Symptoms and treatment of varicose veins in the legs depend on each other.Varicose veins in the legs can be stopped by taking special drugs and using creams when they start to develop.They will help restore the previous tone of weakened blood vessels.If the symptoms of varicose veins in the legs begin to appear stronger, that is, spider veins and severe swelling appear, then it is worth resorting to hardware therapy that restores normal blood circulation.
Not all patients know how to properly treat varicose veins of the legs without surgery.Some suggest that taking herbs and using homemade ointments can help, but this is only a small part of the methods of treating varicose veins in the legs that are effective in the early stages of the disease.If the symptoms of varicose veins in the legs are persistent, you should consult a doctor who will prescribe the necessary drugs and advise how to treat a particular patient.We will consider the most popular methods of treating varicose veins of the lower extremities (VLVC) later.
Drug therapy
As we mentioned earlier, the shape of varicose veins affects the features of its treatment.In the first stages, doctors try to cope with drug treatment.One of its advantages is the lack of direct surgical intervention.But even if the varicose veins of the lower extremities enter the second stage, you cannot stop taking the medicine.They will help improve blood flow in varicose veins and prevent further stretching of the vein wall.
Ointments and gels
These tools increase the tone of blood vessels in the legs.They can be used to treat veins near the surface of the legs.If the disease affects the deep veins, ointments and gels will not help, because they cannot penetrate the muscle barriers.Treatment of varicose veins in the legs is carried out with the following drugs:
- Ointment with flavonoid (derivative of rutin) as the main active ingredient.Taking tablets with this active ingredient is considered the most effective, but the gel can also help to overcome the initial stage of varicose veins.
- Medicine based on horse chestnut.Apply to damaged veins twice a day.
- A gel designed to relieve the feeling of tiredness in the legs.It has a cooling effect.
- Another herbal preparation, the main active ingredient of which is an extract of grape leaves.
- A drug that is a synthetic derivative of vitamin P.It strengthens blood vessels, reduces swelling and helps in the treatment of rosacea.
Tablets and capsules
If the expansion of veins in the legs progresses or weak and thin veins are found in the patient during the examination, doctors prescribe tablets.
Injections
If the patient's small veins are affected, then the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities can be carried out by applying various drugs that have an adhesive effect on the veins.Products based on iodine or synthetic sclerosing agents are often used.The advantage of these drugs is that they do not provoke thrombosis, but simply burn the vessel wall.Injections with animal proteins can also be used, but they are used very rarely.
Procedures
Varicose veins of the lower extremities cannot always be treated with traditional injections and drugs.In the advanced stages of the disease, hardware intervention will be required for the affected vessels.The essence of all procedures is to stop or remove the affected vein.If the patient has contraindications to the use of laser, nitrogen and other chemicals, then the destroyed vessels are surgically removed.When treating varicose veins, the patient may be referred to:
- sclerotherapy;
- phlebectomy;
- radiofrequency ablation;
- compression therapy;
- laser coagulation;
- endoscopic dissection;
- cryosurgery;
- ozone therapy.
Each treatment method has positive and negative characteristics and is suitable only for a certain type of varicose veins.Occult varicose veins of the lower extremities are rarely treated surgically.In this case, the only effective way to remove it is to apply clips to the entire surface of the vein.The operation is very complicated, and if vasodilatation threatens the patient's life, it is performed very rarely.
Sclerotherapy
Varicose veins of the lower extremities can be treated with sclerosants.They damage the ship, which causes it to dry out even more.Threads after 2-4 months of application of the sclerosant form, but patients feel the first advantages of the procedure 10-15 days after the operation.The most important advantage of this procedure is the absence of incisions in the skin.There is also a minus.Not all patients have a damaged vessel that is removed from the bloodstream.In about 30% of patients, it recovers and the disease continues to progress.Stages of sclerotherapy:
- The area where the solution is applied is disinfected.
- If necessary, anesthesia is given.
- Using a syringe with a thin needle, the phlebologist makes injections into dilated veins and spider veins.
- After the procedure is completed, an elastic bandage is wrapped around the leg and the patient is sent for a 40-minute walk.
- The elastic bandage is removed by the doctor one day after the procedure.
Phlebectomy
When conservative treatment of varicose veins in the legs does not help in any way, there is a risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) of the lower extremities, and minimally invasive methods affecting the veins do not work, doctors send the patient to phlebectomy.This operation is performed to remove large bundles of excessively dilated areas of blood vessels.Anesthesia should be given to the patient.Doctors often resort to combined phlebectomy.The operation is carried out as follows:
- Crossectomy.A small incision is made to the patient in the groin area where the base of the damaged superficial vein is located.The venous valve is cut and the veins are closed.
- The second incision is made in the area of the lower leg or ankle.Its length is 1.5 cm.A metal probe is inserted into the damaged vein through the created hole.It is fixed at the opposite end of the ship.If it is not possible to pass through the entire vein, several incisions are made and several probes are inserted.
- Undress.The damaged vein is removed through the incision.The edge of the tip passing through the probes acts as a knife.Frees the vein from the surrounding tissue.
- Miniphlebectomy.If the vein is generally healthy, but there are nodules, it is removed through special points marked for incisions.Veins and branches are closed.
- Sewing.Then puncture and incision sites are sutured, compression bandages are applied, and the patient is transferred to the ward.
Phlebectomy can involve one or more stages or all of them.The number of procedures depends on the degree of neglect of the disease.Laser phlebectomy is used in modern clinics.The essence of the operation remains the same, but instead of special surgical instruments, a laser is used.The advantages of this method are obvious.The incisions themselves are smaller and the patient's rehabilitation is faster.However, it cannot be used in all stages of varicose veins.
Radiofrequency ablation
You don't have to sacrifice the beauty of your skin to have legs without varicose veins.Using radiofrequency ablation, you can get rid of damaged blood vessels in minutes.Through a small puncture, high-frequency radio waves are transmitted to the veins through a special needle.They damage the vessel wall, causing it to shrink and be replaced by connective tissue.The patient stays in the hospital for only 1 day.
Compression therapy
This procedure is performed for varicose veins of the legs at the initial stage.A special rubber suit is put on the patient, and then air is injected into it.Artificial pressure is created in the veins, which helps to restore their tone.Some patients note that the amount of cellulite on their body has decreased after completing a course of compression therapy.
Laser coagulation
This is a modern method of treating leg veins.It is characterized by low tissue trauma, so many patients try to get this particular procedure.The essence of the operation is that the laser light guide passes through a small size into the damaged vein and seals it.The doctor must carefully move the device along the entire length of the vessel.There are no scars or other side effects after the operation.
Endoscopic dissection
This method of surgical intervention is used when expanding sural veins and perforators.Patients with varicose veins of the lower extremities often experience trophic ulcers.In itself, damage to sural or perforating vessels cannot provoke the appearance of skin diseases.This disease develops against the background of lack of blood circulation.Endoscopic dissection is performed to normalize it.Steps of the procedure:
- The drum is cut in the upper third.The width of the section is 2 cm.The surgeon also opens the fascial sheath and then, using a spatula, creates a cavity through which the endoscope is inserted along with the instruments.
- Isolation and removal of the vein.
- Gasless method.The vessels are isolated and cut by the surgeon using optical guidance.
- Gas method.Carbon dioxide is injected into the wounds.A cavity is created in the wound, where all the vessels to be removed are visible.
- Sewing.
Cryosurgery
When treating veins in the legs, exposure to low temperatures can be used.The method is considered completely safe, but it is rarely used because... There is no guarantee that varicose veins will disappear completely after such therapy.Contrary to popular belief, the operation does not use any chemicals, but a cryoprobe.It is cooled to some extent, which causes the ship to burn.An inexperienced doctor can damage the tissue located near the vessel during the operation.
Ozone therapy
When the first symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities appear, some doctors advise to apply for physiotherapeutic treatment.The essence of the procedure is the intravenous injection of ozone.The drug is strictly dosed, because its excess can cause damage to blood cells.The effect of ozone therapy is the same as other treatment methods that damage blood vessels.
Medical knitwear
For symptoms of varicose veins in the legs, doctors prescribe wearing compression garments for treatment.A doctor should help choose knitting and compression levels.For segmental varicose veins of the lower extremities, it is recommended to wear 2-level compression underwear.His blood pressure will be 32 mmHg.If you are only thinking about how to fight varicose veins on your legs, but there are no visible signs of the disease, you can buy underwear with first-class compression for practice.3 and 4 degree compression knitwear can be obtained in pharmacies only with a doctor's prescription.
Traditional medicine
You should be extremely careful when treating varicose veins on the legs using Healers' recipes.First, some plants and herbs thin the blood.If your platelet and hemoglobin levels are normal, there is no need to treat them.Second, no payment can replace drug treatment.You cannot refuse to take medicine.The following recipes are considered effective for varicose veins:
- A mixture of garlic and oil.The garlic is made into a dough with the peel, then mixed with 2 tablespoons of butter.The resulting composition is applied to the diseased veins overnight, parchment paper is placed on top and wrapped with a scarf.
- Potato.5 raw root vegetables are peeled and then grated.The resulting pulp is used instead of ointment.It is kept on your feet for 4 hours and then washed off with warm water.
- Kalanchoe tincture.Kalanchoe leaves are washed, placed in a jar and filled with a 70% alcohol solution.Infuse the composition for 14 days.After that, the resulting tincture is smeared on the feet every day.Procedures are carried out within 3-5 months.
Hirudotherapy
Patients with "thick" blood in the initial stages of varicose veins of the legs are sent for treatment with leeches.The effect of the procedure will not be visible immediately.It is necessary to complete at least 5-6 sessions to see the first improvement.2 leeches are placed in the area most affected by varicose veins, then several more leeches are attached along the entire length of the vein.The course of treatment is repeated every 3 months.
Prevention of varicose veins
First of all, absolutely all people should learn to sit properly.Bending of the lower limbs and the more traditional crossing of the legs leads to a violation of blood flow in the veins.As a result, under the influence of physical forces, the vessels stretch and varicose veins of the lower extremities appear.The good news is that at this stage zero, the progression of the disease can be reversed, but not all people are ready to kick the habit.Ways to prevent varicose veins of the superficial veins of the lower extremities include:
- Walking.The more a person walks, the better the blood circulation in the veins.Moreover, this method helps to get rid of excess fat reserves and increase general endurance.
- Foot and leg massage.This can be done in the breaks between work.You should massage your toes, calves and thighs slowly and lightly.Do not put too much pressure on your legs, because... if you have a congenital tendency to varicose veins, you can worsen the condition of the blood vessels.
- Contrast shower.It is useful for the whole body, but if it is not convenient to take it, you can treat only your feet.
- Compresses with herbal decoctions.Chamomile, calendula, St. John's wort and other plants normalize blood flow and relieve muscle tension.
- Rubs / dressings based on apple cider vinegar.This item is found in almost all kitchens.Apple cider vinegar has an irritating effect on blood vessels.It causes them to contract, which helps to restore the muscle cells in the walls.But this method cannot be used if your legs are injured.Apple cider vinegar is not used in its pure form, it is mixed with water in a ratio of 1:1.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.You should choose your items according to the dimensions.Do not wear jeans that are too tight or high heels that are uncomfortable for a long time.
- Gymnastics.Office workers can do exercises to increase blood flow even while sitting in a chair.You can simply raise your legs straight or bend at the knees, but it is better to walk near your workplace.
Diet and nutrition
At all stages of varicose veins, it is necessary to follow a balanced diet.Foods containing high cholesterol should be excluded.If the patient likes beef or pork, then he should not fry them in oil.Fatty meat is allowed to be cooked or boiled.Doctors recommend consuming more foods containing protein, magnesium, calcium and selenium.These include beans, almost all types of fruit and nuts.
Therapeutic exercises for varicose veins
Non-surgical treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities involves performing certain physical exercises.Squats, leg swings, and any exercise that involves working with your own weight are allowed.With large weights (50-60 kg), bending and stretching of the body in a chair and long runs should be completely excluded from training.The most effective exercises for varicose veins:
- Scissors and a bicycle.Perform lying on the floor at a moderate pace.
- Rotational movements of the legs.You need to stand up, grab the support with your hand, lift one leg, take it to the side and start turning.5 movements are done inwards and 5 movements are done outwards.
- Roll while standing from toes to heels.
Stretching and warming up always start from the upper body.You can't immediately start active exercises or just warm up your legs, because... this will not help to improve the condition of the vascular system.You can also walk on the spot.If your body mass index is significantly high, it is recommended that you first lose weight and then start exercising.