Varicose veins in the legs: treatment with home remedies and folk remedies

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

The favorite place for varicose veins is the lower extremities. Many modern treatments are aimed at combating varicose veins. Often medical clinics offer a variety of injection, laser and surgical procedures.

Triggers for the development of varicose veins

Although 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 intravascular pressure. . Among them:

1. Excess weight - a violation of lipid metabolism provokes a number of vascular diseases, including varicose veins.
2. Static loads - sitting or working on your feet. Walking, on the other hand, triggers a "muscle pump" that stimulates blood flow through the arteries.
3. High-heeled shoes - limit the work of the calf muscle, thus reducing the activity of the muscle pump.
4. Chronic constipation - increases intra-abdominal pressure and therefore pressure in the arteries of the lower extremities.
5. Pregnancy and childbirth - all vital systems of the female body, including the cardiovascular system, work with increasing stress during pregnancy and childbirth.

First, venous valves cannot withstand high loads, which should normally provide blood flow in only one direction - from the bottom up. The valve begins to flow blood in the opposite direction (from top to bottom), and in the area bounded by it, the pressure inside the vein increases significantly: the vein dilates, varicose veins appear. The valves in this area finally stop performing their functions, the venous pressure rises even more - the vicious circle closes and the changes begin to spread to neighboring areas.

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

Symptoms

Symptoms of varicose veins are characterized by a gradual progression. The obvious symptoms are not immediately apparent, the disease manifests itself in the first stage:

• swelling of the legs, especially after sitting or standing for a long time, usually disappears spontaneously in the morning - the first sign that the deep veins are not doing their job well;
• leg cramps and numbness, especially often this symptom manifests itself at night and in the morning;
• feelings of heaviness, burning, itching and pain in the legs, especially in the second half of the day;
• The first visible signs are characteristic red-blue vascular networks and stars that are perfectly visible on the skin.

Additional symptoms appear with the development of varicose veins

• thickening and darkening of the skin of the lower leg: in this case, spots and crusts appear on it;
• the veins become painful when probed;
• severe muscle pain, the intensity of which increases during walking;
• appearance of venous nodules protruding from the skin of the feet and legs.

If such competent treatment is not prescribed at this stage, the patient will inevitably face serious complications, which will be discussed shortly.

How to treat varicose veins?

Women's feet are in a special risk group. According to statistics, in more than 70% of all cases of the disease, varicose veins affect women. The disease not only affects health. Significantly spoils the appearance, disturbs the fair sex.

At the first signs of varicose veins of the legs (swelling, heaviness in the legs, the 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 vascular tone;
• use the recommendations of traditional medicine;
• correction of vascular function using medical procedures (sclerotherapy, laser coagulation);
• solve the problem surgically (phlebectomy).

Ointments, gels and tablets are very effective in the early stages of varicose veins. Traditional medicine, regardless of the main methods of therapy, can accompany a woman throughout the treatment, supporting the body. Conservative, minimally invasive treatments (sclerotherapy, laser exposure) are used when varicose veins are actively advancing. Surgery is an extreme measure when a woman's health and life are at risk due to a serious vascular pathology.

Treatment

In the complex treatment of varicose veins, special drugs are used. In most cases, these are capsules or tablets that have a multifaceted effect on the body. In particular:

1. Phlebotonics. These drugs increase blood flow, prevent the development of thrombosis and at the same time increase the tone of the vessel walls. Such drugs will not work to eliminate varicose veins, but they are quite capable of eliminating swelling of the legs, burning and pain. In the case of varicose veins, usually take 2 tablets a day, and the duration of treatment is determined only by a doctor.
2. Blood thinners. Such drugs thin the blood and promote better circulation, preventing the development of thrombosis. These drugs are prescribed only individually and the conditions of use are determined by a doctor.
3. Anti-inflammatory drugs. These include pills, ointments, and gels that relieve pain, reduce swelling, and prevent platelets from sticking together. But more importantly, such drugs prevent inflammation of the blood vessels that cause thrombophlebitis.

Medications are prescribed when milder exposure methods do not help. But do not rush to resort to drugs, because they can damage 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. You should consult a specialist to prescribe an appropriate medication.

Ointments and creams for varicose veins

They act as an adjunct to the prevention and treatment of the disease in the early stages. They help:

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

The only contraindication is that the ointment for varicose veins in the legs can not be used in case of skin damage.

Surgical treatment of varicose veins

Some patients need improved and more radical treatment for varicose veins. Such tactics are most often associated with the removal or blockage of the affected vessels.

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

1. Microsclerotherapy- Depending on the name, the procedure is aimed at treating small varicose veins. The amount of chemical fluid introduced is also small, and the procedure gives the same result as sclerotherapy.
2. SclerotherapyIt is a simple procedure that closes a varicose vein by injecting a chemical fluid into an enlarged vein. Under the influence of the substance, the vessel becomes irritated and eventually blocked (occluded). This type of surgery is most suitable for small and less pronounced varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is performed at most every 4 weeks; During this period, the patient's legs should be wrapped with elastic bandages that reduce the severity of the pathological process.
3. Laser surgery- This treatment does not include surgery or injection of liquid chemicals. A laser beam is used to remove varicose veins in the affected areas.
4. Endovascular surgery- As in ablative therapy, during this procedure, the doctor must cut the affected part, and then use a surgical instrument to close the vessel. This treatment is mainly designed to remove severe varicose veins, which contribute to the formation of sores on the skin.
5. Endovenous ablation therapy- With this method of treatment of varicose veins, the doctor uses laser radiation or radio waves. Unlike light-based laser surgery, this procedure generates heat, dilates and closes blood vessels, resulting in connective tissue chains. In this case, the doctor cuts the skin around the affected veins and then inserts a catheter that provides the heat needed for the healing process. Because the procedure is not complicated, the only area that needs postoperative care is the affected tissue for incision.

Socks and tights for varicose veins

Women are more prone to varicose veins than men. This is due to the hormonal changes they experience throughout their lives (pregnancy, menopause). The most convenient and simple way to treat varicose veins is to wear special tights or socks that protect the feet from pain, swelling and fatigue.

The effectiveness of compression underwear is due to the compression of its legs, which leads to compression of varicose veins. Wearing compression stockings is an excellent prevention of varicose veins. There are product models for the treatment of varicose veins in men and pregnant women.

Hydrotherapy

Water treatment of varicose veins has been known since ancient times. Under the influence of different temperatures, blood vessels constrict and dilate, which helps to increase their elasticity. Knowing this, modern doctors use hydrotherapy in the early stages of varicose veins, when the vascular network begins to appear new on the skin.

In addition, depending on the problem, baths can be local (for the feet only) or general (for the whole body). The water temperature in such a bath varies between 20 and 40 ° C.

Active lifestyle

Avoid staying together for long periods of time, whether sitting or standing! Staying in one place for a long time (sitting in a chair or standing on one's feet) causes blood to accumulate in the legs.

If there is a break at work, try to use it for walking. The fact is that during walking, the muscles of the legs direct blood to the heart more effectively. Regardless of whether you sit or stand at work a lot, try to take a break every hour for a simple workout. Stand on your heels, then on your toes for 10 minutes. These exercises help to direct the blood upwards and reduce swelling.

Exercise for 20 minutes at least 3 times a week. This will help you stay in shape and even curl up with some extra weight. Walking is a particularly valuable exercise for the legs, because at each step the muscles of the legs affect the arteries, and thus the blood rises.

Keep your feet as high as possible while resting

When resting, try to keep your feet as high as possible relative to your heart level.

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

This is ideal for taking a break from work or at home.

Foot massage

Light foot massage stimulates blood circulation. To do this, the muscles of the legs are massaged with two fingers (but not with veins! ) From the heels to the hips.

Do not keep your feet crosswise

It is strictly forbidden to keep your legs crossed while sitting in a chair. Holding one foot on top of the other creates extra unwanted pressure on the foot and restricts the flow of blood through the veins.

Folk remedies for the treatment of varicose veins

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

1. Horse chestnut flowers.Pour 50 g of flowers with 0. 5 liters of alcohol and infuse for 14 days, shaking the bottle every day. Pass the resulting tincture through a mesh and use 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day before meals with water. Take a break for 2 weeks after a week of treatment. Then repeat again.
2. Kalanchoe pinnate.Wash the leaves of Kalanchoe pinnate and place in a liter jar (the leaves should be half of the jar). Fill with 70% alcohol and insist 14 days in a dark place. Shake the jar before applying. Lubricate your feet and legs before going to bed every day. The pain will disappear after the first application. If varicose veins go away, it takes 4 months for treatment.
3. potato.Peel and grate 5 potatoes. Grate the resulting puree and spread it on your feet. After 4 hours, the pain will disappear completely, then wash the potatoes with warm water.
4. alma.Put 3 apples in 1 liter of boiling water, cover and leave in a warm place for 4 hours. Then, without removing the apples, crush them, mix the solution and filter. Take by adding 1 tbsp. a spoonful of honey, half a glass (50 g) before breakfast and at bedtime. The tool also cleanses the blood, improves sleep and appetite.
5. Garlic with butter.Take garlic with white peel and chop. Mix two parts with butter. Apply to overnight veins, place parchment paper on top and secure with a bandage or warm scarf. Wash in the morning and put something warm and soft on your feet.

It is not always possible to treat varicose veins at home. For the therapy to be successful, it is necessary to consult a doctor and strictly follow his instructions.

Otherwise, such negative consequences of treatment:

• ineffectiveness of therapy and deterioration of vascular condition;
• allergic reactions and intolerance to the means used;
• skin burns due to improper application of compresses with flammable substances;
• If treatment is carried out against the background of existing contraindications, rupture of blood vessels and thromboembolism.

Contraindications for the treatment of varicose veins include 3rd and 4th degree pathologies. In this case, the disease can be removed only surgically. Also, traditional medicine is not used for high risk of thromboembolism, exacerbation of vascular insufficiency, severe disease with calf muscle cramps, excessive bleeding in the affected vessels and high volume of the affected area.

How to use apple cider vinegar for varicose veins?

Here are some simple tips and tricks on how to treat varicose veins in the legs at home with vinegar:

1. Moisten a cotton pad with vinegar and wipe your feet on 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. Immerse your feet in water, finish the water procedures after half an hour. Doctors do not recommend drying your feet with a towel. It is better to lie in bed, lift the legs above the head (for example, leaning against the wall) and allow them to dry naturally.
3. Fold the gauze in several layers, moisten with vinegar. Put on your feet in problem areas, wrap with cling film (or plastic bag), wrap with a warm scarf. Remove the compress after an hour.
4. You can also take apple cider vinegar orally. Mix a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of warm water, half an hour before breakfast on an empty stomach. It is important to remember that this recipe can not be used in medical treatment when there are 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, effectively help to cope with varicose veins. Apple cider vinegar can not harm people, and with regular use, the positive effect will be noticeable after a month.

Reviews

• Female, 33 years old. "I treated and massaged the varicose veins with apple cider vinegar: I did bandages for half an hour every day, then I massaged the swollen veins for 5 minutes for two months. First the morning pain in the legs disappeared, after three weeks the varicose veins disappeared. I am very glad that we managed to avoid surgery and now I advise all my friends to treat varicose veins with apple cider vinegar.
• Girl, 21 years old. "After a long pain in my legs, I had to see a phlebologist. He offered to remove the varicose veins with laser surgery, and I agreed and overcame my fear. Laser removal of my varicose veins lasted 40 minutes under local anesthesia. After the operation, the swelling and bruising became more. It lasted a week. I am satisfied with the results of the treatment, I am no longer in pain. "
• The man is 40 years old. "A phlebologist advised me to treat varicose veins with leech. I am not afraid of these creatures, so I easily agreed. Leech saliva contains useful hirudin, which cleanses and dilutes the blood, slows down clotting. The course of treatment was 8 sessions. Three days apart. 3 months. I will repeat the course after the break, because after 2 sessions I noticed that the swelling of the legs decreased and walking became easier. "

What happens if left untreated?

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

Thus, the consequences of varicose veins in the legs can be:

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

Separately, it is worth noting such a common "companion" of varicose veins in the legs, such as trophic ulcers. The reason for its appearance is a constant venous insufficiency and increased pressure in the arteries.

Prevention

There is no question that varicose veins can be treated. We will talk about what to do to avoid treatment.

1. Hide all uncomfortable shoes, as well as stilettos in a drawer. It is allowed to wear it only occasionally - for special occasions.
2. Remember to take 5-minute breaks when working on a computer for a long time. Special exercises can be done even in the office. If possible, try to walk to work.
3. If you are prone to constipation, do not ignore this problem. Blood circulation begins to suffer due to the constant weight on the pelvis. Collaborate with interested friends and organize regular cycling, go to the pool, exercise in the fresh air.
4. Manage your body weight. If necessary, review your diet. It should not contain a lot of fatty or fried foods.
5. After a hard day, sit on the couch and place a roll about 15 cm high under your feet. Thus, blood flow in the arteries of the legs will be normalized.
6. If your profession is to stay on your feet for a long time and engage in physical activity - take breaks to relax. If you are accustomed to putting one foot on top of the other, try to control yourself. This habit can easily cause inflammation.
7. Wear only comfortable, unrestricted clothing. Don't buy too tight jeans or tight socks. This rule applies especially to women. Anxious skinny jeans have a negative impact not only on the health of the legs, but also on the functioning 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 someone in the family suffers from this disease, it is better to use compression stockings or wrap your legs during pregnancy, during flights and long trips by bus or train, during training. elastic bandage.

When to see a doctor?

See a doctor for varicose veins as soon as possible. By this time, the more advanced the disease, the less likely the patient is to fully recover. Ideally, if a person goes to the clinic at the first signs: heaviness in the legs, pain when flying for a long time, swelling.