Varicose veins (varicose veins) is a pathology of the veins, which is manifested in their deformation and impaired blood flow. Observing the appearance of spider veins, pain and heaviness in the legs, it is worth immediately starting treatment for varicose veins, especially since the first manifestations of the disease can be treated using minimally invasive or generally popular methods.
The main signs of varicose veins on the legs
The well-known "spider web" on the legs is nothing more than the initial stage of varicose veins. Next to her are the main signs of varicose veins:
- persistent swelling of the legs in the thigh or lower leg;
- Heaviness in the legs;
- Discoloration of the skin: the appearance of red spots, darkening;
- veins change shape and increase in size;
- Thickening of the skin on the lower leg;
- severe pain in the calves, increased when walking, sensation of warmth and burning sensation in the legs;
- pain in the veins when pressing;
- the formation of trophic ulcers;
- leg cramps at night.
If there are varicose veins in the legs, therapy should start as soon as possible.
In such places, blood flow slows down, which contributes to the formation of thrombosis.
With this disease, the venous vessels lose their elasticity, expand in some places, twist and form knots.
How can you cure varicose veins on the legs?
Modern medicine has several methods of treating this disease. The doctor should decide on the treatment regimen based on the existing symptoms, comorbidities, and the body characteristics of the patient. As a result, such modern methods can be included:
- Conservative treatment is the use of certain drugs.
- Minimally invasive techniques. Whenever possible, doctors try to use it to treat varicose veins on the legs.
- Radical Therapy. Performing a venectomy and phlebectasia for varicose veins.
In a number of cases of varicose veins at a slight stage on the legs, with the consent of a doctor, folk remedies can be used as an aid to getting rid of varicose veins.
Wearing compression clothing helps to heal varicose veins early and also supports the veins in the postoperative phase. The effectiveness of compression garments is based on the effect of tissue compression, which leads to compression and varicose veins. There are models of products for the treatment of varicose veins in men and pregnant women.
Modern treatment methods
Drug therapy: creams, ointments and gels
With varicose veins, damage to the blood vessels occurs, which leads to stagnation of the blood. Therefore, at the first stage of the disease, the following groups of drugs are effective:
- Nonsteroidal tablets or gels used to prevent inflammation. They are used to treat thrombosis and thrombophlebitis. Treatment of varicose veins with these drugs should only be done under medical supervision.
- Based on hormones that have an antihistamine, anti-inflammatory effect on varicose veins. They also reduce tissue swelling.
- Blood-thinning drugs that prevent venous blood stagnation and clots, thin the blood and improve its circulation.
These drugs are actively used in home therapy for varicose veins, but they should be used strictly as directed by a doctor. Ointments and gels are usually applied directly to the vascular area twice a day.
Minimally invasive procedures
Minimally invasive methods of treating varicose veins do not require surgery, hospitalization, or long-term subsequent rehabilitation. A nonsurgical procedure is performed in a treatment room under local anesthesia. These methods of treating varicose veins on the legs are less traumatic.
The patient can go home the same day.
In 95% of cases of varicose veins, doctors use non-surgical interventions, only 5% of patients need to undergo phlebectomy.
The minimally invasive procedures include:
- Radio frequency ablation;
- Sclerotherapy;
- Laser ablation;
- Microflebectomy.
Sclerotherapy
The method of sclerotherapy consists of injecting an active substance sclerosant into a deformed vein. It clogs the damaged area of the vein and the blood moves along the restored bed. Over time, the isolated section of the vein will resolve on its own.
Sclerotherapy is carried out under constant ultrasound control. Modern technologies have further improved the method of sclerotherapy. Now more and more people are using a more effective method of treating varicose veins - foam sclerotherapy. It is performed when the diameter of the veins does not exceed 10 mm, such an intervention leads to practically no complications in the postoperative period.
After sclerotherapy, the patient is recommended to wear compression stockings for a month to consolidate the positive effect.
Radio frequency ablation
The radiofrequency ablation method is one of the least traumatic and at the same time it can effectively eliminate varicose veins on the legs. The procedure is possible with any diameter of the veins. The ablation is performed under local anesthesia under constant ultrasound control.
A high-frequency catheter is inserted into the tissue around the vein at the desired location through a small puncture in the vein. Next, an anesthetic is injected, creating a "water bed" around the damaged vein, protecting the surrounding tissue from exposure to radio waves. Long-term rehabilitation is not required after radiofrequency therapy, the patient can lead an active life as early as 2 weeks after the procedure. Despite the cost, this method has the best reviews on the forums.
Contraindications for radiofrequency ablation are thrombophlebitis and trophic skin changes.
Laser ablation
The laser ablation is performed on an outpatient basis for 30 minutes to 2 hours under local anesthesia. After completion, the patient can go home immediately, regardless of the clinic. The method is to burn the walls of blood vessels with a laser using a special light guide. The result is a blockage of the affected vein area.
Over time, the laser-treated area will dissolve.
Different types of glass fibers are used for laser ablation:
- end - for veins with a diameter of no more than 1 centimeter;
- radial - for veins of any diameter, coverage 360 degrees.
After laser therapy, the patient is recommended to wear compression stockings as a prophylactic measure. The type of laundry and the period of use are prescribed by a phlebologist, the price of such aids has recently fallen.
Microflebectomy
During the microflebectomy, the surgeon removes the affected area of the vein with special hooks. These hooks are inserted into the vein through a micro-incision up to 1 mm. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
The rehabilitation period after treatment is 3-5 days, after which the patient can go to work. During the procedure, bruises form at the exposure site, which will resolve on their own after 3-4 weeks. It is recommended to wear compression stockings for the first 2 weeks after the microflebectomy.
The benefits of microflebectomy include the ability to apply the technique to veins of any diameter and completely remove the affected area of the vein.
Phlebectomy
In the event that varicose veins on the legs are quite neglected and non-surgical regimens of treatment do not give a positive result, the patient is prescribed an operation to remove the damaged veins - phlebectomy. Only surgery can help heal varicose veins in advanced cases.
Phlebectomy is performed in a hospital under spinal or general anesthesia for no more than 2 hours. After the operation, the patient is observed in the treatment center for 1-2 days.
Indications for surgical intervention:
- severe violation of blood flow;
- extensive varicose veins;
- severe complications of varicose veins - thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers.
The risk of complications during surgery is minimal, but there are contraindications to phlebectomy:
- inflammatory processes in the skin;
- internal deep vein thrombosis;
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- Hypertension;
- Infectious diseases;
- Pregnancy.
Phlebectomy involves inserting a special probe into a vein through a small incision in the skin. The enlarged section of the vein is removed mechanically and the incision is sutured.
In the postoperative period, the patient is prescribed venotonics and means to reduce blood viscosity, it is recommended to wear compression underwear for 2 months, perform exercises from a special gymnastic complex and walk in the fresh air.
Cycling and swimming are also helpful.
Treatment of varicose veins on the legs with folk remedies at home
Treatment of varicose veins on the legs with folk remedies can be effective in the initial stages of the disease, if you fully address the problem in consultation with your doctor. To get rid of the disease, you need to take a whole series of measures:
- Give up the habit of sitting cross-legged.
- Walk more in comfortable shoes.
- Include foods rich in fiber in your diet, avoid fried, fatty and spicy foods, additionally consume vitamins and beneficial microelements.
- Use folk remedies (decoctions, tinctures, compresses, rubs) to get rid of varicose veins on the legs.
Apple cider vinegar for the manifestations of varicose veins on the legs
Apple cider vinegar helps relieve swelling, pain, and heaviness in legs with varicose veins. The product contains more than 20 minerals and trace elements useful for the body, as well as vitamins A, C, B. Apple cider vinegar strengthens the walls of blood vessels and helps to relieve edema, tighten the skin.
Ways To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Treat Varicose Veins:
- Compressed. Soak the bandage in clean vinegar, apply it to the varicose vein area of the skin, wrap it with cellophane, warm it with a towel. Place your legs horizontally 50 cm above your body, for example on the armrest of a sofa. Hold the compress for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Rub. After regular water treatments, rub apple cider vinegar into painful varicose veins of the lower extremities, do not rinse the product off the skin until the next time you shower.
- Pour over. The recipe is very simple: dilute 150 g of apple cider vinegar in 2 liters of warm water. Put your feet in a bowl and slowly pour the prepared solution from a ladle onto the swollen veins. Drain the water and repeat the process within 5 minutes. Do not dry your feet after watering, they should dry naturally.
Clay lotions and compresses
For the treatment of varicose veins, blue, green or white clay, which can be purchased at the pharmacy, is useful. Soak the clay in cold water and rub it over the varicose veins of the legs. The thickness of the clay layer must be at least 1 cm. Cover the top with polyethylene, no insulation is required. Hold such a cold pack for 1 to 1. 5 hours and then take a cool shower.
Clay compresses should be performed in 12 treatments with a frequency of 2 times a week.
A cold wrap is just as helpful for varicose veins on the legs as a hot wrap. When the temperature drops, the veins narrow, the metabolism accelerates, lymph is released, which removes toxins and toxins from the body. Clay wrap effectively removes puffiness and helps relieve leg fatigue.
Acacia blossom tincture
Tincture of white acacia flowers helps in the treatment of varicose veins. It is used in the form of compresses, rubs, lotions.
The tincture has the ability to dissolve swollen venous nodes.
To prepare the tincture, pour 100 gr. Of white acacia flowers with half a liter of vodka, leave for three weeks in a dark place. Strain the infusion daily and rub it into the skin where the vein dilatation is visible. The more often you do this, the faster normal blood circulation will be restored in your legs. First, the vascular network becomes thinner and disappears, and over time, deep veins also disappear.