What are varicose veins (VV)?
Blood flows through the veins in the legs from bottom to top, defying gravity.Valves help them do this.For a variety of reasons, the valve device can malfunction and the flow of blood is interfered with.Blood then begins to stagnate in the veins, causing the vein walls to stretch and form nodules.
signs of varicose veins
Veins that twist and protrude from the surface of the skin
leg pain
heaviness in legs
burning sensation along the veins
night cramps
dilated veins
Skin pigmentation and thickening
causes of varicose veins
Who most commonly suffers from varicose veins?
Of the 100% of people who suffer from varicose veins, 30% are prime-age women, 50% are people who have given birth, and 25% are men over forty years old.Moreover, the risk of disease emerges twenty years later.However, despite the depressing statistics, we want to talk about some very simple and effective ways to prevent varicose veins.First, let's list some causes of varicose veins that will help determine whether you are at risk.
genetics
The first and most important factor in varicose veins is genetics.In 70% of cases, the disease is passed from mother to daughter.So try to find out if your grandmother and mother had varicose veins, maybe someone had surgery for them.If you are found to have a genetic predisposition to this disease, you should think carefully before choosing a career as a hairdresser, teacher, or flight attendant.
working conditions
In fact, the second risk factor is prolonged standing, sitting, and manual labor.
hormonal changes
The next danger point may be hormonal changes in the body (such as taking certain hormonal medications).Endocrine changes and weight gain can also adversely affect the function of the valve device.This may be why pregnant women are at particular risk.
Frequent overheating
High ambient temperatures can also cause varicose veins – which put additional strain on the veins.Therefore, hot baths, saunas, and exposure to the sun for more than 40 minutes are not advisable.
shoes are uncomfortable
You're also at risk if you wear heels all the time (although completely flat soles aren't great for your feet either).High heels create constant tension in the muscles and increase the load on the veins in the legs.The heel height is considered to be more than 5 cm, and 2-3 cm is the best.The last thing worth mentioning is smoking.It's difficult to say exactly how many cigarettes you smoke that pose a risk, but there is certainly a link between varicose veins and smoking.
How to Treat Varicose Veins
Do not delay treatment for varicose veins.A prompt visit to your doctor will help detect signs of varicose veins in their early stages.There are several modern methods of checking for varicose veins, most of which are absolutely painless and safe.This is mainly an ultrasound test (Doppler test).It shows the condition of the veins, the quality of circulating blood and the speed of circulation.
Preventing varicose veins at home is not that difficult, but for prevention to be effective, much of the advice your doctor gives must become a habit.
take part in sports
The first thing all doctors recommend without exception is exercise.It is best to choose exercises that contract the calf muscles evenly and concentratedly.Walking, running, biking, skiing, horseback riding, and dancing are all great for your legs.Don't forget: No matter what sport you choose, your shoes should be loose and comfortable.The best exercise for treating varicose veins is swimming: there is no pressure on the veins, as if they were weightless.Walking is a very economical and effective method of prevention.Even fifteen minutes a day can produce positive results.
If you choose to work out at the gym, follow some basic rules:
Prefer exercises with no weight or minimal weight (up to 1 kg).
Increase the number of reps, not the weight of the pellet.
Work on specific muscle groups at different times and alternate training days with rest days.
No matter where you exercise, don't overdo it - load works when it brings you pleasure, and strength does something even more pleasurable.When choosing exercise, remember that not every load is suitable for varicose veins.
Tennis, bodybuilding, volleyball and skating are not good for varicose veins - these sports require sudden movements.Not only are they useless, they can even be harmful to your health.Even if you don't have time to exercise regularly, don't despair.
There are some simple leg exercises that don't require much effort but are a great way to improve circulation.
The exercise is especially recommended for those who have to sit or stand for long periods of time due to their occupation.Roll your foot from heel to toe as you walk.Then stand on tiptoes 20-30 times.Perform a few squats, shifting your weight to the edges of your feet.
If you must sit a lot, you can stretch your legs from time to time like this: Lift your knees, move your feet forward and backward, and rotate your feet clockwise and backward.Then bend and straighten your fingers until you feel a slight tension.Change your posture frequently and try to break the habit of sitting cross-legged - this can compress veins and impair circulation.
take care of your feet
We tend to pay special attention to our faces, but our feet need care too.Rinse your ankles with cold water for a few minutes after your shower in the morning.Expect stronger currents.
It is recommended to apply a mud mask to your feet for 20 minutes several times a week.Rinse off the mask with cold water and then apply the cream.These procedures can relieve swelling and improve nutrition and circulation.After applying the mask, your legs should be kept elevated.
Try to make it a habit - it's best to keep your legs in a higher position when you're relaxing and watching TV.Ideally, they should be located above the level of the heart.Doctors recommend placing a pillow under your feet even at night.
Among folk remedies, there is a time-tested method of preventing varicose veins.Take a thick block of wood (a regular candle will do), place one foot on a chair, and roll from foot to knee by gently pressing on the skin.Perform the same exercise with the second leg.This exercise is great for strengthening blood vessels.You can help your feet relax after a hard day's work with a simple massage.Massage each toe and roll a rubber ball ("hedgehog") on the floor with your foot.Even a few minutes of such practice will perfectly restore blood circulation.
watch your diet
Nutrition should be sensible, since, as already mentioned, weight fluctuations can have a negative impact on the condition of the legs.Basic rule: Eat a maximum of vegetables and fruits and a minimum of salty, fatty and smoked foods.Try replacing animal fats with vegetable fats, as they contain acids that improve blood flow.Eat more fiber – Its benefits are attested to by the fact that varicose veins are almost non-existent in Eastern countries where fiber is the main food.Large amounts of fat, fried and spicy foods can change the composition of the blood, leading to the formation of blood clots.Alcohol can also have a negative impact on veins.
Also try to eat foods that contain vitamin P.These foods are mainly walnuts, green tea and rose hips.Germinated wheat grains, peas, broad beans, green onions and other foods can enrich the nutrition of veins and make them more elastic.
If possible, you should limit your coffee intake to one cup per day, as this drink is not harmless to blood vessels.
dress correctly
High heels and tight shoes that put pressure on the feet or calves can adversely affect vein conditions.Choose narrow stilettos for formal occasions and loose shoes with a small heel for everyday wear.If you notice symptoms of varicose veins, it's best to avoid wearing tight clothing altogether, especially stockings and socks with tight elastic bands.
To prevent and treat varicose veins, doctors recommend wearing special compression stockings.This creates pressure on the vein from the outside, reducing blood stagnation and maintaining the normal size of the vein.In the past, elastic bandages were used to achieve the same effect, but fortunately the days of unsightly bandages around the legs are over and today compression therapy uses stockings and tights with a massaging effect.Such products are more convenient and practical without destroying the appearance.They look like regular women's tights or knee socks, but are very tight in places.
It is recommended to put on elastic stockings after getting up in the morning and raise your legs to 40 degrees.
In this way, the socks can keep the veins in a physiological state and ensure blood flow to the heart.Such products are sold in pharmacies and worn for at least six months.
In addition to this, it is worth adding that varicose veins are not only a cosmetic problem, but also a serious condition, and ignoring it can lead to complications.Therefore, as soon as doubts arise, you should seek professional help immediately, and the beauty of healthy legs will add a pleasant color to your health.