In the treatment of varicose veins, phlebologists use not only medications, but also physiotherapeutic methods. One of them is darsonvalization - the treatment of blood vessels using alternating current. Previously, such a procedure was carried out only on an outpatient basis. Currently, treatment with the Darsonval apparatus can be carried out at home. How to conduct physiotherapy sessions? And are there any contraindications to darsonvalization? We will consider these issues in the article.
What is varicose veins
Varicose veins - a disease of the veins, accompanied by pathological changes in the vessels. With this ailment, the normal functioning of the venous valves is disrupted . This leads to a reflux of blood (reflux).
In the initial stages, blood flow in the leg veins slows down. Then, leukocytes settle on the walls of the vessels, which leads to inflammation. Due to a malfunction of the valves, the blood volume in the veins increases. As a result, the vessels expand, deform, and bulge through the skin. Part of the blood is discharged into the subcutaneous vessels, this causes the formation of bluish “stars” on the legs. In advanced cases, trophic ulcers and blood clots form due to impaired blood flow.
Signs of illness
Varicose veins are most often formed due to a sedentary lifestyle. When a person moves a lot, this contributes to the good functioning of the venous valves. Contraction of the motor muscles of the lower extremities improves blood flow.
In the initial stages of the disease, a person feels heaviness in the lower extremities. Legs begin to quickly tire and swell. Under the skin, you can see the vascular network.
As the pathology develops, the veins swell and deform. They look like blue bumps protruding from under the skin. Leg pain occurs, accompanied by a burning sensation and tingling sensation. Often, the patient is disturbed by painful cramps in the calves of the legs, worse at night.
What is darsonvalization
Darsonvalization is a treatment with weak high-frequency currents. They are fed through a special electrode that moves through the body. Currents stimulate blood circulation and also improve trophic tissue. In addition, during the operation of the apparatus, ozone is formed, which also has a therapeutic effect on blood vessels and tissues.
This procedure is widely used in medicine and cosmetology. It can be carried out both in the clinic and at home.
What is the procedure useful for with varicose veins
Darsonval stimulates vascular smooth muscle with varicose veins of the legs. This leads to the normalization of the venous valves and improve blood circulation in the limbs. Healing currents accelerate the movement of blood. The patient gradually improves tissue nutrition and increases peripheral nerve conduction. In addition, this physiotherapy is a good prevention of blood clots and trophic ulcers.
In the treatment of varicose veins, "Darsonval" is always used in conjunction with drug treatment. Such complex therapy contributes to the rapid improvement of the state of blood vessels.
Indications
"Darsonval" with varicose veins can be used only in the initial stages of the disease. In this case, treatment will help to avoid serious complications such as thrombophlebitis. The use of alternating currents helps to improve the state of the vessels of the legs with the appearance of "stars", a feeling of heaviness and fatigue in the legs.
Before using physiotherapy at home, it is necessary to consult a phlebologist. Only a specialist can evaluate all the indications and contraindications to the procedure.
Contraindications
Doctors do not recommend the use of Darsonval for varicose veins in an advanced stage. Physiotherapy is contraindicated in swollen and deformed veins, severe pain and cramps in the legs, as well as with thrombosis and ulcers in the legs.
Also, "Darsonval" against varicose veins can not be used in the following cases:
- If the patient uses a pacemaker.
- Physiotherapeutic procedures are categorically contraindicated in epileptics and cancer patients.
- The procedure is not carried out at elevated temperature. In this case, therapy should be postponed until the condition normalizes.
- Darsonvalization sessions are not performed for arrhythmias and hypertension.
- Absolute contraindications to the procedures are also tuberculosis and bleeding.
It is necessary to abstain from procedures during pregnancy. An electromagnetic field can cause fetal abnormalities.
It should also be remembered that the effect of therapeutic currents can be carried out only on intact skin areas.
Device "Darsonval"
Two varieties of Darsonval devices are available:
Stationary devices are used only in physiotherapy rooms. For home use, you should purchase a compact device. It is a small device with many nozzles. This is a relatively inexpensive device. The price of "Darsonval" is from 1500 to 2000 rubles.
The device consists of the following parts:
- high-frequency current generator;
- transformer;
- electrodes.
Electrodes are a variety of nozzles. They can have a different shape: mushroom, T-shaped, scallop. For the treatment of varicose veins, a T-shaped electrode is used.
When the device is operating, the following physical factors affect the patient:
- high frequency currents;
- heat;
- ozone;
- ultraviolet radiation;
- nitrogen oxides.
When moving the electrode over the skin, a slight tingling sensation can be felt. This is a normal occurrence. This is how skin receptors react to the effects of alternating currents.
If you are prone to allergies, you must be careful when using the device. High-frequency currents contribute to the release of histamine. In some cases, this can trigger an allergic reaction.
How to conduct a session
How to use "Darsonval" with varicose veins? Before using the device, you should consult with a nurse or physiotherapist. The first session is better to go to the clinic, and in the future you can use the device yourself. In doing so, the following recommendations must be observed:
- Before a darsonvalization session, do not lubricate the epidermis with creams, ointments and gels. The skin should be absolutely dry.
- Also, alcohol-containing compounds cannot be applied to the skin. Otherwise, you may get a burn.
- The electrode must be treated with alcohol and then wiped dry.
- Before the session, you must remove all metal jewelry.
- The nozzle must be positioned so that it is in contact with the skin.
- The nozzle can only be moved up: from the foot to the knee, and then to the thigh. Do not move the electrode across the vessels.
- Do not press too hard on the affected veins with the nozzle.
The duration of the session should be from 10 to 15 minutes. The permissible duration of the procedure should not be exceeded; this can be harmful to health.
Physiotherapy using the Darsonval apparatus must be carried out daily and regularly. If you use the device from case to case, then this will not lead to the desired therapeutic effect.
On average, about 10 sessions are required to achieve a therapeutic effect. If necessary, the procedure is repeated after 1 month.
Reviews
Many patients successfully use the Darsonval device against varicose veins at home. Reviews indicate the effectiveness of physiotherapy. Patients note that after treatment, their feeling of heaviness in the limbs decreased, the gait became easier, the constant fatigue and swelling of the legs disappeared.
However, you can find negative reviews about the "Darsonval" with varicose veins. Some patients report that treatment with the device did not help them. However, in these cases, physiotherapy was used without consulting a doctor at advanced stages of the disease. It should be noted that darsonvalization cannot reduce bloating and vein deformity in severe varicose veins. In such cases, surgical treatment is usually indicated. Darsonvalization is applicable only at the beginning of the disease, it helps prevent the progression of pathological changes.
It is important to remember that Darsonval for varicose veins may not be the only method of therapy. This tool is used only as part of a comprehensive treatment. Physiotherapy sessions must be combined with the use of venoprotectors and blood thinners. Compression garments should also be worn. This will help avoid thrombophlebitis.
It is very important to reconsider your lifestyle. It is necessary to observe high locomotor activity, stop drinking alcohol and smoking. Only in this case can a good physiotherapy result be achieved.