Modern people spend more and more time sitting: at the computer or getting to the right place in the car.The more we avoid walking, the greater the risk of developing varicose veins.
More than half of the world's population faces this problem in one way or another.The diagnosis of varicose veins dates back to ancient times.The greatest doctors spent many years studying it, but unfortunately they were never able to achieve the desired results.For this reason, such a disease exists to this day and most often affects people of working age.What causes this disease?
Varicose veins – causes of occurrence
A conversation about varicose veins should first begin with some information about how our circulatory system works.As you know, blood circulates throughout our body and the trigger of this process is our heart: it contracts rhythmically and directs the blood through arteries, vessels, etc. The essence of the process itself is that once the blood reaches the legs, it must turn around and start the journey back.And this is where the problem arises that leads to the development of varicose veins.
In addition to the heart, the leg muscles also contribute to the movement of blood through the vessels.If they are in good condition (consistently contract and relax), there are no problems with the movement of blood through the vessels.When the veins expand, a gap is created between the valves and blood flow slows.The vein expands and the person suffers from the appearance of varicose veins.
It is worth noting that varicose veins occur not only in the lower extremities: there are cases of expansion of the veins of the abdominal organs, pelvic veins, testicular and spermatic cord veins.Varicose veins are most common on the legs.
The reasons for the appearance of varicose veins on the legs include the following factors:
- Extra pounds.One of the most common causes of varicose veins is excess weight, as this creates increased pressure on the veins of the lower extremities.
- Activities that require standing for long 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, this also increases the risk of varicose veins.The lack of necessary rest when carrying a child in the final stages leads to a certain strain on the body and especially on the woman's legs.
- Inheritance.However, oddly enough, such a disease can be passed on to you from your parents and grandparents.In addition, varicose veins can be located in very different places.
It would be a big 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 can alcohol, for example, affect the appearance of varicose veins?The answer is simple.Drinks containing alcohol contribute to dehydration of our body and therefore the blood vessels do not receive the required amount of nutrients.
Even seemingly small things like tight elastic stockings or socks restrict blood flow and thereby increase 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 do you feel heaviness, stabbing pain in your legs and cramps in your calf muscles after a long walk.In the later stages, the symptoms become more and more noticeable and varicose veins can be identified without a doubt.
The first signs of the onset of such a problem are stabbing pain in the legs, swelling and cramps.It is important that in the case of varicose veins, all of these symptoms are “dampened” when walking or after sleeping.
Most often we attribute such complaints to fatigue after a hard day at work or after active rest.For this reason, varicose veins can be recognized visually.Dark blue swollen veins become visible on the legs and small red-blue spider veins form.
Many women, in the fight against varicose veins, cope only with the aesthetic component of the problem by wearing pants or other clothing that hides their legs.You need to fight thoroughly - do not postpone the treatment of varicose veins, because the consequences can become more serious.
Methods and means for treating varicose veins
How do you find the right treatment for varicose veins?Sometimes you just need a certain amount of rest to avoid the first signs of vein deformation.Unfortunately, people turn to specialists when varicose veins are already advanced and immediate surgical intervention is required.Below you will find the different treatment methods for varicose veins.
Treatment of varicose veins with laser
Modern medicine is developing more and more actively and doctors have the opportunity to treat the disease without medication.One of these methods is laser treatment of varicose veins, i.e. coagulation.The essence of this process is to close the lumen of dilated veins.Areas damaged by varicose veins are “soldered” using a high-energy laser.The operation does not take long (about 40 minutes) and the patient can return home or work that day.For this reason, this treatment method is called “office surgery”.The most important thing is the cosmetic effect.No scars remain on the body after this treatment.
In order for the laser to act on the vein, a special fiber is inserted through the injection.Next, the vein spasms, after which the lumen closes.The vein does not participate in blood flow and is subsequently replaced by connective tissue.With this treatment you can achieve the effect of removing varicose veins.
Despite the effectiveness of this method, unforeseen circumstances are also possible.When treatment for varicose veins is started, large veins may become detached and later return to their place, causing the previous symptoms to recur.
Traditional treatment of varicose veins
Recently, people have become increasingly skeptical about medicine and various surgical procedures.They choose an alternative option – treating varicose veins with folk remedies.Such treatment methods have been tried and tested for decades.
Some varieties of plants allow effective treatment and prevention of varicose veins at home.Undoubtedly, the desired result is only possible if used correctly.One of these medicinal plants is nettle.
The disadvantage of treating varicose veins with home remedies is the duration.A medicinal nettle decoction should be taken morning and evening for six months.Even during home treatment, you should adhere to a specific diet: exclude fatty, fried, salty and sweet foods from your diet if possible.Only as a whole can the implemented rules achieve the desired effect.
Another example of a medicinal plant is acacia.White acacia flowers are used in the form of compresses, tinctures and lotions.This remedy promotes the resorption of swollen veins due to varicose veins and gives a feeling of lightness to the legs.
Among the traditional methods of treating varicose veins, there are those that can relieve swelling and pain in the legs.The proof of this is apple cider vinegar.
It has special healing properties that are very effective in the fight against varicose veins.This product contains many minerals and trace elements that have a positive 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, eliminates swelling and tightens the skin.There are several ways to use this product at home:
- Rub apple cider vinegar after bathing or showering.
- Compressed.To make a compress, you need to apply gauze soaked in apple cider vinegar to the damaged area and insulate the area.
- Another option for treating varicose veins is dousing.Apple cider vinegar is diluted in water (150 g of vinegar per 2 liters of warm water) and areas with varicose veins are poured with this solution.
Note!Clay (blue, green or white) is also suitable for treating varicose veins.Damaged areas should be coated with clay soaked in cold water.
Other treatments for varicose veins
In addition to vein removal surgery, home treatment of varicose veins and laser therapy, there are a number of medications: special ointments, blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers.The use of a complex of such drugs is recommended only as prescribed by the attending physician.
Massage is another treatment and prevention method that can relieve the symptoms of varicose veins because it promotes better blood circulation in the body.It is better to entrust the massage of varicose veins to a qualified specialist, otherwise the opposite effect may occur and the situation may worsen.
Let's dispel the myth!Many people consider hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches) to be an effective method for varicose veins.This is a misunderstanding.Such treatment only promotes blood thinning, which in no way affects the main problem of varicose veins - an increase in the lumen of the vein.In addition, the results of such therapy can be negative for the patient.Pigmentation and persistent bleeding are just a small part of it.Leech saliva contains a variety of allergens that can cause inflammatory reactions in humans.
Prevention of varicose veins
Why treat varicose veins when you can prevent them from occurring 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 should not forget that the meaning of our entire life is movement.From childhood we are taught to do morning exercises and take a contrast shower.Not for nothing!This is the secret to the health of our entire body.
Love sports.You don't have to torture yourself with strenuous training sessions.You can choose the sport you like.The main thing is to be constantly moving and not to unnecessarily gain pounds on your body, which can lead to the development of varicose veins.In this case, special attention should be paid to nutrition: exclude fatty foods if possible or try to minimize their quantity.Remember: we are what we eat.
We forego everyone’s favorite position – “leg to leg”.In this position, blood circulation is disturbed, which also has a negative effect on the lower limbs and contributes to the development of varicose veins.It is better to place a small bench or stand under your feet.
Make sure your shoes are comfortable, have low heels, and that the elastic bands on socks and stockings do not squeeze your feet.
Rethink your lifestyle and never forget that our health is in our hands!