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

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

The most favorite place for varicose veins is the lower limbs. Many modern treatment methods aim to combat varicose veins. Regular medical clinics offer a variety of injection, laser and surgical procedures.

Factors that provoke the development of varicose veins

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

1. Overweight - violation of lipid metabolism gives rise to several vascular diseases, including varicose veins.
2. Static load - work sitting or standing. But walking, in turn, launches a "muscle pump", which stimulates the outflow of blood through the veins.
3. Shoes with high heels - restrict the work of the calf muscles, therefore, reduce the activity of the muscle pump.
4. Chronic constipation - increased intra -abdominal pressure, and therefore pressure in the veins of the lower legs.
5. Pregnancy and childbirth - all important systems of the female body, including the cardiovascular system, work with increased stress during pregnancy and childbirth.

First of all, venous valves cannot withstand high loads, which usually ensure blood flow in only one direction - from the bottom up. The valve begins to flow blood in the opposite direction (top to bottom), and in areas limited by it, the pressure in the veins increases significantly: the vessels expand, varicose veins appear. The valve in this area eventually stops fulfilling its function, the venous pressure becomes higher - the vicious circle closes, and the change begins to spread to the neighboring area.

Sooner or later, chronic venous insufficiency develops - a condition caused by constant blood stasis in the altered veins.

symptoms

Symptoms of varicose veins are characterized by gradual development. Obvious signs are not detected immediately; in the first stage, the disease manifests itself through:

• swelling of the legs, especially after a long stay in a sitting or standing position, which, as a rule, disappears on its own in the morning - the first sign that the deep veins are not doing their job well;
• cramps and numbness of the legs, especially often these symptoms manifest themselves at night and in the morning;
• heavy sensations, burning, itching and pain in the legs, especially characteristic of the second half of the day;
• the first visible sign is a characteristic red-blue vascular network and an asterisk, looking perfect on the skin.

With the development of varicose veins, additional symptoms appear

• thickening and darkening of the skin of the lower legs: in this case, spots and flaking appear on it;
• veins become sore when investigated;
• severe muscle pain, increased intensity during walking;
• the appearance of prominent venous nodes on the skin of the feet and legs.

If efficient 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 feet are in a special risk group. According to statistics, more than 70% of all cases of the disease, varicose veins affect women. Disease not only has a negative impact on health. It spoils the appearance significantly, making fair sex feel uncomfortable.

At the first signs of varicose veins on 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;
• taking pills to improve vein tone;
• use traditional medical advice;
• performing vein work correction using medical procedures (sclerotherapy, laser coagulation);
• solve the problem radically through surgery (phlebectomy).

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

Medical treatment

In the complex therapy of varicose veins, special drugs must be 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 improve the tone of the vascular wall. It will not work to eliminate varicose veins with such medications, but they are quite capable of removing leg swelling, eliminating burning and pain. In the case of varicose veins, they are usually taken 2 tablets daily, and the duration of treatment is determined solely by the doctor.
2. Blood thinners. Such drugs thin the blood and promote better circulation, preventing the development of thrombosis. These drugs are prescribed only individually, and the doctor prescribes the conditions of use.
3. Anti-inflammatory drugs. These include pills, ointments, and gels that relieve pain, relieve swelling, and prevent platelets from sticking together. But more importantly, such drugs prevent inflammation of the veins, which leads to thrombophlebitis.

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

Modern medicine for the treatment of varicose veins on the legs

Modern methods of varicose vein treatment only work well. To prescribe the appropriate medication, you need to consult a specialist.

Ointments and creams for varicose veins

They act as prophylaxis and as an additional method of treating the disease at an early stage. They help:

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

The only contraindication is that the ointment for varicose veins on the legs should not be used if there is a skin injury.

Surgical treatment of varicose veins

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

These are open surgeries and minimally invasive procedures, which include:

1. Microsclerotherapy- Based on the name, this procedure is intended for the treatment of small varicose veins. The amount of chemical fluid injected is also small, and the procedure gives the same results as sclerotherapy.
2. Sclerotherapyis a simple procedure that consists of closing a varicose vein by injecting a chemical fluid into an dilated duct. Under the influence of the substance, irritation and final blockage (occlusion) of the vein occurs. This type of surgical intervention is best suited for small and less obvious varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is most often performed every 4 weeks; during this period, the patient's legs should be wrapped with an elastic bandage, which reduces 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 area, a laser beam is used.
4. Endovascular surgery- like ablative therapy, during this procedure, the doctor must cut the affected part, then a surgical tool is used, for which the vein is clogged. This method of treatment is primarily aimed at removing severe varicose veins that contribute to the formation of lesions on the skin.
5. Endovenous ablative therapy- with this method of treating varicose veins, doctors use laser radiation or radio waves. Unlike laser surgery, which is powered by light, this procedure produces heat, causes the veins to expand and close, and eventually turn into strands of connective tissue. In this case, the doctor cuts the skin around the affected vein, and then inserts a catheter, the tip of which supplies the heat needed for the healing process. Since the procedure is not complicated, the only area that needs postoperative care is the affected tissue for the purpose of pruning.

Stockings and tights for varicose veins

Women are more prone to varicose veins than men. This is due to the hormonal changes they experience during their lifetime (pregnancy, menopause). The most comfortable and easy method of treating varicose veins is to wear tights or special socks that protect the feet 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. Wearing compression stockings is an excellent prevention of varicose veins. There are product models designed for the treatment of dilated veins in pregnant men and 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 increase their elasticity. Knowing this, modern physicians use hydrotherapy in the early stages of varicose veins, when new vascular networks begin to appear on the skin.

Moreover, depending on the problem at hand, bathing can be local (only for the feet), or general (for the whole body). The water temperature in such a bathtub varies from 20 to 40 ° C.

Active lifestyle

Avoid staying in one place for long periods of time, whether you are sitting or standing! Being in one place for a long time (sitting on a chair or standing on your feet) leads to accumulation of blood in the feet.

If there is a break at work, try using it for walking. The fact is that while walking, the leg muscles more effectively direct blood to the heart. Whether you sit a lot or stand at work, try to take a break every hour for a brief workout. Climb on your heels, then on your toes for 10 minutes. This exercise helps direct the blood upwards and reduces swelling.

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

Keep your feet as high as possible while resting

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

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

It is ideal to do this during breaks at work or at home between tasks.

Foot massage

A light foot massage stimulates blood circulation. To do this, the leg muscles are massaged with two fingers (but not veins! ) Making movements from the heel to the hip.

Do not let your legs cross

When sitting on a chair, it is strictly forbidden to cross your legs. Holding one foot on the other foot creates unwanted additional pressure on the foot and limits the rise 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 let it brew for 14 days, shaking the bottle daily. Pass the resulting tincture through a mesh and use 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times daily before meals with water. After a week of treatment, rest for 2 weeks. Then repeat again.
2. Kalanchoe finned.Wash the leaves of Kalanchoe pinnate and put in a liter jar (the leaves should be half a jar). Fill with 70% alcohol and insist in a dark place for 14 days. Shake the jar before use. Lubricate your feet and legs daily before bed. The pain will disappear after the first use. If the varicose veins run, then 4 months are needed for treatment.
3. Potatoes.Peel 5 potatoes and grate. Grate the resulting puree and apply on your feet. After 4 hours, the pain will disappear completely, and then rinse the potatoes with warm water.
4. Apple.Throw 3 apples into 1 liter of boiling water, cover and place in a warm place for 4 hours. Next, without removing the apples, break, mix the solution and strain. Take by adding 1 tbsp. one tablespoon of honey, half a glass (50 g) in the morning before meals, and in the evening before bedtime. This tool also cleanses the blood, improves sleep and appetite.
5. Garlic with butter.Take the garlic along with the white skin and grind. Mix with two parts butter. Apply on prominent veins at night, place parchment paper on top of it and secure with a warm bandage or scarf. Rinse in the morning and put something warm and soft on your feet.

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

Otherwise, the negative consequences of treatment such as:

• ineffectiveness of therapy and deterioration of vascular condition;
• allergic reactions and intolerance to the means used;
• skin burns due to improper use of compresses with burning materials;
• vessel rupture and thromboembolism, if treatment is carried out against the background of existing contraindications.

Among the contraindications for the treatment of varicose veins include the 3rd and 4th stage of pathology. In this case, the disease can only be eliminated with surgery. Also, traditional medicine should not be used at high risk of thromboembolism, severity of vascular insufficiency, severe disease with calf muscle spasm, deposition of large amounts of blood in the affected ducts, and high volumes in 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. Wet a cotton pad in vinegar, wipe your feet on the problem area. Repeat the procedure as often as possible, 5-7 times a day.
2. Take warm water into the bath, pour a liter of vinegar into it. Dip your feet into the water, after half an hour, complete the water procedure. Doctors do not recommend wiping your feet with a towel. It is best to lie on the bed, lift the legs above the head (for example, leaning against the wall) and let it dry naturally.
3. Fold the gauze in several layers, moisten profusely in vinegar. Place your feet on the problem area, wrap with cling film (or plastic bag), wrap 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 should not be used in medical therapy in the presence of problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Apple cider vinegar contains large amounts of vitamins, macro and microelements, minerals. They have a good effect on the body, helping to overcome varicose veins effectively. Apple cider vinegar is not capable of harming a person, and with its frequent use, the positive effects will be noticeable after a month.

Reviews

• Female, 33 years old. "I treated varicose veins with apple cider vinegar and massage: I did a wrap every day for half an hour followed by 5 minutes of massaging the swollen veins for two months. First, the morning pain in the legs disappeared, after three weeks the varicose veins disappeared, and nowalso the deep veins have disappeared. I am very happy, that we managed to avoid surgical intervention, and now I advise all my friends to treat varicose veins with apple cider vinegar.
• Girl, 21 years old. "After prolonged pain in my leg, I had to see a phlebologist. He suggested I remove the varicose veins with laser surgery, and I overcame my fears and agreed. The removal of my varicose veins with laser lasted for 40 minutes under local anesthesia. , And after. surgery, swelling and bruising lasted another week. I was satisfied with the results of the treatment, I was not sick anymore. "
• Male, 40 years old. "A phlebologist recommended me to treat varicose veins with leeches. I am not afraid of this creature, so I easily agree. Leech saliva contains useful hirudin, which cleanses and dilutes the blood, slows its clotting. The course of treatment is 8 sessions at intervals. three days. After a break of 3 months, I will pass a repeated course, because after 2 sessions I noticed the swelling of the legs decreased, it became easier to walk. "

What will happen if left untreated?

There is an aphorism about varicose veins created by doctors - "Diseases that manifest themselves on the legs and shoots in the liver. " Of course this disease is not just an aesthetic problem that causes problems and reduces the quality of life. In the absence of qualified medical help, varicose veins are fraught with serious complications, even death.

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

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

Separately, it is worth mentioning the common "companion" of varicose veins on the legs as trophic ulcers. The cause of its appearance is a constant lack of veins and an increase in pressure in the veins.

Prevention

There is no question here whether varicose veins can be cured. We will talk about what to do so that it does not need to be treated.

1. Hide all uncomfortable shoes, as well as stilettos, in a drawer. It is allowed to wear it only occasionally-for special occasions.
2. Don’t forget to take a 5 minute break when working at the computer for a long time. Special exercises can be done even in the office. If possible, try walking to work.
3. If you are prone to constipation, do not leave this problem unattended. Due to the constant weight on the pelvis, blood circulation begins to suffer. Work with interested friends, and regularly arrange cycling, go to the pool, do exercises in the fresh air.
4. Control your weight. If necessary, review the diet. It should not contain a lot of fatty or fried foods.
5. After sitting on the couch after a hard day, place a roller under your feet, about 15 cm high. Therefore, blood flow in the leg passages will return to normal.
6. If your profession involves long standing times and physical activity - take a break to relax. If you are used to putting one foot on top of the other foot, try to control yourself. This habit can easily trigger inflammation.
7. Wear comfortable and not tight clothes only. Don’t buy jeans that are too tight or tight socks. This rule applies especially to women. Uncomfortable skinny jeans have a negative impact not only on the health of the feet, but also on the work of the genitourinary system.

Compression underwear is used not only for the treatment of varicose veins, but also for its prevention. So, for example, if someone in the family suffers from this disease, then during pregnancy, during flights and long journeys by bus or train, in the process of training, it is better for her to use compression stockings or wrap her legs with elastic bandages.

When do you want to see a doctor?

Contacting a doctor for varicose veins should take place as soon as possible. The more advanced the disease is at this time, the less likely the patient is to fully recover. Ideally, if a person visits the clinic at the time of detection of the first signs: heaviness in the legs, flying pain when standing still for a long time, swelling.