Modern people spend more and more time sitting: in front of the computer or going 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 best doctors spent many years studying it, but unfortunately, they were never able to achieve the desired results.That is why this disease exists to this day and mainly affects people of working age.What causes this disease?
Varicose veins: causes of appearance.
First, a conversation about varicose veins should begin with a little 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, etc.The essence of the process itself is that, upon reaching the legs, the blood must turn around and begin the return journey.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 shape (they constantly contract and relax), then 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 slows down.The vein stretches and the person suffers the appearance of varicose veins.
It is worth noting that varicose veins occur not only in the lower extremities: there are cases of dilation of the veins of the abdominal organs, pelvic veins, testicular and spermatic cord veins.The most common are varicose veins in the legs.
The causes of the appearance of varicose veins in the legs include the following factors:
- Extra pounds.One of the most common causes of varicose veins is excess weight, as it places greater pressure on 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 developing varicose veins.The lack of necessary rest during pregnancy in the final stage creates a certain load on the body and, in particular, on the woman's legs.
- Inheritance.Strange as it may seem, your parents and grandparents can transmit such a disease to you.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 wonder: 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 insignificant things, such as tight elastic stockings or socks, impede the movement of blood and thus increase the risk of varicose veins.
Symptoms of varicose veins
The disease can progress over many years.In the initial stages, varicose veins can be completely asymptomatic.Only occasionally a person may feel heaviness, persistent pain in the legs and cramps in the calf muscles after a long walk.In the later stages, the symptoms become increasingly noticeable and varicose veins can be identified without a doubt.
First of all, signs of the appearance of such a problem are persistent pain in the legs, swelling and cramps.It is important that, in the case of varicose veins, all these symptoms are “buffered” when walking or after sleeping.
Most of the time we attribute this discomfort to fatigue after a hard day at work or after an active vacation.That's why people visually identify varicose veins.Dark blue swollen veins become visible on the legs and small bluish-red spider veins appear.
Many women in the fight against varicose veins face only the aesthetic component of the problem, wearing pants or other clothing that hides their legs.It is necessary to fight thoroughly: do not postpone the treatment of varicose veins, as the consequences may become more important.
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 deformation of the veins.Unfortunately, people turn to specialists when varicose veins are already advanced and immediate surgical intervention is required.Below are the different treatment methods for varicose veins.
Laser varicose vein treatment.
Modern medicine is developing more and more actively and doctors have the opportunity to carry out treatment of the disease without drugs.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 that 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 there are no scars on the body.
For the laser to affect the vein, a special fiber is inserted through the injection.The vein then 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 eliminating 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 a large size can become detached and later return to their place, returning their previous discomfort.
Traditional treatment for varicose veins.
Recently, people have become increasingly skeptical about medicine and various surgical interventions.They choose an alternative option: treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies.These treatment methods have been tested for decades.
Some varieties of plants 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 decoction of nettle should be taken in the morning and evening for six months.During home treatment, you should also follow a certain diet: if possible, exclude fatty, fried, salty and sweet foods from your diet.Only together can the implemented rules produce 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 veins inflamed by varicose veins, giving the legs a feeling of lightness.
Among the traditional methods of treating varicose veins, there are those that can cope with swelling and pain in the legs.Apple cider vinegar is proof of this.
It has special healing properties that are so effective in fighting 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 bath or shower.
- Compresses.To make a compress, you need to apply gauze previously soaked in apple cider vinegar to the damaged area and isolate the area.
- Another way to treat varicose veins is to spray them.Apple cider vinegar is diluted in water (150 g of vinegar per 2 liters of warm water) and the areas with varicose veins are sprayed with this solution.
Note!Clay (blue, green or white) is also useful for treating varicose veins.Damaged areas should be covered 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 various medications: special ointments, anticoagulants, anti-inflammatories and pain relievers.The use of a complex of such drugs is recommended only after being prescribed by the attending physician.
Massage is another treatment and prevention method that can relieve 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 (treatment with leeches) an effective method for varicose veins.This is a misconception.Such treatment only contributes to blood thinning, which will in no way affect the main problem of varicose veins - an increase in venous lumen.In addition, the results of such therapy can be negative for the patient.Pigmentation and prolonged bleeding are only a small part of it.Leech saliva contains a large amount of allergens that can cause inflammatory reactions in humans.
Prevention of varicose veins
Why treat varicose veins if you can prevent their appearance in advance?Following simple rules will help you not only prevent the occurrence 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 a young age we are taught to do morning exercises and take a contrast shower.Not in vain!This is the secret to the health of our entire body.
I love sports.You don't have to torture yourself with grueling workouts.You can choose the sport you like the most.The main thing is to be in constant movement and not let the body gain unnecessary kilos, 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 abandon everyone's favorite posture: "leg to leg."In this position, blood circulation is disturbed, which also negatively affects the lower extremities 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 your socks and tights do not squeeze your feet.
Reconsider your lifestyle and never forget that our health is in our hands!