Modern people spend more and more time sitting: while at the computer or getting to the right place in the car.The more we refuse to walk, 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 studying it, but, unfortunately, they never achieved the desired results.That is why this disease exists to this day, most of the time bothering people of working age.What causes this disease?
Varicose veins - causes of appearance
First of all, a conversation about varicose veins should start with some information about how our circulatory system works.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, upon reaching the legs, the blood must turn around and make its way back.And this is where the problem that leads to the development of varicose veins arises.
In addition to the heart, the leg muscles also contribute to the circulation of blood through the vessels.If they are in good shape (constantly contracting and relaxing), there are no problems with the movement of blood through the vessels.If the veins dilate, a gap forms between the valves and blood flow decreases.The vein stretches and the person suffers from the appearance of varicose veins.
It is worth mentioning that varicose veins do not only occur in the lower extremities: there are cases of dilation of the veins of the abdominal organs, pelvic veins, testicular veins and the 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 being overweight, as it increases pressure in 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 its final stages places a certain burden on the body and, especially, on the woman's legs.
- Heredity.Oddly enough, but this 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 ask: how, for example, can alcohol affect the appearance of varicose veins?The answer is simple.Drinks containing alcohol contribute to the dehydration of our body and, therefore, the blood vessels do not receive the necessary amount of nutrients.
Even seemingly small things like tight elastic stockings or stockings impede blood circulation, 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 can a person feel heaviness, dull pain in the legs and cramps in the calf muscles after a long walk.In the later stages, symptoms become increasingly noticeable and varicose veins can be identified without doubt.
First of all, signs about the occurrence of such a problem are dull pain 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.
Most often we attribute this discomfort to fatigue after a hard day at work or after active recreation.This is why people identify varicose veins visually.Dark blue swollen veins become visible on the legs and small blue-red vessels appear.
Many women in the fight against varicose veins only face the aesthetic component of the problem, wearing pants or other clothes that hide their legs.You have to fight hard - do not delay treating varicose veins, as the consequences can become more significant.
Methods and means of treating varicose veins
How to find the right treatment for varicose veins?Sometimes a person just needs a certain amount of rest to avoid the first signs of vein deformation.Unfortunately, people turn to specialists when varicose veins are advanced and immediate surgical intervention is required.Below are the various treatment methods for varicose veins.
Laser varicose vein treatment
Modern medicine is developing more and more actively and doctors have the opportunity to treat the disease without medications.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” with a high-energy laser.The operation does not take long (about 40 minutes), and on this day the patient can go home or return to work.For this reason, this treatment method is called “office surgery”.The most important thing is the cosmetic effect.After this treatment, no scars remain on the body.
For the laser to reach the vein, a special fiber is inserted through the injection.Then 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 treatment for varicose veins is started, the veins that have reached large sizes may become detached and later return to their place, returning the previous discomfort.
Traditional treatment for varicose veins
Recently, people have become increasingly skeptical about medical medicine and various surgical interventions.They choose an alternative option - treating varicose veins with folk remedies.These treatment methods have been tested for decades.
Some plant varieties provide effective home treatment and prevention of varicose veins.Without a doubt, the desired result will only be possible if they are used correctly.One of these medicinal plants is nettle.
The disadvantage of treating varicose veins with home remedies is expressed in their duration.A medicinal nettle decoction should be taken morning and evening for six months.During home treatment, you must also adhere to a certain diet: if possible, exclude fatty, fried, salty and sweet foods from your diet.Only as a whole can the implemented rules produce the desired effect.
Another example of a medicinal plant is the 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, there are those that combat swelling and pain in the legs.Apple cider vinegar is proof of this.
It has special healing properties that are very effective in combating 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, eliminating swelling and toning the skin.There are several ways to use this product at home:
- Rub apple cider vinegar after bathing or showering.
- Compresses.To make a compress, you need to apply gauze pre-soaked in apple cider vinegar to the damaged area and isolate the area.
- Another way to treat varicose veins is soaking.Apple cider vinegar is diluted in water (150 g of vinegar per 2 liters of warm water) and the areas with varicose veins are watered with this solution.
Observation!Clay (blue, green or white) is also useful in treating varicose veins.Damaged areas must be coated with clay soaked in cold water.
Other treatments for varicose veins
In addition to vein removal surgery, varicose vein treatment at home and laser therapy, there are a series of medications: special ointments, anticoagulants, anti-inflammatories and analgesics.The use of a complex of these drugs is recommended only after a prescription from the attending physician.
Massage is another treatment and prevention method that can alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins, as it promotes better blood circulation in the body.It is better to entrust 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 mistake.Such treatment only promotes blood thinning, which will in no way affect the main problem of varicose veins - an increase in venous lumen.Furthermore, the results of this 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.
Varicose vein prevention
Why treat varicose veins if you can prevent their occurrence in advance!Following simple rules will help 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 entire life is movement.From childhood we are taught to do morning exercises and take contrast showers.Not in vain!This is the secret to the health of our entire body.
I love sports.You don't need to torture yourself with tiring exercises.You can choose the sport you like.The main thing is to be in constant movement and not let your body gain unnecessary pounds, which can cause the appearance of varicose veins.In this case, special attention should be paid to nutrition: if possible, exclude fatty foods or try to minimize their quantity.Don't forget: we are what we eat.
We abandoned everyone’s favorite pose – “leg to leg”.In this position, blood circulation is impaired, which also negatively affects the lower limbs and contributes to the development of varicose veins.It is better to put a small bench or stand under your feet.
Make sure your shoes are comfortable, have low heels, and that the elastics on your socks and stockings don't squeeze your feet.
Reconsider your lifestyle and never forget that our health is in our hands!