According to statistics, 30% of women and 10% of men suffer from varicose veins.This problem is more common in people aged 30-40 years.Infection sites: arms, shoulders, rectal wall, esophagus, bladder.Typically, varicose veins most commonly appear in the legs and their symptoms can be a serious cosmetic problem.
What is varicose veins in the legs?
Varicose veins affect the subcutaneous and deep veins.The latter loses its elasticity and original shape, swells, strongly protrudes and becomes tortuous.As a result, seals - "spider veins" - form.What are varicose veins in the legs and why do they occur?
The real problem has to do with disruption of the direction of blood flow.The venous system of the legs consists of superficial, connecting and deep veins, which have special valves consisting of two valves that close and prevent the backflow of blood.When the superficial veins dilate, the valve closure becomes loose.Therefore, the blood flows in the opposite direction and forms a supply in the superficial veins.
Then everything develops in sequence.Since there is more blood in the connecting veins, their load increases and they also begin to dilate.Blood that should go entirely into the deep veins leaks back into the superficial veins, causing them to dilate further.As a result, visibly bulging veins appear in the legs.
The result of reverse flow is a slowdown in blood movement, which may lead to the formation of blood clots that prevent blood from flowing freely in the veins.
Varicose veins in the legs: symptoms and stages
Varicose veins in the legs present with the following symptoms:
- pain in problem areas;
- leg cramps;
- intravenous burning;
- swelling;
- Pigmentation and compaction;
- Purple or violet vein walls;
- Nutritional ulcer.
The first four symptoms are characteristic of the early stages of varicose veins, and subsequent symptoms are characteristic of progressive varicose veins.
Varicose veins: causes
The occurrence of varicose veins in the lower limbs is affected by many reasons:
- overweight;
- nervous disorders;
- smoking;
- drinking;
- excessive tanning;
- frequent saunas;
- Abuse of hot baths;
- Wear tights and stockings.
Below we'll take a closer look at other causes of varicose veins in the legs that doctors identify.
- Genetic predisposition.If parents suffer from varicose veins, there is a high chance that their children will also suffer from this disease (probability - up to 75%).
- The nuances of work.Typically, the pathology in question is characteristic of people who perform standing jobs.This position puts unnecessary stress on your legs.People who sit and work can also develop varicose veins.We are talking about so-called "computer varicose veins".
- Hormone imbalance.This disease occurs in adolescent girls.This disease is usually diagnosed in pregnant women and menopausal women.Hormonal imbalances can cause blood to stagnate.
- Age transition.With age, venous vessel walls lose elasticity and plasticity, and valve function becomes impaired, which may lead to venous stagnation and subsequent venous dilation.
Traditional methods of treating varicose veins
Effective treatment strategies require a comprehensive approach.Medication is supplemented by adjuvant therapy.Traditional methods have proven themselves very well (especially in the initial stages).
- One of the most effective folk remedies is crushed garlic (with white skin) and butter (ratio - 1:2).Rub the problem area with the mixture and wrap the leg with parchment paper over it (a bandage or scarf can be used).In the morning, wash off the mixture and put something warm on your feet.
- Green tomato slices are tied to the diseased veins overnight in summer, and tomato paste is tied in winter.The lycopene contained in tomatoes protects blood vessel walls from overheating, increases their elasticity, and lowers blood pressure.
- Kalanchoe will help ease the course of the disease.Put this product into a one-liter jar, fill it with 1/2 leaves, then pour alcohol (70%) and infuse for two weeks.It is recommended to shake the solution daily.The resulting infusion is used to lubricate the legs and feet before bed.This product provides great pain relief.
- Fresh potatoes can also relieve pain.Grate a few potatoes and apply the paste on your feet for about 4 hours.
- The ointment is made from dandelion root.The roots are dried and crushed.Pour the resulting powder into water and boil until thick.Then add lard.You should get a creamy mass.The ointment should be stored in the refrigerator.
In addition to topical use, there are decoction recipes for improving blood circulation.
Prevent varicose veins in legs
Compliance with preventive measures will help avoid the development and further progression of the disease.Experts recommend the following:
- When the first symptoms of varicose veins in the legs appear, you need to consult a specialist who will recommend blood thinning medications.
- For mild pain, the feet need to be elevated.Place pillows under your feet while lying or sitting.There are also benefits to wearing compression stockings for exercise.
- A good preventative measure is to take a cold shower.Low temperature is good for blood circulation; it hardens blood vessels.Therefore, massaging your feet in a cold shower is highly recommended, especially if you have a massage attachment.Hot baths, prolonged tanning and hair removal with hot wax are prohibited - these are factors that contribute to the development of the disease.
- Bathing with an infusion of calendula, St. John's wort, horsetail or horse chestnut is useful.Even sea salt or regular salt will work.The duration of this procedure is half an hour.
- If your job requires you to sit for long periods of time, don't forget to do a simple exercise.Cross your legs and rotate your upper foot clockwise.So rotate each foot 15 times.
- The correct solution is to perform the exercise with your toes raised.Stand on your heels, lean your hands against the wall, and roll smoothly on your toes.Do this dozens of times.In principle, any physical activity, even regular walking, will improve blood circulation.
- Increase the proportion of vitamin E-rich foods in your diet.These are egg yolks, wheat, beans, cabbage, dill.The venous system also requires vitamin P.Therefore, eat more foods containing vitamin P: peanuts, walnuts, green tea, and citrus fruits.
Otherwise, remember the basic rules:
- Eat less greasy food;
- Do not cross one leg over the other;
- Avoid tights with tight elastic bands or tight socks, uncomfortable shoes and heels that are too high.
Treating varicose veins is not an easy process.If you are at risk, take precautions in advance.
Understand the causes of varicose veins in the legs and detect the first symptoms, take steps to eliminate them and consult a doctor.
A healthy diet following medical advice and folk recipes will help relieve pain, stop the progression of the disease and eliminate its symptoms.