Varicose veins appear when the veins stretch and increase in size, taking on a blue-purple or red tint, due to the accumulation of large amounts of blood. Varicose veins are a generalized disease and, in most cases, are manifested in the legs, but at the same time they can form in other parts of the body.
For most people, especially women, varicose veins are primarily an aesthetic problem. In the early stages, the disease does not pose a health threat. Ugly and swollen veins can impair the appearance of certain parts of the body, but if you do not pay attention to the treatment and prevention of varicose veins, complications can occur over time.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing varicose veins:
In addition to the characteristic formation of protruding dark blue or purple veins, here are the main signs of the development of varicose veins:
To effectively deal with the problem of varicose veins, an integrated approach is needed, which includes:
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, it is recommended to start wearing compression clothes - socks, tights or leggings apply light pressure from the bottom of the leg upwards, reducing blood accumulation and reducing swelling. It is necessary to wear this compression suit constantly, only in this case it is possible to obtain a positive effect. Wearing compression garments does not cure existing varicose veins, but it does help prevent or reduce veins and other complications.
Intravenous laser ablation (radio frequency or laser)
The intravenous laser ablation method is by far the most effective and safest way to treat varicose veins. It is the use of laser therapy or radiofrequency, with the help of which a varicose vein is closed or removed. The doctor makes a small incision in the skin near the vein and inserts a catheter into it, then a special device is connected to the tip of the catheter, with which the catheter heats and closes or removes the varicose vein (depending on the chosen ablation method)). The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the patient usually returns home on the same day.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy belongs to the gentle methods of treating varicose veins. During the procedure, a special substance is injected into the vein affected by varicose veins, which destroys the internal lining of the vein and causes blood to clot inside it. Over time, the vein collapses and disappears.
Surgical method
In advanced cases of varicose veins, some, especially mild methods of treatment, are no longer effective. In this case, the patient with varicose veins can be helped by an operation, during which the superficial vein is surgically removed. The indications for surgery are ulcers, bleeding, phlebitis. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, as a rule the patient returns home on the same day. Pain and discomfort can occur for 2 weeks after surgery, this is normal.
Training for varicose veins
A lot of movement and moderate exercise are the main allies in the fight against varicose veins. Not all exercises are equally beneficial and some can even harm a person who has varicose veins.
Moderate and rhythmic physical activity, such as walking, prevents the progression of the disease and complications because dynamic muscle movements help direct blood from the periphery to the heart.
Walking is great for preventing varicose veins, this type of physical activity promotes healthy circulation by stretching and contracting the venous pump in the calf muscles. Walk for at least 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.
Low intensity running
Running at a slow pace works well for your calf muscles, but it has a disadvantage - running overloads your joints. If you are not ready to replace running with another activity, run on the grass or on rubberized paths, not on hard asphalt.
Elliptical and stationary bicycle
Exercises on the elliptical trainer and the exercise bike actively involve the calf muscles, which contributes to normal blood circulation.
Strength training
Patients with varicose veins need to avoid a lot of very intense resistance training, squats, lunges and abs. All of them negatively affect the course of the disease and contribute to its development. During prolonged muscle tension, blood accumulates in the leg veins, blood circulation deteriorates, all of which cause complications to develop. Compression stockings are recommended during and after strength training.
Today, pharmacies offer a wide range of drugs for the treatment of varicose veins in the form of tablets, drops, ointments, creams, gels.
The main groups of drugs used to treat varicose veins
For the treatment of varicose veins, several groups of drugs are used: ointments, creams, pills, less often injections.
Characteristics of each of the groups listed:
To solve the problem, it is necessary to increase the tone of the veins. Therefore, patients with varicose veins are prescribed phlebotonic (venotonic). The main task of drugs with venotonic properties is to strengthen weak blood vessels and normalize blood circulation.
Phlebotonics differ in composition and price range, therefore, for the treatment of varicose veins, it is possible to find the most suitable drug option in terms of cost.
Phlebotonics containing Diosmin
Diosmin belongs to representatives of bioflavonoids and is found in many drugs to combat varicose veins. It has a venotonic effect, improves lymphatic drainage, improves microcirculation, reduces the adhesion of leukocytes to the venous wall and their migration to paravenous tissues, improves the diffusion and perfusion of oxygen in the skin tissue and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It blocks the production of free radicals, the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane.
Experimental studies have shown that diosmin doubles lymph flow, increases venous wall tone, suppresses leukocyte activity and prevents inflammation.
It is a group of drugs that affect the blood clotting system, preventing the adhesion of the formed elements, the platelet plates. Platelet antiplatelet agents are another name for drugs in this group, because, in fact, natural or synthetic substances block platelet adhesion and inhibit the formation of blood clots, often necessary in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs.
Antioxidants are substances that inhibit the peroxidation of lipids and proteins in the cell membrane, bind to free radicals and thus slow down the processes of oxidation and aging. The drugs in this group can be prescribed for the complex treatment of varicose veins. They help to improve the extensibility and elasticity of blood vessel walls, strengthening them and prolonging the normal life of all cells in the walls of even the smallest veins.
Varicose veins are often accompanied by pain and swelling. To restore lightness to the legs, decongestants are often prescribed in the complex treatment of varicose veins. They improve the flow of lymph from the affected areas, remove excess fluid from the body.
As a rule, a phlebologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. Unfortunately, not all medical institutions offer a doctor in this specialty. It should be kept in mind that some narrow specialists can also provide assistance in the treatment of varicose veins - this is an angiologist and a vascular surgeon. The general practitioner can also help diagnose the condition and refer the patient to the appropriate specialist.
Remember that in the early stages of the disease, pronounced clinical manifestations are usually absent. Therefore, if you suspect varicose veins, you should immediately contact a qualified specialist who will make the diagnosis. As a rule, the diagnosis of varicose veins is made taking into account the patient's complaints, examination of the lower extremities, in addition to data from laboratory methods and instrumental research. It is possible to be convinced of the development of the disease and to take appropriate measures to avoid it only after a thorough examination of the patient.
All modern ointments are prescribed in addition to the main treatment of varicose veins with medications. Local treatment helps to achieve a complex effect on the problem.
It is recommended to use creams, gels and ointments in complex treatments, as well as for prophylactic purposes. Especially for people with a genetic predisposition to varicose veins. In any case, when the first symptoms occur, urgent measures must be taken. Otherwise, the disease can develop and cause great discomfort.
The local treatment of varicose veins is an important therapeutic tool that, together with medication, exercise therapy and prevention, contributes to the return of a healthy state of the circulatory system:
The use of ointments for the treatment of varicose veins is regulated by a phlebologist, who takes into account the indications and contraindications of their use. Therefore, despite the simplicity of such a drug, its use independently, without consulting a doctor, is unacceptable.
Ointments for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins based on heparin are produced under different names, differ from each other by the presence of excipients in the composition that modify the action and the manifested effects, and also have different manufacturers.
Heparin is a unique substance, therefore, it is included in many drugs for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins. The doctor will tell you which ointment to choose for treating varicose veins on your legs. In addition to heparin-based ointments, there are herbal preparations that are no less effective in preventing the development of varicose veins.
The herbal components of ointments are complex natural substances that act in a complex with varicose veins, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to relieve pain and inflammation in varicose veins. NSAID-based ointments facilitate the general condition of the patient with varicose veins and can accelerate the healing process.
There are no significant differences between topical preparations in the form of ointment, gel or cream, however, ointments and creams are made based on vegetable or animal fats and the active ingredients in them do not dissolve completely.
Gels are water-based, so all of their active components dissolve completely, leaving no residue, which contributes to faster skin penetration and absorption.
Topical varicose veins should always be applied to clean skin. They must be used regularly, especially in severe forms of the disease. Remember that varicose vein disease is not a simple disease and a comprehensive approach is needed here. Consultation with a specialist is required, one should not self-medicate. Only after the diagnosis is made, the doctor can prescribe the treatment, which includes medications for internal and external use. In this case, the patient with varicose veins must lead a healthy lifestyle.