Modern people spend more and more time in a sitting position: while sitting next to the computer or getting to the right place in the car.The more often we deny ourselves walking, the more we expose ourselves to the risk of developing varicose veins.
More than half of the population of our planet faces this problem in one way or another.Diagnosing varicose veins dates back to ancient times.The greatest doctors have devoted many years to its study, but unfortunately they have never been able to achieve the desired results.That is why there is such a disease to this day, which most often affects people of working age.What causes this disease?
Varicose veins - causes of appearance
First of all, the discussion about varicose veins should be started with a little information about how our circulatory system works.As you know, blood circulates throughout our body, and the initiator of this process is our heart: it contracts rhythmically and pushes the blood through arteries, veins, etc.The essence of the process itself is that when the blood reaches the legs, it must turn around and convert.And here is the problem that leads to the formation of varicose veins.
In addition to the heart, the muscles of the legs also contribute to the movement of blood through the blood vessels.If they are in good condition (constantly contracting and relaxing), then there is no problem with the movement of blood through the vessels.When the veins dilate, a gap forms between the valves and the outflow of blood slows down.The vein stretches and the person suffers from the appearance of varicose veins.
It is worth noting that varicose veins do not only occur in the lower limbs: there are cases when the abdominal organs, pelvic veins, testicular and spermatic veins expand.Varicose veins most commonly occur on the legs.
The causes of the appearance of varicose veins on the legs are the following factors:
- Extra kilos.One of the most common causes of varicose veins is excess weight, as this creates increased pressure on the veins of the lower extremities.
- Activities that involve standing still for too long.
- Inactivity or physical inactivity.Contrary to the previous factor, the cause of varicose veins can be a "sedentary" lifestyle.
- Pregnancy.Unfortunately, it also increases the risk of developing varicose veins.The lack of necessary rest when carrying a child in the final stages means a certain load on the body, and especially on the woman's legs.
- Heredity.Oddly enough, such a disease can be passed on from your parents and grandparents.Moreover, varicose veins can be localized in completely different places.
It would be a serious mistake to believe that these factors contribute to the formation and development of varicose veins.These are just the primary reasons.Hormonal imbalance, frequent stress, even bad habits can trigger this disease.Many people ask: how, for example, can alcohol affect the appearance of varicose veins?The answer is simple.Alcoholic drinks contribute to the dehydration of our body, so the blood vessels do not receive the necessary amount of nutrients.
Even things as small as tight elastic stockings or socks can block blood flow, increasing the risk of developing varicose veins.
Symptoms of varicose veins
The disease can develop over many years.In the initial stage, varicose veins can be completely symptomless.After a long walk, one may only occasionally feel heaviness, nagging pain in the legs and cramps in the calf muscles.In the later stages, the symptoms become more and more obvious, and the varicose veins can be identified without a doubt.
First of all, the signs of the occurrence of such a problem are leg pain, swelling and cramps.It is important that, in the case of varicose veins, all these symptoms "suffocate" while walking or after sleeping.
Such discomfort is most often attributed to fatigue after a hard day at work or active rest.This is why people visually identify varicose veins.Dark blue swollen veins become visible on the legs, small red-blue spider veins appear.
In the fight against varicose veins, many women cope only with the aesthetic component of the problem, wearing pants or other clothes that hide their legs.You need to fight thoroughly - do not postpone the treatment of varicose veins, because the consequences can become more significant.
Methods and means of treating varicose veins
How do we find the right treatment for varicose veins?Sometimes a person just needs to rest for a certain period of time to avoid the first signs of deformation of the veins.Unfortunately, people turn to specialists when varicose veins are already advanced and require immediate surgical intervention.Below are the various methods for treating varicose veins.
Laser treatment of varicose veins
Modern medicine is developing more and more actively, and doctors have the opportunity to treat the disease without drugs.One such method is laser treatment of varicose veins or, in other words, coagulation.The essence of this process is to close the lumen of dilated veins.Areas damaged by varicose veins are "soldered" with a high-energy laser.The operation does not take much time (about 40 minutes), on this day the patient can go home or return to work.For this reason, this method of treatment is called "office surgery".The most important thing is the cosmetic effect.No scars remain on the body after the treatment.
In order for the laser to affect the vein, a special thread is introduced through the injection.Then the vein is spasmodic, after which the lumen closes.The vein does not participate in blood flow and is subsequently replaced by connective tissue.This treatment allows the effect of removing varicose veins.
Despite the effectiveness of the method, unforeseen circumstances may occur.If varicose veins are treated, large veins can become stuck and later return to their place, returning to their former discomfort.
Traditional treatment of varicose veins
Recently, people have become more and more skeptical of medical medicine and various surgical procedures.They choose an alternative option - treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies.Such treatment methods have been tested for decades.
Some types of plants provide effective home treatment and prevention of varicose veins.There is no doubt that the desired result will be possible only if they are used correctly.One such herb is nettle.
The disadvantage of treating varicose veins with home remedies is its duration.A medicinal nettle decoction must be taken morning and evening for six months.During the treatment at home, you must follow a certain diet: if possible, exclude fatty, fried, salty and sweet foods from your diet.The implemented rules can only achieve the desired effect in aggregate.
Another example of a medicinal plant is acacia.White acacia flowers are used in poultices, tinctures and lotions.This remedy promotes the absorption of swollen veins due to varicose veins, giving lightness to the legs.
Among the traditional methods of treating varicose veins, there are those that can cope with swelling and pain in the legs.Apple cider vinegar is proof of that.
It has special healing properties that are so effective in the fight against varicose veins.This product contains many minerals and trace elements that have a beneficial effect on the human body.It also contains vitamins A, B and C.
Treating varicose veins with apple cider vinegar helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels.In addition, it also has an anti-inflammatory effect, eliminates swelling and tones the skin.There are many ways to use this product at home:
- Rubbing apple cider vinegar after bathing or showering.
- It compresses.To make a poultice, apply gauze dipped in apple cider vinegar to the damaged area and isolate the area.
- Another way to treat varicose veins is flushing.Apple cider vinegar is diluted with water (150 g of vinegar to 2 liters of warm water) and the areas with varicose veins are poured with this solution.
Note!Clay (blue, green or white) is also useful for treating varicose veins.Damaged areas should be coated with clay soaked in cold water.
Other treatments for varicose veins
In addition to vein removal surgery, home treatment of varicose veins and laser therapy, there are many medications: special ointments, blood thinners, anti-inflammatory and pain relievers.The use of a complex of such drugs is recommended only after the prescription of the attending physician.
Massage is another treatment and prevention method that can relieve the symptoms of varicose veins as it promotes better blood circulation in the body.It is better to entrust the massage of varicose veins to a qualified specialist, otherwise the effect may be opposite, aggravating the situation.
We dispel the myth!Many people consider hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches) to be an effective way to treat varicose veins.This is a misconception.Such treatment only promotes blood thinning, which in no way affects the main problem of varicose veins - the increase in the venous lumen.In addition, the outcome of such therapy may be negative for the patient.Pigmentation and prolonged bleeding are only a small part.Leech saliva contains a large number of allergens that can cause inflammatory reactions in humans.
Prevention of varicose veins
Why treat varicose veins if it can be prevented in advance!Adherence to simple rules not only prevents the appearance of varicose veins and long-term treatment, but also improves your health.
We must not forget that movement is the meaning of our whole life.From childhood, we are taught to do morning exercises and take contrast showers.Not for nothing!This is the secret to the health of our whole body.
Love sports.You don't have to torture yourself with exhausting workouts.You can choose the sport you want.The main thing is to be constantly in motion and not let the body gain extra pounds, which can cause the appearance of varicose veins.In this case, special attention should be paid to nutrition: if possible, exclude fatty foods or try to minimize their amount.Don't forget: we are what we eat.
We're ditching everyone's favorite pose - the "feet to leg" pose.In this situation, blood circulation is interrupted, which also negatively affects the lower limbs and contributes to the development of varicose veins.It is better to place a small bench or stand under his feet.
Make sure your shoes are comfortable, have low heels, and that the elastic bands on your socks and tights don't pinch your feet.
Think about your lifestyle and never forget that our health is in our hands!