Problems with the veins of the lower extremities are a real disaster for many people of both sexes, although women are four times more likely than men to suffer from venous leg diseases. Varicose veins is a chronic progressive disease in which there is a malfunction of the venous valves. As a result, blood flow is disturbed, the volume of venous blood in the legs increases, the pressure in the subcutaneous vessels rises, the veins on the leg are inflated, their walls are stretched and lose elasticity.
Causes of varicose veins:
- Genetic factor. In people whose relatives suffer from varicose veins, the risk of this disease is significantly higher.
- Belonging to the female sex. Women suffer from varicose veins more often than men. This is due to the use of hormones, the effect of progesterone and estrogen on the elasticity of blood vessels, hormonal changes during pregnancy and when menopause occurs. During pregnancy, varicose veins are caused not only by hormonal causes, but also by mechanical ones - an enlarged uterus puts pressure on the abdominal veins and disrupts the outflow of blood. Multiple pregnancies increase the likelihood of illness.
- Age. The aging of the body, the wear of all its organs and systems is one of the causes of varicose veins.
- Physical exercise. Any effort that increases intra-abdominal pressure is provoked by the onset of the disease: constant exercise, especially strength training, weight lifting, intense physical labor.
- Injuries. Varicose veins can develop as a result of permanent injury to the legs in sports and work.
- Working conditions. The risk group includes people whose profession is associated with a long stay in a standing or sitting position: hairdressers, salespeople, dentists, programmers, drivers, accountants and others. Pose on foot and foot on foot affect the veins badly.
- Sedentary lifestyle. The venous system does not like statics, so the veins on the leg more often appear in people who are inactive, preferring to sit at the computer or on the TV for a long time in their leisure time.
- Chronic diseases Diseases of the respiratory system, liver, heart failure, phlebitis, tumors in the abdominal cavity, constipation, as well as a lack of rutin and vitamin C leads to weakening of the walls of blood vessels.
- Body mass. Overweight puts a big strain on the legs, increases pressure in the abdominal region, which leads to the appearance of varicose veins.
- Tight clothing and shoes with high heels. Wearing corsets and other squeezing clothes, constant walking in high heels negatively affects the veins on the leg, and contributes to the development of the disease.
- Exposure to heat. Lovers take a steam bath in a bath, sunbathe in the sun, lie in a hot bath. Hot weather in summer always provokes an exacerbation of the disease.
Varicose veins begin with the appearance of a capillary mesh and blue veins on the legs, first in the form of small tubercles. At first, these symptoms do not cause pain, being only a cosmetic defect. Later, edema appears, often in hot weather. At first, edema occurs rarely and quickly passes by itself. Then the legs swell more and more often, and not only in the ankles, but also in the lower leg area and above. Swelling increases in the evening and subsides after sleep. Legs begin to tire quickly, buzz, they are bursting. New nodes appear, veins on the legs hurt and stick out more and more, there is a burning sensation, convulsions. The skin on the ankles and legs is thickened and acquires a reddish-brownish tint. Veins form "grapes" on the lower leg and thigh.
Varicose veins can lead to various complications: thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers, venous thrombosis, eczema, dermatitis.
Although varicose veins are considered an incurable disease, you can successfully fight them if you consult a doctor when the first signs appear. The most common diagnostic method is considered to be ultrasound of blood vessels. In the early stages of the disease, conservative treatment is performed. It consists in taking medications that tone the vascular system. These are tablets and gels that strengthen the walls of the veins, thin the blood, relieve inflammation, fatigue, swelling and pain. An excellent tool in the fight against vein diseases on the legs is compression underwear: pantyhose, stockings, socks. Special knitwear will not relieve the disease, but will help normalize blood flow, relieve bursting, fatigue, swelling, and make the legs light. Wearing compression underwear is especially effective on long journeys and during air travel, when the legs are in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
Of great importance in the treatment of varicose veins is nutrition, daily routine, proper foot care, and the elimination of harmful effects.
It is recommended to eat more vegetables, fruits, vegetable protein, fish. Fatty, fried, spicy, salty and carbohydrate foods should be discarded. It is necessary to get rid of excess weight and constipation.
With varicose veins, the regimen of the day, normalized physical activity, and rejection of bad habits are important. Lack of sleep affects the veins on the leg, so you need to rest fully and go to bed early. It is useful to go walking, swimming, cycling.
Special foot care should be an integral part of life. It is required to wear comfortable shoes with a heel no higher than 5 cm, try to give rest to the legs, raising them above the level of the head, daily pouring cold water on your feet and rubbing it with gel or ointment.
If you consult a doctor in a timely manner, and then constantly carry out therapeutic and preventive measures, that is, a chance to stop the development of the disease.
In the advanced stages of varicose veins, the only effective treatment option is surgery, in which the affected veins are removed.
Prevention of venous diseases of the legs must be dealt with from a young age. Sports, balanced nutrition, the implementation of special exercises and wearing preventive hosiery with sedentary work and a long stay on your feet, proper rest and sleep will prevent the onset or development of varicose veins.