Varicose veins are common after thirty years, especially in women. During the development of this disease, the veins become deformed, their elasticity decreases and blood flow is disrupted. It most often affects the muscles of the leg and the back of the knee.
Varicose veins in the legs: causes
Factors leading to lower limb varicose veins include:
- 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 exercise vigorously;
- pregnancy - especially in the last months the load on the legs is quite noticeable and if you do not pay constant attention to rest, varicose veins may develop;
- work involving long-term retention. If it is not possible to change your job, you should change your attitude and try to reduce the strain on your legs;
- presence of a tumor in the pelvic organs - blood flow is difficult;
- diseases of the walls of the veins in the lower extremities, leading to compaction of the tissues and deterioration of the outflow of blood and the formation of blood clots;
- congenital venous insufficiency.
Attention! In order to prevent your feet from hurting and minor bruises, we recommend that you pay attention to maintaining the health of your feet from an early age. Get moderate exercise into your daily routine and try to reduce the strain on your legs. During the development of the lower extremity varicose veins, it is worth paying attention to the description of the symptoms.
Early stage varicose veins of the lower extremities: characteristics of the development of the disease
First, it is worth noting that the course of the first stage of varicose veins may be imperceptible. Moreover, within the framework of medicine, there is even the so-called zero phase of varicose veins. During its course, the patient complains of the same feelings as in the case of varicose veins. But it is impossible to determine the symptoms of varicose veins during the study. And in this case, treatment is rarely prescribed, and doctors more often recommend a healthy lifestyle.
In the first stage, spider veins or nets appear on the legs. Please note that there are no venous outflow disturbances at this stage. Patients ask for help because of a slight dilation of the veins.
Secondary varicose veins
In the second stage, the 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 enlargement of the veins in the legs, swelling and bluish nodules may appear. Please note that the size of the nodules may increase after prolonged sitting or walking.
The third stage of varicose veins: characteristics of the disease
Treatment of the disease at this stage is most often surgery. As for the symptoms of the course, the swelling increases significantly, the legs seem swollen even in the morning. Convulsions may occur. It most often reduces the calf muscles.
Attention! In order to get rid of the cramp, you need to stretch your legs and pull the socks towards you. If the foot does not obey, enter this position with your hands.
A characteristic sign of the third degree is the appearance of trophic ulcers or discoloration of the skin.
Inflammation of the skin or eczema may also occur. Another sign of a third degree of varicose veins is dry skin. The epithelium loses its elasticity due to circulatory problems, and its surface dries out.
Varicose veins: how to treat lower extremities and swelling
If varicose veins have been diagnosed, treatment will be the same regardless of the stage. The only difference will be in the duration of treatment.
The treatment of varicose veins can be varied. One of the most effective ways to treat varicose veins is massage. In order not to damage it, it should only be performed by a specialist. Properly performed massage improves blood circulation in the lower extremities. Special pneumatic massage is also used as a form of compression treatment. Thanks to him, the swelling of the legs will be much less, the outflow of blood into the veins will be accelerated, and a general improvement in the blood circulation in the lower extremities will be observed.
Physiotherapy is also suitable for relieving the venous system of the legs. This is one such physical training for the legs that is done just before bed. You can show the necessary exercises in any physiotherapy room.
Elastic bandages and stockings are used to reduce the symptoms of the disease and prevent it from getting worse. Wearing compression stockings makes it possible to stop the disease from developing, improves blood flow in the legs and, most importantly, prevents the formation of blood clots. You will need to pick up your compression underwear at a specialty store.
Attention! It is better not to save on such stockings. After all, if the material is not flexible enough, you will not be able to wear it.
Medicinal blood thinners, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents are used to treat varicose veins. It can be tablets, injections. Treatment should only be prescribed by a doctor and only after a full examination. Self-medication is prohibited.
Popular methods of treating varicose veins in the legs include hirudotherapy. In the process, leeches bite through the skin to inject hirudin, a substance that prevents blood from clotting. As a result, the number of blood clots decreases.
It is possible to treat and alleviate the course of the disease by using creams, ointments and gels. You can buy them at any pharmacy and you don’t need a prescription for that. In the later stages of the disease, the phlebologist offers an immediate solution to the problem.
Everyone who has been diagnosed with an enlargement should follow a special diet. The diet should include foods that are 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, coffee and alcohol should be excluded from the products consumed.
The patient's diet should include the following foods:
- legumes, sprouted wheat grains, liver, olive or corn oil Foods rich in vitamin E. It gives flexibility to our blood vessels;
- vitamins C and P (routine) are needed to strengthen the walls of the blood vessels and veins in the lower extremities. Vitamin C is found in rosehips, sea buckthorn, cabbage, black currants and, of course, citrus fruits. And the routine is in the same rosehip, citrus, black currant and black chokeberry. These berries can be used to make compotes or decoctions;
- bioflavonoids facilitate movement in the blood vessels - eat 10 cherries and dark cherries;
- Include fiber-rich 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. In the absence of the water we consume, the blood becomes viscous and thus the load on our blood vessels increases.
It’s worth saying a few words about what happens if your varicose veins don’t heal in time. Keep in mind that such an illness can result in thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, eczema, or trophic ulcers. Keep in mind that pulmonary embolism can occur with advanced varicose veins.
And this disease can cause sudden death. Therefore, if you want to live a healthy, happy life, it is better to see your doctor in time.
After all, it is easier to cure in the early stages of the disease, and surgery is not mandatory at the beginning of the disease. Do not be sick! Good luck!