A frequent disease of the legs after thirty years, and especially in women, is varicose veins. In the course of the development of this disease, the veins are deformed, their elasticity decreases, and blood flow is disturbed. Most often, the calf muscles of the legs and the back of the knees are affected.
Varicose veins of the legs: causes of occurrence
The factors leading to the occurrence of varicose veins of the lower extremities include the following:
- being overweight - puts a lot of pressure on the legs. This is especially true for obese people. Therefore, if you have problems with weight, we recommend that you go in for sports vigorously;
- pregnancy - especially in the last months, the load on the legs is quite noticeable and if you do not pay constant attention to rest, varicose veins can develop;
- work associated with a long stay on your feet. If it is not possible to change your job, you need to change your attitude towards it and try to reduce the load on your legs;
- the presence of a tumor in the pelvic organs - the outflow of blood is difficult;
- diseases of the walls of the veins of the lower extremities, leading to tissue compaction and deterioration of blood outflow, and to the formation of blood clots;
- congenital venous valve insufficiency.
Attention! In order to prevent your legs from hurting and not covered with minor bruises, we recommend that you pay attention to maintaining the health of your legs from a young age. Include moderate exercise in your daily routine and try to reduce the strain on your legs. It is worth paying attention to the description of the symptoms during the development of the stages of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
The initial stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities: features of the development of the disease
First of all, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the course of the first stage of varicose veins may be imperceptible. Moreover, within the framework of medicine, there is even the so-called zero stage of varicose veins. During its course, the patient complains of the same sensations as with varicose veins. But during the examination, it is impossible to determine any symptoms of varicose veins. And treatment in this case is rarely prescribed, more often doctors recommend practicing a healthy lifestyle.
At the first stage, spider veins or a mesh appear on the legs. Please note that there are no venous outflow disturbances at this stage. Patients seek help because of the slight dilatation of the veins.
Second degree varicose veins
In the second stage, insufficiency of the main vein trunks is added to all the symptoms already listed. In other words, in addition to heaviness in the legs and slight enlargement of the veins in the legs, swelling and bluish nodules may appear. Please note that the size of the knots may increase after prolonged sitting or walking in heels.
The third stage of varicose veins: features of the development of the disease
Treatment of the disease at this stage is, most often, an operation. As for the symptoms of the course, the swelling increases significantly, the legs look swollen even in the morning. Convulsions may appear. Most often, it reduces the calf muscles.
Attention! In order to get rid of the cramp, you need to stretch your leg and pull the sock towards you. If the leg does not obey, then give it 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 appear. Another sign of the third degree of varicose veins is dry skin. The epidermis, due to circulatory problems, loses its elasticity and the surface becomes dry.
Varicose veins: how to treat the lower extremities and their swelling
If you have been diagnosed with varicose veins, then regardless of the stage, the treatment will be identical. The only difference will be in the duration of the treatment.
Treatment for varicose veins can be varied. One of the most effective methods of treating varicose veins is massage. In order not to harm it, only a professional should do it. Correctly done massage improves blood circulation in the lower extremities of a person. Special pneumatic massage is also used as a kind of compression treatment. Thanks to him, the swelling of the legs becomes much less, the venous outflow of blood accelerates, and a general improvement in blood circulation in the lower extremities is observed.
Physical therapy is also suitable for unloading the venous system of the legs. It is a kind of such physical education for the legs that is performed immediately before bedtime. You can show the exercises you need in any physical therapy room.
To reduce the symptoms of the disease and in order to prevent its aggravation, elastic bandages and stockings are used. Wearing compression hosiery allows you to stop the development of the disease, improves blood flow in the legs and, most importantly, prevents the formation of blood clots. You need to pick up compression underwear in a specialized store.
Attention! It is better not to save on such stockings. After all, if the fabric is not elastic enough, then you will not be able to wear them.
For the treatment of varicose veins, medicinal blood thinning, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are used. It can be pills, injections. Treatment should be prescribed exclusively by a doctor and only after a complete examination. Self-medication is prohibited.
Popular methods of treating varicose veins of the legs include hirudotherapy. During the procedure, leeches, biting through the skin, inject hirudin into it, 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 is possible with the use of 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 offer you a prompt solution to the problem.
Anyone who has been diagnosed with enlargement should follow a special diet. The diet should contain foods that are low in cholesterol and rich in proteins and vitamins. In this case, the use of seafood in food also has a positive effect on health. Smoked meats, broths, marinades should be excluded from the consumed products, coffee and alcohol should be avoided.
The patient's diet should contain the following foods:
- legumes, sprouted wheat grains, liver, olive or corn oil are foods rich in vitamin E. It gives our veins elasticity;
- to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and veins of the lower extremities, vitamins C and P (rutin) are needed. Vitamin C is present in rose hips, sea buckthorn, cabbage, black currant and, of course, citrus fruits. And rutin is in the same rose hips, citrus fruits, black currants and black chokeberry. On the basis of these berries, compotes or decoctions can be made;
- bioflavonoids make it easier to move through the veins - eat 10 cherries and dark cherries in pieces;
- Include fiber-rich foods in your diet to relieve constipation. After all, everyone knows that veins suffer from constipation;
- be sure to drink at least two liters of water. With a lack of water consumed, the blood becomes viscous and thus the load on our veins increases.
It is worth saying a few words about what will happen if varicose veins are not cured in time. Remember that thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, eczema or trophic ulcers may appear as a consequence of such a disease. Do not forget that with advanced varicose veins, pulmonary embolism may occur.
And this disease can cause sudden death. Therefore, if you want to live healthy happily ever after, then it is better to see your doctor on time.
After all, it is easier to cure the disease at the initial stage, and the operation at the beginning of the disease is optional. Do not be ill! Good luck!