A detailed description for our readers: how to treat varicose veins on the legs?on the varicose veins-cure.rf website in detail and with photos.
In the article we talk about leg veins and treatment of varicose veins at home.You will learn what folk remedies can be used for varicose veins, whether massage is effective and in which cases surgery is necessary.With our advice, you can make compresses and tinctures to relieve swelling and pain caused by varicose veins of the legs.You will also discover a list of effective ointments against varicose veins.
Varicose veins on the legs, veins on the legs
Varicose veins or varicose veins of the lower extremities are a disease in which the walls of the superficial vessels become thinner, their lumen increases and nodular dilatations are formed.Externally, the disease can be detected if the leg veins protrude.Varicose veins occur in both women and men, but women are more susceptible to this pathology.
Causes, symptoms
Varicose veins are enlarged (swollen) veins that appear on the surface of the leg muscles.The veins become swollen and tortuous and stand out strongly under the skin.Why do varicose veins appear?In the lower limbs there are saphenous and deep veins;they are connected by communicative veins.Through them, blood flows from the saphenous veins to the deep veins.The muscle pump is responsible for its movement.
During physical movements, muscles contract and push blood upward.Venous valves prevent blood from flowing down.This is good blood circulation, and this is only possible with normal venous tone.
If the tone of the vein wall decreases and the valves do not perform their function, the blood rises not only upwards, but also downwards.This increases the pressure on the vessels, causes them to swell and expand, and promotes the formation of knots.
Nerve endings on the walls of blood vessels send a signal to the brain.The brain gives the order to increase venous tone.An increase in resistance further increases the load on the veins, leading to atrophy of the vein wall and death of nerve endings.
Risk factors contributing to the development of varicose veins:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- lack of physical activity;
- poor diet;
- obesity;
- hormonal imbalance;
- pregnancy;
- genetic predisposition.
Symptoms of varicose veins on the legs:
- heaviness in the legs;
- increased fatigue;
- local pain in the lower leg region;
- swelling of the legs;
- night cramps - in severe cases.
In the early stages, varicose veins manifest themselves externally by the formation of spider veins on the surface of the skin.As the disease progresses, dilation of the veins increases and hemodynamics are increasingly disrupted.During the final stages, the superficial veins are fused to the skin.The veins become blocked and trophic ulcers form.
A vein in the leg hurts - what to do?
If a protruding vein appears on the leg and it hurts, this indicates the development of varicose veins.The sooner you start treatment, the more effective it will be and the greater the chance of stopping the progression of the disease.
Which doctor should I contact in case of varicose veins?Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins is carried out by a phlebologist.From the early stages, it is necessary to seek advice from a specialist.He will identify the main factors that influenced the development of the disease and prescribe adequate therapeutic and preventive methods.
Treatment of varicose veins on the legs
Treatment of varicose veins of the legs is carried out at home, unless the patient requires surgery or laser surgery.Doctors prescribe tablets, ointments and gels that improve venous circulation, break down blood clots, increase blood flow and relieve swelling and fatigue in the legs.Folk remedies can be used as additional therapy.
Treatment of varicose veins on the legs with folk remedies
In this section we will tell you how and how to treat varicose veins of the legs at home.If you are interested in how to treat varicose veins of the legs in women or how to treat varicose veins of the legs in men, you will find effective folk remedies in the table.
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 vascular walls and prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques. | Take 5 tbsp.dry the nettle and pour 250 ml of vodka.Infuse the medicine for 7 days in a dark place.Use 1 tbsp tincture.3 times a day before meals. |
| soda | Thins the blood, eliminates swelling and heaviness in the legs, accelerates the flow of lymph and relieves pain. | Take 1-2 tbsp.baking soda and lightly moisten with water.Apply the mixture to the affected area and cover with a cabbage leaf.Secure the compress with gauze and let it sit overnight. You can make a foot bath with baking soda.To do this, dilute 200 g of soda in 5 liters of warm water.The duration of the procedure is 10 to 15 minutes. |
| Apple cider vinegar | Increases the tone of the vein walls, improves blood circulation, eliminates swelling and reduces pain. | Rub apple cider vinegar on affected areas morning and evening after showering. You can use apple cider vinegar as a compress.Moisten the gauze with liquid and attach it to the leg.Lie down for 1 hour, placing your feet on a pillow so that they are 15-20 cm above the level of your heart. |
| Cabbage | Relieves swelling and redness, eliminates pain. | Take a cabbage leaf and press it with a rolling pin until the juice comes out.Grease one side of the sheet with vegetable oil and apply to the sore spot.Secure the compress with a bandage.Leave it on all day or night. |
| Celandine | Relieves swelling, eliminates fatigue and pain in the legs. | Infuse 1 tbsp.celandine in a glass of boiling water.Dip a linen cloth in the broth.Wrap your feet and leave for 1 hour.Perform the procedure for 7 days.Then take a ten-day break. |
| Laundry soap | Relieves inflammation and accelerates regeneration processes.Promotes the healing of cracks and wounds that aggravate the condition of varicose veins. | Grate a piece of laundry soap.Grind 10 aspirin tablets and pour 250 ml of vodka into them.Add soap.Leave for 2 days.Use the product as a lotion. |
| Honey | Improves blood circulation, tones the walls of blood vessels and increases their elasticity.Strengthens general and local immunity. | Take 1 tablespoon on an empty stomach.darling every day. Foot baths are based on honey.To do this, dissolve 10 g of honey in 5 liters of warm water.The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes. |
| Absinthe | Relieves inflammation, thins blood and improves blood circulation, reduces pain. | Pour 2 tbsp.dry wormwood with a glass of kefir.Dip the natural fabric into the mixture.Apply the compress to the affected area and fix it.Leave to act for 20 to 30 minutes. |
| Raw potatoes | Helps strengthen vein walls and improve blood circulation. | Finely grate the raw potatoes.Apply the paste to your feet and secure it with a bandage.Leave for 5 hours. |
| Kalanchoe | Relieves inflammation, accelerates regeneration processes, eliminates swelling. | Wash and chop some Kalanchoe leaves.Pour 500 ml of vodka.Leave for 7 days.Rub the prepared tincture into the painful areas of your legs. |
Ointment for varicose veins on the legs
Varicose vein ointments are used when one or more veins are visible.Medications for topical use do not eliminate the disease, but only reduce the severity of manifestations.If your vein is swollen and protruding, contact a phlebologist.The doctor will advise using ointments and gels at an early stage, but the basis for stopping the disease will be prevention and elimination of risk factors.
List of ointments for varicose veins of the legs:
- Heparin ointment- an inexpensive ointment based on sodium heparin.An anticoagulant not only thins the blood, but also reduces pain.
- Troxevasin— increases the tone of the vascular walls, has an anti-inflammatory, decongestant and slimming effect.Prevents the formation of blood clots.
- A medicine that contains leech extract.The ointment improves blood circulation, eliminates swelling and pain, and increases the tone of the walls of blood vessels.
Tablets for varicose veins on the legs
In addition to ointments, tablets are also used in the early stages of varicose veins.Phlebotonics, anticoagulants, antioxidants, and antiplatelet agents are used to treat varicose veins.
Tablets for varicose veins:
- Diosmin- prevents stretching of blood vessels, increases the elasticity of vein walls, reduces blood stagnation and helps to normalize blood circulation.
- Dipyridamole— improves blood microcirculation, prevents the formation of blood clots.
In no case should you choose the medicine yourself.Tablets for the treatment of varicose veins on the legs have a large number of contraindications for use and can only be prescribed by the attending physician.
How to relieve the pain of varicose veins?For leg pain, you can use drugs with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects - Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Nimesulide, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol.To eliminate fatigue, lie down for a few minutes with your legs raised above heart level and a pillow underneath.
Compression clothing
When treating varicose veins, it is important to wear special compression clothing.Socks, knee-highs, stockings and tights with varying degrees of compression create the necessary pressure on the veins, which helps the muscle pump push blood upward and improves blood circulation in the legs.
IN ADDITION, COMPRESSION WEARING 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 compression clothing yourself, without first consulting a phlebologist.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, choose a compression class and type of product.
Compression course:
- Class 1 - compression not more than 23 mm Hg. Art.Prescribed in the early stages of varicose veins.
- Class 2 - compression of approximately 33 mm Hg. Art.Used to treat moderate varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.
- Class 3 - compression of approximately 45 mm Hg. Art.Used in the treatment of severe venous insufficiency.
- Class 4 - compression greater than 50 mm Hg. Art.Prescribed for severe stages of the disease.
Massage for varicose veins
Massage is another method of treating varicose veins in the early stages.However, without proper technique, the procedure can cause even more damage.Massage should be performed by a qualified specialist.
Is it possible to massage legs with varicose veins?
Foot massage for varicose veins can be carried out only at the initial stage of the disease.It is forbidden to carry out the procedure for trophic ulcers, thrombophlebitis and skin diseases.General contraindications include high body temperature, infectious diseases and inflammatory processes.You should not perform anti-cellulite massage for varicose veins, especially with suction cups.
To treat varicose veins, lymphatic drainage massage is performed.It improves blood circulation and lymphatic flow, eliminates swelling, fatigue and pain.
TO PERFORM A LYMPHAIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE, FIRST RUSH THE SKIN SLOWLY.THEN PROMOTE FROM CALVES TO TIBS WITH GENTLE MOVEMENTS, GRADUALLY INCREASING THE PRESS FORCE.
You can also use hydromassage with alternating water temperatures.Exposure to cold and hot water increases the tone of the vascular walls and improves blood circulation.
Laser treatment of leg veins
The procedure for treating varicose veins with laser is called laser coagulation.This is a modern method that prevents blood from going down.The laser helps increase the tone of the vascular walls and normalize blood circulation.
The principle of the technique is based on the thermal effect of the laser on the internal surface of the vein and the blood.Steam bubbles form in the blood.The steam comes into contact with the wall of the vein, damaging and “charring” it.The resulting blood clot is replaced by connective tissue and the passage is sealed.
Contraindications to laser coagulation:
- significant expansion of the venous trunk;
- foci of inflammation in the intervention zone;
- thrombophilia;
- chronic ischemia of the lower limbs;
- diseases requiring priority treatment.
Surgery to remove varicose veins in the legs
The disease can be cured with conservative and minimally invasive treatment, but it can only be completely eliminated through surgery.
The main surgical operation to eliminate varicose veins is phlebectomy.During the procedure, damaged veins are removed, which helps normalize blood circulation in the deep veins.
Directions:
- extensive varicose veins;
- dilated saphenous veins;
- impaired blood flow;
- trophic ulcers;
- thrombophlebitis.
Contraindications:
- advanced stage of varicose veins;
- cardiac ischemia;
- serious infectious diseases;
- second half of pregnancy;
- old age.
Rehabilitation after removal of leg veins
The duration of the operation is 1 to 2 hours.The first time after its completion, the patient is under the supervision of doctors.After a few hours he is 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 will not lead to strong strain on the veins.
Prevention of varicose veins on the legs
Prevention plays an important role in the treatment of varicose veins.It is especially important to follow certain rules in case of genetic predisposition and other risk factors, as well as after laser treatment and phlebectomy to prevent relapses of the disease.
To prevent varicose veins, you can use folk remedies and topical medications that increase the tone of the vein wall, improve blood circulation and relieve swelling and fatigue of the legs at the end of the working day.We have described all these ways in the article.
Lifestyle, gymnastics and diet
To prevent the development of varicose veins, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle.Give up bad habits, which include not only alcohol and tobacco, 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 gymnastics and light exercises.To accelerate the blood in the lower extremities, gymnastics should use the legs.Cycling is a great exercise to prevent varicose veins.
Wear comfortable shoes.If you are predisposed to the disease, contact a phlebologist.Your doctor will help you choose compression garments.
Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy
Pregnant women are at greater risk of developing varicose veins.To prevent the development of the disease during pregnancy, follow simple prevention rules:
- Wear compression socks or stockings.
- Exercise to improve blood circulation in your legs.
- Do not stand or sit in the same position for a long time.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
- Sleep on your left side;this position will avoid pinching the vein on the right side, responsible for the flow of blood from the lower limbs.
- Don't cross your legs.
- Eat well.
- Take a walk in the fresh air.
What happens if varicose veins are left untreated?
Varicose veins are a serious condition that, if left untreated, leads to dangerous complications, including:
- thrombophlebitis;
- detachment of a blood clot and blockage of the lumen of the vein; 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 as a result of a decrease in the tone of the vascular wall.
- In the early stages of varicose veins, you can use ointments, tablets and folk remedies.The disease can only be completely cured by surgery.
- If symptoms of varicose veins appear, consult a phlebologist.He will select the appropriate treatment.
Varicose veins are a chronic disease in which the venous vessels become stretched or elongated.Varicose veins not only occur in the veins of the legs (but this is its most common form), they can also develop in the blood vessels of other internal organs.For all forms of varicose veins, home treatment methods are very similar.
Diagnosis of the disease is carried out by a phlebologist or vascular surgeon, who also determines how to treat the disease in a particular case.Treatment of the pathology is based on two methods: conservative treatment of varicose veins, carried out 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 applied only in the early stages of the disease.Seeking medical help at the stage of slight swelling of the feet or when a vascular pattern appears on the legs allows you to cure the disease at home.
- Auxiliary treatment - in advanced stages of the disease, when the developed pathology requires specialized therapy, and home exercises aimed at improving blood circulation are a necessary addition to the main treatment.
- A preventive measure after surgery to prevent the further development of pathology.
The basis of varicose veins is the weakness of the connective tissue of the wall of venous vessels, therefore conservative treatment of the disease is aimed primarily at strengthening this wall.This therapeutic approach is fundamental and makes it possible to treat varicose veins of any location: both on the legs and on the veins of internal organs.
In addition, the treatment of varicose veins of the legs at home requires a whole range of additional measures:
| Take medication | Strengthen the vascular wall |
| Take vitamin supplements | |
| Change your diet | |
| Use of external medications | |
| Gymnastics for veins | Improved venous blood flow |
| Wear compression garments | |
| Exercises for blood circulation | |
| Sleeping with your legs elevated | |
| Workflow Optimization | Reduce the load on the venous vessels of the legs |
| Lose weight | |
| Special physical exercises | Strengthen calf muscles |
| Lifestyle change |
Measures to strengthen the vascular wall
These methods - aimed at improving the permeability of the vascular wall of the veins, increasing its tone and elasticity - constitute the main directions in the treatment of varicose veins, including leg veins.
It includes:
- Treatment with drugs 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 administration.
- Treatment with products prepared according to traditional medicine recipes.
- Taking 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, a combination of these two vitamins is widely used to prevent and treat disease.
- Use of ointments and gels.
Recipes for folk remedies
How to treat varicose veins at home with folk remedies:
| Alcoholic tincture of horse chestnut flowers | Take 50 g of flowers, fill them with 500 ml of 50% ethyl alcohol.Infuse the mixture for two weeks, stirring daily, then filter.Take 30 to 40 drops 3 times a day before meals for 30 days. |
| Nettle leaf infusion | Take 2 tablespoons of dried nettle herb, pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 1 hour.Filter the infusion, take 60 ml 3 times a day.The duration of treatment is 30 days, break - 15 days, repeat twice. |
| Hop cone infusion | Pour two tablespoons of dried cones into 200 ml of hot water, boil over low heat for 10 minutes, filter.Take 200 ml of infusion 2 to 3 times a day.Remember that this causes drowsiness. |
| Apple Cider Vinegar Solution | Add 10 ml of apple cider vinegar to 200 ml of water, take this drink morning and evening.The recipe is contraindicated for people suffering from peptic ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract. |
Get rid of varicose veins while running
Running with varicose veins is possible in the first and second stages.It is recommended to avoid heavy stress on the legs, favoring jogging and fitness walking.In the presence of thrombosis, as well as in later stages of the disease, jogging is not recommended.
It is possible to get rid of varicose veins by running only at the very beginning of the disease, when the veins are not yet stretched.At this stage, there are no clinical symptoms of the disease.Therefore, the patient simply does not know the need to start classes.When the diagnosis of varicose veins is made, jogging is no longer able to completely cure the pathology.
When to contact a phlebologist?
Seeing a doctor for varicose veins should take place as soon as possible.The more advanced the disease is at this stage, the less likely the patient is to be completely cured.It is ideal for a person to go to the clinic at the moment when the first signs are detected: heaviness in the legs, flying pain when standing there for a long time, swelling.
Nutrition, diet for varicose veins
In the case of varicose veins, diet plays an important role in stabilizing the patient's condition and restoring vascular tone.
It is recommended to eat:
- seafood (mussels, shrimp, squid);
- fruits rich in vitamin C (kiwi, blackcurrant, citrus fruits);
- anticoagulant products (garlic, lemon, onion, cherry).
Dietary restrictions correspond to a general gentle diet.It is forbidden to take alcoholic drinks, excessively salty, spicy, sour foods and other foods with irritating properties.You should also not drink large amounts of coffee, tea and other drinks with diuretic properties.
Prevention measures
The basis of the prevention of varicose veins is the abandonment of a sedentary lifestyle and static loads on the legs.It is recommended to go for a short jog or walk several kilometers every day.During the working day, you should take short breaks dedicated to leg exercises.Additionally, you should eat the foods described in the previous section and, if necessary, wear compression tights.A moderate degree of compression helps improve blood circulation in the superficial veins.
Despite their apparent safety, varicose veins are a disease that, under certain conditions, pose a threat to human life.This is especially true for the later stages of the development of pathology, during which the vascular wall becomes thinner and its integrity is very easily damaged.Therefore, therapy using traditional recipes should be started as early as possible.To avoid mistakes and the use of incorrect treatment methods, you should consult your doctor before starting.