Varicose veins on the legs: treatment with drugs and folk remedies at home.

Varicose veins are one of the most common pathologies of the human vascular system.

The most favorite place for varicose veins is the lower extremities. Many modern methods of treatment are aimed at combating varicose veins. Frequent medical clinics offer various injection, laser, and surgical procedures.

Factors provoking the development of varicose veins.

Despite the fact that the predisposition to varicose veins is genetic (if both parents in the family suffer from this disease, the probability of its occurrence in the offspring reaches 90%), the disease develops under the influence of external factors that increase the pressure inside the vein. . Among them:

1. Excess weight - a violation of lipid metabolism provokes a number of vascular diseases, including varicose veins.
2. Static loads - work sitting or standing. But walking, on the other hand, sets off a "muscle pump", which stimulates the outflow of blood through the veins.
3. Shoes with high heels - restricts the work of the calf muscle, thus reducing the activity of the muscle pump.
4. Chronic constipation - increases intra-abdominal pressure and thus the pressure in the veins of the lower extremities.
5. Pregnancy and childbirth: All vital systems of the female body, including the cardiovascular system, are under increased stress during pregnancy and childbirth.

First of all, the venous valves cannot withstand a large load, which should normally ensure blood flow in only one direction - from bottom to top. The valve begins to pass blood in the opposite direction (from top to bottom), and in the area bounded by it, the pressure inside the vein increases significantly - the vessel expands, a varicose vein appears. The valves in this area eventually cease to perform their function, the venous pressure rises even more - the vicious circle is closed, and the changes begin to spread to neighboring areas.

Sooner or later, chronic venous insufficiency develops - a condition caused by constant stagnation of blood in impaired veins.

Symptoms

The symptoms of varicose veins are characterized by a gradual progression. Obvious signs are not detected immediately, in the first stage, the disease manifests itself through:

• leg swelling, especially after prolonged sitting or standing, which usually goes away by itself in the morning, the first sign that the deep veins are not working well;
• cramps and numbness of the legs, especially often this symptom manifests itself at night and in the morning;
• sensations of heaviness, burning, itching and pain in the legs, especially characteristic of the second half of the day;
• the first visible signs are the characteristic bluish-red vascular networks and asterisks, perfectly visible on the skin.

With the progression of varicose veins, additional symptoms appear

• thickening and darkening of the skin of the lower leg - in this case, spots and peeling appear;
• veins become painful when tested;
• severe muscle pain, the intensity of which increases when walking;
• the appearance of venous nodules protruding above the skin of the legs and feet.

If competent treatment is not prescribed even at this stage, the patient will inevitably face serious complications, which will be discussed a little later.

How to treat varicose veins?

Women's legs are in a special risk group. According to statistics, more than 70% of all cases of the disease, varicose veins affect women. The disease not only negatively affects health. It significantly spoils the appearance, making the fair sex uncomfortable.

At the first signs of varicose veins in the legs (swelling, heaviness in the legs, the appearance of swollen veins and spider veins), treatment should be started immediately. How to treat varicose veins in the legs in women? There are several ways:

• use venotonic ointments and gels;
• take pills to increase the tone of the veins;
• use the advice of traditional medicine;
• carry out the correction of the work of the veins by medical procedures (sclerotherapy, laser coagulation);
• radically solve the problem surgically (phlebectomy).

Ointments, gels and tablets are quite effective at the initial stage of varicose veins. Traditional medicine can accompany a woman throughout the entire treatment period, supporting the body, regardless of the main methods of therapy. Conservative and minimally invasive methods of treatment (sclerotherapy, laser exposure) are used in cases where varicose veins begin to actively progress. Surgical intervention is an extreme measure when the health and life of a woman are in danger due to serious pathology of the veins.

Medical treatment

In the complex therapy of varicose veins, special drugs are necessarily used. For the most part, these are capsules or tablets that have a versatile effect on the body. In particular:

1. phlebotonics. These drugs increase blood flow, prevent the development of thrombosis, and at the same time increase the tone of the vascular walls. It will not work to remove varicose veins with such drugs, but they are quite capable of removing swelling in the legs, eliminating burning and pain. In the case of varicose veins, 2 tablets are usually taken per day, and the duration of treatment is determined solely by the doctor.
2. anticoagulant medications. Such drugs dilute the blood and promote its better circulation, preventing the development of thrombosis. These drugs are prescribed only on an individual basis and the terms of use are set by the doctor.
3. anti-inflammatory drugs. These include pills, ointments, and gels that relieve pain, relieve swelling, and prevent platelets from sticking together. But more importantly, these drugs prevent inflammation of the veins, which leads to thrombophlebitis.

Medications are prescribed in cases where milder exposure methods do not help. However, do not rush to resort to drugs, as they can harm not only the stomach, but also the heart and liver.

Modern drugs for the treatment of varicose veins on the legs.

Modern varicose vein treatment methods simply work wonders. To prescribe a suitable drug, you need to consult a specialist.

Ointments and creams for varicose veins

They act as a prophylactic and as an auxiliary method of treating the disease in the early stages. They are helping:

• reduces pain;
• reduce swelling;
• improve the activity of the valve system;
• increase the tone of the vascular walls;
• restore normal blood flow;
• prevent the development of complications.

The only contraindication is that the ointment for varicose veins on the legs cannot be used if there is a skin lesion.

Surgical treatment of varicose veins

Some patients need improved and more radical treatment for varicose veins. Such tactics are most often associated with the removal or blockage of the affected veins.

These are open surgeries and minimally invasive procedures, including:

1. microsclerotherapy- Based on the name, the procedure is aimed at treating small varicose veins. The amount of chemical fluid injected is also small and the procedure gives the same results as sclerotherapy.
2. sclerotherapyIt is a simple procedure that involves closing a varicose vein by injecting a chemical liquid into a dilated vessel. Under the influence of the substance, irritation and final blockage (occlusion) of the vein occurs. This type of surgery is best suited for small and less pronounced varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is most often done every 4 weeks; during this period, the patient's legs should be wrapped with elastic bandages, which reduce the severity of the pathological process.
3. laser surgery– This treatment does not include surgery or injection of liquid chemicals. To remove varicose veins in the affected areas, a laser beam is used.
4. endovascular surgery– As with ablative therapy, during this procedure, the doctor must cut the affected part, then a surgical instrument is used, with which the vein is occluded. This method of treatment is primarily intended to eliminate severe varicose veins that contribute to the formation of wounds on the skin.
5. Intravenous ablative therapy- with this method of treating varicose veins, the doctor uses laser radiation or radio waves. Unlike laser surgery, which works with light, this procedure generates heat, which causes the veins to expand and close, eventually turning into strands of connective tissue. In this, the doctor cuts the skin around the affected veins and then inserts a catheter, the tip of which supplies the heat necessary for the healing process. Since the procedure is not complicated, the only area that requires postoperative care is the affected tissue for the purpose of trimming.

Stockings and pantyhose for varicose veins

Women are more prone to varicose veins than men. This is due to the hormonal changes they experience throughout their lives (pregnancy, menopause). The most comfortable and easiest method to treat varicose veins is to wear special tights or stockings that protect the legs from pain, swelling and fatigue.

The effectiveness of compression underwear is due to the fact that it compresses the legs and this leads to compression of varicose veins. The use of compression stockings is an excellent prevention of varicose veins. There are models of products designed for the treatment of dilated veins in men and pregnant women.

hydrotherapy

Treatment of varicose veins with water has been known since time immemorial. Under the influence of different temperatures, the veins narrow and expand, which helps to increase their elasticity. Knowing this, modern doctors use hydrotherapy in the early stages of varicose veins, when vascular networks are just beginning to appear on the skin.

Also, depending on the existing problem, baths can be local (only for the legs), or general (for the whole body). The water temperature in such a bath varies from 20 to 40°C.

active lifestyle

Avoid staying in one place for a long time, whether you are sitting or standing! Staying in one place for a long time (sitting in a chair or standing) leads to pooling of blood in the legs.

If there is a break at work, try to use it to walk. The fact is that when walking, the leg muscles more effectively direct blood to the heart. Whether you're sitting or standing a lot at work, try to take a break every hour for simple exercise. Get up on your heels, then on your toes for 10 minutes. These exercises help direct blood upward and reduce swelling.

Exercise at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes at a time. This will help you stay fit and even squirm with a little extra weight. Walking is a particularly valuable exercise for the legs, because with each step, the leg muscles act on the veins and thus the blood rises.

Keep your legs as high as possible while resting

While resting, try to keep your legs as high as possible relative to the level of your heart.

The cause of varicose veins is the tendency of blood to accumulate at the level of the legs. During its ascent, blood returns to the heart more easily and reduces the load on the venous vessels.

It's ideal to do this during a break at work or at home between tasks.

Foot massage

A light foot massage stimulates blood circulation. To do this, the muscles of the legs (but not the veins! ) are massaged with two fingers, moving from the heels to the hips.

Don't keep your legs crossed

When sitting on a chair, it is strictly prohibited to keep your legs crossed. Holding one foot over the other creates unwanted extra pressure on the leg and limits the surge of blood through the veins.

Folk remedies for the treatment of varicose veins.

Especially effective is the treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies at home in the summer. Popular recipes are:

1. Horse chestnut flowers.Pour 50 g of flowers with 0. 5 liters of alcohol and leave for 14 days, shaking the bottle every day. Pass the resulting tincture through the mesh and use 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day before meals with water. After a week of treatment, take a 2-week break. Then repeat again.
2. Kalanchoe pinnate.Wash the leaves of Kalanchoe pinnate and put them in a one-liter jar (the leaves should be half the jar). Fill with 70% alcohol and insist in a dark place for 14 days. Shake the bottle before applying. Lubricate your legs and feet every day before bed. The pain will disappear after the first application. If varicose veins run, 4 months are needed for treatment.
3. Dad.Peel 5 potatoes and grate. Grate the resulting puree and spread it over the feet. After 4 hours, the pain will completely disappear, and then rinse the potatoes with warm water.
4. applesPut 3 apples in 1 liter of boiling water, cover and place in a warm place for 4 hours. Then, without removing the apples, break them up, mix the solution and strain. Take by adding 1 tbsp. a tablespoon of honey, half a glass (50 g) in the morning before meals and in the evening before bedtime. The tool also cleanses the blood, improves sleep and appetite.
5. Garlic with butter.Take the garlic with white peel and grind it. Mix it with two parts of butter. Apply to protruding veins at night, put parchment paper on top and secure with a bandage or warm scarf. Rinse in the morning and put something warm and soft on your feet.

Treatment of varicose veins at home is not always possible. In order for the therapy to be successful, it is necessary to consult a doctor and strictly follow his instructions.

Otherwise, such negative consequences of treatment as:

• ineffectiveness of therapy and deterioration of the condition of the veins;
• allergic reactions and intolerance to the means used;
• skin burns due to incorrect application of compresses with burning substances;
• vessel ruptures and thromboembolism, if treatment is carried out against the background of existing contraindications.

Among the contraindications for the treatment of varicose veins are the third and fourth degree of pathology. In this case, the disease can only be removed by surgery. Also, traditional medicine is not applicable to a high risk of thromboembolism, exacerbation of vascular insufficiency, severe disease with cramps in the calf muscles, deposition of a large amount of blood in the affected vessels, and a high volume of the affected area.

How to use apple cider vinegar for varicose veins?

Some simple tips and reviews on how to treat varicose veins on the legs at home with vinegar:

1. Moisten a cotton pad in vinegar, wipe your feet on problem areas. Repeat the procedure as often as possible, 5-7 times a day.
2. Take warm water in the bath, pour a liter of vinegar into it. Soak your feet in the water, after half an hour, finish the water procedures. Doctors do not recommend drying your feet with a towel. It is best to lie in bed, raise your legs above your head (for example, lean against the wall), and let them dry naturally.
3. Fold the gauze in several layers, moisten abundantly in vinegar. Put your feet on the problem areas, wrap them with cling film (or a plastic bag), wrap them with a warm scarf. Remove the compress after an hour.
4. You can also take apple cider vinegar orally. Mix a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of warm water, drink on an empty stomach half an hour before breakfast. It is important to remember that this recipe cannot be used in medical therapy in the presence of problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Apple cider vinegar contains a large number of vitamins, macro- and microelements, minerals. They have a beneficial effect on the body, helping to effectively cope with varicose veins. Apple cider vinegar is not capable of harming a person, and with its regular use, a positive effect will be noticeable after a month.

Reviews

• Woman, 33 years old. "I treated varicose veins with apple cider vinegar and massage: I did daily half-hour wraps followed by 5-minute massage on swollen veins for two months. First morning pains in legs disappeared, after three weeks veins disappeared varicose veins, and now even the deep veins are gone. I am very happy that we managed to avoid surgery, and now I advise all my friends to treat varicose veins with apple cider vinegar.
• Girl, 21 years old. "After prolonged pain in my legs, I had to go to a phlebologist. He suggested that I have my varicose veins removed with laser surgery, I overcame my fear and agreed. The removal of my varicose veins with laser lasted 40 minutes under local anesthesia, and after the operation, the swelling and bruising lasted another week. I am satisfied with the result of the treatment, I no longer have pain. "
• Male, 40 years old. "A phlebologist recommended me to treat varicose veins with leeches. I am not afraid of these creatures, so I readily agreed. Leech saliva contains useful hirudin, which cleanses and dilutes the blood, slowing down its coagulation. The course of treatment was from 8 sessions at intervals of three days. After a break of 3 months, I will pass the repeated course, because after 2 sessions I noticed that the swelling of the legs decreased, it became easier to walk. "

What will happen if it is not treated?

There is an aphorism about varicose veins created by doctors: "A disease that manifests itself in the legs and shoots in the heart. "In fact, this disease is not just an aesthetic problem that causes problems and reduces the quality of life. In the absence of qualified medical assistance, varicose veins are fraught with serious complications, including death.

So, the consequences of varicose veins in the legs can be:

• thrombophlebitis - the disease is accompanied by the appearance of inflammatory processes in the affected veins;
• bleeding;
• tissue malnutrition;
• increased pigmentation;
• increased thrombus formation is a dangerous complication not only for health, but also for life.

Separately, it is worth mentioning such a common "companion" of varicose veins on the legs as a trophic ulcer. The cause of its appearance is constant venous insufficiency and increased pressure in the veins.

Prevention

There is no question here whether varicose veins can be cured. We'll talk about what to do so it doesn't have to be treated.

1. Hide all the uncomfortable shoes, as well as the stilettos, in a drawer. It is permissible to use it only occasionally, for special occasions.
2. Don't forget to take 5-minute breaks when working on the computer for a long time. Special exercises can be done even in the office. If possible, try to walk to work.
3. If you are prone to constipation, do not leave this problem unattended. Due to the constant heaviness in the pelvis, blood circulation begins to suffer. Cooperate with friends of interest and regularly organize cycling, go to the pool, do exercises in the fresh air.
4. Control your body weight. If necessary, review the diet. It should not contain many fatty or fried foods.
5. Having settled on the sofa after a hard day, put a roller under your feet, about 15 cm high, so the blood flow in the vessels of the legs will return to normal.
6. If your profession involves a long stay on your feet and physical activity, take breaks to rest. If you are used to putting one foot on the other, try to control yourself. This habit can easily lead to inflammation.
7. Wear only comfortable, non-restrictive clothing. Don't buy too tight jeans or tight socks. This rule applies in particular to women. Uncomfortable tight jeans have a negative impact not only on the health of the legs, but also on the work of the genitourinary system.

Compression underwear is used not only for the treatment of varicose veins, but also for their prevention. So, for example, if a person in the family suffers from this disease, during pregnancy, during flights and long trips by bus or train, in the process of training, it is better for him to wear compression stockings or wrap his legs with a elastic bandage

When to see a doctor?

Contact with a doctor for varicose veins should occur as soon as possible. The more advanced the disease is at this point, the less likely the patient will be completely cured. Ideally, if a person visits the clinic at the time of the detection of the first signs - heaviness in the legs, flying pains when immobile for a long time, swelling.