A common disease of the legs after thirty years and especially in women is varicose veins. In the course of the development of this disease, the veins become deformed, their elasticity decreases and blood flow is disrupted. The calf muscles of the legs and the back of the knees are most often affected.
Varicose veins of the legs: causes
Factors leading to the appearance of varicose veins in the lower extremities include the following:
- overweight - puts a lot of pressure on the legs. This is especially true for obese people. Therefore, if you have weight problems, we recommend that you do sports vigorously;
- pregnancy - especially in recent months, the load on the legs is quite noticeable and if you do not pay constant attention to rest, varicose veins can develop;
- work associated with a long stay at your feet. If it is not possible to change your job, you should change your attitude towards it and try to reduce the load on your legs;
- the presence of a tumor in the pelvic organs - bleeding is difficult;
- diseases of the walls of the veins of the lower extremities, leading to thickening of the tissues and worsening of blood flow, as well as the formation of blood clots;
- congenital venous valve insufficiency.
Attention! In order not to hurt your feet and not to be covered with light bruises, we recommend that you pay attention to maintaining the health of your feet from an early age. Include moderate exercise in your daily routine and try to reduce the strain on your legs. It is worth paying attention to the description of symptoms during the development of the stages of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
The initial stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities: features of the disease
First of all, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the course of the first stage of varicose veins may be invisible. In addition, within medicine there is even the so-called zero stage of varicose veins. During its course, the patient complains of the same sensations as varicose veins. But during the examination it is impossible to detect any symptoms of varicose veins. And treatment in this case is rarely prescribed, more often doctors recommend to practice a healthy lifestyle.
In the first stage, spider veins or a web appear on the legs. Please note that there are no venous outflow disorders at this stage. Patients seek help for mild varicose veins.
Second degree varicose veins
In the second stage, insufficiency of the main venous trunks is added to all the symptoms already listed. In other words, in addition to heaviness in the legs and a slight dilation of the veins in the legs, swelling and bluish nodules may occur. Please note that the size of the knots may increase after prolonged sitting or walking on heels.
The third stage of varicose veins: features of the disease
The treatment of the disease at this stage is most often surgery. As for the symptoms of the course, the swelling increases significantly, the legs look swollen even in the morning. Convulsions may occur. Most often it reduces the muscles of the calf.
Attention! To get rid of cramps, you need to stretch your legs and pull the sock towards you. If the leg does not obey, then give it this position with your hands.
A characteristic feature of the third degree is the appearance of trophic ulcers or a change in skin color.
Dermatitis or eczema may also occur. Another sign of third degree varicose veins is dry skin. The epidermis, due to circulatory problems, loses its elasticity and the surface becomes dry.
Varicose veins: how to treat the lower extremities and their swelling
If you have been diagnosed with varicose veins, then regardless of the stage, the treatment will be identical. The only difference will be in the duration of treatment.
The treatment of varicose veins can be varied. One of the most effective methods of treating varicose veins is massage. In order not to harm him, only a professional should do it. Properly done massage improves blood circulation in the lower extremities of a person. A special pneumatic massage is also used as a type of compression treatment. Thanks to it the swelling of the legs becomes much less, the venous outflow of blood is accelerated and a general improvement of the blood circulation in the lower extremities is observed.
Physical therapy is also suitable for unloading the venous system of the legs. This is a type of physical education for the legs, which is performed just before bedtime. You can show the necessary exercises in each physiotherapy room.
Elastic bandages and socks are used to reduce the symptoms of the disease and prevent it from getting worse. Wearing compression stockings allows you to stop the development of the disease, improves blood flow to the legs and, most importantly, prevents the formation of blood clots. You need to get compression underwear in a specialty store.
Attention! It is better not to save on such socks. After all, if the fabric is not elastic enough, then you will not be able to wear them.
Blood thinners, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are used to treat varicose veins. These can be pills, injections. Treatment should be prescribed exclusively by a physician and only after a complete examination. Self-medication is prohibited.
Popular treatments for varicose veins include hirudotherapy. During the procedure, leeches that bite the skin inject hirudin, a substance that prevents blood clotting. As a result, the number of blood clots decreases.
Treatment and alleviation of the disease is possible with the help of creams, ointments, gels. You can buy them in any pharmacy and you do not need a prescription for this. In the later stages of the disease, the phlebologist will offer you a timely solution to the problem.
Anyone diagnosed with enlargement should follow a special diet. The diet should contain foods low in cholesterol and rich in protein and vitamins. In this case, the use of seafood in food also has a positive effect on health. Smoked meats, broths, marinades should be excluded from the consumed products, coffee and alcohol should be avoided.
The patient's diet should include the following foods:
- legumes, sprouted wheat grains, liver, olive oil or corn oil are foods rich in vitamin E. It gives elasticity to our veins;
- Vitamins C and P (rutin) are needed to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and the veins of the lower extremities. Vitamin C is present in rose hips, sea buckthorn, cabbage, blackcurrants and, of course, citrus fruits. And the routine is in the same rose hips, citrus fruits, blackcurrants and black chokeberry. Compotes or decoctions can be made on the basis of these fruits;
- bioflavonoids facilitate movement through the veins - eat 10 cherries and dark cherries in pieces;
- Include high-fiber foods in your diet to relieve constipation. After all, everyone knows that veins suffer from constipation;
- be sure to drink at least two liters of water. When there is a shortage of water consumed, the blood becomes viscous and thus the load on our veins increases.
It is worth saying a few words about what will happen if the varicose veins are not cured in time. Remember that as a result of such a disease may occur thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, eczema or trophic ulcers. Remember that pulmonary embolism can occur with advanced varicose veins.
And this disease can cause sudden death. Therefore, if you want to live healthy and happy until the end of your days, then it is better to visit your doctor on time.
After all, it is easier to cure the disease in the initial stage, and surgery at the beginning of the disease is optional. Don't get sick! Good luck!