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

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

The most favorite place for varicose veins are the lower limbs. Many modern methods of treatment are aimed at combating varicose veins. Frequent medical clinics offer a variety of injection, laser and surgical procedures.

Provoking factors for the development of varicose veins

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

1. Being overweight - a violation of lipid metabolism causes a number of vascular diseases, including varicose veins.
2. Static loads - sitting or standing work. But walking, on the other hand, triggers a "muscle pump, " which stimulates blood flow through the veins.
3. Shoes with high heels - limit the work of the leaf muscles, therefore, reduce the activity of the muscle pump.
4. Chronic constipation - an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, and thus pressure in the veins of the lower extremities.
5. Pregnancy and childbirth - all vital systems of the female body, including the cardiovascular system, work with increased stress during pregnancy and childbirth.

First of all, venous valves cannot withstand a large load, which should otherwise ensure blood flow in only one direction - from the bottom up. The valve begins to leak blood in the opposite direction (from top to bottom), and in the area bounded by it, the pressure inside the vein increases significantly: the vessel dilates, a varicose vein appears. The valves in this area finally cease to perform their function, the venous pressure becomes even greater - the vicious circle closes, and the changes begin to spread to neighboring areas.

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 progression. Obvious signs are not immediately apparent; 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 usually disappears on its own in the morning - the first sign that deep veins are not doing their job well;
• leg cramps and numbness, especially often this symptom is manifested at night and in the morning;
• feeling of heaviness, burning, itching and pain in the legs, especially characteristic of the second half of the day;
• the first visible signs are the characteristic red-blue vascular networks and asterisks, perfectly visible on the skin.

With the progression of varicose veins, additional symptoms appear

• thickening and darkening of the skin of the lower leg: in this case, spots and peeling appear on it;
• veins become painful during probing;
• severe muscle pain, the intensity of which increases during walking;
• the appearance of venous nodules protruding above the skin of the legs and feet.

If competent treatment is not prescribed at this stage either, the patient will inevitably face serious complications, which will be discussed later.

How to treat varicose veins?

Women's legs are in a special risk group. According to statistics, more than 70% of all cases of varicose veins affect women. Illness not only negatively affects health. This significantly spoils the appearance, which makes the fairer sex feel uncomfortable.

At the first signs of varicose veins of the legs (swelling, heaviness in the legs, the appearance of swollen veins and spied 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;
• take pills to increase venous tone;
• use the advice of traditional medicine;
• correct the work of veins with medical procedures (sclerotherapy, laser coagulation);
• radically solve the problem surgically (phlebectomy).

Ointments, gels and tablets are quite effective in the initial phase of varicose veins. Traditional medicine can accompany a woman during the entire period of treatment, supporting the body, regardless of the main methods of therapy. Conservative, minimally invasive methods of treatment (sclerotherapy, laser exposure) are used in cases where varicose veins begin to actively progress. Surgical intervention is an extreme measure when a woman's health and life are endangered due to serious venous pathology.

Treatment

In the complex therapy of varicose veins, special drugs are necessarily used. Basically, these are capsules or tablets that have a versatile effect on the body. especially:

1. Phlebotonics. These drugs increase blood flow, preventing the development of thrombosis, and at the same time increase the tone of vascular walls. Such drugs will not be able to remove varicose veins, but they are quite capable of removing leg swelling, eliminating burning and pain. In the case of varicose veins, 2 tablets are usually taken daily, and the duration of treatment is determined exclusively by the doctor.
2. Blood thinners. Such drugs dilute the blood and promote its better circulation, preventing the occurrence of thrombosis. These drugs are prescribed only on an individual basis, and the conditions of use are determined by the doctor.
3. Anti-inflammatory drugs. These include pills, ointments and gels that relieve pain, reduce swelling and prevent platelet aggregation. But more importantly, such drugs prevent inflammation of the veins, leading to thrombophlebitis.

Medications are prescribed in cases where milder methods of exposure do not help. However, do not rush to turn to drugs, because they can damage not only the stomach, but also the heart and liver.

Modern drugs for the treatment of varicose veins in the legs

Modern methods of treating varicose veins simply work wonders. Specialists should be consulted to prescribe the appropriate medication.

Ointments and creams for varicose veins

They act as a prophylactic and auxiliary method of treating the disease in its early stages. They help:

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

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

Surgical treatment of varicose veins

Some patients need improved and more radical treatment for varicose veins. Such tactics are most often associated with removing or blocking the affected veins.

These are open operations and minimally invasive procedures that include:

1. Microsclerotherapy- Judging by the name, the procedure is aimed at treating small varicose veins. The amount of injected chemical fluid is also small, and the procedure gives the same results as sclerotherapy.
2. Sclerotherapyis a simple procedure that involves closing a varicose vein by injecting a chemical liquid into a varicose vessel. Under the influence of the substance, irritation and final occlusion (occlusion) of the vein occurs. This type of surgery is most suitable for small and less pronounced varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is usually done every 4 weeks; during this period, the patient's legs should be wrapped in elastic bandages, which reduce the severity of the pathological process.
3. Laser surgery- This treatment does not include surgery or injection of liquid chemicals. A laser beam is used to remove varicose veins in the affected areas.
4. Endovascular surgery- As with ablative therapy, during this procedure the doctor must cut the affected part, then use a surgical instrument that clogs the vein. This method of treatment is mainly intended to remove severe varicose veins that contribute to the formation of wounds on the skin.
5. Endovenous ablative therapy- In this method of treating varicose veins, the doctor uses laser radiation or radio waves. Unlike laser surgery, which is powered by light, this procedure generates heat, causing the veins to dilate and close, and eventually turn into connective tissue threads. In doing so, the doctor cuts the skin around the affected veins, and then inserts a catheter whose tip provides the heat needed for the healing process. Since the procedure is not complicated, the only area that requires postoperative care is the affected tissue for trimming.

Socks and tights for varicose veins

Women are more prone to varicose veins than men. This is due to the hormonal changes they undergo during life (pregnancy, menopause). The most comfortable and simplest method of treating varicose veins is to wear special socks or stockings that protect your feet from pain, swelling and fatigue.

The efficiency of compression underwear is due to the fact that it compresses the legs, which leads to compression of varicose veins. Wearing compression stockings is an excellent prevention of varicose veins. There are product models designed to treat varicose veins in men and pregnant women.

Hydrotherapy

The treatment of varicose veins with water has been known since time immemorial. Under the influence of different temperatures, the veins narrow and widen, which contributes to the increase of their elasticity. Knowing that, modern doctors use hydrotherapy in the early stages of varicose veins, when vascular networks have only just begun to appear on the skin.

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

Active lifestyle

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

If there is a break at work, try to use it for a walk. The fact is that during walking, the leg muscles direct the blood to the heart more efficiently. Whether you sit or stand a lot at work, try to take a break every hour for a simple workout. Get up on your heels and then on your toes for 10 minutes. These exercises help direct the blood upwards and reduce swelling.

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

Keep your legs as much as possible while resting

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

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

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

Foot massage

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

Do not keep your legs crossed

When sitting on a chair, it is strictly forbidden to keep your legs crossed. Holding one leg on the other creates additional unwanted pressure on the leg and limits the lifting of blood through the veins.

Folk remedies for the treatment of varicose veins

It is especially effective to treat varicose veins with folk remedies at home in the summer. Popular recipes are:

1. Wild chestnut flowers.Pour 50 g of flowers with 0. 5 liters of alcohol and leave it to stand for 14 days, shaking the bottle every day. Pass the resulting tincture through a sieve and use 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times daily before meals with water. After a week of treatment, take a break for 2 weeks. Then repeat again.
2. Kalanchoe pinnate.Wash the leaves of Kalanchoe feathers and put them 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 application. Lubricate your feet and feet every day before bed. The pain will disappear after the first application. If varicose veins are flowing, it takes 4 months for treatment.
3. Potato.Peel and grate 5 potatoes. Grate the obtained puree and spread it on your feet. After 4 hours, the pain will completely disappear, and then wash the potatoes with warm water.
4. Apples.Put 3 apples in boiling 1 liter of water, cover and place in a warm place for 4 hours. Then, without removing the apples, break them, mix the solution and strain. Take by adding 1 tbsp. spoon of honey, half a cup (50 g) in the morning before meals and at night before bedtime. The tool also cleanses the blood, improves sleep and appetite.
5. Garlic with butter.Take garlic with a white peel and grind it. Mix it with two parts butter. Apply at night on the bulging veins, put parchment paper on top and secure with a bandage or warm scarf. Rinse in the morning and put something warm and soft on your feet.

Treating varicose veins at home is not always possible. In order for the therapy to be successful, it is necessary to consult a doctor and strictly follow his instructions.

Otherwise, the negative consequences of treatment such as:

• ineffectiveness of therapy and worsening of venous conditions;
• allergic reactions and intolerance to the agents used;
• skin burns due to improper application of compresses with flammable substances;
• rupture of blood vessels and thromboembolism, if treatment is carried out against the background of existing contraindications.

Contraindications for the treatment of varicose veins include grade 3 and 4 pathology. In this case, the disease can be eliminated only by surgery. Also, traditional medicine is not applicable at high risk of thromboembolism, exacerbation of vascular insufficiency, severe disease with leaf muscle spasms, deposition of large amounts of blood in the affected vessels and large volume of the affected area.

How to use apple cider vinegar for varicose veins?

Here are some simple tips and reviews on how to treat varicose veins on your legs at home with vinegar:

1. Moisten a cotton pad in vinegar, wipe your feet on problem areas. Repeat the procedure as often as possible, 5-7 times a day.
2. Take warm water in the bath, pour a liter of vinegar into it. Immerse your feet in water, after half an hour finish the water procedures. Doctors do not recommend wiping your feet with a towel. It is better to lie on the bed, raise your legs above your head (for example, lean against the wall) and let them dry naturally.
3. Fold the gauze in several layers, moisten abundantly with vinegar. Put your feet on the problem areas, wrap with cling film (or plastic bag), wrap with a warm scarf. Remove the dressing 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 cannot be used in medical therapy in the presence of problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Apple cider vinegar contains a large amount of vitamins, macro and microelements, minerals. They have a beneficial effect on the body, helping to deal effectively with varicose veins. Apple cider vinegar is not able to harm a person, and with its regular use, the positive effect will be noticeable after a month.

Reviews

• Female, 33 years old. I treated varicose veins with apple cider vinegar and massage: I did daily half-hour compresses and then massaged swollen veins for 5 minutes for two months. First the morning pain in my legs disappeared, after three weeks the varicose veins disappeared. Now the deep veins are gone. I am glad that we managed to avoid surgery, and now I advise all my friends to treat varicose veins with apple cider vinegar.
• Girl, 21 years old. "After long-term pain in my legs, I had to go to a phlebologist. He suggested that I remove the varicose veins with laser surgery, and I overcame my fear and agreed. Laser varicose vein removal took 40 minutes under local anesthesia, and after the surgery, swelling and bruising. lasted another week. I am satisfied with the result of the treatment, I am no longer in pain. "
• Male, 40 years old. The phlebologist recommended that I treat varicose veins with leeches. I am not afraid of these creatures, so I agreed easily. Salivary leeches contain useful hirudin which cleanses and thins the blood, slowing down its clotting. 3 month break, I will take a repeated course, because after 2 sessions I noticed that the swelling in my legs went away, it became easier to walk. "

What will happen if it is not treated?

There is an aphorism about varicose veins created by doctors - "A disease that manifests on the legs and shoots in the heart. "Indeed, this disease is not just an aesthetic problem that creates problems and reduces the quality of life. In the absence of qualified medical care, varicose veins are full of serious complications, even death.

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

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

Separately, it is worth mentioning such a common "companion" of varicose veins in the legs, such as a trophic ulcer. The cause of its appearance is constant venous insufficiency and increased pressure in the veins.

Prevention

There is no doubt here that varicose veins can be cured. We will talk about what to do so that it should not be treated.

1. Hide all uncomfortable shoes, as well as heels, in a drawer. It is allowed to wear it only occasionally - for special occasions.
2. Don't forget to take 5 minute breaks when you work at the computer for a long time. Special exercises can be done even while you are 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 in the pelvis, blood circulation begins to suffer. Collaborate with friends of interest and regularly organize a bike ride, go to the pool, exercise in the fresh air.
4. Control your body weight. If necessary, review your diet. It should not contain a lot of fatty or fried foods.
5. Settling on the sofa after a hard day, place a roller under your feet, about 15 cm high. Thus, the blood flow in the veins of the legs will be normalized.
6. If your profession includes a long stay on your feet and physical activity - take breaks for rest. If you are used to putting one foot on the other, try to control yourself. This habit can easily cause inflammation.
7. Wear only comfortable clothes without restrictions. Don't buy too tight jeans or tight socks. This rule applies specifically to women. Uncomfortable skinny jeans negatively affect not only the health of the legs, but also the work of the genitourinary system.

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

When to see a doctor?

Seeing a doctor for varicose veins should happen as soon as possible. The more advanced the disease is by that time, the less likely it is that the patient will be completely cured. Ideally, if a person visits the clinic at the time of detection of the first signs: heaviness in the legs, flying pains when standing still for a long time, swelling.