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

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

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

Factors provoking the development of varicose veins

Despite the fact that the predisposition to 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 thepressure inside the vein. Among them:

1. Excess weight - 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 contrary, launches a "muscle pump", which stimulates the flow of blood through the veins.
3. High-heeled shoes - limit the work of the calf muscle and therefore reduce the activity of the muscle pump.
4. Chronic constipation - increased intra-abdominal pressure, and therefore 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, the venous valves cannot withstand a high load, which normally should provide blood flow in only one direction - from bottom to top. The valve begins to pass 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 expands, a varicose vein appears. The valves in this area eventually cease to perform their function, the venous pressure becomes even higher - 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 stagnation of blood in impaired veins.

Symptoms

Symptoms of varicose veins are characterized by a gradual progression. Obvious signs are not detected immediately; in the first stage, the disease is manifested by:

• swelling of the legs, especially after a long stay in a sitting or standing position, which, as a rule, goes away on its own in the morning - the first sign that the deep veins are not doing their job well;
• cramps and numbness of the legs, especially often this symptom manifests itself at night and in the morning;
• feelings 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 when probed;
• severe muscle pain, the intensity of which increases during walking;
• the appearance of venous nodes protruding from the skin of the legs and feet.

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

How to treat varicose veins?

Women's legs belong to a special risk group. According to statistics, more than 70% of all cases of the disease, varicose veins affect women. The disease does not only negatively affect health. This significantly spoils the appearance, which makes the fair sex feel uncomfortable.

At the first signs of varicose veins in the legs (swelling, heaviness in the legs, the appearance of swollen veins and varicosities), treatment should be started immediately. How to treat varicose veins in the legs in women? There are several ways:

• use veinotonic ointments and gels;
• taking pills to increase the tone of the veins;
• use the advice of traditional medicine;
• to carry out a correction of the work of the veins with the help of medical procedures (sclerotherapy, laser coagulation);
• radically solve the problem surgically (phlebectomy).

Ointments, gels and tablets are quite effective at the initial stage of varicose veins. Traditional medicine can accompany a woman throughout the treatment period, supporting the body, regardless of the main methods of therapy. Conservative and 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 in danger due to a serious pathology of the veins.

Medical treatment

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

1. Phlebotonics. These drugs increase blood flow, prevent the development of thrombosis, and at the same time increase the tone of the vascular walls. It will not work to eliminate varicose veins with such drugs, but they are quite capable of eliminating swelling in the legs, eliminating burning and pain. In the case of varicose veins, they are usually taken 2 tablets per day, and the duration of treatment is determined only by the doctor.
2. Anti coagulants. These drugs thin the blood and promote its better circulation, preventing the development of thrombosis. These drugs are prescribed only on an individual basis and the doctor sets the conditions of use.
3. Anti-inflammatory drugs. These include pills, ointments, and gels that relieve pain, relieve swelling, and prevent platelets from sticking together. But more importantly, these drugs prevent inflammation of the veins, which leads to thrombophlebitis.

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

Modern drugs for the treatment of varicose veins on the legs

Modern methods of treating varicose veins simply work wonders. To prescribe a suitable drug, you need to consult a specialist.

Ointments and creams for varicose veins

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

• reduce pain;
• reduce swelling;
• improve valve system activity;
• increase the tone of the 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 in case of skin injuries.

Surgical treatment of varicose veins

Some patients require improved and more radical treatment for varicose veins. Such tactics are most often associated with the removal or blockage of affected veins.

These are open surgeries and minimally invasive procedures, which include:

1. Microsclerotherapy- Based on the name, the procedure is aimed at the treatment of small varicose veins. The amount of chemical fluid injected 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 fluid into a dilated vessel. Under the influence of the substance, irritation and final blockage (occlusion) of the vein occurs. This type of surgery is best suited 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 reduces the severity of the pathological process.
3. Laser surgery– This treatment does not include surgery or the injection of liquid chemicals. To eliminate varicose veins in the affected areas, a laser beam is used.
4. Endovascular surgery– as with ablative therapy, during this procedure the doctor must cut the affected part, then a surgical instrument is used, with which the vein is occluded. This method of treatment is primarily intended to eliminate severe varicose veins that contribute to the formation of wounds on the skin.
5. Endovenous ablative therapy- with 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 veins to expand and close, and eventually grow into strands of connective tissue. In this, the doctor cuts the skin around the affected veins and then inserts a catheter whose tip provides the necessary heat for the healing process. Since the procedure is uncomplicated, the only area that requires postoperative care is the affected tissue for trimming.

Stockings and tights for varicose veins

Women are more prone to varicose veins than men. This is due to the hormonal changes they undergo during their lifetime (pregnancy, menopause). The most comfortable and easiest way to treat varicose veins is to wear special tights or stockings that protect the legs from pain, swelling and fatigue.

The effectiveness of compression underwear is due to the fact that they compress the legs, which leads to compression of the varicose veins. Wearing compression stockings is an excellent prevention of varicose veins. There are product models designed for the treatment of dilated 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 shrink and expand, which helps to increase their elasticity. Knowing this, modern doctors use hydrotherapy in the early stages of varicose veins, when vascular networks are just beginning to appear on the skin.

Also, depending on the existing problem, baths can be local (only for the legs) 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! Staying in one place for a long time (sitting on a chair or standing on your feet) leads to an accumulation of blood in the legs.

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

Exercise at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes at a time. It will help you stay fit 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 thus the blood rises.

Keep your legs as high as possible while resting

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

The cause of varicose veins is the tendency of blood to accumulate in the legs. During their ascent, the blood more easily returns to the heart 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 leg muscles are massaged with two fingers (but not the veins! ) by moving from the heels to the hips.

Don't keep your legs crossed

When you are sitting on a chair, it is strictly forbidden to keep your legs crossed. Holding one foot on top of the other creates unwanted extra pressure on the leg and limits the rise of blood in the veins.

Folk remedies for the treatment of varicose veins

Particularly effective is the treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies at home in the summer. Popular recipes are:

1. Horse chestnut flowers.Pour 50 g of flowers with 0. 5 liters of alcohol and leave to infuse for 14 days, shaking the bottle every day. Strain the resulting tincture through the mesh and use 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day before meals with water. After a week of treatment, take a break for 2 weeks. Then repeat again.
2. Pinnate Kalanchoe.Wash the pinnate Kalanchoe leaves and put them in a liter jar (the leaves should be half of the jar). Fill with 70% alcohol and insist in a dark place for 14 days. Shake the pot before application. Lubricate your legs and feet daily before going to bed. The pain will disappear after the first application. If the varicose veins flow, 4 months are required for treatment.
3. Potato.Peel 5 potatoes and grate them. Grate the resulting puree and spread it on your feet. After 4 hours, the pain will completely disappear, then rinse the potatoes with warm water.
4. Apples.Throw 3 apples in 1 liter of boiling water, cover and warm for 4 hours. Then, without removing the apples, break them, mix the solution and strain. Take by adding 1 tbsp. a spoonful of honey, half a glass (50 g) in the morning before meals, and in the evening before bedtime. The tool also cleans the blood, improves sleep and appetite.
5. Butter garlic.Take the garlic with the white husk and grind it. Mix it with two parts of butter. Apply to the protruding veins at night, put parchment paper on it and fix with a bandage or a warm scarf. Rinse off in the morning and put something warm and soft on your feet.

Treatment of varicose veins at home is not always possible. For the therapy to be successful, it is necessary to consult a doctor and strictly follow his instructions.

Otherwise, negative consequences of the treatment such as:

• ineffectiveness of treatment and deterioration of the condition of the veins;
• allergic reactions and intolerance to the means used;
• skin burns due to improper application of compresses containing burning substances;
• ruptures of vessels and thromboembolism, if the treatment is carried out against the background of existing contraindications.

Among the contraindications to the treatment of varicose veins are the 3rd and 4th degrees of pathology. In this case, the disease can only be eliminated by surgery. Also, traditional medicine is not applicable at a high risk of thromboembolism, exacerbation of vascular insufficiency, severe illness with cramps of the calf muscles, deposition of a large amount of blood in the affected vesselsand a high volume of the affected area.

How to use apple cider vinegar for varicose veins?

A few simple tips and reviews on how to treat varicose veins on the legs at home with vinegar:

1. Dampen a cotton ball in vinegar, wipe your feet in 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. Dip your feet in water, after half an hour complete 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 in vinegar. Put your feet in problem areas, wrap with cling film (or a plastic bag), wrap with a warm scarf. Remove the compress after one hour.
4. You can also take apple cider vinegar by mouth. 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 effectively cope with varicose veins. Apple cider vinegar is not capable of harming a person, and with its regular use, a positive effect will be noticeable after a month.

Comments

• Female, 33 years old. "I treated the varicose veins with apple cider vinegar and massages: I did daily half-hour wraps followed by 5 minutes of massage of the swollen veins for two months. First, the morning pains inthe legs disappeared, after three weeks the varicose veins disappeared, and now even the deep veins disappeared. I am very happy that we managed to avoid surgery, and now I advise all my friends to treat varicose veins withapple cider vinegar.
• Girl, 21 years old. "After prolonged pain in my legs, I had to turn to a phlebologist. He suggested that I remove the varicose veins with laser surgery, and I overcame my fear and agreed. removal of my varicose veins with a laser took 40 minutes under local anesthesia, and after the operation the swelling and bruising lasted for another week. I am satisfied with the result of the treatment, I have no more pain. "
• Male, 40 years old. "A phlebologist recommended that I treat varicose veins with leeches. I am not afraid of these creatures, so I easily agreed. Leech saliva contains useful hirudin, which cleans and thins the blood, slowing down its clotting. The course of treatment was 8 sessions at intervals of three days. After a break of 3 months, I will take a repeated course, because after 2 sessions I noticed that the swelling in the legs was decreasing, it was becomingeasier to walk.

What will happen if it is not treated?

There is an aphorism about varicose veins created by doctors - "A disease that manifests itself on the legs and shoots in the heart. "Indeed, this disease is not only an aesthetic problem that causes disorders and reduces the quality of life. In the absence of qualified medical assistance, varicose veins are fraught with serious and even fatal complications.

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 dangerous complication not only for health, but also for life.

Separately, it is worth mentioning such a common "companion" of varicose veins on the legs as a trophic ulcer. The cause of its occurrence 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 does not have to be treated.

1. Hide all uncomfortable shoes, as well as stilettos, in a drawer. It is allowed to wear it only occasionally - for special occasions.
2. Remember to take 5-minute breaks when working at the computer for a long time. Special exercises can be performed even in the office. If possible, try to walk to work.
3. If you are prone to constipation, do not leave this problem unattended. Due to the constant heaviness of the pelvis, blood circulation begins to suffer. Cooperate with friends of interest and regularly organize cycling, swimming, outdoor exercises.
4. Control your body weight. If necessary, revise the diet. It should not contain a lot of fatty or fried foods.
5. Having settled on the couch after a hard day, place a roller under your feet, about 15 cm high, so the blood flow in the vessels of the legs will return to normal.
6. If your occupation involves long standing and physical activity, take rest breaks. If you have a habit of stepping on one foot, try to control yourself. This habit can easily cause inflammation.
7. Wear only comfortable, non-binding clothes. Don't buy jeans or tights that are too tight. This rule applies in particular to women. Uncomfortable skinny jeans have a negative impact not only on the health of the legs, but also on the work of the genitourinary system.

Compression underwear is used not only for the treatment of varicose veins, but also for its prevention. So, for example, if someone in the family suffers from this disease, then during pregnancy, during flights and long trips by bus or train, during training, it is better for her to use stockingscompression or wrapping his legs with an elastic bandage.

When to consult a doctor?

Contacting a doctor for varicose veins should happen as soon as possible. The more advanced the disease is at this time, the less chance the patient has of being completely cured. Ideally, if a person visits the clinic at the time of detecting the first signs: heaviness in the legs, flying pains when standing still for a long time, swelling.