All about the treatment of varicose veins of the legs

Symptoms of varicose veins on the legs and treatment depend on each other.When varicose veins on the legs have just begun to develop, they can be stopped by taking specialized medications and using creams.They will help weakened blood vessels regain their former tone.If the signs of varicose veins in the legs begin to appear more strongly, i.e.If spider veins and severe swelling appear, then it is worth resorting to hardware therapy that restores normal blood circulation.

Not all patients know how to properly treat varicose veins of the legs without surgery.Some suggest that taking herbs and using homemade ointments can help, but this is only a small part of the methods for treating varicose veins on the legs, effective in the initial stages of the disease.When the symptoms of varicose veins on the legs become permanent, you need to consult a doctor who will prescribe the necessary medications and advise how to treat a particular patient.We will further consider the most popular methods of treating varicose veins of the lower extremities (VLVC).

Drug therapy

As we mentioned earlier, the form of varicose veins affects the features of its treatment.In the first stages, doctors try to get by with drug therapy.One of its advantages is the absence of direct surgical intervention.But even if varicose veins of the lower extremities have entered the second stage, you cannot stop taking medications.They will help improve blood flow in varicose veins and prevent further stretching of the vascular wall.

Ointments and gels

These remedies increase the tone of blood vessels in the legs.They can be used to treat veins that are located close to the surface of the legs.If the disease affects deep veins, then ointments and gels will not help, becausethey cannot penetrate muscle barriers.Treatment of varicose veins on the legs is carried out with the following drugs:

• An ointment whose main active ingredient is a flavonoid (a derivative of rutin).Taking tablets with this active ingredient is considered the most effective, but the gel can also help cope with the initial stage of varicose veins.
• Medicine based on horse chestnut.Apply 2 times a day to damaged vessels.
• Gel designed to eliminate the feeling of fatigue in the legs.Has a cooling effect.
• Another herbal preparation, the main active ingredient of which is an extract from grape leaves.
• A drug containing a synthetic derivative of vitamin P. Strengthens blood vessels, reduces swelling, and helps in the treatment of rosacea.

Tablets and capsules

If the dilation of the veins in the legs progresses or during the examination it was revealed that the patient has weak and thin veins, then doctors prescribe tablets.

Injections

If the patient has small veins affected, then treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities can be carried out by administering various drugs that have a gluing effect on the vessels.Most often, products based on iodine or synthetic sclerosing substances are used.The advantage of these drugs is that they do not provoke thrombosis, but simply burn the vessel wall.Injections with animal proteins can also be used, but they are used very rarely.

Procedures

Dilation of the veins of the lower extremities cannot always be cured with conventional injections and medications.In advanced stages of the disease, hardware intervention on the affected vessels will be required.The essence of all procedures is to stop or eliminate the affected vein.If the patient has contraindications to the use of lasers, nitrogen and other chemicals, then the destroyed vessels are surgically removed.When treating varicose veins, the patient may be referred to:

• sclerotherapy;
• phlebectomy;
• radiofrequency ablation;
• compression therapy;
• laser coagulation;
• endoscopic dissection;
• cryosurgery;
• ozone therapy.

Each treatment method has positive and negative features and is suitable only for a specific type of varicose veins.Hidden varicose veins of the lower extremities are rarely treated with surgery.In this case, the only effective way to eliminate it is to apply clips over the entire surface of the vein.The operation is very complex and is performed extremely rarely if vasodilation threatens the patient’s life.

Sclerotherapy

Varicose veins of the lower extremities can be treated with sclerosants.They damage the vessel, which leads to its further drying out.Strands after the introduction of sclerosant form after 2-4 months, but patients notice the first advantages of the procedure 10-15 days after the operation.The most significant advantage of this procedure is the absence of incisions on the skin.There is also a minus.Not all patients have a damaged vein removed from the bloodstream.In approximately 30% of patients, it regenerates, and the disease continues to develop further.Stages of sclerotherapy:

1. The area where the solution is introduced is disinfected.
2. If necessary, anesthetic is administered.
3. Using a syringe with a thin needle, the phlebologist makes injections into dilated veins and spider veins.
4. After the procedure is completed, an elastic bandage is wrapped around the leg, and the patient is sent on a 40-minute walk.
5. The elastic bandage is removed by the doctor one day after the procedure.

Phlebectomy

When conservative treatment for varicose veins in the legs does not help at all, there is a risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) of the lower extremities and minimally invasive methods of influencing the veins do not produce results, doctors refer the patient for phlebectomy.This operation is performed to remove large bundles of excessively dilated areas of blood vessels.The patient must be given anesthesia.Most often, doctors resort to combined phlebectomy.The operation is carried out as follows:

1. Crossectomy.The patient is made a small incision in the groin area, where the base of the damaged superficial vein is located.The venous valve is cut off and the vessels are ligated.
2. The second incision is made in the lower leg or ankle area.Its length is 1.5 cm. Through the resulting hole, a metal probe is inserted into the damaged vein.It is fixed at the opposite end of the vessel.If it is impossible to go through the entire vein to the end, then several incisions are made and several probes are inserted.
3. Stripping.The damaged vein is pulled out through the incision.The edge of the tip, passed through the probes, plays the role of a knife.It frees the vessel from surrounding tissue.
4. Miniphlebectomy.If the vein is generally healthy, but there are nodes, then they are removed through special points marked for incisions.The veins and tributaries are ligated.
5. Stitching.Then the puncture and incision sites are sutured, compression bandages are wrapped, and the patient is transferred to the ward.

Phlebectomy may include one or more stages, or all of them.The number of procedures depends on the degree of neglect of the disease.Modern clinics practice laser phlebectomy.The very essence of the operation remains the same, but instead of specialized surgical instruments, a laser is used.The advantages of this method are obvious.The incisions themselves become smaller, and patient rehabilitation is faster.But it cannot be used at all stages of varicose veins.

Radiofrequency ablation

To get legs without varicose veins, you don’t have to sacrifice the beauty of your skin.Using radiofrequency ablation, you can get rid of damaged blood vessels in a couple of minutes.Through a small puncture, high-frequency radio waves are transmitted through a special needle into the veins.They injure the wall of the vessel, which leads to its reduction and replacement with connective tissue.The patient is in the hospital for only 1 day.

Compression therapy

This procedure is performed for varicose veins in the legs at the initial stage.A specialized rubber suit is put on the patient, and then air is pumped into him.Artificial pressure is created on the veins, which helps restore their tone.Some patients note that after undergoing a course of compression therapy, the amount of cellulite on their body has decreased.

Laser coagulation

This is a modern method of treating leg veins.It is characterized by low tissue trauma, so many patients try to get this particular procedure.The essence of the operation is that a laser light guide is inserted into the damaged vein through a small size, which seals it.The doctor has to carefully move the device along the entire length of the vessel.After the operation there are no scars or other side effects.

Endoscopic dissection

When dilating the sural veins and perforators, this method of surgical intervention is used.With varicose veins of the lower extremities, patients often experience trophic ulcers.In itself, damage to the sural or perforating veins cannot provoke the appearance of skin disorders.This disease develops against the background of circulatory failure.In order to normalize it, endoscopic dissection is performed.Stages of the procedure:

1. The drumstick is cut in the upper third.The width of the incision is 2 cm. The surgeon also opens the fascial sheath, and then, using a spatula, forms a cavity into which the endoscope is inserted along with the instruments.
2. Isolation and removal of the vein.
   • Gasless method.The veins are isolated and cut off by the surgeon using optical control.
   • Gas method.Carbon dioxide is injected into the wounds.A cavity is formed in the wound, in which all the veins to be removed appear.
   • Stitching.

Cryosurgery

When treating veins in the legs, exposure to low temperatures can be used.The method is considered completely safe, but it is rarely used, because...There is no guarantee that varicose veins will completely disappear after such therapy.Contrary to popular belief, the operation does not use any chemicals, but a cryoprobe.It is cooled to a certain degree, which causes the vessel to burn.An inexperienced doctor may damage tissue located next to the vessel during surgery.

Ozone therapy

When the first symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities occur, some doctors recommend resorting to physiotherapeutic treatment.The essence of the procedure is that ozone is injected intravenously.The drug is strictly dosed, becauseits excess can lead to damage to blood cells.The effect of ozone therapy is the same as that of other treatment methods that damage blood vessels.

Medical knitwear

For symptoms of varicose veins in the legs, doctors prescribe wearing compression garments for treatment.A doctor should help you choose knitwear and compression levels.For segmental varicose veins of the lower extremities, it is recommended to wear level 2 compression underwear.His blood pressure will be 32 mmHg.If you are just thinking about how to deal with varicose veins on your legs, but you have no visible signs of the disease, then for the sake of experiment you can purchase underwear with the first degree of compression.Knitwear of 3 and 4 degrees of compression can be purchased in pharmacies only with a doctor’s prescription.

Traditional medicine

When treating varicose veins on the legs using prescriptions from healers, you need to be extremely careful.First, some plants and herbs thin the blood.If your platelet and hemoglobin levels are normal, then they cannot be treated.Secondly, no fees can replace drug therapy.You cannot refuse to take medications.For varicose veins, the following recipes are considered effective:

• A mixture of garlic and oil.The garlic along with its husk is crushed into a paste, and then mixed with 2 tablespoons of butter.The resulting composition is applied to the diseased veins overnight, parchment paper is placed on top and wrapped with a scarf.
• Potato.5 raw root vegetables are peeled and then grated.The resulting pulp is used instead of ointment.It is kept on your feet for 4 hours and then washed off with warm water.
• Kalanchoe tincture.Kalanchoe leaves are washed, placed in a jar and filled with a 70% alcohol solution.Infuse the composition for 14 days.After this, the resulting tincture is lubricated on the feet every day.The procedures are carried out over 3-5 months.

Hirudotherapy

In the initial stages of varicose veins of the legs, patients with “thick” blood are referred for treatment with leeches.The effect of the procedure will not appear instantly.It is necessary to complete at least 5-6 sessions to notice the first improvement.2 leeches are placed on the area most damaged by varicose veins, and then a couple more are attached along the entire length of the vein.The course of treatment is repeated every 3 months.

Prevention of varicose veins

First of all, absolutely all people need to learn how to sit correctly.Twisting of the lower limbs and the more traditional crossing of legs leads to the fact that the flow of blood in the veins is disrupted.As a result, under the influence of physical forces, the vessels stretch and varicose veins of the lower extremities appear.The good news is that at this zero stage the progression of the disease can be reversed, but not all people are ready to give up the habit.Methods for preventing varicose veins of the superficial veins of the lower extremities include:

• Hiking.The more a person walks, the better the blood circulation in the veins.Plus, this method helps to get rid of excess fat reserves and increase overall endurance.
• Massage of feet and legs.It can be done during breaks between work.You need to slowly and lightly massage your toes, shins and thighs.Don't put too much pressure on your legs, because...if you have a congenital tendency to varicose veins, you can worsen the condition of the blood vessels.
• Contrast shower.It is beneficial for the whole body, but if you do not feel comfortable taking it, you can only treat your legs.
• Compresses with herbal decoctions.Chamomile, calendula, St. John's wort and other plants normalize blood flow and relieve muscle tension.
• Rubdowns/wraps based on apple cider vinegar.This substance is found in almost all kitchens.Apple cider vinegar has an irritating effect on blood vessels.It causes them to contract, which helps restore muscle cells in the walls.But this method cannot be used if you have injuries on your legs.Apple cider vinegar is not used in its pure form, but mixed with water 1:1.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.You need to choose your items according to size.Do not wear very tight jeans or high heels with uncomfortable lasts.
• Gymnastics.Office workers can perform exercises to speed up blood flow even while sitting in a chair.You can simply raise your legs straight or bent at the knees, but it is better to walk near your workplace.

Diet and nutrition

At all stages of varicose veins, it is necessary to adhere to a balanced diet.Foods with high cholesterol content should be excluded.If the patient loves beef or pork, then he should not fry them in oil.It is allowed to bake or boil fatty meat.Doctors recommend eating more foods containing proteins, magnesium, calcium and selenium.These include beans, almost all types of fruits, and walnuts.

Therapeutic exercises for varicose veins

Non-surgical treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities includes performing certain physical exercises.It is allowed to do squats, leg swings and any exercises that involve working with your own weight.It is necessary to completely exclude from training exercises with large weights (50-60 kg), flexion and extension of the torso on a chair, and long runs.The most effective exercises for varicose veins:

• Scissors and a bicycle.Perform at an average pace, lying on the floor.
• Rotational movements of the legs.You need to stand up, grab the support with your hand, lift one leg, take it to the side and start rotating it.5 movements are done inward, and 5 movements are made outward.
• Rolling while standing from toes to heels.

Stretching and warming up always begin with the upper body.You cannot immediately start active training or warm up only your legs, because...this will not help improve the condition of the vascular system.You can also walk in place.If your body mass index is significantly higher, it is recommended to first lose weight and then start exercising.