A common disease of the legs after thirty years, especially in women, is varicose veins. In the course of the development of this disease, the veins become deformed, their elasticity decreases, and blood flow is disturbed. The calf muscles of the legs and the back of the knees are most commonly affected.
Varicose veins of the legs: causes of occurrence
Factors that lead to the appearance of varicose veins of the lower extremities include:
- Overweight - puts a lot of strain on the legs. This is especially true for overweight people. We therefore recommend exercising vigorously if you have weight problems;
- pregnancy - especially in the last few months, the load on the legs is clearly noticeable, and if you do not constantly pay attention to rest, varicose veins can develop;
- Work that involves staying on your feet for a long time. If it is not possible to change your job, you need to change your mind about it and try to reduce the stress on your legs.
- the presence of a tumor in the pelvic organs - blood outflow is difficult;
- Diseases of the venous walls of the lower extremities, which lead to tissue compaction and deterioration in blood flow, as well as the formation of blood clots;
- congenital venous valve insufficiency.
Attention! So that your legs do not hurt and are not covered with small bruises, we recommend that you keep your legs healthy from an early age. Build moderate exercise into your daily routine and try to reduce the 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 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 not be noticeable. In addition, there is even the so-called zero stage of varicose veins in the context of medicine. In the process, the patient complains of the same sensations as with varicose veins. However, when examined, symptoms of varicose veins cannot be found. And treatment in this case is rarely prescribed, more often doctors recommend practicing a healthy lifestyle.
In the first stage, spider veins or a network appear on the legs. Please note that there are no venous outflow disorders at this stage. Patients seek help because of the slight dilation of the veins.
Second degree varicose veins
In the second stage, in addition to all the symptoms already listed, there is an insufficiency of the main vein trunks. In other words, in addition to a feeling of heaviness in the legs and a slight enlargement of the leg veins, swelling and bluish nodules may appear. Please note that the size of the knots may increase in heels after sitting or walking for a long time.
The third stage of varicose veins: features of the development of the disease
Treatment for the disease at this stage is most often surgery. With the symptoms of the course, the swelling increases significantly, the legs look swollen even in the morning. Cramps can occur. Most often it reduces the calf muscles.
Attention! To get rid of the cramp, straighten your leg and pull the sock towards you. If the leg does not obey, 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 can also occur. Another sign of third-degree varicose veins is dry skin. The epidermis loses elasticity due to circulatory disorders and the surface becomes dry.
Varicose veins: how to treat the lower extremities and their swelling
If you've been diagnosed with varicose veins, treatment is the same regardless of stage. The only difference is in the duration of the treatment.
Treatment for varicose veins can be different. One of the most effective methods of treating varicose veins is massage. In order not to damage it, only a professional should do it. Properly performed massage improves blood flow to a person's lower extremities. A special pneumatic massage is also used as a type of compression treatment. Thanks to him, the swelling of the legs will be much less, the venous outflow of blood will accelerate, and an overall improvement in blood flow to the lower extremities is observed.
Physiotherapy is also suitable for relieving the venous system of the legs. It is a kind of physical education lesson for the legs that is given immediately before bedtime. You can demonstrate the exercises you need in any physical therapy room.
To relieve the symptoms of the disease and prevent its exacerbation, elastic bandages and stockings are used. By wearing compression stockings, you can stop the development of the disease, improve blood circulation in the legs, and most importantly, prevent blood clots from forming. Compression underwear must be picked up from a specialist shop.
Attention! It is better not to skimp on such stockings. After all, if the fabric isn't stretchy enough, you won't be able to wear it.
Blood-thinning, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are used to treat varicose veins. It can be pills, injections. Treatment should only be prescribed by a doctor and only after a full examination. Self-medication is prohibited.
Popular methods of treating varicose veins of the legs are hirudotherapy. During the procedure, leeches, which bite through the skin, inject hirudin, a substance that prevents blood from clotting. This will reduce the number of blood clots.
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 don't need a prescription. In the later stages of the disease, the phlebologist will offer you a timely solution to the problem.
Anyone diagnosed with enlargement should follow a special diet. The diet should include low-cholesterol, protein and vitamin-rich foods. In this case, the use of seafood in food also has a beneficial effect on health. Smoked meat, broths, marinades should be excluded from the products consumed, coffee and alcohol should be avoided.
The patient's diet should include the following foods:
- Legumes, sprouted wheat grains, liver, olive or corn oils are foods that are rich in vitamin E. It gives elasticity to our veins;
- Vitamins C and P (rutin) are required to strengthen the vascular and vein walls of the lower extremities. Vitamin C is found in rose hips, sea buckthorn, cabbage, black currants and, of course, citrus fruits. And rutin is in the same rose hips, citrus fruits, black currants, and black aronia. 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 high fiber foods in your diet to help relieve constipation. After all, everyone knows that veins are congested;
- Make sure you drink at least two liters of water. When there is a lack of water, the blood becomes viscous and thus the strain on our veins increases.
It is worth saying a few words about what happens when varicose veins are not cured in time. Remember that as a result of such a disease, there may be thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, eczema or trophic ulcers. Do not forget that with advanced varicose veins, pulmonary embolism can occur.
And this disease can lead to sudden death. Hence, if you want to live a happy and healthy life, it is better to see a doctor on time.
After all, in the early stages it is easier to cure the disease, and surgery at the onset of the disease is optional. Don't be sick! Much luck!