Detailed description for our readers: how to cure varicose veins in the legs?on the website varicose veins-cure.rf in detail and with pictures.
In the article we talk about veins in the legs and talk about how to treat varicose veins at home.You will learn what folk methods can be used to treat varicose veins, whether massage is effective and in what cases surgery is required.Using our tips, you can make compresses and tinctures to reduce swelling and pain caused by varicose veins in the legs.You will also find a list of ointments that are effective against varicose veins.
Varicose veins in the legs, varicose veins in the legs
Varicose veins or varicose veins of the lower extremities are a disease in which the walls of superficial blood vessels become thinner, their lumens increase and dilated nodules form.Externally, the disease can be detected if the veins in the legs appear.Varicose veins occur in both women and men, but women are more susceptible.
Causes and symptoms
Varicose veins are a condition in which swollen (swollen) veins appear on the surface of the leg muscles.The veins become swollen and tortuous, clearly visible under the skin.Why do varicose veins occur?In the lower limbs there are saphenous veins and deep veins;they are connected by communicating veins.Through them, blood flows upward from the saphenous veins to the deep veins.The mechanical pump is responsible for its movement.
During physical activity, muscles contract and push blood upward.Venous valves prevent blood from moving downward.This is proper blood circulation and is possible only with normal venous tone.
If the tone of the vein walls decreases and the valves do not perform their function, the blood will move not only up, but also down.This increases pressure on blood vessels, stimulates their swelling and dilation, and promotes the formation of plugs.
Nerve endings located on the walls of blood vessels send signals to the brain.The brain orders an increase in venous tone.The increase in resistance further increases the load on the veins, leading to atrophy of the vein walls and death of nerve endings.
Risk factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- lack of physical activity;
- poor nutrition;
- obesity;
- hormonal imbalance;
- pregnant;
- genetic tendency.
Symptoms of varicose veins in the legs:
- heaviness in the legs;
- increased fatigue;
- local pain in the lower leg area;
- leg swelling;
- night cramps - in severe cases.
In the early stages, varicose veins are manifested externally by the formation of spider veins on the surface of the skin.As the disease progresses, venous dilatation increases and hemodynamics become increasingly disrupted.In the final stage, the superficial veins adhere tightly to the skin.The veins become clogged and trophic ulcers form.
Pain in the veins in the legs - what to do?
If veins protrude in the legs and cause pain, this indicates the development of varicose veins.The sooner you start treatment, the more successful it will be and the better your chances of stopping the progression of the disease.
Which doctor should I contact if I have varicose veins?Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins is performed by a phlebologist.Even in the early stages, it is necessary to seek advice from a specialist.He will determine the main factors influencing the development of the disease and prescribe adequate methods of treatment and prevention.
Treatment of varicose veins in the legs
Treatment for varicose veins in the legs is done at home, unless the patient requires surgery or laser surgery.Doctors prescribe tablets, ointments and gels to improve venous circulation, break up blood clots, increase blood flow, and reduce swelling and fatigue in the legs.Folk remedies can be used as complementary therapy.
Treat varicose veins in the legs with folk remedies
In this section we will tell you how to treat varicose veins on your legs at home.If you are interested in how to treat varicose veins on the legs in women or how to treat varicose veins on the legs in men, you will find in the table effective folk remedies.
Traditional medicine recipes for the treatment of varicose veins:
| Title | How it works | Instructions for use |
| nettle | Thins the blood and improves blood circulation, helps strengthen vessel walls and prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques. | Take 5 tbsp.dry nettle and pour 250 ml of vodka.Infuse the medicine for 7 days in a dark place.Use tincture of 1 tbsp.3 times a day before meals. |
| soft drink | Thins the blood, eliminates swelling and heaviness in the legs, accelerates lymph circulation and relieves pain. | Take 1-2 tbsp.baking soda and moisten lightly with water.Apply the mixture on the affected area and cover it with cabbage leaves.Secure the pad with gauze and leave it overnight. You can soak your feet with baking soda.To do this, dilute 200 g of soda in 5 liters of warm water.The duration of the procedure is 10−15 minutes. |
| Apple cider vinegar | Increases the tone of the vein walls, improves blood circulation, eliminates swelling and relieves pain. | Rub apple cider vinegar on the affected area in the morning and evening after bathing. You can use apple cider vinegar as a compress.Moisten the gauze with liquid and fix it on the leg.Lie down for 1 hour, placing your feet on a pillow 15-20 cm higher than your heart. |
| Cabbage | Reduces swelling and redness, eliminates pain. | Take a cabbage leaf and press it with a rolling pin until the juice flows out.Apply vegetable oil to one side of the paper and then apply it to the painful area.Secure the gauze pad with a bandage.Leave it on all day or overnight. |
| celandine | Reduces swelling, eliminates fatigue and pain in the legs. | Mix 1 tbsp.celandine in a cup of boiling water.Soak a piece of linen in the broth.Wrap your feet and leave for 1 hour.Perform the procedure in 7 days.Next, take a ten-day break. |
| laundry soap | Reduces inflammation and accelerates regeneration.Promotes the healing of cracks and wounds that aggravate varicose veins. | Crush a piece of laundry soap.Crush 10 Aspirin tablets and pour in 250 ml of vodka.Add soap.Leave for 2 days.Use the product as lotion. |
| honey | Improves blood circulation, tones the walls of blood vessels and increases their elasticity.Enhances general and local immunity. | Take 1 tablespoon on an empty stomach.I love you every day. Soak your feet with honey.To do this, dissolve 10 g of honey in 5 liters of warm water.The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes. |
| Mugwort | Reduces inflammation, thins the blood and improves blood circulation, reducing pain. | Pour 2 tbsp.Dried wormwood with a glass of kefir.Soak natural fabric in the mixture.Apply gauze to the affected area and secure it.Leave for 20-30 minutes. |
| raw potatoes | Helps strengthen vein walls and improve blood circulation. | Mash raw potatoes finely.Apply the mixture to your feet and secure with a bandage.Leave for 5 hours. |
| Kalanchoe | Reduces inflammation, accelerates regeneration, eliminates swelling. | Wash and chop a few Kalanchoe leaves.Pour in 500 ml of vodka.Leave for 7 days.Rub the prepared tincture on the sore spot in the leg. |
Ointment for varicose veins in the legs
Varicose vein ointment is used when one or more veins are visible.Topical medications do not eliminate the disease but only reduce the severity of its manifestations.If your veins are swollen and protruding, contact a phlebologist.The doctor will advise using ointments and gels at the initial stage, but the basis for stopping the disease is prevention and elimination of risk factors.
List of ointments to treat varicose veins in the legs:
- Heparin ointment- inexpensive ointment based on sodium heparin.Anticoagulants not only thin the blood but also relieve pain.
- Troxevasin- increases the tone of blood vessel walls, has anti-inflammatory, decongestant and thinning effects.Prevents blood clot formation.
- A medicine containing leech extract.Ointment improves blood circulation, eliminates swelling and pain, and increases the tone of blood vessel walls.
Tablets for treating varicose veins in the legs
In addition to ointments, tablets are also used in the early stages of varicose veins.Phlebotonics, anticoagulants, antioxidants, and antiplatelet drugs are used to treat varicose veins.
Tablets for varicose veins:
- Diosmin- prevents the expansion of blood vessels, increases the elasticity of vein walls, reduces blood stagnation and helps normalize blood circulation.
- Dipyridamole- Improve blood microcirculation, prevent blood clot formation.
In no case should you choose the medicine yourself.Tablets for the treatment of varicose veins in the legs have many contraindications for use and can only be prescribed by the attending physician.
How to relieve pain from varicose veins?For leg pain, you can use drugs with pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects - Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Nimesulide, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol.To eliminate fatigue, lie down for a few minutes with your legs raised above your heart and a pillow underneath.
Compression clothing
When treating varicose veins, it is important to wear special compression garments.Stockings, knee socks, stockings and tights with different levels of compression create the necessary pressure on the veins, which helps the muscle pump push blood up and improve blood circulation in the legs.
IN ADDITION, THE COMPRESSOR REDUCES THE LOAD ON THE VEINS, AT THE END OF THE DAY THE LEGS ARE LESS TIRED AND THERE IS NO SWELLING.
You should not choose your own compression garment without consulting your surgeon first.If you notice symptoms of varicose veins, contact a specialist;The doctor will examine the condition of the veins and, taking into account individual characteristics, will choose the type of compress and the type of product.
Compression layers:
- Class 1 - compression no more than 23 mm Hg.Art.Prescribed in the early stages of varicose veins.
- Type 2 - compression about 33 mm Hg.Art.Used to treat moderate varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.
- Type 3 - compression about 45 mm Hg.Art.Used in the treatment of severe venous insufficiency.
- Type 4 - compression above 50 mm Hg.Art.Indicated for severe stages of the disease.
Massage for varicose veins
Massage is another method to treat varicose veins in the early stages.However, without proper technique, this procedure can cause more harm.Massage must be performed by a qualified professional.
Can you massage legs with varicose veins?
Foot massage for varicose veins can be performed only in the early stages of the disease.It is strictly forbidden to carry out procedures for treating trophic ulcers, thrombophlebitis and skin diseases.General contraindications include increased body temperature, infectious diseases and inflammatory processes.You should not perform anti-cellulite massage on people with varicose veins, especially with a vacuum cup.
To treat varicose veins, lymphatic drainage massage is performed.It improves blood circulation and lymph flow, eliminating swelling, fatigue and pain.
TO CONDUCT MASSAGE TO RESOLV LYMPHYDRATES, FIRST SLOWLY GIVE THE SKIN.THEN RISE FROM THE CALF UP THE shin WITH SOFT MOTIONS, EASILY INCREASING FORCE.
You can also use hydromassage with alternating water temperatures.Exposure to cold and warm water increases the tone of the vessel walls and improves blood circulation.
Laser treatment of leg veins
The laser treatment procedure for varicose veins is called laser coagulation.This is a modern method that helps prevent the downward movement of blood.Laser allows you to increase the tone of the vessel walls and normalize blood circulation.
The principle of this technique is based on the thermal effect of laser rays on the inner surface of veins and blood.Vapor bubbles form in the blood.The steam comes into contact with the vein wall, injuring and “burning” it.The blood clot is replaced by connective tissue and the passage is sealed.
Contraindications to laser coagulation:
- significant enlargement of the venous trunk;
- inflammation in the intervention area;
- thrombophlebitis;
- chronic ischemia of the lower extremities;
- The disease requires priority treatment.
Surgery to remove varicose veins in the legs
The disease can be cured with conservative and minimally invasive therapy but can only be completely removed with surgery.
The main surgery to remove varicose veins is phlebectomy.During the procedure, damaged veins will be removed, which will allow normalization of blood circulation in the deep veins.
Assign:
- widespread varicose veins;
- saphenous varicose veins;
- impaired blood flow;
- trophic ulcers;
- thrombophlebitis.
Contraindications:
- late stage of varicose veins;
- myocardial ischemia;
- severe infectious disease;
- second half of pregnancy;
- age.
Rehabilitation after leg vein resection
The duration of the activity is 1-2 hours.For the first time after the procedure, the patient is under the supervision of a doctor.After a few hours he was allowed to move his legs.The stitches are removed after 10 days.
In the postoperative period, the patient is prescribed to wear compression stockings and perform special exercises.During the rehabilitation period, it is important to get used to normal physical activity, which will ensure blood circulation but does not cause serious strain on the veins.
Preventing varicose veins in the legs
Prevention plays an important role in the treatment of varicose veins.It is especially important to follow certain rules if there is a genetic predisposition and other risk factors, as well as after laser treatment and phlebectomy to prevent recurrence of the disease.
To prevent varicose veins, you can use folk remedies and topical medications that help increase the tone of the vein walls, improve blood circulation and reduce swelling and leg fatigue at the end of the working day.We have described all these means in the article.
Lifestyle, fitness and diet
To prevent the development of varicose veins, a healthy lifestyle is necessary.Give up bad habits, which include not only alcohol and smoking but also overeating.Obesity is one of the risk factors for varicose veins.
Balance your diet, exclude fatty, fried, salty and too spicy foods.Include more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
If you want to prevent the development of varicose veins, do not forget about exercise and gentle exercise.To accelerate blood circulation in the lower limbs, exercisers should use their legs.A great exercise to prevent varicose veins is cycling.
Wear comfortable shoes.If you are susceptible, contact a phlebologist.Your doctor will help you choose compression garments.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
Pregnant women are more at risk of varicose veins.To prevent the development of the disease during pregnancy, follow simple prevention rules:
- Wear compression stockings or socks.
- Exercise to improve blood circulation in your legs.
- Do not stand or sit in one position for long periods of time.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
- Sleep on left side;This position will help you avoid pressing on the right vein, which causes blood to flow from the lower limb.
- Don't cross your legs.
- Eat right.
- Take a walk in the fresh air.
What happens if varicose veins are not treated?
Varicose veins are a dangerous disease that, if left untreated, will cause dangerous complications, including:
- thrombophlebitis;
- separation of blood clots and blockage of veins; pulmonary embolism;
- trophic ulcers;
- swelling of various parts of the body;
- dermatitis;
- compaction of subcutaneous fat at the site of injury.
What to remember
- Varicose veins are varicose veins that occur due to decreased tone of the vessel walls.
- In the early stages of varicose veins, you can use ointments, pills and folk remedies.The disease can only be completely cured with surgery.
- If symptoms of varicose veins occur, consult a phlebologist.He will choose the appropriate treatment method.
Varicose veins are a chronic disease in which venous blood vessels become stretched or elongated.Varicose veins not only occur in the veins of the legs (but this is the most common form), they can also develop in the blood vessels of other internal organs.For all forms of varicose veins, home treatments are very similar.
Diagnosis of the disease is made by a phlebologist or vascular surgeon, who also determines how to treat the disease in a particular case.Treatment of pathology is based on two methods: conservative treatment of varicose veins, performed at home, and surgical intervention.
Varicose veinsDepending on the degree of development of venous pathology, treatment of varicose veins at home can be:
- The main treatment is only in the early stages of the disease.Seeking medical help at the stage of mild swelling in the feet or when vascular patterns appear in the legs allows you to cure the condition at home.
- Auxiliary treatment - in the advanced stages of the disease, when the pathology develops, specialized therapy is required, and home exercises aimed at improving blood flow are a necessary addition to the main treatment.
- A preventive measure after surgery to prevent further development of pathology.
The basis of varicose veins is the weakness of the connective tissue of the walls of venous vessels, therefore conservative treatment of the disease is primarily aimed at strengthening this wall.This approach to treatment is basic and allows you to treat varicose veins in any location: both in the legs and in the veins of internal organs.
In addition, treating varicose veins on the legs at home requires many additional measures:
| Take medicine | Strengthens blood vessel walls |
| Take vitamin supplements | |
| Change your diet | |
| Use topical medication | |
| Exercise for veins | Improves venous blood flow |
| Wear compression garments | |
| Exercises on blood circulation | |
| Sleep with your feet elevated | |
| Optimize workflow | Reduces the load on the veins in the legs |
| Lose excess weight | |
| Special physical exercises | Strengthen leg muscles |
| Change your lifestyle |
Measures aimed at strengthening the walls of blood vessels
These methods - aimed at improving the permeability of the vascular wall in the veins, increasing its tone and elasticity - are the main direction of treatment for varicose veins, including veins in the legs.
It includes:
- Treatment is with medications including diosmin, troxerutin, and escin.Varicose veins should be treated with these drugs only as prescribed by a doctor, who will select the drug and determine the frequency and duration of its administration.
- Treatment with products prepared according to traditional medicine formulas.
- Take vitamin preparations - it has been proven that vitamins have the greatest influence on the permeability of the vascular wall: rutin (vitamin P) and ascorbic acid.Therefore, the combination of these two vitamins is widely used for disease prevention and treatment.
- Use ointments and gels.
Secrets of folk healing
How to treat varicose veins at home with folk remedies:
| Horse chestnut flower tincture | Take 50 g of flowers, pour 500 ml of 50% ethyl alcohol.Soak the mixture for two weeks, shaking daily, then strain.Take 30–40 drops 3 times a day before meals for 30 days. |
| Infusion of nettle leaves | Take 2 tablespoons of dry nettle grass, pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 1 hour.Filter the infusion and drink 60 ml 3 times a day.The course of treatment is 30 days, 15 days off, repeat twice. |
| Infuse hop cones | Pour two tablespoons of dry cones into 200 ml of hot water, boil over low heat for 10 minutes, filter the water.Drink 200 ml of infusion 2-3 times a day.Remember that it causes drowsiness. |
| Apple cider vinegar solution | Mix 10ml of apple cider vinegar into 200ml of water, drink in the morning and evening.The formula is contraindicated for people with duodenal ulcers. |
Treat varicose veins by jogging
It is possible to run with varicose veins in the first and second stages.Significant stress on the legs should be avoided, jogging and walking should be preferred.In the presence of thrombosis, as well as in the later stages of the disease, jogging is not recommended.
It is possible to get rid of varicose veins by running only at the beginning of the disease, when the veins have not yet dilated.At this stage, the disease has no clinical symptoms.So, the patient simply does not know about the need to start classes.At the time the diagnosis of varicose veins is made, jogging is no longer able to completely cure the pathology.
When to contact a phlebologist?
You should see a doctor for varicose veins as soon as possible.The more advanced the disease is at this point, the less likely it is that the patient will be completely cured.It would be ideal if a person came to the clinic at the time of detecting the first signs: heaviness in the legs, pain when standing for a long time, swelling.
Nutrition and diet for varicose veins
With varicose veins, diet plays an important role in stabilizing the patient's condition and restoring vascular tone.
Should eat:
- seafood (mussels, shrimp, squid);
- fruits rich in vitamin C (kiwi, black grapes, citrus fruits);
- blood-thinning products (garlic, lemons, onions, cherries).
Dietary restrictions correspond to a generally light diet.It is forbidden to drink alcoholic, overly salty, spicy, sour drinks and other foods with irritating properties.You should also not drink a lot of coffee, tea and other drinks with diuretic properties.
Preventive measures
The basis for preventing varicose veins is giving up a sedentary lifestyle and static loads on the legs.You should jog or walk a few kilometers every day.During the workday, you should take short breaks specifically for leg exercises.Additionally, you must eat the foods described in the previous section and, if necessary, wear tights.Moderate compression helps improve blood flow in the superficial veins.
Although seemingly safe, varicose veins are a disease that under certain conditions can be life-threatening.This is especially true for later stages of pathological development, in which the vessel wall becomes thinner and its integrity is vulnerable.Therefore, it is recommended to start therapy with traditional formulas as early as possible.To avoid errors and misuse of treatment methods, you should consult your doctor before starting.