Diseases of veins and blood vessels are increasingly found in the modern world in people of different age groups. Such pathologies can be invisible and very dangerous. That is why, at the first disturbing symptoms, you need to see a doctor and undergo an examination. Many women and men wonder: why do the veins in the legs swell after exercise? You will get the answer from today's article. Also, the information provided will allow you to familiarize yourself with the main methods of eliminating this symptom.
Leg veins swell : what does it mean?
Both men and women can be disturbed by such a sign. It appears in the elderly and young. Pathology occurs among population groups leading an active and passive lifestyle.
If the veins in the legs swell , then this is a clear sign of varicose veins. Pathology has several stages. The more complicated the situation, the more the subcutaneous vessels bulge. It should be noted immediately that varicose veins usually affect superficial veins. But if the pathology has switched to deep vessels, then the matter is much more complicated.
Causes and symptoms
If the veins swell on the legs, then this is noticeable to the naked eye. However, there are other signs of varicose veins. These include heaviness in the lower limbs, swelling, cramps. Some patients experience severe itching on the surface of the skin where the vessel is enlarged.
Why do veins in the legs swell? The causes of the formation and development of varicose veins are as follows:
- heredity (more often transmitted along the female line);
- bad habits (alcohol abuse and smoking);
- sedentary lifestyle (sedentary work, movement by car);
- strong physical exertion (weight lifting, professional sport);
- wearing uncomfortable and tight clothes (jeans, underwear);
- shoes (high heel, tight shoes);
- overweight (in obese people, varicose veins develop twice as often and faster);
- pregnancy and childbirth in women.
If there are several factors, the likelihood of varicose veins increases. If you notice that the veins swell on the legs during exertion (long walking, training, weight lifting), then you need to see a phlebologist or a vascular surgeon as soon as possible. Only a specialist can correctly determine the degree of vascular damage and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Consider the main methods of eliminating the pathology and find out what should be done with an increase in leg veins.
Use compression underwear
If the initial stage of the disease is determined: the veins do not swell much on the legs, there are no additional symptoms and there are no spider veins, then this method is for you. Wearing compression garments will not completely eliminate varicose veins. However, such stockings squeeze the veins of the lower extremities, shifting the load to the deep vessels. There is an imitation of a glued or removed vein. This significantly inhibits the progression of the disease.
Compression underwear has different classes. Only a doctor can correctly choose the type of stockings. In the initial stages of the disease and for prevention, the first class is selected. Later (after more complicated treatment) it is recommended to wear a second compression. The third class of traction knitwear was created for people with trophic ulcers and deep vessel damage.
Conservative therapy
Venotonics are prescribed for those patients whose veins swell on the legs during exertion. These drugs are in the form of tablets, ointments and gels. Often, phlebologists recommend complex therapy: topical administration and oral administration. The most popular drugs are Troxevasin, Detralex, Antistax, Venarus, Lyoton, Heparin and others. Dosage and duration of treatment depend on the severity of the disease.
All venotonics relieve symptoms of varicose veins. They eliminate puffiness, eliminate pain and cramps. A positive effect is observed throughout the course of treatment. But it passes as soon as you stop using the compounds. Medicines are unable to completely eliminate varicose veins. But they are an excellent means of prevention.
Minimally invasive treatments: sclerosis and laser
If the veins in the legs swell, treatment can be carried out quickly and painlessly. A rather effective and less traumatic way is venous sclerosis and laser exposure.
For sclerosis, the doctor uses modern drugs, for example, Ethoxisclerol. The active substance enters the vessel and clogs it. For some time, the resulting hematoma turns into connective tissue. The affected vein ceases to function and bother you.
Endovenous laser ablation is by far recognized as the least traumatic treatment for varicose veins. Note that this procedure is also expensive. Correction is performed under the influence of lidocaine. Patients can return to their usual lifestyle on the same day.
Surgical correction
Often patients come to a specialist with a question: "What should I do if the veins in my leg swell when I walk?" Surgery is recognized as one of the ways to eliminate pathology. The operation is called phlebectomy. A few decades ago, specialists needed to make an incision along the entire length of the leg. Now, notches are made in several areas. After that, a special instrument is inserted into the vein, which, by the type of stocking, turns the vessel out and removes it.
The recovery period after this manipulation involves wearing compression hosiery and the use of venotonics. In addition, there are limitations in physical activity. Despite this, this method accurately relieves the patient of varicose veins. Vein never swells again.
What can you do yourself?
If the veins in the legs swell during pregnancy, then most of the above treatments remain prohibited. Expectant mothers can wear compression stockings and use venotonics for specific periods. But in each case, the correction should be prescribed by a doctor.
In addition to the described treatment methods, what can be done with a vein protrusion on the leg? Here are some tips that phlebologists and vascular surgeons give.
- Watch out for food. With varicose veins, it is necessary to eat healthy food. Give preference to fruits and vegetables. Forget fast food, fatty, fried, and spicy foods. Refuse alcohol and soda, do not overeat. Be sure to monitor the regularity of the stool.
- Give your feet a break. After a hard day's work, place your limbs above heart level. This pose will increase the outflow of blood from the feet. You may notice that the bulging vein has become hollow. Stay in this position for several minutes.
- Move more. If by the nature of your activity you have to sit for a long time, then do hiking more often. Give up the car and go to work. Swimming and cycling strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
- Use folk methods. The treatment of varicose veins can be combined with the use of alternative methods. This lubrication of the affected areas with chestnut tincture, the application of honey cakes, wiping with decoctions of herbs. But it must be remembered that these methods will not eliminate varicose veins without drug therapy.
Summarize
So, if you have a vein swollen on your leg after exercise, then we are talking about varicose veins. What you need to do to eliminate it - you already know. With the appearance of severe pain, redness of the area of compaction, fever, urgent urgent need to be called. Perhaps a blood clot has already formed in the affected area. Such a pathology becomes life-threatening, it requires emergency treatment. Take care of your health and do not get sick!