Varicose veins occur when veins stretch and grow in size, they are purple-green or red due to a build-up of a large amount of blood. Varicose veins are a common disease and in most cases manifest in the legs, but at the same time it can form on other parts of the body.
For most people, especially women, varicose veins are mainly a cosmetic problem. In the early stages, the disease does not pose a danger to health. Swollen, ugly veins can damage the shape of certain parts of the body, but if not treated and prevented, varicose veins can develop over time.
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing varicose veins:
In addition to the characteristic dark blue or purple bulging veins, these are the main signs of the development of varicose veins:
In order to effectively deal with varicose veins, an integrated approach is needed, including:
When the first symptoms of varicose veins appear, you should start wearing compact clothing - socks, stockings or leggings apply slight pressure from the bottom of the legs upwards, helping to reduce blood build-up andreduce swelling. It is necessary to wear such compressed clothing at all times, only in this case a positive effect can be achieved. Wearing compression clothing will not cure existing varicose veins, but it will help prevent or relieve dilated veins and other complications.
Laser organ removal (radio frequency or laser)
Laser endothelial resection is by far the safest and most effective treatment for varicose veins. This is the use of laser or radiofrequency therapy, with the help of closing or removing varicose veins. The doctor makes a small incision in the skin near the vein and inserts a catheter into it, and then a special device is connected to the end of the catheter, through which the catheter heats and closes or removes the dilated vein (dependingdepending on the selected resection method). The procedure is performed with local anesthesia and the patient usually returns home during the day.
Treatment for disease
Sclerotherapy refers to gentle varicose treatments. During surgery, a special substance injected into a vein is affected by varicose veins, which destroy the lining of the vein and cause the blood to clot inside it. Over time, the veins collapse and disappear.
Surgical methods
In the case of severe varicose veins, some particularly gentle treatments are no longer effective. In this case, a patient with varicose veins can be helped with a surgery in which the superficial vein is surgically removed. The indications for surgery are ulceration, bleeding, phlebitis. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, as prescribed, the patient goes home right away. Pain and discomfort may occur for 2 weeks after surgery, which is normal.
Varicose veins training
A lot of exercise and moderate exercise are key allies in the fight against varicose veins. Not all exercises are equally beneficial, and some can even be harmful to someone with varicose veins.
Moderate, rhythmic physical activity, such as walking, prevents disease progression and complications because dynamic motor movements bring 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. Walk for at least 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.
Low intensity
Running at low speed works well on calf muscles, but it has one downside - running puts a strain on our joints. If you are not ready to replace running with a different activity, run on grass or rubber track, not on hard asphalt.
Exercise bike and exercise bike
Exercising on elliptical machines and stationary bikes will actively move the leg muscles, which promotes normal blood circulation.
Resistance training
Patients with varicose veins need to avoid extreme resistance training, squatting, shaking and twisting. All of them negatively affect the course of the disease and contribute to further development of the disease. During prolonged muscle tension, blood accumulates in the veins of the legs, poor blood circulation, all this provokes the development of complications. You should wear compression socks during and after resistance exercise.
Nowadays, pharmacies offer a wide variety of drugs for the treatment of varicose veins in the form of tablets, drops, ointments, creams, gels.
Main classes of drugs used to treat varicose veins
For the treatment of varicose veins, several groups of drugs are used: ointments, creams, tablets, less often than injections.
The characteristics of each group are listed:
To solve the problem, it is necessary to increase the volume of the vein. Therefore, patients with varicose veins are prescribed intravenous tonics (venotonics). The main task of drugs with venotonic properties is to strengthen weak blood vessels and normalize blood circulation.
Phlebotonics vary in composition and price range, so for the treatment of varicose veins, you can find the drug that best suits the price.
Phlebotonics contains Diosmin
Diosmin belongs to the representatives of bioflavonoids and is found in many drugs to combat varicose veins. It has a detoxifying effect, improves the lymphatic drainage system, improves microcirculation, reduces the adhesion of leukocytes to the venous wall and their migration to the venous tissues, improves diffusion andperfusion in skin tissue, and has anti-inflammatory effect. Prevent the production of free radicals, the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxan.
Experimental studies have shown that diosmin doubles lymph flow, increases venous wall tonicity, inhibits leukocyte activity and prevents inflammation.
This is a group of drugs acting on the coagulation system, preventing the adhesion of the forming factors, platelet plaques. Antiplatelet agents are another name for the drugs in this group because, in fact, natural or synthetic substances prevent the adhesion of platelets and prevent the formation of blood clots, Often needed in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
Antioxidants are substances that inhibit lipid and protein peroxidation in cell membranes, bind free radicals and thus slow down oxidation and aging. Drugs of this group can be prescribed in the treatment of complex varicose veins. They help improve the scalability and elasticity of blood vessel walls, strengthen them and prolong the normal lifespan of every cell in even the smallest veins.
Usually, varicose veins are accompanied by pain and swelling. To restore comfort to the legs, decongestants are often prescribed in complex varicose therapy. They improve the flow of lymph from the affected areas, removing excess fluid from the body.
As a rule, varicose veins are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. Unfortunately, not all medical facilities offer this specialist. It should be noted that some narrow specialists can also assist in the treatment of varicose veins - these are vascular specialists and vascular surgeons. The general practitioner can also help diagnose the disease and refer the patient to the appropriate specialist.
Remember that in the early stages of the disease, there are usually no obvious clinical manifestations. Therefore, if you suspect varicose veins, you should immediately contact a good specialist for their diagnosis. As a rule, the diagnosis of varicose veins is made taking into account the patient complaints, examination of the lower extremities, as well as data from laboratory and instrumental research methods. It is possible to trust the development of the disease and take timely preventive action only after the patient has been thoroughly examined.
All modern ointments are prescribed in addition to the primary treatment of varicose veins with medication. Topical 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 those with a genetic gene with varicose veins. In all cases, when the first symptoms occur, urgent measures must be taken. If not, the disease may develop and cause serious discomfort.
Topical treatment of varicose veins is an important therapeutic tool that, along with medication, exercise and preventive therapy, contributes to the return of a healthy state of the circulatory system:
The use of ointments for the treatment of varicose veins is prescribed by the vein specialist, who takes into account the indications and contraindications for their use. Therefore, despite the simplicity of such a drug, its use alone without consulting a doctor is unacceptable.
Ointments for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins based on heparin are produced under different names, they differ in that there are excipients in the composition that change the activity and effect of expression, andThere are also various manufacturers.
Heparin is a unique substance, therefore it is included in many drugs for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins. Your doctor will tell you what ointment to choose to treat varicose veins in your legs. In addition to ointments containing heparin, there are herbal preparations that are equally effective in preventing the development of varicose veins.
The herbal ingredients of the ointment are complex natural substances that act against varicose veins, strengthen the vessel walls and improve blood circulation.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to relieve the pain and inflammation of varicose veins. Ointments based on NSAIDs facilitate the general condition of patients with varicose veins and can speed up the healing process.
What are the differences between ointments, creams, and gelsThere is no significant difference between topical preparations in the form of ointments, gels or creams, however, ointments and creams are made on the basis of vegetable or animal fats and active ingredients. in them is not completely soluble.
Gel is produced on water basis, for this reason, all of the active ingredients in it dissolve completely, without residue, contributing to faster absorption and absorption into the skin.
Vasodilators should be applied to clean skin at all times. They must be used frequently, especially in severe forms of the disease. Remember, varicose veins are not a simple disease, there needs to be a comprehensive approach. Need advice from a specialist, do not self-medicate. Only after diagnosis can a doctor prescribe treatment, including both internal and external medications. In this case, a patient with varicose veins must lead a healthy lifestyle.