Varicose veins are a common disease of the veins that mainly affects women's legs. Its essence lies in the dilation or elongation of the veins of the lower extremities, which ultimately leads to thinning of the venous walls.
The disease cannot be ignored as it can lead to serious complications such as venous insufficiency of the legs, thrombosis, bleeding and gangrene.
Gangrene is dangerous because if left untreated, it can lead to amputation of the legs and thrombosis and even death of the patient - a single blood clot reaches the heart, which will provoke its cessation. It is imperative to treat the disease early before complications develop.
Causes
Scientists have proven that the predisposition to varicose veins is inherited. If your relatives are diagnosed with varicose veins, then it is likely to develop in you.
The following reasons can provoke its development:
- hormonal disorders;
- pregnancy;
- high loads on the legs;
- bad habits;
- hypodynamia.
The main natural cause of varicose veins of the legs is the increased load on the vessels. Exercise can occur both due to physical inactivity and due to increased physical activity. 
Often the office lifestyle leads to varicose veins - a huge amount of time spent sitting or standing. In this case, blood circulation is disrupted, stagnant areas are formed, which subsequently leads to vascular degradation.
An unhealthy diet also increases the chance of varicose veins. The cause of the disease can be increased consumption of fatty foods, fast food, cholesterol, caffeine. All this has a negative effect on the health of the veins. Excessive physical activity is also harmful.
Pregnant women are also at risk. The physical characteristics of pregnancy interfere with the proper blood supply to the legs, which often causes the development of varicose veins. In addition to insufficient blood supply to the legs, the hormonal status of pregnant women changes, which can also cause disease. During this period, it is advisable to regularly check the condition of the legs, and in case of pain to consult a doctor immediately. Inflamed veins can disappear after the birth of a child, but for prevention you can wear special underwear for draping.
Symptoms
You can suspect the development of varicose veins by using different symptoms:
- Swelling of the legs. Strengthening at the end of the working day is a common feature.
- Calf pain is an early sign.
- Sudden leg cramps.
- Prolonged healing of wounds and bruises is a late symptom.
- Varicose veins, the appearance of winding paths or nodules is an early sign.
- Hair loss from the inner surface of the legs, thickening of the skin in this area is a late symptom.
Treatments
The spread of varicose veins stimulates the creation of many opportunities for its treatment, both medical and folk. If possible, contact your doctor, who will tell you exactly how to treat yourself based on your individual characteristics. It is recommended to use folk methods only in the absence of the possibility of professional treatment. They relieve the symptoms of the disease, but do not eliminate the cause of it.
Medicine
All drug treatment is divided into two major groups: topical and general medications. It should be understood that drug treatment is relevant only in the early stages of the disease. In advanced cases, medical treatment is also used only to prevent the spread of the disease.
Anticoagulants are the most popular treatment. They dilute the blood, prevent vasodilation, which reduces the risk of blood clots. They can be taken orally or in the form of gels and ointments or injections. Only the attending physician can trust the dosage and choice of a specific drug. Angioprotectors help to improve vascular microcirculation, thus eliminating the cause of the disease.
Leeches are also used to treat varicose veins. When bitten, a natural special substance, hirudin, enters the body.
This thins the blood, which reduces the risk of blood clots. This method is less effective than medication, but for some it is the only possible way. Treatment with leeches is cyclical.
Surgical treatment
The essence of surgical treatment is to completely exclude or remove diseased veins from the circulatory system. Most often, such procedures are performed by injecting a special substance into a vein that sticks it inside. The most effective method, which is not dangerous to health, is the surgical removal of damaged veins. At the same time, the general condition of the circulatory system will practically not suffer. The veins that have caused varicose veins pass through only up to 10 percent of all the blood flowing in the legs. Removing them will strain the remaining veins, but will not cause significant damage to health.
Alternative treatment
It is possible to treat varicose veins with folk remedies, but at your own risk. Most of these methods are ineffective in the early stages of the disease and ineffective in the later stages. Alternative treatments relieve the symptoms of varicose veins, but do not cure it, which is especially dangerous in advanced cases. Such a trip is dangerous to your health.
Among the most popular folk recipes that can be used to treat varicose veins are:
- Apple cider vinegar
- wormwood;
- nettle;
- garlic.
Apple cider vinegar is able to heal external veins, relieving seizures even in young people. Inflamed spots are treated twice a day. The vinegar is diluted in the bath, the feet are placed in it for 5 minutes. After such procedures, it is recommended that your feet dry themselves. Garlic is used as an ointment. To prepare it, one part garlic is mixed with two parts butter. The resulting slurry is applied to the affected areas of the feet at night.
Prevention
Prevention is common and allows not only to prevent varicose veins, but also to increase overall health, eliminate symptoms and, as a result, improve well-being.
Basic preventive measures:
- healthy food;
- sports;
- Absence of heavy loads on the veins.
Healthy food includes the use of fruits and vegetables in the diet, especially raw. Eating walnuts and seafood also has a beneficial effect on vein health. In this case, you need to forget about high-fat and salty foods, alcohol and products containing caffeine.
Regular exercise improves blood flow to the legs, which has a positive effect on venous health. Don't exercise too much - running and moderate cycling are great. It is important, even during sedentary work, to exercise periodically, not allowing the blood to stagnate. Crossed legs are contraindicated in sedentary work.
Varicose veins are a disease that is important for treatment in the early stages. Do not be afraid to visit your doctor at the first symptoms. Today, the treatment of varicose veins in women's legs is not as expensive as before, and is not dangerous for the body. By treating yourself in advance, you will ensure health and comfort in your legs for many years to come.