A common disease of the legs after the age of thirty, and especially in women, is varicose veins. In the course of the development of this disease, the veins are deformed, their elasticity decreases, and blood flow is disturbed. Most often, the calf muscles of the legs and the back of the knees are affected.
Varicose veins of the legs: causes of appearance.
Factors that lead to the appearance of varicose veins of the lower extremities include the following:
- being 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 play sports vigorously;
- pregnancy - especially in the last months, the load on the legs is quite noticeable, and if you do not pay constant attention to rest, varicose veins can develop;
- work associated with prolonged standing. If it is not possible to change jobs, you need to change your attitude towards him and try to reduce the load on your legs;
- the presence of a tumor in the pelvic organs - the outflow of blood is difficult;
- diseases of the walls of the veins of the lower extremities, leading to tissue compaction and impaired blood flow, and the formation of blood clots;
- congenital venous valve regurgitation.
Attention! To avoid pain in your legs and not covered with small bruises, we recommend that you pay attention to maintaining the health of your legs from an early age. Include moderate exercise in your daily routine and try to reduce the stress on your legs. It is worth paying attention to the description of symptoms during the development of the stages of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
The initial stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities: features 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 framework of medicine, there is even the so-called zero stage of varicose veins. During its course, the patient complains of the same sensations as with varicose veins. But during the examination, it is impossible to determine any symptoms of varicose veins. And treatment in this case is rarely prescribed, more often doctors recommend practicing a healthy lifestyle.
In the first stage, spider veins or a mesh appear on the legs. Note that there are no venous outflow disturbances 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 trunks of the main veins is added to all the symptoms already listed. That is, in addition to heaviness in the legs and slight enlargement of the veins in the legs, swelling and bluish nodules may appear. Note that the size of the knots may increase after sitting for a long time or walking in heels.
The third stage of varicose veins: features of the development of the disease.
Treatment of the disease at this stage is usually an operation. As for the symptoms of the course, the swelling increases significantly, the legs look swollen even in the morning. Seizures may appear. Most of the time it reduces the calf muscles.
Attention! To get rid of the cramp, you need to stretch your leg and pull the sock towards you. If the leg does not obey, give it this position with the help of your hands.
A characteristic third degree sign is the appearance of trophic ulcers or skin discoloration.
Dermatitis or eczema may also appear. Another sign of third degree varicose veins is dry skin. The epidermis, due to circulatory problems, loses its elasticity and the surface dries up.
Varicose veins: how to treat the lower extremities and their swelling
If you have been diagnosed with varicose veins, regardless of the stage, the treatment will be identical. The only difference will be in the duration of the treatment.
Treatment of varicose veins can vary. One of the most effective methods to treat varicose veins is massage. In order not to damage it, only a professional should do it. Properly performed massage improves blood circulation in a person's lower extremities. Special pneumatic massage is also used as a kind of compression treatment. Thanks to him, the swelling of the legs becomes much less, the outflow of venous blood is accelerated, and a general improvement of blood circulation in the lower extremities is observed.
Physiotherapy is also suitable for unloading the venous system of the legs. It is a type of physical education for the legs that is done immediately before going to bed. You can show the exercises you need in any physical therapy room.
To reduce the symptoms of the disease and to prevent its aggravation, bandages and elastic stockings are used. Wearing compression stockings allows you to stop the development of the disease, improves blood flow in the legs and, most importantly, prevents the formation of blood clots. You should pick up compression underwear at a specialty store.
Attention! It is better not to save on such stockings. After all, if the fabric isn't stretchy enough, you won't be able to wear them.
For the treatment of varicose veins, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are used. It can be pills, injections. Treatment should be prescribed exclusively by a doctor and only after a full examination. Self-medication is prohibited.
Popular methods for treating leg varicose veins include hirudotherapy. During the procedure, leeches, which bite into the skin, inject hirudin, a substance that prevents blood from clotting. As a result, the number of blood clots decreases.
Treatment and alleviation of the course of the disease is possible with the use of creams, ointments and gels. You can buy them at any pharmacy and you don't need a prescription for it. In the later stages of the disease, the phlebologist will offer you a quick solution to the problem.
Anyone who has been diagnosed with enlargement must follow a special diet. The diet should contain foods low in cholesterol and rich in protein and vitamins. In this case, the use of shellfish in food also has a positive effect on health. Smoked meats, broths, marinades should be excluded from consumed products, coffee and alcohol should be avoided.
The patient's diet should contain the following foods:
- legumes, sprouted wheat grains, liver, olive or corn oil are foods rich in vitamin E. It provides elasticity to our veins;
- To strengthen the walls of the blood vessels and veins of the lower extremities, vitamins C and P (rutin) are needed. Vitamin C is present in rose hip, sea buckthorn, cabbage, black currant, and of course citrus fruits. And the grind is in the same rose hips, citrus, black currant, and black chokeberry. On the basis of these berries, compotes or decoctions can be made;
- bioflavonoids facilitate movement through the veins: eat 10 cherries and dark cherries in pieces;
- Include foods rich in fiber 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 therefore increases the load on our veins.
It is worth saying a few words about what will happen if varicose veins are not cured in time. Remember that as a consequence of this disease, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, eczema or trophic ulcers can appear. Don't forget 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, it is better that you consult your doctor in time.
After all, it is easier to cure the disease at the initial stage, and the operation at the beginning of the disease is optional. Do not get sick! Good luck!