A common disease of the legs after thirty years, and especially in women, is varicose veins. During the development of this disease, the veins are deformed, their elasticity is reduced and blood flow is disturbed. Usually, the calf muscles of the leg and the back of the knee are affected.
Varicose veins of the legs: causes appear
Factors that lead to the appearance of varicose veins of the lower extremities include:
- overweight - puts a lot of pressure on the legs. This is especially true for people who are obese. Therefore, if you have weight problems, we recommend vigorous exercise;
- Pregnancy - especially in the last months, the burden on the legs is quite noticeable and if regular rest is not paid attention to, varicose veins can develop;
- Work associated with a long time on your feet. If you can't change your job, you need to change your attitude towards it and try to lighten the load on your feet;
- the presence of a tumor in the pelvic organs - blood is difficult to flow out;
- diseases of the venous walls of the lower extremities, which lead to tissue compaction and impaired ability to drain blood, and the formation of blood clots;
- Congenital venous insufficiency.
Attention! In order not to hurt your feet and not get minor bruises, we recommend that you pay attention to the health of your feet from a young age. Include moderate exercise in your daily routine and try to reduce stress 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 early stages of varicose veins of the lower extremities: features of the development of the disease
First of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the course of the first stage of varicose veins may not be noticeable. Moreover, within the framework of medicine, there is even the so-called stage 0 of varicose veins. During its procedure, the patient complained of varicose veins-like sensations. But upon examination, it was not possible to identify any symptoms of varicose veins. And treatment in this case is rarely prescribed, doctors often recommend practicing a healthy lifestyle.
In the early stages, spider or web-shaped veins appear on the legs. Please note that there is no outflow disturbance at this stage. The patient called for help because of a mildly dilated vein.
Second degree varicose veins
In the second stage, deterioration of the major venous branches is added to all the listed symptoms. In other words, in addition to heaviness in the legs and slightly enlarged veins in the legs, swelling and bluish spots may appear. Please note that the size of the buttons may increase after prolonged sitting or walking on heels.
The third stage of varicose veins: features of the development of the disease
Treatment at this stage is usually surgery. As for the symptoms of the treatment, the swelling increased significantly, the legs looked swollen in the morning. Convulsions may occur. Usually it reduces the calf muscles.
Attention! To get rid of the cramp, you need to stretch your legs and pull the socks towards you. If the leg doesn't comply, bring it back to this position with the help of your hands.
A characteristic sign of the third degree is the appearance of trophic ulcers or discoloration of the skin.
Dermatitis or eczema may also be present. Another sign of grade 3 varicose veins is dry skin. The epidermis, due to circulation problems, loses its elasticity and the surface becomes dry.
Varicose veins: how to treat the lower extremities and their swelling
If you've been diagnosed with varicose veins, no matter the stage, the treatment will be identical. The only difference will be in the duration of treatment.
Varicose veins treatments can be very diverse. One of the effective treatments for varicose veins is massage. In order not to harm it, only a professional should do it. Proper massage helps to improve blood circulation in one's lower extremities. Special pneumatic massage is also used as a type of compression treatment. Thanks to him, the swelling of the legs becomes much less, the outflow of blood from the veins increases rapidly, and the general improvement in blood circulation in the lower extremities.
Physiotherapy is also suitable for dismantling the venous system of the legs. It is a form of physical education for the feet that is done right before going to bed. You can display the exercises you need in any physical therapy room.
To reduce the symptoms of the disease and prevent the disease from getting worse, people use elastic bandages and stockings. Wearing compression knitwear allows you to prevent the development of the disease, improve blood flow in the legs and, most importantly, prevent the formation of blood clots. You need to choose compression underwear in a specialized store.
Attention! It is better not to skimp on such socks. After all, if the fabric isn't stretchy enough, you won't be able to wear them.
To treat varicose veins, blood thinners, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are used. It can be pills or injections. Treatment should be prescribed by a doctor and only after a complete examination. Self-medication is prohibited.
Common treatments for varicose veins include hirudotherapy. During surgery, leeches bite through the skin, injecting hirudin, a substance that prevents blood from clotting. As a result, the number of blood clots decreases.
Treatment and relief of the course of the disease can be used using creams, ointments, gels. You can buy them at any pharmacy and you do not need a prescription for this. In the later stages of the disease, the phlebologist will give you a quick solution.
Anyone who has been diagnosed with hypertrophy should follow a special diet. The diet should contain foods that are low in cholesterol and rich in protein and vitamins. In this case, the use of seafood in the dish also has a positive effect on health. Smoked meats, broths, marinades should be excluded from consumable products, coffee and alcohol should be avoided.
The patient's diet should include the following foods:
- Legumes, sprouted wheat, liver, olive or corn oil are foods rich in vitamin E. It gives elasticity to our veins;
- To strengthen the walls of blood vessels and veins of the lower extremities, it is necessary to supplement with vitamins C and P (rutin). Vitamin C is found in rose hips, sea buckthorn, cabbage, black currants and of course citrus fruits. And rutin is also found in rose hips, citrus fruits, black currants and blackberries. On the basis of these berries, it is possible to make remedies or decoctions;
- bioflavonoids make it easier to move 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 are constipated;
- Remember to drink at least two liters of water. When there is a lack of water, the blood becomes viscous and thus the load on our veins increases.
It is worth mentioning what will happen if varicose veins are not treated in time. Remember that thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, eczema or trophic ulcers can appear as a result of such a disease. Do not forget that with advanced varicose veins, pulmonary embolism can occur.
And this disease can cause sudden death. Therefore, if you want to live a healthy and happy life forever, then you better visit your doctor on time.
After all, it is easier to cure disease in the early stages, and operation in the early stages of the disease is optional. Don't get sick! Good luck!