A common disease of the legs after the age of thirty, and especially in women, is varicose veins. In the course of the development of this disease, the veins are deformed, their elasticity diminishes, and blood flow is disturbed. Most of the time, the muscles in the calf of the legs and the back of the knees are affected.
Leg varicose veins: causes of occurrence
Factors that lead to the occurrence of varicose veins in the lower extremities include the following:
- Being overweight - puts a lot of pressure on your legs. This is especially true for obese people. Therefore, if you have weight problems, we recommend that you play sports vigorously;
- pregnancy - especially in the last few months, the load on your legs is quite noticeable and if you don't pay constant attention to rest, varicose veins can develop;
- work associated with long standing. If you can't change jobs, you need to change your attitude about it and try to lighten the weight on your legs;
- the presence of a tumor in Organs pelvic organs - blood flow is difficult;
- diseases of the walls of the veins of the lower extremities, leading to tissue compaction and deterioration of blood flow and the formation of blood clots;
- congenital insufficiency of the venous valve.
Attention! In order to prevent your legs from aching and not being covered with small bruises, we recommend that you pay attention to maintaining the health of your legs from an early age. Include moderate exercise in your daily routine and try to reduce the pressure on your legs. It is worth paying attention to the description of symptoms during the development of the stages of varicose veins in the lower limbs.
The early stage of lower extremity varicose veins: features of disease development
First, it is worth noting that the course of the first stage of varicose veins may be unnoticeable. In addition, in the field of medicine, there is even the so-called stage zero of varicose veins. During its course, the patient complains of the same sensations as varicose veins. But during the examination, it is impossible to determine any symptoms of varicose veins. And the treatment in this case is rarely prescribed, most often doctors recommend the practice of a healthy lifestyle.
In the first stage, spider veins or a mesh appear on the legs. Please note that there are no venous flow disturbances at this stage. Patients seek help because of mild dilation of the veins.
Second degree varicose veins
In the second stage, insufficiency of the main vein trunks is added to all the symptoms already listed. That is, in addition to weight on the legs and slight enlargement of the leg veins, swelling and bluish nodules may appear. Note that the size of knots can increase after sitting for a long time or walking in high heels.
The third stage of varicose veins: characteristics of disease development
Treatment of the disease at this stage is most often an operation. As for stroke symptoms, swelling increases significantly, legs seem swollen until morning. Seizures may appear. Most of the time, it reduces the calf muscles.
Attention! To get rid of the cramp, you need to straighten your leg and pull the sock towards you. If the leg does not comply, place it in this position with the help of your hands.
A characteristic sign of the third degree is the appearance of trophic ulcers or skin discoloration.
Dermatitis or eczema may also appear. Another sign of third degree varicose veins is dry skin. The epidermis, due to circulatory problems, loses its elasticity and dry surface.
Varicose Veins: How to Treat Lower Extremities and Their Swelling
If you have been diagnosed with varicose veins, regardless of stage, the treatment will be identical. The only difference will be in the duration of the treatment.
The treatment of varicose veins can be varied. One of the most effective methods of treating varicose veins is massage. In order not to harm you, only a professional should do it. Massage done correctly improves blood circulation in a person's lower extremities. Special pneumatic massage is also used as a kind of compression treatment. Thanks to it, the swelling of the legs is reduced, the venous flow of blood is accelerated and there is a general improvement in blood circulation in the lower extremities.
Physical therapy is also suitable for unloading the venous system in the legs. It is a kind of physical education for the legs, performed immediately before bedtime. You can show off the exercises you need in any physiotherapy room.
To reduce the symptoms of the disease and prevent its worsening, bandages and elastic stockings are used. Wearing compression stockings stops the disease from developing, improves blood flow in the legs and, most importantly, prevents blood clots from forming. You need to buy compression underwear at a specialty store.
Attention! It's best not to skimp on those socks. After all, if the fabric isn't stretchy enough, you won't be able to wear them.
For the treatment of varicose veins, medications to thin the blood, anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics are used. Could be pills, injections. Treatment should be prescribed exclusively by a physician and only after a thorough examination. Self-medication is prohibited.
Popular methods of treating leg varicose veins include hirudotherapy. During the procedure, leeches, biting the skin, inject hirudin into it, a substance that prevents blood from clotting. As a result, the number of blood clots decreases.
Treatment and relief from the course of the disease are possible with the use of creams, ointments, gels. You can buy them at any pharmacy and you don't need a prescription for this. In the more advanced stages of the disease, the phlebologist will offer an immediate solution to the problem.
Anyone diagnosed with swelling should follow a special diet. The diet should contain foods that are low in cholesterol and rich in protein and vitamins. In this case, the use of seafood in food also has a positive effect on health. Smoked meats, broths, marinades should be excluded from consumed products, coffee and alcohol should be avoided.
The patient's diet must contain the following foods:
- vegetables, sprouted wheat grains, liver oil, olive or corn are foods rich in vitamin E. It gives elasticity to our veins;
- to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and veins in the lower extremities, vitamins C and P (rutin) are needed. Vitamin C is present in rose bushes, sea buckthorn, cabbage, black currants and, of course, citrus fruits. And the rutin is in the same rose bush, citrus, black currant and black chokeberry. Based on these berries, jams or decoctions can be made;
- bioflavonoids facilitate movement in the veins - eat 10 chopped cherries and dark cherries;
- Include fiber-rich foods in your diet to relieve constipation. After all, everyone knows that veins suffer from constipation;
- make sure you drink at least two liters of water. With the lack of water consumed, the blood becomes viscous and therefore the load in our veins increases.
It's worth saying a few words about what will happen if varicose veins don't heal in time. Remember that thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, eczema or trophic ulcers can arise as a result of such illness. Do not forget that, with advanced varicose veins, pulmonary embolism can occur.
And this disease can cause sudden death. So if you want a healthy and happy life forever, it is better to see your doctor at the right time.
After all, it is easier to cure the disease at an early stage, and operation at the beginning of the disease is optional. Don't get sick! Good luck!