Varicose veins are a common disease of the legs after thirty years, especially in women. During the development of this disease, the veins become deformed, their elasticity decreases and blood flow is disrupted. The calf muscles of the legs and the back of the knees are most often affected.
Varicose veins: causes
Factors that lead to the appearance of varicose veins of the lower extremities include the following:
- overweight - puts a lot of pressure on the legs. This is especially true for obese people. Therefore, if you have weight problems, we recommend that you engage in vigorous sports.
- pregnancy - especially in recent months, the load on the legs is quite noticeable and if you do not pay constant attention to rest, varicose veins can develop.
- work related to long stay on your feet. If it is not possible to change your job, you should change your attitude towards it and try to reduce the load on your feet.
- the presence of a tumor in the pelvic organs - bleeding is difficult.
- diseases of the walls of the veins of the lower extremities, leading to compression of the tissues and deterioration of blood flow and the formation of blood clots.
- congenital venous valve insufficiency.
Caution! In order not to hurt your feet and not to be covered with small bruises, we recommend that you take care of maintaining the health of your feet from a young age. Include moderate exercise in your daily routine and try to reduce the pressure on your legs. It is worth paying attention to the description of the symptoms during the development of the stages of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
The initial stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities: characteristics 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 can be imperceptible. In addition, in the context of medicine, there is even the so-called zero stage of varicose veins. During the course, the patient complains of the same sensations as with varicose veins. But during the examination, it is impossible to identify any symptoms of varicose veins. And treatment in this case is rarely prescribed, more often doctors recommend the exercise of a healthy lifestyle.
In the first stage, spider veins or mesh appear on the legs. Note that there are no venous outflow disorders at this stage. Patients seek help due to the slight dilation of the veins.
Second degree varicose veins
In the second stage, the insufficiency of the main vein trunks is added to all the symptoms that have already been reported. In other words, in addition to the weight on the legs and the slight dilation of the veins in the legs, swelling and bluish nodules may occur. Note that the size of the knots can be increased after prolonged sitting or walking on heels.
The third stage of varicose veins: characteristics of the development of the disease
The treatment of the disease at this stage is, most of the time, an operation. As for the symptoms of the course, the swelling increases significantly, the legs look swollen even in the morning. Convulsions may occur. Most often it reduces the calf muscles.
Caution! To get rid of the cramp, you need to stretch your leg and pull the sock towards you. If the foot does not obey, then give him this position with the help of your hands.
A characteristic sign of the third degree is the appearance of food ulcers or discoloration of the skin.
Dermatitis or eczema may also occur. Another sign of third degree varicose veins is dry skin. The skin, due to circulatory problems, loses its elasticity and the surface dries.
Varicose veins: how to treat the lower extremities and their swelling
If you have been diagnosed with varicose veins, then regardless of the stage, the treatment will be identical. The only difference will be during the treatment.
Treatment for varicose veins can vary. One of the most effective methods of treating varicose veins is massage. In order not to damage it, only a professional should do it. Proper massage improves blood circulation to a person's lower extremities. Special pneumatic massage is also used as a type of compression therapy. Thanks to him, the swelling of the legs becomes much less, the venous outflow of blood is accelerated and there is a general improvement of blood circulation in the lower extremities.
Physiotherapy is also suitable for discharging the venous system of the legs. It is a type of physical therapy for the feet that is performed just before bedtime. You can show the exercises you need in any physiotherapy room.
Elastic bandages and socks are used to reduce the symptoms of the disease and to prevent its worsening. The use of compression stockings allows you to stop the development of the disease, improves blood flow to the legs and, most importantly, prevents the formation of blood clots. You need to pick up compression underwear at a specialty store.
Caution! It is better not to save on such socks. After all, if the fabric is not elastic enough, then you will not be able to wear them.
For the treatment of varicose veins, medicinal blood thinners, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are used. It can be pills, injections. Treatment should be prescribed exclusively by a doctor and only after a thorough examination. Self-medication is prohibited.
Popular treatments for varicose veins include hirudotherapy. During the procedure, the leeches, biting the skin, inject hirudin into it, a substance that prevents blood from clotting. As a result, the number of blood clots decreases.
The treatment and relief of the course of the disease is possible with the use of creams, ointments, gels. You can buy them at any drugstore and you do not need a prescription for it. In the later stages of the disease, the venologist will offer you an immediate solution to the problem.
Anyone diagnosed with edema should follow a special diet. The diet should include foods low in cholesterol and rich in protein and vitamins. In this case, the use of seafood in food 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 include the following foods:
- Legumes, sprouted wheat grains, liver, olive oil or corn oil are foods rich in vitamin E. It gives our veins elasticity.
- Vitamins C and P (routine) are needed to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and the veins of the lower extremities. Vitamin C is found in roses, sea buckthorn, cabbage, black currants and, of course, citrus fruits. And the routine is in the same roses, citrus, black currant and black chokeberry. Based on these berries, compotes or decoctions can be prepared.
- Bioflavonoids facilitate movement within the veins - eat 10 cherries and dark cherries in pieces.
- Include fiber-rich foods in your diet to relieve constipation. After all, everyone knows that veins suffer from constipation.
- make sure you drink at least two liters of water. With the lack of water consumed, the blood becomes viscous and thus the load on our veins increases.
It is worth saying a few words about what will happen if the varicose veins are not treated in time. Remember that thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, eczema or food ulcers can occur as a result of such a disease. Remember that with advanced varicose veins, a pulmonary embolism can occur.
And this disease can cause sudden death. Therefore, if you want to live healthy and happy forever, then it is better to visit your doctor in time.
After all, it is easier to cure the disease at an early stage and surgery at the beginning of the disease is optional. Do not be sick! Good luck!