Modern people spend more and more time sitting: while they are in front of the computer or getting to the right place in their car.The more often we deprive ourselves of walking, 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 greatest doctors devoted many years to its study, but, unfortunately, they were never able to achieve the desired results.That is why such a disease exists to this day, bothering people most often of working age.What causes this disease?
Varicose veins - causes of the appearance
First of all, the conversation about varicose veins should begin with a little information about the functioning of our circulatory system.As you know, blood circulates in 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 after reaching the legs, the blood must turn around and make the return trip.And here arises the problem that leads to the development of varicose veins.
In addition to the heart, the muscles of the legs also contribute to the movement of blood through the vessels.If they are in good shape (constantly contracting and relaxing), 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 is slowed.The vein gets stretched and a person suffers from the appearance of varicose veins.
It is worth noting that varicose veins occur not only in the lower limbs: there are cases of dilation of the veins of the abdominal organs, pelvic veins, testicular veins and spermatic cord.Varicose veins of the legs are the most common.
The causes of the appearance of varicose veins on the legs include the following factors:
- Extra pounds.One of the most common causes of varicose veins is being overweight, as it creates increased pressure on the veins of the lower extremities.
- Activities that involve standing for excessively long periods of time.
- Inactivity or physical absence.Unlike the previous factor, the reason for the development of varicose veins can be a "sedentary" lifestyle.
- Pregnancy Unfortunately, it also increases the risk of varicose veins.The lack of necessary rest when carrying a child in the last stages creates a certain load on the body and in particular on the legs of the woman.
- Heredity.Oddly enough, but such a disease can be passed on to you from your parents, grandparents.In addition, varicose veins can be located in completely different places.
It would be a big mistake to think that these factors contribute to the formation and development of varicose veins.These are just the main reasons.Hormonal imbalance, frequent stress, even bad habits can trigger this disease.Many will ask: how, for example, can alcohol affect the appearance of varicose veins?The answer is easy.Alcohol-containing drinks contribute to the dehydration of our body, and therefore the blood vessels do not receive the necessary amount of nutrients.
Even such seemingly small things as tight elastic socks or stockings interfere with blood circulation, thereby increasing 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 can a person feel heaviness, unpleasant pain in the legs and cramps in the calf muscles after a long walk.In the later stages, the symptoms become more noticeable and varicose veins can be identified without doubt.
First of all, the signals of the appearance of such a problem are unpleasant pain in the legs, swelling and cramps.It is important that with varicose veins all these symptoms are "silenced" during walking or after sleep.
Most often, we attribute this discomfort to fatigue after a hard day's work or after active recreation.This is why people recognize varicose veins visually.Dark blue swollen veins become visible on the legs and small red-blue spider webs appear.
Many women in the fight against varicose veins deal only with the aesthetic component of the problem, wearing pants or other clothing that hides their legs.You need to fight diligently - do not postpone the treatment of varicose veins, because the consequences can become more significant.
Methods and means for the treatment of varicose veins
How to find the right treatment for varicose veins?Sometimes a person just needs some time to rest to avoid the first signs of vein deformation.Unfortunately, people turn to specialists when varicose veins are already at an advanced stage and immediate surgical intervention is required.Below are the different methods of treating varicose veins.
Laser treatment of varicose veins
Modern medicine is developing more and more actively, and doctors have the opportunity to conduct drug-free treatment of the disease.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 varicose veins.Areas damaged by varicose veins are "soldered" using a high-energy laser.The operation does not take much time (about 40 minutes) and the patient can go home or return to work that day.For this reason, this method of treatment is called "office surgery".The most important thing is the cosmetic effect.After this procedure, no scars remain on the body.
In order 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 removing 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 large sizes can peel off and later return to their place, returning their previous discomfort.
Traditional treatment of varicose veins
Recently, people have become more and more skeptical of medicine and various surgical interventions.They choose an alternative option - treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies.Such treatment methods have been tested for decades.
Some varieties of plants provide effective home treatment and prevention of varicose veins.Undoubtedly, the desired result will be possible only if they are used correctly.One of these medicinal plants is nettle.
The disadvantage of the treatment of varicose veins with home remedies is expressed in its duration.Medicinal decoction of nettle should be taken 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 as a whole will the introduced rules be able to produce the desired effect.
Another example of a medicinal plant is the acacia.White acacia flowers are used in the form of compresses, tinctures and lotions.This medicine promotes the resorption of swollen veins due to varicose veins, giving the legs a feeling of lightness.
Among the traditional methods of treating varicose veins, there are those that can deal with swelling and pain in the legs.Apple cider vinegar is proof of that.
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.It also has an anti-inflammatory effect, removing swelling and toning the skin.There are several ways to use this product at home:
- Rubbing with apple cider vinegar after a bath or shower.
- Compresses.To make a compress, you need to apply gauze pre-soaked with apple cider vinegar to the damaged area and isolate the area.
- Another way to treat varicose veins is dousing.Apple cider vinegar is diluted in water (150 g of vinegar per 2 liters of warm water) and the areas with varicose veins are poured with this solution.
Note!Clay (blue, green or white) is also useful for treating varicose veins.Damaged areas should be smeared with clay soaked in cold water.
Other treatments for varicose veins
In addition to surgery to remove veins, treatment of varicose veins at home and laser therapy, there are a number of drugs: special ointments, blood thinners, anti-inflammatory and pain relievers.The use of a complex of such drugs is recommended only after a prescription from 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 the massage for varicose veins to a qualified specialist, otherwise the effect may be the opposite, worsening the situation.
Let's dispel the myth!Many people consider hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches) to be an effective method for varicose veins.This is a misconception.Such treatment only promotes blood thinning, which will in no way affect the main problem of varicose veins - an increase in the venous lumen.In addition, the results of such therapy can be negative for the patient.Pigmentation and prolonged bleeding are only a small part.The saliva of leeches contains a large number of allergens that can cause inflammatory reactions in humans.
Prevention of varicose veins
Why treat varicose veins if you can prevent them in the first place!Following simple rules will help you not only to protect yourself from the appearance and long-term treatment of varicose veins, but also to improve your health.
We should not forget that the meaning of our whole life is movement.From childhood we are taught to do morning gymnastics and take a contrast shower.Not in vain!This is the secret to the health of our entire body.
Love sports.You don't have to torture yourself with grueling workouts.You can choose the sport you like.The main thing is to be constantly in motion and not allow your body to accumulate unnecessary pounds, 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 amount.Remember: we are what we eat.
We're ditching everyone's favorite leg-to-leg pose.In this position, blood circulation is disturbed, which also negatively affects the lower limbs and contributes to the development of varicose veins.It is better to put a small bench or stand under your feet.
Make sure your shoes are comfortable, with a low heel, and that the elastics of your socks and stockings don't squeeze your feet.
Review your lifestyle and never forget that our health is in our hands!