Varicose veins: causes, symptoms, prevention, gymnastics

Today we will discuss varicose veins in the legs, varicose veins in the lower limbs - a very common vascular pathology, causes, symptoms, disease prevention, therapeutic exercises, and a set of exercises.

Varicose veins (varicose veins) - what is it, photo

venous aneurysm(see photo of manifestations of varicose veins in the legs) is the scourge of our time; if this progressive disease of impaired blood flow and weakened valves earlier affected the elderly, now this peripheral vascular disease is the firstThe first signs appear around the age of twenty.Spider veins (telangiectasia) appear first. The superficial veins then become inelastic, twist, and become obvious, protruding above the skin of the calf and thigh. Blood flows more slowly and rises more poorly. Venous stagnation and swelling occur, which resolve after a night's rest. There is a risk of thrombosis.This lower extremity venous disorder is diagnosed in one in three women during pregnancy and childbirth, when levels of female hormones that weaken blood vessel walls increase rapidly.However, not only in the limbs, but even by the age of 30-35, varicose veins of the pelvic organs (which begin to develop due to fluctuations in pressure within the blood vessels during contraction), hemorrhoids and varicocele (dilation of the spermatic veins in men) appear en masse.There are varices in the esophagus and stomach.

Varicose veins - ICD-10 code

The ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases) code for this disease is 183

1. If varicose veins are complicated by ulcers - 183. 0
2. If varicose veins are accompanied by inflammation, stagnation dermatitis - 183. 1
3. If the first two conditions are combined - 183. 2
4. If varicose veins are uncomplicated - 183. 9

Symptoms of varicose veins in lower limbs

Nodules, swollen veins in the legs, blue network of small blood vessels, spider veins, swelling at night, annoying, pain along the veins, burning, sometimes itching, heaviness in the legs at the end of the day, occurrence of night cramps, paresthesia - goosebumpsand numbness.As the disease progresses significantly, the following usually occurs:

• Thrombophlebitis (shown by severe pain, redness, local temperature increase, and swelling along the veins. Sometimes you may feel a blood clot blocking the lumen of the blood vessel in the painful area. In severe cases, you may start to feel cold and turn into thrombophlebitis)Observe the inflammatory process from superficial to deep veins),
• Trophic ulcers in the context of chronic venous insufficiency.

I'm afraid no one will like this photo. And then you still get the clot that breaks off and the subsequent stroke or heart attack, tissue death. . . but that's pretty sad.Since it is unacceptable for us to evolve to walk on all fours in order to reduce the load on our veins, we must look for natural ways to reduce the load on our legs.

Causes and triggers of varicose veins

1. Genetics (heredity).
2. Changes in hormonal levels (pregnancy, hormonal contraceptives).
3. Heavy physical activity, especially static, purely standing or sedentary work.
4. excess weight.
5. Chronic cough.
6. smokes.
7. Injuries to the legs can damage blood vessel valves.

Women successfully trigger the onset of varicose veins by standing and walking in high heels for long periods of time and by sitting cross-legged at a table.Wearing thongs and tight synthetic underwear can have adverse effects.

Which doctor treats varicose veins in legs

Phlebologists treat veins. If surgical intervention is already required - vascular surgeon.

Diagnosis of varicose veins

In addition to the external examination of the lower extremities and taking a history (chief complaint), the following tests are performed to make a diagnosis:

• Doppler ultrasound (determines the quality, speed of blood flow, obstructions in the form of thrombus, presence of blood clots),
• Transillumination (venous transillumination, even if the changes are not yet visible to the naked eye).

Additionally, the diagnosis of varicose veins is incomplete without drawing blood for coagulation.Modern medicine does not provide an effective treatment for this disease, and complete removal of the superficial veins is not enough. There are also radiofrequency ablation, laser therapy, sclerotherapy, etc. , but they are not suitable for everyone, have contraindications, and are mainly suitable for the early stages of the disease. But what can we do with varicose veins ourselves at home to combat this unpleasant vascular condition?

Treatment exercises for varicose veins in the legs

Prevention of varicose veins mainly consists of gymnastic exercises, which is not surprising, since the blood vessels only need to be trained.The most favorable functional position of the legs for varicose veins is elevated, elevated. But the legs cannot remain suspended in the air, and the venous network must somehow be prevented from becoming stagnant, since it is this condition that causes leg heaviness, cramping, and swelling.

It turns out that walking or even running is more useful for a person than sitting for hours in the office or in front of the computer; during rest, there is almost no blood flow and fluid manages to enter the body through sweat. tissue, swelling increases.

That's why we don't go crazy at work, we take frequent breaks at work, get up, stretch, walk around the desk, walk to the toilet if possible, climb a few flights of stairs, do some exercise.This warm-up and distraction from sedentary work is also useful for eye and spinal conditions (the neck and lower back are most affected).

A set of exercises for varicose veins

1. We sit on chairs so that our feet don't touch the floor. We rotate the legs at the ankles, bend and straighten them until there is strong tension, and then do the same movement with the toes, practicing 15-20 times each time. In addition, foot massage is also useful for varicose veins in the legs.
2. Walk vigorously in place for one minute.
3. We stand close to the wall with our palms at shoulder level and focus on the wall. We stood up on our toes and fell down on our heels, rolling like this 10 to 15 times.
4. Slowly stand on your toes with feet shoulder-width apart and arms pointing upward.
5. Use your feet to "ride a bike" from a supine position.
6. "Scissors" (stretch your legs straight and cross them like scissors).
7. Swing your legs slowly from the side, alternating with your right leg, then your left.
8. Pull your knees all the way up to your chest. Repeat 20 times.

In addition to therapeutic exercise, physical activity is also very useful for venous diseases of the lower limbs - swimming, water aerobics (venous pressure is reduced 2 times in water! ), skiing, cycling, race walking.

It's also worth considering that some exercises only cause damage to your veins - barbell strength training, skipping rope, long strenuous runs and long periods on the stationary bike are all no-nos. For people with weak blood vessels in the legs, team sports such as jumping and running - football, basketball, volleyball (injury to the valve device) are not recommended.

Prevent varicose veins at home

How to prevent varicose veins in the legs?

• In addition to exercise, contrast showers and compression stockings are also great for blood vessels.The latter has its disadvantages: firstly, it is quite expensive, and secondly, after long wear and tear, the container becomes completely soft and stops working independently.Therefore, I recommend not wearing it regularly but during heavy loads, standing work, long hikes, and during pregnancy.
• It is useful to put pressure on the legs by walking up the stairs, vibration gymnastics or jumping (quickly lift the toes, touch the floor lightly with the heels, 2 to 3 times a day, 30 to 60 times, lift the heels down 2 times). 1-2 cm).
• You should not abuse the habit of prolonged exposure to the sun, in the bathroom or in hot baths.
• Drinking at least 2 liters of fluid per day is recommended to control your weight and ensure plant-based ingredients dominate the diet. You should cut out alcohol, spicy, smoky and salty foods, or at least significantly reduce their presence in your diet.
• Do not wear tight underwear, shoes, socks or socks with tight elastic bands.
• During the holidays, avoid drinking champagne; it can make your condition worse.
• Don't wear high heels every day. More than 4 centimeters - already very high.
• Don't squat.
• Don't cross your legs, as this will squeeze blood vessels and make it more difficult for blood to flow out of your already weak limbs.
• Try not to stand still, even in line; it's better to shift from one foot to the other.
• Remember, vitamin C maintains the elasticity of blood vessel walls.