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 favorite place for varicose veins is the lower limbs. Many modern methods of treatment are aimed at combating varicose veins. Frequent medical clinics offer various injection, laser and surgical procedures.

Provocative factors for 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 descendants reaches 90%), the disease develops under the influence of external factors that increase the pressure within the vein. Between them:

1. Overweight - a violation of lipid metabolism provokes a number of vascular diseases, including varicose veins.
2. Static loads: work sitting or standing. But walking, on the contrary, starts a "muscle pump", which stimulates the outflow of blood through the veins.
3. High-heeled shoes - limits the work of the calf muscle, thus reducing the activity of the muscle pump.
4. Chronic constipation: intra-abdominal pressure increases and therefore the pressure in the veins of the lower limbs.
5. Pregnancy and childbirth: All vital systems of the female body, including the cardiovascular system, work with increased stress during pregnancy and childbirth.

First, venous valves cannot withstand a high load, which should normally ensure blood flow in only one direction, from bottom to 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 finally cease to perform their function, the venous pressure becomes even higher - the vicious circle closes, and the changes begin to spread to neighboring areas.

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

Symptoms

Symptoms of varicose veins are characterized by a gradual progression. Obvious signs are not detected immediately; at 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, disappear on their own in the morning - the first sign that deep veins are not doing their job well;
• cramps and numbness in the legs, especially often this symptom occurs at night and in the morning;
• sensations of heaviness, burning, itching and pain in the legs, especially characteristic of the second part of the day;
• the first visible signs are the characteristic red-blue vascular networks and the asterisks, perfectly visible on the skin.

With the progression of varicose veins, additional symptoms appear

• thickening and darkening of the skin of the lower leg - in this case, spots and peeling appear;
• veins become painful when probed;
• severe muscle pain, the intensity of which increases while walking;
• the appearance of venous nodes that protrude 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. The disease does not only have negative health effects. It significantly spoils the appearance, making the fair sex uncomfortable.

At the first signs of varicose veins in the legs (swelling, heaviness in the legs, the appearance of swollen veins and varicose 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;
• taking 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 tablets are quite effective in the initial stage of varicose veins. Traditional medicine can accompany a woman during the entire period of treatment, supporting the organism, regardless of the main therapeutic methods. Conservative and minimally invasive methods of treatment (sclerotherapy, laser exposure) are used in cases where varicose veins begin to actively progress. Surgery is an extreme measure when a woman's health and life are at risk due to a severe pathology of the veins.

Medical treatment

In the complex therapy of varicose veins, special drugs are necessarily used. For the most part, these 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. It will not work to eliminate varicose veins with such drugs, but they are quite capable of removing swelling in the legs, eliminating burning and pain. In the case of varicose veins, usually 2 tablets are taken per day, and the duration of treatment is determined solely by the doctor.
2. Anticoagulant drugs. These medicines thin the blood and promote better circulation, preventing the development of thrombosis. These drugs are prescribed on an individual basis only, 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. Most importantly, such drugs prevent inflammation of the veins, which leads to thrombophlebitis.

Drugs 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 on 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 a prophylaxis and as an auxiliary method for the treatment of the disease in the early stages. They are helping:

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

The only contraindication is that the ointment for varicose veins on the legs cannot be used in case of skin lesions.

Surgical treatment of varicose veins

Some patients need better and more radical treatment for varicose veins. Such tactics are most often associated with the removal or blockage of 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 which consists in 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 surgery is best suited for small and less pronounced varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is done most often every 4 weeks; during this period, the patient's legs should be wrapped in elastic bandages, which reduce the severity of the pathological process.
3. Laser surgery- This treatment does not include surgery or the injection of liquid chemicals. To eliminate varicose veins in the affected areas, a laser beam is used.
4. Endovascular surgery- as for 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 mainly aimed at removing severe varicose veins that contribute to the formation of wounds on the skin.
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 threads 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 necessary heat for the healing process. Since the procedure is not complicated, the only area that requires post-operative care is the affected tissue for the purpose of the cut.

Stockings and tights for varicose veins

Women are more prone to varicose veins than men. This is due to the hormonal changes they undergo throughout their life (pregnancy, menopause). The easiest and most comfortable way to treat varicose veins is to wear special pantyhose 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 product models designed for the treatment of dilated veins in pregnant men and women.

Hydrotherapy

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

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

Active lifestyle

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

If there is a break at work, try using it for walking. The fact is that while walking, the leg muscles more effectively direct blood to the heart. Whether you sit or stand a lot at work, try taking an hourly break for a simple exercise. Stand on your heels, then on your toes for 10 minutes. These exercises help direct the blood upward and reduce swelling.

Practice at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes at a time. This will help you stay fit and even wriggle with a little extra weight. Walking is a particularly valuable exercise for the legs, because with each step the leg muscles act on the veins and therefore the blood rises.

Keep your legs as high as possible while you rest

As you rest, try to keep your legs as high above your heart level as possible.

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

It is ideal for doing this during a break at work or at home between jobs.

Foot massage

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

Don't keep your legs crossed

When sitting on a chair, it is strictly forbidden to keep your legs crossed. Keeping one foot on the other creates additional unwanted pressure on the leg and limits the increase in blood through 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. Horse chestnut flowers.Pour 50 g of flowers with 0. 5 liters of alcohol and let it brew for 14 days, shaking the bottle every day. Pass the resulting tincture through the mesh and use 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day before meals with water. After a week of treatment, take a break for 2 weeks. Then repeat again.
2. Kalanchoe pennate.Wash the leaves of Kalanchoe pinnate and place them in a liter jar (the leaves should be half the jar). Fill with 70% alcohol and insist in a dark place for 14 days. Shake the jar before application. Lubricate your legs and feet every day before going to bed. The pain will disappear after the first application. If varicose veins are running, it takes 4 months for treatment.
3. Potato.Peel 5 potatoes and grate them. Grate the resulting puree and spread it on the feet. After 4 hours, the pain will disappear completely, so rinse the potatoes with warm water.
4. Apples.Throw 3 apples in 1 liter of boiling water, cover and put 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 tablespoon of honey, half a glass (50 g) in the morning before meals and in the evening before bedtime. The tool also cleanses the blood, improves sleep and appetite.
5. Garlic with butter.Take the garlic with the white peel and grind it. Mix with two parts of butter. Apply to protruding veins at night, put parchment paper on top and secure with a warm bandage or scarf. Rinse in the morning and put something warm and soft on your feet.

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

Otherwise, such negative consequences of the processing as:

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

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. Also, traditional medicine is not applicable at high risk of thromboembolism, exacerbation of vascular insufficiency, severe disease with cramping of the calf muscles, deposition of a large amount of blood in the affected vessels and a large volume of the affected area.

How to use apple cider vinegar for varicose veins?

A few simple tips and reviews on how to treat varicose veins on the legs at home with vinegar:

1. Dampen a cotton swab in vinegar, wipe your feet in problem areas. Repeat the procedure as often as possible, 5-7 times a day.
2. Take hot water in 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 is best to lie on the bed, lift your legs above your head (for example, lean against the wall) and let them dry naturally.
3. Fold the gauze in several layers, moisten abundantly in the vinegar. Stand in problem areas, wrap with cling film (or a plastic bag), wrap with a warm scarf. Remove the compress after an hour.
4. You can also take apple cider vinegar by mouth. Mix a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of warm water, drink 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 large amount of vitamins, macro and microelements, minerals. They have a beneficial effect on the body, helping to effectively cope with varicose veins. Apple cider vinegar is not able to harm a person, and with its regular use, a positive effect will be noticed after a month.

Reviews

• Woman, 33 years old. "I treated varicose veins with apple cider vinegar and massage: I did half an hour daily compresses followed by 5 minutes of swollen veins massage for two months. First the morning pains in the legs disappeared, after three weeks the veins disappeared varicose, and now even the deep veins are gone I am very happy that we managed to avoid surgery and now I recommend to all my friends to treat varicose veins with apple cider vinegar.
• Girl, 21 years old. "After prolonged pain in my legs, I had to go to a phlebologist. He suggested that I remove the varicose veins with laser surgery and I overcame my fear and accepted. The removal of my varicose veins with a laser lasted 40 minutes. under local anesthesia, and after the operation, swelling and bruising lasted another week. I am satisfied with the result of the treatment, I have no more pain ".
• Man, 40 years old. "A phlebologist advised me to treat varicose veins with leeches. I am not afraid of these creatures, so I easily accepted. The saliva of the leech contains the useful hirudin, which purifies and thins the blood, slowing its clotting. The course. of the treatment was 8 sessions at three-day intervals. After a 3-month break, I will pass the repeated course, because after 2 sessions I noticed that the swelling of the legs subsided, it became easier to walk. "

What will happen if not taken care of?

There is an aphorism about varicose veins created by doctors: "A disease that manifests itself on the legs and shoots in the heart". Indeed, this disease is not just a cosmetic problem that causes problems and reduces the quality of life. In the absence of qualified medical assistance, 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 on 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 question here whether varicose veins can be cured. We will talk about what to do so that it does not have to be treated.

1. Hide all uncomfortable shoes, as well as stilettos, in a drawer. It is allowed to wear it only occasionally - for special occasions.
2. Don't forget to take 5-minute breaks when you work on your computer for a long time. Special exercises can also be performed in the office. If possible, try walking to work.
3. If you are prone to constipation, don't leave this problem unattended. Due to the constant heaviness of the pelvis, blood circulation begins to suffer. Cooperate with friends of interest and regularly organize cycling, going to the pool, doing exercises in the fresh air.
4. Check your body weight. If necessary, revise the diet. It shouldn't contain a lot of fatty or fried foods.
5. After settling on the sofa after a hard day, put 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 are used to putting one foot on the other, try to control yourself. This habit can easily cause 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 its 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 use compression stockings or wrap his legs with a elastic bandage.

When to see a doctor?

Contacting a doctor for varicose veins should be done as soon as possible. The further the disease has advanced to this point, the less likely it is that the patient will recover completely. Ideally, if a person visits the clinic when the first signs are detected: heaviness in the legs, flying pains when he stands still for a long time, swelling.