Everything about the treatment of varicose veins of the legs

Varicose veins symptoms and treatment depend on each other.When varicose veins in the legs have just started to develop, they can be stopped by taking specialized medications and using creams.They will help weakened blood vessels to regain their former tone.If the signs of varicose veins in the legs begin to appear more strongly, i.e.if spider veins and severe swelling appear, then it is worth resorting to hardware therapy that restores normal blood circulation.

Not all patients know how to properly treat varicose veins of the legs without surgery.Some suggest that taking herbs and using home-made ointments can help, but this is only a small part of the methods for treating varicose veins in the legs, effective in the initial stages of the disease.When the symptoms of varicose veins in the legs become permanent, you should consult a doctor who will prescribe the necessary medications and advise how to treat a particular patient.Next, we will consider the most popular methods of treating varicose veins of the lower extremities (VLVC).

Drug therapy

As we mentioned earlier, the shape of varicose veins affects the features of its treatment.In the first stages, doctors try to use drug therapy.One of its advantages is the lack of direct surgical intervention.But even if the varicose veins of the lower extremities have entered the second stage, you cannot stop taking the medicine.They will help improve blood flow in varicose veins and prevent further stretching of the vascular wall.

Ointment and gel

These drugs increase the tone of the blood vessels in the legs.They can be used to treat veins located near the surface of the legs.If the disease affects the deep veins, then ointments and gels will not help, because they cannot penetrate the muscle barriers.Treatment of varicose veins in the legs is carried out with the following drugs:

• An ointment whose main active ingredient is a flavonoid (a derivative of rutin).Taking tablets with this active ingredient is considered more effective, but the gel can also help cope with the initial stage of varicose veins.
• Medicine based on horse chestnut.Apply 2 times a day to the damaged vessels.
• Gel designed to eliminate the feeling of tiredness in the legs.It has a cooling effect.
• Another herbal preparation whose main active ingredient is an extract from grape leaves.
• A drug containing a synthetic derivative of vitamin P. Strengthens blood vessels, reduces swelling and helps treat rosacea.

Tablets and capsules

If the expansion of the veins in the legs progresses or during the examination it was found that the patient has weak and thin veins, then doctors prescribe tablets.

Injections

If the patient has small veins affected, then the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities can be carried out by administering various drugs that have an adhesive effect on the vessels.Most often, products based on iodine or synthetic sclerosing substances are used.The advantage of these drugs is that they do not provoke thrombosis, but simply burn the walls of blood vessels.Animal protein injections can also be used, but they are used very rarely.

procedures

Varicose veins of the lower extremities cannot always be cured with conventional injections and medications.In the advanced stages of the disease, hardware intervention in the affected vessels will be required.The essence of all procedures is to stop or eliminate the affected vein.If the patient has contraindications to the use of laser, nitrogen and other chemicals, then the destroyed vessels are surgically removed.During the treatment of varicose veins, the patient may refer to:

• sclerotherapy;
• phlebectomy;
• radiofrequency ablation;
• compression therapy;
• laser coagulation;
• endoscopic dissection;
• cryosurgery;
• ozone therapy.

Each treatment method has positive and negative characteristics and is suitable only for a specific type of varicose veins.Hidden varicose veins of the lower extremities are rarely treated with surgery.In this case, the only effective way to eliminate it is to place clamps on the entire surface of the vein.The operation is very complex and is performed extremely rarely if the vasodilatation threatens the patient's life.

Sclerotherapy

Varicose veins of the lower extremities can be treated with sclerosants.They damage the vessel, which leads to its further drying.Threads after the introduction of the sclerosant are formed after 2-4 months, but patients notice the first advantages of the procedure 10-15 days after the operation.The most important advantage of this procedure is the absence of incisions in the skin.There is also a minus.Not all patients have a damaged vein removed from the bloodstream.In approximately 30% of patients, it regenerates and the disease continues to develop further.Stages of sclerotherapy:

1. The area where the solution is introduced is disinfected.
2. If necessary, anesthesia is administered.
3. Using a syringe with a thin needle, the phlebologist makes injections into varicose veins and spider veins.
4. After the procedure, an elastic bandage is wrapped around the leg and the patient is sent for a 40-minute walk.
5. The elastic bandage is removed by the doctor one day after the procedure.

Phlebectomy

When conservative treatment for varicose veins in the legs does not help at all, there is a risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) of the lower extremities, and minimally invasive methods of affecting the veins do not give results, doctors refer the patient to phlebectomy.This operation is performed to remove large bundles of excessively dilated areas of blood vessels.The patient should be given anesthesia.Most often, doctors resort to combined phlebectomy.The operation is performed as follows:

1. Crossectomy.A small incision is made in the patient's groin area, where the base of the damaged superficial vein is located.The venous valve is cut and the vessels are ligated.
2. The second incision is made on the lower leg or ankle.Its length is 1.5 cm.Through the resulting hole, a metal probe is inserted into the damaged vein.It is fixed at the opposite end of the container.If it is impossible to go through all the veins to the end, then several incisions are made and several probes are inserted.
3. Undressing.The damaged vein is taken out through the incision.The edge of the tip, passed through the probe, plays the role of a knife.It frees the vessel from the surrounding tissue.
4. Miniphlebectomy.If the vein is generally healthy, but there are nodes, then they are removed through special points marked for incision.Veins and branches are connected.
5. Sewing.The puncture and incision sites are then sutured, compression bandages are wrapped, and the patient is transferred to the ward.

Phlebectomy can involve one or more stages, or all of them.The number of procedures depends on the degree of neglect of the disease.Modern clinics practice laser phlebectomy.The very essence of the operation remains the same, but instead of specialized surgical instruments, a laser is used.The advantages of this method are obvious.The incisions themselves become smaller and the patient's rehabilitation is faster.But it cannot be used in all stages of varicose veins.

Radiofrequency ablation

To have legs without varicose veins, you don't have to sacrifice the beauty of your skin.Using radiofrequency ablation, you can get rid of damaged blood vessels in minutes.Through a small puncture, high-frequency radio waves are transmitted through a special needle into the vein.They damage the wall of the vessel, which leads to its reduction and replacement with connective tissue.The patient stays in the hospital for only 1 day.

Compression therapy

This procedure is performed for varicose veins in the legs in the initial stage.The patient is put on a specialized rubber suit and then air is pumped into it.Artificial pressure is created in the veins, which helps restore their tone.Some patients notice that after undergoing a course of compression therapy, the amount of cellulite on their body has decreased.

Laser coagulation

This is a modern method for treating leg veins.It is characterized by low tissue trauma, so many patients try to do this particular procedure.The essence of the operation is that a laser light guide is inserted into the damaged vein through a small size, which closes it.The doctor must carefully move the device along the entire length of the vessel.After the operation there are no signs or other side effects.

Endoscopic dissection

During the expansion of the sural veins and perforators, this method of surgical intervention is used.With varicose veins of the lower extremities, patients often experience trophic ulcers.By itself, damage to the sural or perforating veins cannot provoke the appearance of skin disorders.This disease develops against the background of blood circulation failure.To normalize it, endoscopic dissection is performed.Stages of the procedure:

1. The drumstick is cut in the upper third.The width of the cut is 2 cm.The surgeon also opens the fascial sheath and then, using a spatula, forms a cavity into which the endoscope is inserted along with the instruments.
2. Isolation and removal of the vein.
   • The gasless method.The veins are isolated and cut by the surgeon using optical control.
   • Gas method.Carbon dioxide is injected into the wound.A cavity is formed in the wound, in which all the veins that need to be removed appear.
   • Sewing.

Cryosurgery

When treating leg veins, exposure to low temperatures can be used.The method is considered completely safe, but it is rarely used, because... There is no guarantee that varicose veins will disappear completely after such therapy.Contrary to popular belief, the operation does not use any chemicals, but a cryoprobe.It cools to a certain degree, which causes the container to burn.An inexperienced doctor can damage the tissues located near the vessel during the operation.

Ozone therapy

When the first symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities appear, some doctors recommend the use of physiotherapeutic treatment.The essence of the procedure is that ozone is injected intravenously.The drug is strictly dosed, because its excess can lead to damage to blood cells.The effect of ozone therapy is the same as that of other treatment methods that damage blood vessels.

Medical knitwear

For symptoms of varicose veins in the legs, doctors prescribe wearing compression garments for treatment.A doctor should help you choose knitwear and compression levels.For segmental varicose veins of the lower extremities, it is recommended to wear compression underwear of level 2. His blood pressure will be 32 mmHg.If you are just thinking about how to deal with varicose veins on the legs, but you do not have visible signs of the disease, then for the sake of the experiment you can buy underwear with the first degree of compression.Compression knitwear 3 and 4 can be purchased in pharmacies only with a doctor's prescription.

Traditional medicine

When treating varicose veins in the legs using prescriptions from healers, you should be extremely careful.First, certain plants and herbs thin the blood.If your platelet and hemoglobin levels are normal, then they cannot be treated.Second, no fee can replace drug therapy.You cannot refuse to take medicine.For varicose veins, the following recipes are considered effective:

• A mixture of garlic and oil.Garlic together with its peel is crushed into a paste and then mixed with 2 spoons of butter.The resulting composition is applied to the diseased veins at night, parchment paper is placed on top and wrapped with a scarf.
• Potatoes.5 raw root vegetables are peeled and then chopped.The resulting pulp is used instead of ointment.It is kept on the feet for 4 hours and then washed with warm water.
• Kalanchoe tincture.Kalanchoe leaves are washed, placed in a jar and filled with a 70% alcohol solution.Fill the composition for 14 days.After that, the resulting tincture is lubricated on the feet every day.The procedures are carried out for 3-5 months.

Hirudotherapy

In the initial stages of varicose veins, patients with "thick" blood are referred for treatment with leeches.The effect of the procedure will not appear immediately.It is necessary to perform at least 5-6 sessions to notice the first improvement.2 leeches are placed in the area most damaged by varicose veins and then a couple more are attached along the entire length of the vein.The course of treatment is repeated every 3 months.

Prevention of varicose veins

First of all, absolutely all people need to learn how to sit properly.The twisting of the lower limbs and the more traditional crossing of the legs leads to the interruption of blood flow in the veins.As a result, under the influence of physical forces, the vessels stretch and varicose veins of the lower extremities appear.The good news is that at this stage zero the progression of the disease can be reversed, but not all people are ready to give up the habit.Methods for the prevention of varicose veins of the superficial veins of the lower extremities include:

• Hiking.The more a person walks, the better the blood circulation in the veins.Plus, this method helps to get rid of excess fat reserves and increase overall endurance.
• Foot and leg massage.It can be done during breaks between work.You should slowly and gently massage your fingers, legs and thighs.Do not put too much pressure on your legs, because... if you have a congenital tendency to varicose veins, you can worsen the condition of the blood vessels.
• Contrast shower.It's beneficial for the whole body, but if you don't feel comfortable taking it, you can treat just your feet.
• Compress with herbal decoction.Chamomile, calendula, St. John's wort and other plants normalize blood circulation and relieve muscle tension.
• Apple cider vinegar-based rubdowns/wraps.This substance is found in almost all kitchens.Apple cider vinegar has an irritating effect on blood vessels.It causes them to contract, which helps restore muscle cells to the walls.But this method cannot be used if you have leg injuries.Apple cider vinegar is not used in its pure form, but mixed with water 1:1.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.You should select your items by size.Do not wear too tight jeans or high heels with uncomfortable clothing.
• Gymnastics.Office workers can perform exercises to accelerate blood flow even while sitting in a chair.You can simply raise your legs straight or bent at the knees, but it is better to walk near your workplace.

Diet and nutrition

In all stages of varicose veins, it is necessary to adhere to a balanced diet.Foods with high cholesterol content should be excluded.If the patient loves beef or pork, then he should not fry them in oil.It is allowed to bake or boil meat with fat.Doctors recommend eating more foods that contain protein, magnesium, calcium and selenium.These include beans, almost all types of fruit and nuts.

Therapeutic exercises for varicose veins

Non-surgical treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities involves performing some physical exercises.It is allowed to do squats, leg swings and any exercise that involves working with your own weight.It is necessary to completely exclude training exercises with large weights (50-60 kg), bending and stretching the torso in a chair and long runs.The most effective exercises for varicose veins:

• Scissors and a bicycle.Perform at a moderate pace, lying on the floor.
• Rotational movements of the legs.You need to stand up, grab the stand with your hand, lift one leg, take it to the side and start rotating it.5 movements are made from the inside, and 5 movements are made from the outside.
• Rolling while standing from the toes to the heel.

Stretching and warming up always start with the upper body.You cannot immediately start active training or just warm up your legs, because... this will not help improve the condition of the vascular system.You can also walk in place.If the body mass index is significantly higher, it is recommended to lose weight first and then start exercising.