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

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

The most preferred site for varicose veins are the lower limbs. Many modern methods of treatment are aimed at combating varicose veins. Frequent medical clinics offer a variety of injection, laser, and surgical procedures.

Provocative factors 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 offspring reaches 90%), the disease develops under the influence of external factors that increase the pressure inside the vein. . Among them:

1. Excess weight - a violation of lipid metabolism provokes a variety of vascular diseases, including varicose veins.
2. Static load - sitting or standing work. But walking, on the contrary, releases a "muscle pump", which stimulates blood flow through the veins.
3. High-heeled shoes - limit the work of the calf muscles, therefore, reduces the activity of the muscle pump.
4. Chronic constipation - increases intra-abdominal pressure, and consequently pressure in the veins of the lower extremities.
5. Pregnancy and childbirth - all vital systems of the female body, including the cardiovascular system, work with increased stress during pregnancy and childbirth.

First of all, the venous valves can not withstand a high load, which normally has to ensure blood flow in only one direction - from the bottom up. The valve begins to pass blood in the opposite direction (from top to bottom), and in the area bounded by it, the pressure inside the vein increases significantly: the vessel dilates, a varicose appears. The valves in this area eventually cease to fulfill 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 stagnation of blood in the altered veins.

Symptoms

The symptoms of varicose veins are characterized by gradual progression. Visible signs are not detected immediately; in the first stage, the disease is manifested through:

• swelling of the legs, especially after a long stay in a sitting or standing position, which, as a rule, go away on their own in the morning - the first sign that the deep veins are not doing their job well;
• leg cramps and numbness, especially often this symptom is manifested 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 vascular networks and the characteristic red-blue stars, visible entirely on the skin.

As varicose veins progress, additional symptoms appear

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

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 feet are in a special danger group. According to statistics, more than 70% of all cases of the disease, varicose veins affect women. The disease not only negatively affects health. It significantly spoils the look, making the fair sex feel uncomfortable.

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 women? There are several ways:

• use ointments and venotonic gels;
• take pills to increase vein tone;
• use the advice of traditional medicine;
• perform correction of vein work 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 throughout the treatment period, supporting the body, regardless of the main methods of therapy. Conservative, minimally invasive methods of treatment (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 in danger due to a severe venous pathology.

Medical treatment

In the complex therapy of varicose veins necessarily use special drugs. 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 vascular walls. It will not work to eliminate varicose veins with such medications, but they are quite capable of removing swelling of the legs, eliminating burning and pain. In the case of varicose veins usually take 2 tablets a day and the duration of treatment is determined only by the doctor.
2. Blood thinners. Such drugs dilute the blood and promote its better circulation, preventing the development of thrombosis. These drugs are prescribed only on an individual basis, and the doctor determines the conditions of use.
3. Anti-inflammatory drugs. These include pills, ointments and gels that relieve pain, relieve swelling, and prevent platelet aggregation. But most importantly, such 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 medication, as 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. To prescribe a suitable medicine, you should consult a specialist.

Ointments and creams for varicose veins

They act as a prophylactic and as an auxiliary method for treating the disease in the early stages. They help:

• reduce pain;
• reduce swelling;
• improving the activity of the valve system;
• increases the tone of vascular walls;
• restoring normal blood circulation;
• prevent the development of complications.

The only contraindication is that ointment for varicose veins in the legs can not be used if there is a skin lesion.

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 veins.

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

1. Microsclerotherapy- Based on the name, the procedure aims to treat small veins with varicose veins. The amount of chemical fluid injected is also small and the procedure gives the same results as sclerotherapy.
2. Sclerotherapyis a simple procedure that consists of closing a varicose vein by injecting a chemical fluid into an enlarged vessel. Under the influence of the substance occurs irritation and eventual blockage (occlusion) of the vein. This type of surgical intervention is more suitable for small and less pronounced varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is most often done every 4 weeks; during this period, the patient's feet should be wrapped with elastic bandages, which reduce the severity of the pathological process.
3. Laser surgery- This treatment does not involve surgery or injection of liquid chemicals. A laser beam is used to eliminate varicose veins in the affected areas.
4. Endovascular surgery- as in ablative therapy, during this procedure the doctor must cut the affected part, then use the surgical instrument with which the vein is closed. This method of treatment is mainly aimed at removing severe varicose veins that contribute to the formation of wounds on the skin.
5. Endovenous 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 dilate and close, eventually turning into connective tissue fibers. In this, the doctor cuts the skin around the affected veins, and then inserts a catheter, the tip of which supplies the heat needed for the healing process. Since the procedure is not complicated, the only area that requires care after surgery is the affected tissue for the purpose of trimming.

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 their lifetime (pregnancy, menopause). The most comfortable and simple method for treating varicose veins is to wear special tights or socks that protect the feet from pain, swelling and fatigue.

The effectiveness of compression underwear is for the fact that they compress 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 to treat varicose veins in pregnant men and women.

Hydrotherapy

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

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

An active lifestyle

Avoid staying in one place for long periods of time, 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 during walking, the leg muscles more effectively direct blood to the heart. If you sit or work a lot, try to take a break every hour for simple exercises. Stand on your heels, then on your toes for 10 minutes. These exercises help direct blood up 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 wrestle with an extra weight. Walking is a particularly valuable exercise for the legs, because with each step, the leg muscles act on the veins and thus the blood rises.

Keep your feet as high as possible while resting

While 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 collect at the level of the legs. During their erection, blood returns more easily to the heart and reduces the load on the venous vessels.

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

Foot 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 heel to the hips.

Do not keep your legs crossed

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

Folk remedies for the treatment of varicose veins

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

1. Horse chestnut flowers.Pour 50 g of flowers with 0, 5 liters of alcohol and let simmer for 14 days, shaking the bottle daily. Pass the resulting tincture through the mesh and use 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times daily before meals with water. After a week of treatment, take a break for 2 weeks. Then repeat again.
2. Kalanchoe pinnate.Wash the leaves of Kalanchoe pinnate and place 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 applying. Lubricate your feet and legs daily before going to bed. The pain will go away after the first application. If varicose veins are going away, then it takes 4 months for treatment.
3. Potatoes.Peel 5 potatoes and grate them. Grind the resulting puree and spread on the legs. After 4 hours, the pain will disappear completely and then rinse the potatoes with warm water.
4. Apples.Pour 3 apples in 1 liter of boiling water, cover and place in a warm place for 4 hours. Then, without removing the apples, crush them, mix the solution and graze it. Take by adding 1 tbsp. a spoonful 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 white peel and grate it. Mix it with two pieces of butter. Apply to elongated veins overnight, place on top parchment paper and secure with a warm bandage or scarf. Rinse in the morning and put something warm and soft on your feet.

Treating 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 treatment as:

• ineffectiveness of therapy and worsening of the condition of the veins;
• allergic reactions and intolerance to the means used;
• skin burns due to improper application of burn compresses;
• rupture of blood vessels 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 be eliminated only by surgery. Also, traditional medicine is not applied at high risk of thromboembolism, worsening of vascular insufficiency, severe disease with calf muscle cramps, deposition of a 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 reviews on how to treat varicose veins at home with vinegar:

1. Soak a cotton ball in vinegar, wipe your feet in problem areas. Repeat the procedure as often as possible, 5-7 times a day.
2. Take warm water in the bath, pour a liter of vinegar into it. Soak your feet in water, after half an hour finish the water procedures. Doctors do not recommend wiping your feet with a towel. It is best to lie down on the bed, raise your legs above your head (for example, lean against the wall) and let them dry naturally.
3. Fold the gauze in several layers, soak abundantly in vinegar. Place on foot in problem areas, wrap with adhesive film (or plastic bag), wrap in 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 can not 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 micronutrients, 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 noticeable after a month.

evaluations

• Woman, 33 years old. "I treated the varicose veins with apple cider vinegar and massage: I did wraps every day for half an hour followed by 5 minutes of massage of the swollen veins for two months. First the morning pain in the legs disappeared, after three weeks the varicose veins disappeared. And now alsothe deep veins are gone. I am very happy that we managed to avoid the surgery and now I advise all my friends to treat varicose veins with apple cider vinegar.
• Girl, 21 years old. "After the prolonged pain in my leg, I had to go to a phlebologist. He suggested that I remove the varicose veins with laser surgery and I overcame my fear and agreed. The laser varicose vein removal lasted 40 minutes under local anesthesia. , And"After the operation, there was another week of swelling and bruising. I am satisfied with the result of the treatment, I have no more pain. "
• Man, 40 years old. "A phlebologist recommended me to treat varicose veins with caterpillars. I am not afraid of these creatures, so I agreed easily. Caterpillar saliva contains beneficial hirudin, which cleanses and dilutes the blood, slowing its coagulation. The course of treatment was"I have 8 sessions with three-day intervals. After a 3-month break I will take the repetitive course, because after 2 sessions I noticed that the swelling in my legs subsided, it became easier to walk. "

What will happen if left untreated?

There is an aphorism about varicose veins created by doctors - "Disease that appears in the legs and hits the heart". Indeed, this disease is not just an aesthetic problem that causes trouble and reduces the quality of life. In the absence of qualified medical help, varicose veins are fraught with serious complications, even death.

So the consequences of varicose veins in the legs can be:

• thrombophlebitis - the disease is associated with the appearance 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 "shock" of varicose veins in the legs as a trophic ulcer. The cause of its occurrence is persistent venous insufficiency and increased venous pressure.

prevention

Here there is no doubt whether varicose veins can be cured. We will talk about what to do so that it does not need to be treated.

1. Hide all uncomfortable shoes, as well as stilettos, in a drawer. It is permissible to wear it only occasionally - for special occasions.
2. Remember to take a 5-minute break when working long hours at the computer. Special exercises can be done even when you are in the office. If possible, try to walk to work.
3. If you are prone to constipation, do not leave this problem unattended. Due to the constant aggravation in the pelvis, blood circulation begins to suffer. Collaborate with interested friends and regularly organize cycling, go to the pool, do exercises in the fresh air.
4. Control your body weight. If necessary, review your diet. It should not contain too many fatty or fried foods.
5. Once you are sitting on the sofa after a hard day, place a roller under your feet, about 15 cm high. Thus, blood circulation in the vessels of the legs will return to normal.
6. If your profession involves long walks and physical activity - take a break to relax. If you are used to putting one foot on the other, try to control yourself. This habit can easily provoke inflammation.
7. Wear only comfortable, non-restrictive clothing. Do not buy too tight jeans or tight socks. This rule applies especially to women. Uncomfortable skinny jeans have a negative impact not only on the health of the feet, but also on the performance of the genitourinary system.

Compression underwear is used not only for the treatment of varicose veins, but also for its prevention. Thus, for example, if a person in the family suffers from this disease, then 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 aelastic bandage.

When to see a doctor?

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