Detailed description for our readers: how to treat varicose veins on the legs?on the website varicose veins-cure.rf in detail and with photos.
In the article we talk about leg veins and talk about the treatment of varicose veins at home.You will learn what folk remedies can be used for varicose veins, whether massage is effective and in what cases surgery is necessary.Using our tips, you can make compresses and tinctures to relieve swelling and pain from varicose veins in the legs.You will also find a list of ointments that are effective against varicose veins.
Varicose veins on the legs, veins on the legs
Varicose veins or varicose veins of the lower extremities is a disease in which the walls of superficial vessels become thinner, their lumen increases and nodular expansions are formed.Outwardly, the disease can be detected if the veins of the legs protrude.Varicose veins occur in both women and men, but women are more prone to the pathology.
Causes, symptoms
Varicose veins are enlarged (swollen) veins that appear on the surface of the leg muscles.The veins become swollen and tortuous and protrude strongly under the skin.Why do varicose veins appear?In the lower limbs there are saphenous and deep veins;they are connected by communicating veins.Through them, the blood flows upwards from the saphenous veins to the deep ones.The muscle pump is responsible for its movement.
During physical movements, muscles contract and push blood upwards.Venous valves prevent blood from moving downward.This is proper blood circulation, and it is possible only with normal venous tone.
If the tone of the venous wall is reduced and the valves do not perform their function, the blood moves not only up, but also down.This increases the pressure on the vessels, provokes their swelling and expansion and promotes the formation of knots.
Nerve endings located on the walls of blood vessels send a signal to the brain.The brain gives a command to increase venous tone.The increase in resistance further increases the load on the veins, leading to atrophy of the venous wall and death of the nerve endings.
Risk factors contributing to the development of varicose veins:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- lack of physical activity;
- poor nutrition;
- obesity;
- hormonal imbalance;
- pregnancy;
- genetic predisposition.
Symptoms of varicose veins on the legs:
- heaviness in the legs;
- increased fatigue;
- local pain in the area of the lower part of the leg;
- swelling of the legs;
- night cramps - in severe cases.
In the initial stages, varicose veins are manifested externally by the formation of spider webs on the surface of the skin.As the disease progresses, the dilatation of the veins increases and hemodynamics are increasingly disturbed.In the final stages, the superficial veins merge with the skin.The veins are blocked and trophic ulcers are formed.
Leg vein hurts - what to do?
If a bulging vein appears on the leg and it hurts, this indicates the development of varicose veins.The earlier you start the treatment, the more successful it will be and the greater the chances of stopping the progression of the disease.
Which doctor should I see for varicose veins?The diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins is carried out by a phlebologist.Even in the initial stages, it is necessary to seek advice from a specialist.He will identify the main factors that influenced the development of the disease and prescribe adequate methods of treatment and prevention.
Treatment of varicose veins on the legs
Treatment of varicose veins in the legs is done at home, unless the patient needs surgery or laser surgery.Doctors prescribe tablets, ointments and gels that improve venous circulation, break up blood clots, increase blood flow and relieve swelling and fatigue in the legs.Folk remedies can be used as additional therapy.
Treatment of varicose veins on the legs with folk remedies
In this section, we will tell you how and how to treat varicose veins on the legs at home.If you are interested in how to treat varicose veins on the legs in women or how to treat varicose veins in the legs in men, you will find effective folk remedies in the table.
Recipes of traditional medicine for the treatment of varicose veins:
| Title | How it works | Instructions for use |
| Nettles | It thins the blood and improves blood circulation, helps to strengthen the vascular walls and prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques. | Take 5 tbsp.dry nettle and pour 250 ml of vodka.Infuse the medicine for 7 days in a dark place.Use tincture 1 tbsp.3 times a day before meals. |
| soda | Dilutes the blood, removes swelling and heaviness in the legs, accelerates the outflow of lymph, relieves pain. | Take 1-2 tbsp.baking soda and slightly moistened with water.Apply the mixture to the affected area and cover it with a cabbage leaf.Secure the compress with gauze and leave overnight. You can make a foot bath with baking soda.To do this, dilute 200 g of soda in 5 liters of warm water.The duration of the procedure is 10-15 minutes. |
| Apple cider vinegar | Increases the tone of the venous walls, improves blood circulation, removes edema and reduces pain. | Rub apple cider vinegar on the affected areas morning and night after showering. You can use apple cider vinegar as a compress.Moisten the gauze with liquid and fasten it on the leg.Lie down for 1 hour, placing your feet on a pillow so that they are 15-20 cm above the level of the heart. |
| cabbage | Relieves swelling and redness, removes pain. | Take a cabbage leaf and press it with a rolling pin until it releases the juice.Coat one side of the leaf with vegetable oil and apply to the affected area.Secure the compress with a bandage.Leave it on all day or all night. |
| yellow flowers | It relieves swelling, relieves fatigue and pain in the legs. | Steam 1 tbsp.yolks in a glass of boiling water.Soak a linen cloth in the broth.Wrap your feet and leave for 1 hour.Carry out the procedure for 7 days.Then take a ten-day break. |
| Laundry soap | It relieves inflammation and accelerates regeneration processes.It promotes the healing of cracks and wounds that worsen the condition of varicose veins. | Grate a bar of laundry soap.Grind 10 Aspirin tablets and pour them with 250 ml of vodka.Add soap.Leave for 2 days.Use the product as a lotion. |
| honey | It improves blood circulation, tones the walls of blood vessels and increases their elasticity.Strengthens general and local immunity. | Take 1 tbsp on an empty stomach.honey every day. Foot baths are made with honey.To do this, dissolve 10 g of honey in 5 liters of warm water.The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes. |
| wormwood | It relieves inflammation, thins the blood and improves blood circulation, reduces pain. | Pour over 2 tbsp.dry wormwood with a glass of kefir.Soak a natural fabric in the mixture.Place the compress on the affected area and secure it.Leave for 20-30 minutes. |
| Raw potatoes | It helps strengthen the venous walls and improves blood circulation. | Grate the raw potatoes on a fine grater.Apply the paste to your feet and secure them with a bandage.Leave for 5 hours. |
| Kalanchoe | Relieves inflammation, accelerates regeneration processes, removes swelling. | Wash and cut a few kalanchoe leaves.Pour in 500 ml of vodka.Leave for 7 days.With the finished tincture, rub the sore spots on the legs. |
Ointment for varicose veins of the legs
Varicose vein ointments are used when one or more veins are visible.Medicines for local application do not eliminate the disease, but only reduce the severity of the manifestations.If your vein is swollen and bulging, contact a phlebologist.The doctor will advise you to use ointments and gels in the early stages, but the basis for stopping the disease will be its prevention and elimination of risk factors.
List of ointments for varicose veins of the legs:
- Heparin ointment- cheap ointment based on sodium heparin.Anticoagulant not only thins the blood, but also reduces pain.
- Troxevasin— increases the tone of the vascular walls, has an anti-inflammatory, decongestant and diluting effect.Prevents the formation of blood clots.
- A medicine that contains leech extract.The ointment improves blood circulation, removes swelling and pain, increases the tone of the walls of blood vessels.
Tablets for varicose veins of the legs
In addition to ointments, tablets are also used in the early stages of varicose veins.Phlebotonics, anticoagulants, antioxidants and antiplatelet agents are used to treat varicose veins.
Tablets for varicose veins:
- Diosmin- prevents the stretching of blood vessels, increases the elasticity of venous walls, reduces blood stagnation and helps to normalize blood circulation.
- Dipyridamole— improves blood microcirculation, prevents the formation of blood clots.
In no case should you choose the medicine yourself.Tablets for the treatment of varicose veins of the legs have a large number of contraindications for use and can only be prescribed by the attending physician.
How to relieve the pain of varicose veins?For pain in the legs, you can use drugs with an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect - diclofenac, indomethacin, nimesulide, ibuprofen, paracetamol.To eliminate fatigue, lie down for a few minutes with your legs elevated above the level of your heart and a pillow under them.
Compression garments
When treating varicose veins, it is important to wear special compression clothing.Socks, knee socks, stockings and tights with different degrees of compression create the necessary pressure on the veins, this helps the muscle pump to push blood up and improves blood circulation in the legs.
IN ADDITION, THE COMPRESSION WEAR REDUCES THE LOAD ON THE VEINS, AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE LEGS ARE LESS TIRED AND THERE IS NO Swelling.
You should not choose compression clothing on your own without first consulting a phlebologist.If you notice symptoms of varicose veins, contact a specialist;the doctor will examine the condition of the veins and, taking into account the individual characteristics, will choose a class of compression and type of product.
Compression classes:
- Class 1 - compression no more than 23 mm Hg.Art.It is prescribed in the early stages of varicose veins.
- Class 2 - compression about 33 mm Hg.Art.It is used to treat moderate varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.
- Class 3 - compression about 45 mm Hg.Art.It is used in the treatment of severe venous insufficiency.
- Class 4 - compression over 50 mm Hg.Art.It is prescribed in severe stages of the disease.
Massage for varicose veins
Massage is another method of treating varicose veins in the early stages.However, without proper technique, the procedure can cause even more harm.The massage should be performed by a qualified specialist.
Is it possible to massage legs with varicose veins?
Leg massage for varicose veins can be done only in the initial stage of the disease.It is forbidden to carry out the procedure in case of trophic ulcers, thrombophlebitis and skin diseases.General contraindications include elevated body temperature, infectious diseases and inflammatory processes.You should not do anti-cellulite massage for varicose veins, especially with vacuum cups.
Lymphatic drainage massage is performed to treat varicose veins.Improves blood circulation and lymph flow, removes swelling, fatigue and pain.
TO PERFORM A LYMPH DRAINAGE MASSAGE, FIRST TAP SLOWLY ON THE SKIN.THEN, IN A SMOOTH MOVEMENT, GO FROM THE SHOULDER TO THE FULL, GRADUALLY INCREASING THE STRENGTH OF PRESSURE.
You can also use a hydromassage with alternating water temperature.Exposure to cold and warm water increases the tone of the vascular walls and improves blood circulation.
Laser treatment of leg veins
The procedure for treating varicose veins with a laser is called laser coagulation.This is a modern method that prevents blood from moving downwards.The laser allows you to increase the tone of the vascular walls and normalize blood circulation.
The principle of the technique is based on the thermal effect of the laser on the inner surface of the vein and blood.Steam bubbles form in the blood.The steam comes into contact with the wall of the vein, damaging it and "charring" it.The resulting blood clot is replaced by connective tissue and the passage is sealed.
Contraindications for laser coagulation:
- significant expansion of the trunk of the vein;
- foci of inflammation in the area of intervention;
- thrombophilia;
- chronic ischemia of the lower limbs;
- diseases requiring priority treatment.
Surgery to remove varicose veins of the legs
The disease can be cured by conservative and minimally invasive therapy, but it can be completely eliminated only by surgery.
The main surgical operation to remove varicose veins is phlebectomy.During the procedure, the damaged veins are removed, which allows the blood circulation in the deep veins to normalize.
Indications:
- extensive varicose veins;
- dilated saphenous veins;
- impaired blood flow;
- trophic ulcers;
- thrombophlebitis.
Contraindications:
- late stage varicose veins;
- cardiac ischemia;
- severe infectious diseases;
- the second half of pregnancy;
- old age
Rehabilitation after removal of leg veins
The duration of the operation is 1-2 hours.The first time after its implementation, the patient is under the supervision of a doctor.After a few hours he is allowed to move his legs.Sutures are removed after 10 days.
In the postoperative period, the patient is prescribed to wear compression stockings and perform special exercises.During the rehabilitation period, it is important to get used to normal physical activity that will ensure blood circulation, but will not cause a heavy load on the veins.
Prevention of varicose veins on the legs
Prevention plays an important role in the treatment of varicose veins.It is especially important to follow certain rules if there is a genetic predisposition and other risk factors, as well as after laser treatment and phlebectomy, in order to prevent recurrence of the disease.
To prevent varicose veins, you can use folk remedies and local drugs that increase the tone of the venous wall, improve blood circulation and relieve swelling and fatigue of the legs at the end of the working day.We have described all these means in the article.
Lifestyle, gymnastics and diet
To prevent the development of varicose veins, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle.Give up bad habits, which include not only alcohol and smoking, but also overeating.Obesity is one of the risk factors for varicose veins.
Balance your diet, exclude fatty, fried, salty and excessively spicy foods.Include more fresh fruits and vegetables in your menu.
If you want to prevent the development of varicose veins, do not forget about gymnastics and light exercises.To accelerate the blood in the lower limbs, gymnastics should use the legs.An excellent exercise to prevent varicose veins is cycling.
Wear comfortable shoes.If you are prone to the disease, contact a phlebologist.Your doctor will help you choose a compression garment.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
Pregnant women are more at risk of developing varicose veins.To prevent the development of the disease during pregnancy, follow simple rules of prevention:
- Wear compression socks or stockings.
- Exercise to improve blood circulation in the legs.
- Do not stand or sit in one position for a long time.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
- Sleep on your left side;this position will allow you not to press the vein on the right side, which is responsible for the outflow of blood from the lower extremities.
- Don't cross your legs.
- Eat right.
- Take a walk in the fresh air.
What happens if varicose veins are not treated?
Varicose veins are a serious condition that, if left untreated, can cause dangerous complications, including:
- thrombophlebitis;
- detachment of a blood clot and blockage of the lumen of the vein; pulmonary embolism;
- trophic ulcers;
- swelling of various parts of the body;
- dermatitis;
- thickening of subcutaneous fatty tissue at the site of the lesion.
What to remember
- Varicose veins are enlarged veins that occur as a result of reduced tone of the vessel wall.
- In the initial stages of varicose veins, you can use ointments and tablets and folk remedies.The disease can be completely cured only by surgery.
- If symptoms of varicose veins appear, consult a phlebologist.He will choose the right treatment.
Varicose veins are a chronic disease in which the venous vessels become stretched or elongated.Varicose veins appear not only in the veins of the legs (but this is their most common form), but can also develop in the blood vessels of other internal organs.For all forms of varicose veins, home treatment methods are very similar.
The diagnosis of the disease is carried out by a phlebologist or a vascular surgeon, who also determines how to treat the disease in a particular case.The treatment of the pathology is based on two methods: conservative treatment of varicose veins, which is carried out at home, and surgical intervention.
Varicose veins Depending on the degree of development of venous pathology, the treatment of varicose veins at home can be:
- The main treatment is only in the early stages of the disease.Seeking medical help at the stage of slight swelling of the legs or when a vascular pattern appears on the legs allows you to cure the disease at home.
- Auxiliary treatment - in an advanced stage of the disease, when the developed pathology requires specialized therapy, and home exercises aimed at improving blood flow are a necessary addition to the main treatment.
- A preventive measure after surgery to prevent further development of the pathology.
The basis of varicose veins is the weakness of the connective tissue of the wall of the venous vessels, which is why the conservative treatment of the disease is primarily aimed at strengthening this wall.This approach to treatment is basic and allows you to treat varicose veins of any localization: both on the legs and on the veins of the internal organs.
Also, the treatment of varicose veins of the legs at home requires a whole set of additional measures:
| Taking medication | Strengthening of the vascular wall |
| Taking vitamin supplements | |
| Changing your diet | |
| Use of external drugs | |
| Gymnastics for veins | Improvement of venous blood flow |
| Wearing compression clothing | |
| Exercises for blood flow | |
| Sleeping with legs elevated | |
| Optimizing the work process | Reducing the load on the venous vessels of the legs |
| Losing excess weight | |
| Special physical exercises | Strengthening the calf muscles |
| A change in lifestyle |
Measures aimed at strengthening the vascular wall
These methods - aimed at improving the permeability of the vascular wall of the veins, increasing its tone and elasticity - are the main guidelines for the treatment of varicose veins, including leg veins.
It includes:
- Treatment with drugs that include diosmin, troxerutin, escin.Varicose veins should be treated with these drugs only according to the prescription of a doctor, who will select the drug and determine the frequency and duration of administration.
- Treatment with products made according to recipes of traditional medicine.
- Taking vitamin preparations - it has been proven that vitamins: rutin (vitamin P) and ascorbic acid have the greatest influence on the permeability of the vascular wall.That is why the combination of these two vitamins is widely used for the prevention and treatment of the disease.
- Use of ointments and gels.
Recipes for folk remedies
How to treat varicose veins at home with folk remedies:
| Alcohol tincture of horse chestnut flowers | Take 50 g of flowers, pour them with 500 ml of ethyl alcohol with a concentration of 50%.Insist the mixture for two weeks, shaking daily, then strain.Take 30-40 drops 3 times a day before meals for 30 days. |
| Tincture of nettle leaves | Take 2 tablespoons of dried nettle herb, pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 1 hour.Strain the infusion, take 60 ml 3 times a day.The course of treatment is 30 days, rest - 15 days, repeat twice. |
| Infusion of hop cones | Pour two tablespoons of dried pine cones with 200 ml of hot water, boil over low heat for 10 minutes, strain.Take 200 ml of the infusion 2-3 times a day.Remember that it causes drowsiness. |
| Apple cider vinegar solution | Add 10 ml of apple cider vinegar to 200 ml of water, take this drink in the morning and evening.The recipe is contraindicated in people with peptic ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract. |
Get rid of varicose veins by running
Running with varicose veins is possible in the first and second stage.It is recommended to avoid significant stress on the legs, preferring jogging and competitive walking.In the presence of thrombosis, as well as in the later stages of the disease, jogging is not recommended.
It is possible to get rid of varicose veins with the help of running only at the very beginning of the disease, when the veins are not yet stretched.At this stage, there are no clinical symptoms of the disease.Therefore, the patient simply does not know about the need to start classes.At the moment when the diagnosis of varicose veins is made, jogging is no longer able to completely cure the pathology.
When to contact a phlebologist?
A visit to a doctor for varicose veins should happen as early as possible.The more advanced the disease is at this point, the less likely it is that the patient will be completely cured.It is ideal that a person visits the clinic at the moment of discovering the first signs: heaviness in the legs, flying pain when standing still for a long time, swelling.
Nutrition, diet for varicose veins
In varicose veins, diet plays an important role in stabilizing the patient's condition and restoring vascular tone.
Recommended to eat:
- seafood (clams, shrimps, squids);
- fruits rich in vitamin C (kiwis, blackcurrants, citrus fruits);
- blood thinning products (garlic, lemon, onion, cherry).
Dietary restrictions correspond to a general sparing diet.It is forbidden to take alcoholic beverages, excessively salty, spicy, sour and other foods that have irritating properties.You should also not drink large amounts of coffee, tea and other drinks that have diuretic properties.
Prevention measures
The basis for preventing varicose veins is the rejection of a sedentary lifestyle and static loads on the legs.It is recommended to do a short jog or walk a few kilometers every day.During the working day, you should take short breaks dedicated to leg exercises.You should also eat the foods described in the previous section and, if necessary, wear compression stockings.A moderate degree of compression helps improve blood flow in the superficial veins.
Despite its apparent safety, varicose veins are a disease that, under certain conditions, poses a threat to human life.This applies especially to the later stages of the development of the pathology, during which the vascular wall becomes thinner and its integrity is very easily damaged.Therefore, treatment with traditional recipes should be started as soon as possible.To avoid mistakes and the use of incorrect treatment methods, you should consult your doctor before starting.