to treat veins located close to the surface of the legs.If the disease affects deep veins, ointments and gels will not help, because they cannot penetrate the muscular barriers.Treatment of varicose veins in the legs is carried out with the following medications:
- Ointment whose main active ingredient is a flavonoid (a derivative of rutin).Taking tablets with this active ingredient is considered the most effective, but the gel can also help to deal with the initial phase of varicose veins.
- Horse chestnut-based remedy.Apply twice a day to damaged vessels.
- Gel developed to eliminate the feeling of tiredness in the legs.It has a refreshing effect.
- Another herbal preparation whose main active ingredient is grape leaf extract.
- Medicine that contains a synthetic derivative of vitamin P. Strengthens blood vessels, reduces swelling and helps in the treatment of rosacea.
Tablets and capsules
If the dilation of the leg veins progresses or during the examination it is revealed that the patient has weak and thin veins, doctors prescribe pills.
Injections
If the patient has affected small veins, treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities can be carried out by administering various medications that have a gluing effect on the vessels.Most often, iodine-based products or synthetic sclerosing substances are used.The advantage of these medications is that they do not cause thrombosis, they simply burn the vessel wall.Injections with animal proteins can also be used, but are used very rarely.
Procedures
Dilated veins in the lower extremities cannot always be cured with conventional injections and medications.In advanced stages of the disease, hardware intervention on the affected vessels will be required.The essence of all procedures is to stop or eliminate the affected vein.If the patient has contraindications to the use of lasers, nitrogen and other chemicals, the destroyed vessels will be surgically removed.In the treatment of varicose veins, the patient may be referred to:
- sclerotherapy;
- phlebectomy;
- radiofrequency ablation;
- compression therapy;
- laser coagulation;
- endoscopic dissection;
- cryosurgery;
- ozone therapy.
Each treatment method has positive and negative characteristics and is only suitable for a specific type of varicose veins.Hidden varicose veins of the lower extremities are rarely treated with surgery.In this case, the only effective way to eliminate it is to apply clips to the entire surface of the vein.The operation is very complex and is rarely performed if vasodilation threatens the patient's life.
Sclerotherapy
Varicose veins of the lower extremities can be treated with sclerosants.They damage the vessel, which leads to its further drying out.The threads after the introduction of the sclerosing form after 2 to 4 months, but patients notice the first advantages of the procedure 10 to 15 days after the operation.The most significant advantage of this procedure is the absence of skin incisions.There is also a minus sign.Not all patients have a damaged vein removed from the bloodstream.In approximately 30% of patients, it regenerates and the disease continues to develop.Stages of sclerotherapy:
- The area where the solution is introduced is disinfected.
- If necessary, anesthetic is administered.
- Using a syringe with a fine needle, the phlebologist applies injections into dilated veins and spider veins.
- After the procedure is completed, an elastic bandage is wrapped around the leg and the patient is sent for a 40-minute walk.
- The elastic bandage is removed by the doctor one day after the procedure.
Phlebectomy
When conservative treatment for varicose veins in the legs does not help at all, there is a risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) of the lower extremities and minimally invasive methods of influencing the veins do not produce results, doctors refer the patient for phlebectomy.This operation is performed to remove large bundles of overly dilated areas of blood vessels.The patient must receive anesthesia.Most often, doctors resort to combined phlebectomy.The operation is performed as follows:
- Crossectomy.The patient makes a small incision in the groin area, where the base of the damaged superficial vein is located.The venous valve is cut and the vessels are ligated.
- The second incision is made in the lower leg or ankle.Its length is 1.5 cm.Through the resulting hole, a metal probe is inserted into the damaged vein.It is attached to the opposite end of the vessel.If it is not possible to go all the way through the vein, several incisions are made and several probes are inserted.
- Pickling.The damaged vein is removed through the incision.The tip of the tip, passed through the probes, plays the role of a knife.It frees the vessel from the surrounding tissue.
- Miniphlebectomy.If the vein is generally healthy but there are nodules, they will be removed through special points marked for incisions.The veins and tributaries are connected.
- Sewing.Then the puncture and incision sites are sutured, compression bandages are wrapped and the patient is transferred to the ward.
Phlebectomy may include one or more stages, or all of them.The number of procedures depends on the degree of neglect of the disease.Modern clinics practice laser phlebectomy.The very essence of the operation remains the same, but instead of specialized surgical instruments, a laser is used.The advantages of this method are obvious.The incisions themselves become smaller and the patient's rehabilitation is faster.But it cannot be used in all stages of varicose veins.
Radiofrequency ablation
To achieve legs without varicose veins, you don't need to sacrifice the beauty of your skin.Using radiofrequency ablation, you can get rid of damaged blood vessels in a few minutes.Through a small puncture, high-frequency radio waves are transmitted through a special needle into the veins.They injure the vessel wall, which leads to its reduction and replacement with connective tissue.The patient stays in the hospital for only 1 day.
Compression Therapy
This procedure is performed for varicose veins on the legs at the initial stage.A specialized rubber suit is placed on the patient and then air is pumped into it.Artificial pressure is created in the veins, which helps restore their tone.Some patients notice that after undergoing compression therapy, the amount of cellulite on their body has decreased.
Laser coagulation
This is a modern method of treating leg veins.It is characterized by low tissue trauma, which is why many patients try to undergo this particular procedure.The essence of the operation is that a laser light guide is inserted into the damaged vein through a small size, which seals it.The doctor must carefully move the device along the entire length of the vessel.After the operation there are no scars or other side effects.
Endoscopic dissection
When dilating sural and perforating veins, this method of surgical intervention is used.With varicose veins of the lower extremities, patients often have trophic ulcers.By themselves, damage to sural or perforating veins cannot provoke the appearance of skin diseases.This disease develops against a background of circulatory failure.To normalize it, endoscopic dissection is performed.Procedure steps:
- The drumstick is cut in the upper third.The width of the incision is 2 cm.The surgeon also opens the fascial sheath and then, using a spatula, forms a cavity into which the endoscope is inserted along with the instruments.
- Vein isolation and removal.
- Gasless method.The veins are isolated and cut by the surgeon using optical control.
- Gas method.Carbon dioxide is injected into the wounds.A cavity forms in the wound, where all the veins to be removed appear.
- Sewing.
Cryosurgery
In the treatment of veins on the legs, exposure to low temperatures can be used.The method is considered completely safe, but it is rarely used, because... There is no guarantee that varicose veins will completely disappear after this therapy.Contrary to popular belief, the operation does not use chemicals, but rather a cryoprobe.It is cooled to a certain extent, which causes the container to burn.An inexperienced doctor may damage the tissue located near the vessel during surgery.
Ozone therapy
When the first symptoms of varicose veins in the lower extremities occur, some doctors recommend resorting to physiotherapeutic treatment.The essence of the procedure is that ozone is injected intravenously.The medication is dosed strictly, as too much can cause damage to blood cells.The effect of ozone therapy is the same as other treatment methods that damage blood vessels.
Medical meshes
For symptoms of varicose veins in the legs, doctors prescribe the use of compression garments for treatment.A doctor should help you choose mesh and compression levels.For segmental varicose veins of the lower extremities, the use of level 2 compression underwear is recommended. Your blood pressure will be 32 mmHg.If you are just thinking about how to deal with varicose veins on your legs, but you do not have visible signs of the disease, then to experiment you can buy underwear with the first degree of compression.Mesh with 3 and 4 degrees of compression can only be purchased in pharmacies with a prescription.
Traditional medicine
When treating varicose veins on the legs with recipes from healers, you need to be very careful.First, some plants and herbs thin the blood.If your platelet and hemoglobin levels are normal, they cannot be treated.Secondly, no fees can replace drug therapy.You cannot refuse to take medication.For varicose veins, the following recipes are considered effective:
- A mixture of garlic and oil.The garlic along with the peel is crushed into a paste and then mixed with 2 tablespoons of butter.The resulting composition is applied to diseased veins overnight, parchment paper is placed on top and wrapped in a scarf.
- Potato.5 raw roots are peeled and grated.The resulting pulp is used instead of ointment.It is kept standing for 4 hours and then washed off with warm water.
- Kalanchoe tincture.Kalanchoe leaves are washed, placed in a jar and filled with a 70% alcohol solution.Infuse the composition for 14 days.After that, the resulting tincture is lubricated on the feet every day.Procedures are carried out for 3-5 months.
Hirudotherapy
In the initial stages of leg varicose veins, patients with “thick” blood are referred for treatment with leeches.The effect of the procedure will not appear instantly.It is necessary to carry out at least 5 to 6 sessions to notice the first improvement.2 leeches are placed in the area most damaged by varicose veins and then a few more are attached along the entire length of the vein.The course of treatment is repeated every 3 months.
Varicose vein prevention
First of all, absolutely everyone needs to learn how to sit correctly.Twisting the lower limbs and the more traditional crossing of the legs leads to interruption of blood flow in the veins.As a result, under the influence of physical forces, the vessels stretch and varicose veins appear in the lower extremities.The good news is that at this stage zero the progression of the disease can be reversed, but not everyone is prepared to give up the habit.Methods for preventing varicose veins of the superficial veins of the lower extremities include:
- Hiking.The more a person walks, the better the blood circulation in the veins.Additionally, this method helps eliminate excess fat reserves and increase overall endurance.
- Foot and leg massage.This can be done during breaks between work.You need to slowly and lightly massage your toes, shins and thighs.Don't put too much pressure on your legs, because... if you have a congenital tendency to varicose veins, it could worsen the condition of your blood vessels.
- Contrast shower.It is beneficial for the entire body, but if you are not comfortable taking it, you can treat just your legs.
- Compresses with herbal decoctions.Chamomile, calendula, St. John's wort and other plants normalize blood flow and relieve muscle tension.
- Apple cider vinegar-based massages/wraps.This substance is found in almost every kitchen.Apple cider vinegar has an irritating effect on blood vessels.It causes them to contract, which helps restore the muscle cells in the walls.But this method cannot be used if you have leg injuries.Apple cider vinegar is not used in its pure form, but mixed with water 1:1.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.You need to choose your items according to size.Don't wear tight jeans or uncomfortable high heels.
- Gymnastics.Office workers can perform exercises to speed up blood flow even while sitting in a chair.You can simply raise your legs straight or bent at the knees, but it is better to walk close to the workplace.
Diet and nutrition
At all stages of varicose veins, it is necessary to follow a balanced diet.Foods with a high cholesterol content should be excluded.If the patient loves beef or pork, they should not fry them in oil.It is allowed to bake or boil fatty meats.Doctors recommend eating more foods that contain protein, magnesium, calcium and selenium.This includes beans, almost all types of fruit and nuts.
Therapeutic exercises for varicose veins
Non-surgical treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities includes performing certain physical exercises.It is allowed to do squats, leg movements and any exercises that involve working with your own weight.It is necessary to completely exclude exercises with large weights (50-60 kg), flexion and extension of the torso in a chair, and long runs from training.The most effective exercises for varicose veins:
- Scissors and a bicycle.Perform at medium pace, lying on the floor.
- Rotational movements of the legs.You need to get up, grab the support with your hand, raise one leg, take it to the side and start turning.5 movements are made inward and 5 movements outward.
- Rolling standing from toes to heels.
Stretching and warming up always starts with the upper body.You cannot immediately start active training or warm up only your legs, because... this will not help improve the condition of the vascular system.You can also walk in place.If your body mass index is significantly higher, it is recommended to first lose weight and then start exercising.