One of the problems of about 15% of many women and men is varicose veins in the legs. In this disease, the legs (vessels) that return with the waste products of carbon dioxide and metabolism in the blood become deformed, dilated, lose their tone and appear under the skin.
In addition to cosmetic defects, changes in the structure of blood vessels and impaired blood circulation can cause discomfort in the legs and even pain, edema and heaviness. Although there are a variety of medications and procedures that can help treat it, it is important to prevent it when the first signs of varicose veins appear - it will help prevent pain, swelling, tired feet, and external cosmetic defects.
What is the problem?
Varicose veins, commonly called varicose veins, are severe changes in the venous wall, weakness, excessive elongation, so under the skin appear swollen veins wrapped in dark blue or purple. At the initial stage, small "stars", small wreaths, and later larger ones may appear from the enlarged capillaries.
Blood vessels have a special structure: in addition to the elastic wall, there are small valves (pockets) that prevent blood flow in the opposite direction. When varicose veins weaken the valve in the vessel wall, they stretch, deform, and do not close completely. Excessive elongation of the walls and valve defects result in worse blood flow through the arteries, slowing the movement and even stopping it. At first, small veins appear in the form of "stars" or spider legs, then thicker twisted veins appear.
Other symptoms of varicose veins can manifest themselves as follows:
- burning, trembling sensation in the calf;
- feeling of discomfort, heaviness or sadness in the legs;
- muscle spasms, spasms, more noticeable at night;
- swelling of the feet and ankles;
- Dry or itchy, pale skin that looks thinner than healthy skin.
If you have a tendency to varicose veins or the first symptoms appear, there are a number of procedures that can relieve discomfort and pain in the legs, improve blood circulation and increase vascular tone.
Exercise and physical activity
Regular exercise improves blood circulation in the legs. Muscle contraction helps push the blood that collects in the arteries. Exercise also helps lower blood pressure, which is another negative factor that contributes to varicose veins.
Low-intensity exercise helps to contract calf muscles. They work without the necessary stress.
Effective, less effective exercises include:
- swimming;
- walking;
- bicycle;
- yoga.
Compression stockings and armpits
Compression stockings are available in most pharmacies and orthopedic stores. They apply pressure to the legs by squeezing the walls of the arteries from the outside. Helps transport blood to heart & relieve blood clots in lower extremitiesThe study found people who wore knee-length compression stockings that maintained a pressure between 18 and 21 mm Hg. noted a decrease in pain and discomfort associated with varicose veins within a week. It is important to choose socks and armpits with a doctor or salon specialist to avoid mistakes in the degree of compression.
Plant extract
Studies show that horse chestnut extract can help reduce leg pain, heaviness and itching in people with chronic venous insufficiency (one of the leading causes of varicose veins).
One study suggests that sea buckthorn extract and butcher's broom extract can reduce swelling or edema of the foot, which is often associated with varicose veins.
Plant extracts and essential oils should be diluted before use on the skin or used in an aromatherapy diffuser.
Dietary changes
Salty or sodium-rich foods can cause swelling, including in the feet and ankles, so reducing salty foods can minimize water retention. Foods high in potassium, such as almonds and peanuts, help prevent and treat varicose veins by reducing water retention in the body. This group includes:
- almonds and pistachios;
- lentils and white beans;
- potatoes;
- leafy vegetables;
- Some fish species such as fish and tuna.
Fiber foods help maintain bowel function and prevent constipation. This can be important because stress can damage the valves or cause blood clots in the arteries. High-fiber foods include:
- nuts, seeds and legumes;
- oats, wheat and flax seeds;
- whole grains.
People who are overweight suffer more from varicose veins, so losing extra pounds reduces the pressure on the arteries, reducing swelling and discomfort.
Flavonoids in food
Adding flavonoids to your diet can also help reduce the risk of varicose veins. Flavonoids, biologically active substances, improve blood circulation, ensure uniform blood flow and reduce the likelihood of blood clots in the arteries. They help lower blood pressure in the arteries and relax the blood vessels, reduce vascular stress and reduce the risk of varicose veins.
Foods that contain flavonoids include:
- vegetables: green onions, rich peppers, spinach and broccoli;
- citrus and grapes, cherries, apples and blueberries;
- cocoa;
- garlic.
Herbal medicines
Some herbal remedies help reduce vascular tone and deformation. It is believed that taking grape seed extract can reduce leg swelling and other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, although there is currently little evidence of its effectiveness. If you are taking blood thinners, you should avoid taking grape seed extract as a dietary supplement, as it can interact with medications and increase the risk of bleeding.
Choose the right clothes
Wearing tight, tight and synthetic clothing can restrict blood flow to your feet. Wearing loose, breathable clothing that does not restrict the blood supply to the lower body improves blood flow through the arteries and reduces valve deformation.
It is forbidden to wear both tight and tight shoes. Shoes with narrow feet put pressure on the blood vessels and cause pain. It is recommended to choose shoes with orthopedic marks.
Wearing shoes with a comfortable, stable heel instead of a low heel or high heel can also help relieve varicose vein pain in the legs.
Legs need to be raised more often
Periodically lifting the legs up, at the same height or higher as the heart, helps to improve blood circulation. This reduces the pressure in the arteries of the legs and the force of gravity helps the blood to return to the heart smoothly. If you plan to sit for a long time, for example, while working or resting, you should try to lift your legs.
Massage
Gently massaging your feet, legs and thighs can keep the blood in your veins. For optimal results, you can use gentle massage oils or moisturizers. However, it is very important not to put pressure directly on the arteries, as this can damage the fragile tissue. Less useful massage with water in the shower, including a contrast agent.
Constant motion
Avoid sitting for long periods of time. If you have to sit at work for a long time, you need to get up and move, or at least change your position frequently so that the blood flows completely through the veins in the legs.
Avoid sitting cross-legged, as this can further restrict blood flow to the legs and feet and aggravate circulatory problems.
Varicose Veins Treatment Procedures
If preventive measures at home do not improve the condition of your veins, if there is severe discomfort, pain and swelling, medical treatment is needed to remove the varicose veins.
The doctor may prescribe the following:
- Endothermic ablation.This is a procedure in which heat is applied to seal the affected vessels;
- Outpatient phlebectomyThe doctor pierces the skin and removes the varicose veins through small incisions. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, virtually no scars;
- Sclerotherapy.This procedure uses a special foam to close the damaged blood vessels. Blood will flow through the bypass vascular system;
- Ligation and removal.In this procedure, varicose veins are surgically removed;
- Laser operations.An intense burst of light is directed at a vein, causing it to go out;
- Endoscopic Surgery.During this operation, a small video camera is placed on the surgeon's leg to better see what is happening in the veins. The veins are removed in several small incisions.
Future forecasts
Varicose veins cause discomfort and cosmetic defects. Varicose veins can be prevented at home, and changes in diet and lifestyle can reduce unpleasant symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, you should consult a doctor to eliminate the visible defects and heal the arteries themselves.