Varicose veins on the legs: treatment with drugs and folk remedies at home

Varicose veins are one of the most common pathologies of the human vascular system.

The most preferred location for varicose veins is the lower limbs. Many modern methods of treatment are aimed at fighting varicose veins. Frequent medical clinics offer various injection, laser and surgical procedures.

Factors that cause the development of varicose veins

Despite the fact that the predisposition to varicose veins is genetic (if both parents in the family suffer from this disease, the probability of its occurrence in the offspring reaches 90%), the disease develops under the influence of external factors that increase pressure within from the vein. Between them:

1. Excess weight - a violation of lipid metabolism causes a number of vascular diseases, including varicose veins.
2. Static loads - work seated or standing. But walking, on the contrary, launches a "muscle pump", which stimulates the outflow of blood through the veins.
3. High-heeled shoes - restricts the work of the calf muscle, therefore, reduces the activity of the muscle pump.
4. Chronic constipation - increases intra-abdominal pressure and therefore pressure in the veins of the lower extremities.
5. Pregnancy and childbirth - all the vital systems of the female body, including the cardiovascular system, work under increased stress during pregnancy and childbirth.

Firstly, venous valves cannot withstand a high load, which normally must ensure blood flow in only one direction - from the bottom to the top. The valve begins to pass blood in the opposite direction (from top to bottom), and in the area limited by it, the pressure inside the vein increases significantly: the vessel expands, a varicose vein appears. The valves in this area eventually cease to function, venous pressure becomes even higher - the vicious circle closes and changes begin to spread to surrounding areas.

Sooner or later, chronic venous insufficiency develops - a condition caused by constant stagnation of blood in the altered veins.

Symptoms

Varicose vein symptoms are characterized by gradual progression. Obvious signs are not detected immediately; In the first stage, the disease manifests itself through:

• swelling of the legs, especially after a long stay in a sitting or standing position, which, as a rule, goes away on its own in the morning - the first sign that the deep veins are not doing their job well;
• cramps and numbness in the legs, especially often this symptom manifests itself at night and in the morning;
• sensations of heaviness, burning, itching and pain in the legs, especially characteristic of the second half of the day;
• the first visible signs are the characteristic bluish-red vascular networks and asterisks, perfectly visible on the skin.

With the progression of varicose veins, additional symptoms appear

• thickening and darkening of the skin of the leg: in this case, spots and peeling appear;
• the veins become painful when probed;
• intense muscle pain, the intensity of which increases during walking;
• the appearance of venous nodules protruding above the skin of the legs and feet.

If competent treatment is not prescribed even at this stage, the patient will inevitably face serious complications, which will be discussed a little later.

How to treat varicose veins?

Women's legs are in a special risk group. According to statistics, more than 70% of all cases of the disease, varicose veins affect women. Illness does not only negatively affect health. This significantly spoils the appearance, making the fair sex feel uncomfortable.

At the first signs of varicose veins in the legs (swelling, heaviness in the legs, appearance of swollen veins and spider veins), treatment should be started immediately. How to treat varicose veins in the legs in women? There are several ways:

• use venotonic ointments and gels;
• take pills to increase the tone of the veins;
• use the advice of traditional medicine;
• carry out the correction of the work of the veins using medical procedures (sclerotherapy, laser coagulation);
• radically solve the problem surgically (phlebectomy).

Ointments, gels and pills are quite effective in the early stage of varicose veins. Traditional medicine can accompany a woman throughout the period of treatment, supporting the body, regardless of the main therapeutic methods. Conservative and minimally invasive treatment methods (sclerotherapy, laser exposure) are used in cases where varicose veins begin to actively progress. Surgical intervention is an extreme measure when a woman's health and life are at risk due to a serious pathology of the veins.

Medical treatment

In complex therapy of varicose veins, special drugs are necessarily used. Most often they are capsules or tablets that have a versatile effect on the body. In particular:

1. Phlebotonics. These drugs increase blood flow, preventing the development of thrombosis and, at the same time, increase the tone of the vascular walls. These medications will not work to eliminate varicose veins, but they are quite capable of removing swelling from the legs, eliminating burning and pain. In the case of varicose veins, 2 tablets are usually taken a day, and the duration of treatment is determined exclusively by the doctor.
2. Medicines to thin the blood. Such drugs thin the blood and promote its better circulation, preventing the development of thrombosis. These drugs are only prescribed individually, and the doctor sets the terms of use.
3. anti-inflammatory drugs. These include pills, ointments, and gels that relieve pain, relieve swelling, and prevent platelets from sticking together. But more importantly, these drugs prevent inflammation of the veins, which leads to thrombophlebitis.

Medications are prescribed in cases where milder methods of exposure do not help. However, do not rush to resort to drugs, as they can harm not only the stomach, but also the heart and liver.

Modern drugs for the treatment of varicose veins in the legs

Modern methods of treating varicose veins simply work wonders. To prescribe a suitable drug, you need to consult a specialist.

Ointments and creams for varicose veins

They act as prophylactics and as an auxiliary method in the treatment of the disease in the early stages. They are helping:

• reduce pain;
• reduce swelling;
• improve valve system activity;
• increase the tone of vascular walls;
• restore normal blood flow;
• prevent the development of complications.

The only contraindication is that ointment for varicose veins on the legs cannot be used if there is an injury to the skin.

Surgical treatment of varicose veins

Some patients need improved and more radical treatment for varicose veins. Such tactics are most often associated with removing or blocking the affected veins.

These are open surgeries and minimally invasive procedures, which include:

1. microsclerotherapy- Based on the name, the procedure is aimed at treating small varicose veins. The amount of chemical fluid injected is also small, and the procedure gives the same results as sclerotherapy.
2. sclerotherapyIt is a simple procedure that consists of closing a varicose vein by injecting a chemical fluid into a dilated vessel. Under the influence of the substance, irritation and final blockage (occlusion) of the vein occurs. This type of surgical intervention is best suited for small, less pronounced varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is most often done every 4 weeks; during this period, the patient's legs must be wrapped in elastic bandages, which reduce the severity of the pathological process.
3. laser surgery– This treatment does not include surgery or injection of liquid chemicals. To eliminate varicose veins in the affected areas, a laser beam is used.
4. endovascular surgery– as in ablative therapy, during this procedure the doctor must cut the affected part, then a surgical instrument is used, with which the vein is occluded. This method of treatment is primarily aimed at removing severe varicose veins that contribute to the formation of skin sores.
5. Intravenous ablative therapy- with this method of treating varicose veins, the doctor uses laser radiation or radio waves. Unlike laser surgery, which is powered by light, this procedure generates heat, causing the veins to expand and close and eventually turn into strands of connective tissue. In this, the doctor cuts the skin around the affected veins and then inserts a catheter, the tip of which provides the heat needed for the healing process. As the procedure is not complicated, the only area that requires post-operative care is the affected tissue for cutting purposes.

Socks and tights for varicose veins

Women are more prone to varicose veins than men. This is due to the hormonal changes they undergo during life (pregnancy, menopause). The most comfortable and simple method of treating varicose veins is to wear special socks or stockings that protect the legs from pain, swelling and fatigue.

The effectiveness of compression underwear is due to the fact that it compresses the legs, and this leads to compression of varicose veins. Wearing compression stockings is an excellent prevention of varicose veins. There are models of products designed for the treatment of dilated veins in men and pregnant women.

hydrotherapy

The treatment of varicose veins with water has been known since time immemorial. Under the influence of different temperatures, the veins narrow and expand, which helps to increase their elasticity. Knowing this, modern doctors use hydrotherapy in the early stages of varicose veins, when vascular networks begin to appear in the skin.

Also, depending on the existing problem, baths can be local (only for the legs) or general (for the whole body). The temperature of the water in such a bath ranges from 20 to 40°C.

active lifestyle

Avoid staying too long in one place, whether sitting or standing! Staying in one place for a long time (sitting in a chair or standing) leads to blood pooling in the legs.

If there is a break at work, try using it for walking. The fact is that when walking, the leg muscles more efficiently direct blood to the heart. If you sit or stand a lot at work, try taking a break every hour for simple exercises. Stand up on your heels and then on your toes for 10 minutes. These exercises help direct the blood upwards and reduce swelling.

Exercise at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes at a time. This will help you stay in shape and even squirm with some extra weight. Walking is a particularly valuable exercise for the legs, as with each step the leg muscles act on the veins and thus the blood rises.

Keep your legs as high as possible while resting

While resting, try to keep your legs as high as possible in relation to your heart level.

The cause of varicose veins is the tendency of blood to accumulate at the level of the legs. During its ascent, blood returns to the heart more easily and reduces the load on the venous vessels.

It's ideal to do this during a break at work or at home between tasks.

Feet massage

A light foot massage stimulates blood circulation. To do this, the leg muscles are massaged with two fingers (but not the veins! ) making movements from the heels to the hips.

Don't keep your legs crossed

When sitting on a chair, keeping your legs crossed is strictly prohibited. Holding one foot together creates additional unwanted pressure on the leg and limits the increase in blood in the veins.

Folk remedies for the treatment of varicose veins

Especially effective is the treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies at home in the summer. Popular recipes are:

1. Chestnut flowers.Pour 50 g of flowers with 0. 5 liter of alcohol and let it ferment for 14 days, shaking the bottle every day. Pass the resulting dye through the mesh and use 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day before meals with water. After a week of treatment, take a 2 week break. Then repeat again.
2. Pinnate Kalanchoe.Wash the pinned Kalanchoe leaves and place them in a pint jar (the leaves should be half the jar). Fill with 70% alcohol and insist in a dark place for 14 days. Shake the bottle before applying. Lubricate your legs and feet every day before going to bed. The pain disappears after the first application. If there are varicose veins, 4 months are needed for treatment.
3. Potato.Peel 5 potatoes and grate. Grate the resulting puree and spread it on the feet. After 4 hours, the pain will completely disappear, then wash the potatoes with warm water.
4. Apples.Throw 3 apples in 1 liter of boiling water, cover and place in a warm place for 4 hours. Then, without removing the apples, break them, mix the solution and strain. Take by adding 1 tbsp. a spoon of honey, half a glass (50 g) in the morning before meals and in the evening before bed. The tool also cleanses the blood, improves sleep and appetite.
5. Garlic with butter.Take the white-peeled garlic and crush it. Mix with two parts of butter. Apply to bulging veins at night, place parchment paper on top and secure with a bandage or warm tissue. Rinse off in the morning and put something warm and soft on your feet.

Treating varicose veins at home is not always possible. In order for therapy to be successful, it is necessary to consult a doctor and strictly follow his instructions.

Otherwise, negative consequences of treatment such as:

• ineffectiveness of therapy and deterioration of the condition of the veins;
• allergic reactions and intolerance to the means used;
• skin burns due to improper application of compresses with burning substances;
• vessel ruptures and thromboembolism, if treatment is carried out against the background of existing contraindications.

Among the contraindications for the treatment of varicose veins include the 3rd and 4th degree of pathology. In this case, the disease can only be eliminated by surgery. In addition, traditional medicine is not applicable with high risk of thromboembolism, exacerbation of vascular insufficiency, severe disease with cramps in the calf muscles, deposition of large amount of blood in the affected vessels and high volume of the affected area.

How to use apple cider vinegar for varicose veins?

Some simple tips and comments on how to treat varicose veins on legs at home with vinegar:

1. Soak a cotton pad in vinegar, wipe your feet on problem areas. Repeat the procedure as often as possible, 5-7 times a day.
2. Take warm water to the bath, pour a liter of vinegar into it. Soak your feet in the water, after half an hour, finish the water procedures. Doctors do not recommend drying your feet with a towel. It's best to lie down on the bed, raise your legs above your head (eg, leaning against a wall) and let them dry naturally.
3. Fold the gauze into several layers, moisten it abundantly in vinegar. Place on your feet in problem areas, wrap with plastic wrap (or a plastic bag), wrap with a warm scarf. Remove the compress after one hour.
4. You can also take apple cider vinegar orally. Mix a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of warm water, drink it on an empty stomach half an hour before breakfast. It is important to remember that this recipe cannot be used in medical therapy in the presence of problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Apple cider vinegar contains a lot of vitamins, macro and microelements, minerals. They have a beneficial effect on the body, helping to effectively deal with varicose veins. Apple cider vinegar is not capable of harming a person, and with its regular use, a positive effect will be noticeable after a month.

Assessments

• Female, 33 years old. "I treated varicose veins with apple cider vinegar and massage: I did half-hour daily wraps followed by a 5-minute massage on the swollen veins for two months. First the morning pains in my legs disappeared, after three weeks the varicose veins disappeared, and now even the deep veins are gone. I am very happy that we were able to avoid surgery, and now I advise all my friends to treat varicose veins with apple cider vinegar.
• Girl, 21 years old. "After a prolonged pain in my legs, I had to go to a phlebologist. He suggested that I remove varicose veins with laser surgery, and I overcame my fear and agreed. The laser removal of my varicose veins took 40 minutes under local anesthesia, and after the operation, the swelling and bruising lasted another week. I'm satisfied with the result of the treatment, I don't feel any more pain. "
• Dude, 40 years. "A phlebologist recommended that I treat varicose veins with leeches. I am not afraid of these creatures, so I readily agreed. The saliva of the leech contains useful hirudin, which cleanses and thins the blood, delaying its clotting. The course of treatment was 8 sessions at intervals of three days. After a 3-month break, I will switch to a repeated course, as after 2 sessions I noticed that the swelling in my legs has decreased, it has become easier to walk. "

What will happen if it is not treated?

There is an aphorism about varicose veins created by doctors - "A disease that manifests itself in the legs and shoots in the heart". In fact, this disease is not just an aesthetic problem that causes problems and reduces the quality of life. In the absence of qualified medical care, varicose veins are fraught with serious complications, even death.

So, the consequences of varicose veins on the legs can be:

• thrombophlebitis - the disease is accompanied by the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the affected veins;
• bleeding;
• tissue malnutrition;
• increased pigmentation;
• increased thrombus formation is a dangerous complication not only for health but also for life.

Separately, it is worth mentioning such a common "companion" of varicose veins in the legs as a trophic ulcer. The cause of its appearance is constant venous insufficiency and increased pressure in the veins.

Prevention

There is no doubt here whether varicose veins can be cured. We'll talk about what to do so you don't need to be treated.

1. Hide all uncomfortable shoes, as well as stilettos, in a drawer. It is allowed to use it only occasionally - for special occasions.
2. Don't forget to take 5-minute breaks when working at the computer for a long time. Special exercises can be done even in the office. If possible, try walking to work.
3. If you are prone to constipation, do not leave this problem unattended. Due to the constant weight in the pelvis, blood circulation begins to suffer. Cooperate with friends of interest and regularly organize cycling, go to the pool, exercise outdoors.
4. Control your body weight. If necessary, review the diet. It should not contain too many fatty or fried foods.
5. After a tiring day, settle down on the sofa and place a roller under your feet, about 15 cm high, so that the blood flow in the vessels of the legs returns to normal.
6. If your profession involves long standing and physical activity - take breaks to rest. If you're used to putting one foot in the other, try to control yourself. This habit can easily trigger inflammation.
7. Wear only comfortable, non-restrictive clothing. Don't buy too tight jeans or tight socks. This rule applies in particular to women. Uncomfortable skinny jeans have a negative impact not only on the health of the legs, but also on the work of the genitourinary system.

Compression underwear is used not only for the treatment of varicose veins, but also for their prevention. So, for example, if a person in the family suffers from this disease, during pregnancy, during flights and long journeys by bus or train, in the process of training, it is better for him to wear compression stockings or wrap his legs with an elastic bandage.

When to see a doctor?

Contacting a doctor for varicose veins should occur as soon as possible. The more advanced the disease is, the less likely the patient is to be completely cured. Ideally, if a person visits the clinic at the time of detection of the first signs: heaviness in the legs, pain in the air when standing still for a long time, swelling.