A detailed description for our readers: how to cure varicose veins in the legs?on the website varicose veins-cure.rf in detail and with photographs.
In the article we talk about veins in the legs and talk about treating varicose veins at home.You will learn what folk remedies can be used for varicose veins, whether massage is effective, and in what cases surgery is necessary.Using our tips, you can make compresses and tinctures to relieve swelling and pain from varicose veins on the legs.You will also find out a list of ointments that are effective 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 veins in the legs protrude.Varicose veins occur in both women and men, but women are more susceptible to the 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 occur?In the lower extremities there are saphenous and deep veins; they are connected by communicative veins.Through them, blood flows upward from the saphenous veins to the deep ones.The muscle pump is responsible for its movement.
During physical movements, muscles contract and push blood upward.Venous valves prevent blood from moving downward.This is proper blood circulation, and it is only possible with normal venous tone.
If the tone of the venous wall is reduced and the valves do not perform their function, the blood moves not only up, but also down.This increases pressure on the vessels, provokes their swelling and expansion, and promotes the formation of nodes.
Nerve endings located on the walls of blood vessels send a signal to the brain.The brain gives the command to increase venous tone.An increase in resistance further increases the load on the veins, leading to atrophy of the venous wall and death of nerve endings.
Risk factors contributing to the development of varicose veins:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- lack of physical activity;
- poor nutrition;
- 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 area;
- swelling of the legs;
- night cramps - in severe cases.
In the initial stages, varicose veins are externally manifested by the formation of spider veins on the surface of the skin.As the disease progresses, the dilation of the veins increases, and hemodynamics become increasingly disrupted.In the final stages, the superficial veins are fused to the skin.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 successful it will be, and the higher the chances of stopping the progression of the disease.
Which doctor should I contact for varicose veins?Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins is carried out by a phlebologist.Even in the initial 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 methods of therapy and prevention.
Treatment of varicose veins on the legs
Treatment of varicose veins on 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 on the legs at home.If you are interested in how to treat varicose veins on the legs in women or how to treat varicose veins on the legs in men, you will find effective folk remedies in the table.
Traditional medicine recipes for the treatment of varicose veins:
| Name | 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 nettle and pour 250 ml of vodka.Infuse the medicine for 7 days in a dark place.Use tincture 1 tbsp.3 times a day before meals. |
| Soda | Thins the blood, eliminates swelling and heaviness in the legs, accelerates the outflow 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 leave 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 10−15 minutes. |
| Apple cider vinegar | Increases the tone of venous walls, improves blood circulation, eliminates swelling and reduces pain. | Rub apple cider vinegar onto the affected areas morning and evening after showering. You can use apple vinegar as a compress.Moisten the gauze with liquid and secure it on 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 overnight. |
| Celandine | Relieves swelling, eliminates fatigue and pain in the legs. | Brew 1 tbsp.celandine in a glass of boiling water.Soak a linen cloth in the broth.Wrap your feet and leave for 1 hour.Carry out the procedure for 7 days.Next, take a ten-day break. |
| Laundry soap | Relieves inflammation and accelerates regeneration processes.Promotes the healing of cracks and wounds that worsen 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 tbsp on an empty stomach.honey every day. Foot baths are made with honey.To do this, dissolve 10 g of honey in 5 liters of warm water.The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes. |
| Sagebrush | Relieves inflammation, thins the blood and improves blood circulation, reduces pain. | Pour 2 tbsp.dry wormwood with a glass of kefir.Soak natural fabric in the mixture.Apply the compress to the affected area and secure.Leave for 20-30 minutes. |
| Raw potatoes | Helps strengthen venous walls and improve blood circulation. | Finely grate the raw potatoes.Apply the paste to your feet and secure with a bandage.Leave for 5 hours. |
| Kalanchoe | Relieves inflammation, accelerates regeneration processes, eliminates swelling. | Wash and chop a few Kalanchoe leaves.Pour in 500 ml of vodka.Leave for 7 days.Rub the prepared tincture on the sore areas of your legs. |
Ointment for varicose veins on the legs
Ointments for varicose veins are used when one or more veins are visible.Medicines 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 in the early stages, but the basis for stopping the disease will be its prevention and elimination of risk factors.
List of ointments for varicose veins on the legs:
- Heparin ointment- 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 thinning effect.Prevents the formation of blood clots.
- A drug 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 venous walls, reduces blood stagnation, and helps normalize blood circulation.
- Dipyridamole— improves blood microcirculation, prevents the formation of blood clots.
Under no circumstances should you choose the drug 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 pain from varicose veins?For leg pain, you can use medications 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 under them.
Compression garments
When treating varicose veins, it is important to wear special compression garments.Socks, knee socks, stockings and tights with varying degrees of compression create the necessary pressure on the veins, this helps the muscle pump push blood upward and improves blood circulation in the legs.
IN ADDITION, COMPRESSION WEARING REDUCE 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 garments on your own, 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, will choose a compression class and type of product.
Compression classes:
- Class 1 - compression no more than 23 mm Hg.Art.Prescribed in the early stages of varicose veins.
- Class 2 - compression about 33 mm Hg.Art.Used to treat moderate varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.
- Class 3 - compression about 45 mm Hg.Art.Used in the treatment of severe venous insufficiency.
- Class 4 - compression over 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 harm.Massage must be performed by a qualified specialist.
Is it possible to massage legs with varicose veins?
Foot massage for varicose veins can only be done at the initial stage of the disease.It is prohibited to carry out the procedure for trophic ulcers, thrombophlebitis and skin diseases.General contraindications include elevated body temperature, infectious diseases and inflammatory processes.You should not perform anti-cellulite massage for varicose veins, especially with vacuum cups.
To treat varicose veins, lymphatic drainage massage is performed.It improves blood circulation and lymph outflow, eliminates swelling, fatigue and pain.
TO CARRY OUT LYMPH DRAINAGE MASSAGE, FIRST RUSH THE SKIN SLOWLY.THEN PROMOTE FROM THE CALVES TO THE SHINS WITH SMOOTH MOVEMENTS, GRADUALLY INCREASING THE PRESS FORCE.
You can also use hydromassage with alternating water temperatures.Exposure to cold and warm water increases the tone of the vascular walls and improves blood circulation.
Laser treatment of leg veins
The procedure for treating varicose veins with a laser is called laser coagulation.This is a modern method that prevents the downward movement of blood.The laser allows you to 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 inner surface of the vein and blood.Steam bubbles form in the blood.The steam comes into contact with the wall of the vein, damages it and “chars” it.The resulting blood clot is replaced by connective tissue, and the passage is sealed.
Contraindications to laser coagulation:
- significant expansion of the vein trunk;
- foci of inflammation in the intervention area;
- thrombophilia;
- chronic ischemia of the lower extremities;
- diseases requiring priority treatment.
Surgery to remove varicose veins on the legs
The disease can be cured using conservative and minimally invasive therapy, but it can be completely eliminated only through surgery.
The main surgical operation to eliminate varicose veins is phlebectomy.During the procedure, damaged veins are removed, this allows blood circulation in the deep veins to be normalized.
Indications:
- extensive varicose veins;
- dilated saphenous veins;
- impaired blood flow;
- trophic ulcers;
- thrombophlebitis.
Contraindications:
- late stage of varicose veins;
- cardiac ischemia;
- severe infectious diseases;
- second half of pregnancy;
- old age.
Rehabilitation after leg vein removal
The duration of the operation is 1-2 hours.The first time after it is carried out, 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 accustom yourself to normal physical activity, which will ensure blood circulation, but will not cause severe 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 if there is a genetic predisposition and other risk factors, as well as after laser treatment and phlebectomy to prevent relapse of the disease.
To prevent varicose veins, you can use folk remedies and topical medications that increase the tone of the venous wall, improve blood circulation and relieve swelling and fatigue of the legs at the end of the working day.We described all these means 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 smoking, but also overeating.Obesity is one of the risk factors for varicose veins.
Balance your diet, exclude fatty, fried, salty and overly 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 exercise.To accelerate blood in the lower extremities, gymnastics should use the legs.An excellent exercise for preventing varicose veins is cycling.
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 more at risk of developing varicose veins.To prevent the development of the disease during pregnancy, follow simple rules of prevention:
- Wear compression socks or stockings.
- Exercise to improve blood circulation in your legs.
- Do not stand or sit in one position for a long time.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
- Sleep on your left side; this position will allow you not to pinch the vein on the right side, which is responsible for the outflow of blood from the lower extremities.
- Don't cross your legs.
- Eat right.
- Take a walk in the fresh air.
What happens if varicose veins are not treated?
Varicose veins are a serious disease that, if left untreated, causes 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 the lesion.
What to remember
- Varicose veins are varicose veins that occur as a result of decreased tone of the vascular wall.
- In the initial stages of varicose veins, you can use ointments and tablets and folk remedies.The disease can only be completely cured through surgery.
- If symptoms of varicose veins occur, consult a phlebologist.He will select the appropriate treatment.
Varicose veins are a chronic disease in which the venous vessels stretch or lengthen.Varicose veins occur not only in the veins of the legs (but this is its most common form), it can also develop in the blood vessels of other internal organs.For all forms of varicose veins, the methods of treating it at home 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, which is 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 only in the early stages of the disease.Seeking medical help at the stage of minor 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 flow are a necessary addition to the main treatment.
- A preventive measure after surgery to prevent further development of pathology.
The basis of varicose veins is the weakness of the connective tissue of the wall of the venous vessels, therefore conservative treatment of the disease is primarily aimed at strengthening this wall.This approach to treatment is fundamental and allows you to treat varicose veins of any location: both on the legs and veins of internal organs.
Also, treating varicose veins in the legs at home requires a whole range of additional measures:
| Taking medications | Strengthening the vascular wall |
| Taking vitamin supplements | |
| Changing your diet | |
| Use of external medications | |
| Gymnastics for veins | Improvement of venous blood flow |
| Wearing compression garments | |
| Exercises for blood flow | |
| Sleeping with your legs elevated | |
| Workflow optimization | Reducing the load on the venous vessels of the legs |
| Losing excess weight | |
| Special physical exercises | Strengthening the calf muscles |
| Lifestyle change |
Measures aimed at strengthening the vascular wall
These methods - aimed at improving the permeability of the vascular wall of the veins, increasing its tone and elasticity - are the main directions of treatment for varicose veins, including leg veins.
It includes:
- Treatment with medications that include diosmin, troxerutin, 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 made 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 the disease.
- Use of ointments and gels.
Recipes for folk remedies
How to treat varicose veins at home using folk remedies:
| Alcohol tincture of horse chestnut flowers | Take 50 g of flowers, fill them with 500 ml of ethyl alcohol at a concentration of 50%.Infuse the mixture for two weeks, shaking daily, then strain.Take 30–40 drops 3 times a day before meals for 30 days. |
| Infusion of nettle leaves | Take 2 tablespoons of dried stinging nettle herb, pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 1 hour.Strain the infusion, take 60 ml 3 times a day.The course of treatment is 30 days, break - 15 days, repeat twice. |
| Infusion of hop cones | Pour two tablespoons of dried cones into 200 ml of hot water, boil over low heat for 10 minutes, strain. Take 200 ml of infusion 2-3 times a day.Remember that it 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 with peptic ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract. |
Getting rid of varicose veins by running
Running with varicose veins is possible in the first and second stages.It is recommended to avoid significant stress on the legs, giving preference to jogging and race walking.In the presence of thrombosis, as well as in the later stages of the disease, jogging is not recommended.
It is possible to get rid of varicose veins with the help of running only at the very beginning of the disease, when the veins have not yet been stretched.At this stage, there are no clinical symptoms of the disease.Therefore, the patient simply does not know about the need to start classes.At the moment 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 happen as early as possible.The more advanced the disease is at this point, the less likely the patient will be completely cured.It is ideal if a person visits the clinic at the moment the first signs are detected: heaviness in the legs, flying pain when standing in place for a long time, swelling.
Nutrition, diet for varicose veins
With varicose veins, diet plays a significant role in stabilizing the patient’s condition and restoring vascular tone.
Recommended to eat:
- seafood (mussels, shrimp, squid);
- fruits rich in vitamin C (kiwi, black currant, citrus fruits);
- blood thinning products (garlic, lemon, onion, cherry).
Dietary restrictions correspond to a general gentle diet.It is forbidden to take alcoholic drinks, excessively salty, spicy, sour and other foods that have irritating properties.You should also not drink large amounts of coffee, tea and other drinks that have diuretic properties.
Prevention measures
The basis for the prevention of varicose veins is the abandonment of a sedentary lifestyle and static loads on the legs.It is recommended to take a short jog or walk several kilometers every day.During the working day, you should take short breaks dedicated to leg exercises.In addition, you must eat the foods described in the previous section and, if necessary, wear compression tights.A moderate degree of compression helps improve blood flow in the superficial veins.
Despite its 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 pathology development, during which the vascular wall becomes thinner and its integrity is very easily damaged.Therefore, therapy using traditional recipes should be started as soon as possible.To avoid mistakes and the use of incorrect treatment methods, you should consult your doctor before starting it.