Detailed introduction for readers: How to treat varicose veins in the legs?Detailed information and photos are available on the varicose veins-cure.rf website.
In this article, we discuss leg veins and discuss treating varicose veins at home.You'll learn what folk remedies are used to treat 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 caused by varicose veins in the legs.You will also find a range of effective ointments for varicose veins.
varicose veins of the legs, varicose veins of the legs
Varicose veins, or varicose veins of the lower limbs, are diseases in which the walls of superficial blood vessels become thinner, the lumen enlarges, and they form nodular dilations.From the outside, disease can be detected if the veins in the legs protrude.Varicose veins can occur in both women and men, but women are more susceptible to this pathology.
causes, symptoms
Varicose veins are enlarged (swollen) veins that appear on the surface of the leg muscles.The veins become swollen, tortuous, and visibly protrude under the skin.Why do varicose veins occur?There are saphenous and deep veins in the lower limbs; they are connected by communicating veins.Through them, blood flows upward from the saphenous vein to the deep veins.Muscle pumps are responsible for its movement.
During body movement, muscles contract and push blood upward.Venous valves prevent blood from flowing downward.This is normal blood circulation and is only possible with normal venous tone.
If the tension in the vein walls decreases and the valves are unable to perform their function, blood will flow not only upward but also downward.This increases pressure on the blood vessels, causing them to swell and dilate, and promotes the formation of nodules.
Nerve endings located in the walls of blood vessels send signals to the brain.The brain sends commands to increase venous tone.The increase in resistance further increases the load on the veins, causing vein wall atrophy and nerve ending death.
Risk factors for varicose veins:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- lack of physical activity;
- malnutrition;
- obesity;
- hormonal imbalance;
- Pregnant;
- Genetic predisposition.
Symptoms of varicose veins in the legs:
- heaviness in legs;
- increased fatigue;
- Localized pain in the calf area;
- swelling of the legs;
- Night cramps - when severe.
In the early stages, the external manifestation of varicose veins is the formation of spider veins on the surface of the skin.As the disease progresses, venous dilation increases and hemodynamics become increasingly chaotic.In the final stages, the superficial veins merge with the skin.The veins become blocked and trophic ulcers form.
Leg vein pain - what to do?
If veins in your legs bulge and become painful, you may have varicose veins.The earlier treatment is started, the more successful the treatment will be and the greater the chance of stopping the progression of the disease.
Which doctor should I contact to treat varicose veins?Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins are performed by a phlebologist.Even in the initial stages, it is necessary to seek expert advice.He will identify the main factors that influence the development of the disease and develop appropriate treatment and prevention methods.
Treatment of varicose veins in legs
Treatment of varicose veins in the legs can be done at home unless the patient requires surgery or laser surgery.Doctors may prescribe tablets, ointments, and gels to improve circulation in the veins, break up blood clots, increase blood flow, and relieve swelling and fatigue in the legs.Folk remedies can be used as additional remedies.
Treat varicose veins in the legs with folk remedies
In this section we will tell you how and how to treat varicose veins in the legs at home.If you are interested in how to treat varicose veins in the legs in women or how to treat varicose veins in the legs in men, you can find effective folk remedies in the table.
Traditional medical remedies for treating varicose veins:
| title | how it works | Instructions for use |
| nettle | Thinning the blood and improving circulation, helps strengthen blood vessel walls and prevents the formation of cholesterol plaque. | Take 5 tbsp.Dried nettles and pour 250 ml of vodka.Inject the medicine in a dark place for 7 days.Use 1 tablespoon of tincture.Take 3 times a day before meals. |
| soda water | Thinning the blood, eliminating swelling and heaviness in the legs, speeding up the flow of lymph fluid and relieving pain. | Take 1-2 tbsp.baking soda and lightly moistened with water.Apply the mixture to the affected area and cover with cabbage leaves.Secure the compress with gauze and leave it overnight. You can soak your feet in baking soda.To do this, dilute 200 g of soda water into 5 liters of warm water.The duration of this process is 10−15 min. |
| apple cider vinegar | Increases tension in vein walls, improves blood circulation, eliminates swelling and reduces pain. | Apply apple cider vinegar to the affected area after showering in the morning and evening. You can use apple cider vinegar as a compress.Moisten the gauze with liquid and secure it to the leg.Lie down for 1 hour with your feet on the pillow 15-20 cm from the level of your heart. |
| cabbage | Relieve swelling and redness and eliminate pain. | Take a cabbage leaf and press it with a rolling pin until the juice comes out.Apply vegetable oil to one side of your sheets and apply to sore areas.Secure the dressing with a bandage.Leave it on all day or overnight. |
| Celandine | Relieve swelling, eliminate leg fatigue and pain. | Brew 1 tbsp.Place celandine in a cup of boiling water.Soak linen cloth in broth.Wrap feet and leave for 1 hour.Perform this procedure for 7 days.Next, rest for ten days. |
| laundry soap | Relieves inflammation and accelerates the regeneration process.Promotes the healing of cracks and wounds that worsen varicose veins. | Grate up a bar of laundry soap.Grind 10 aspirin tablets and pour in 250 ml of vodka.Add soap.Take 2 days off.Use this product as lotion. |
| Honey | Improves blood circulation, conditions blood vessel walls and increases their elasticity.Enhance systemic and local immunity. | Take 1 tablespoon on an empty stomach.Dear every day. The foot bath is made with honey.To do this, dissolve 10 grams of honey in 5 liters of warm water.The duration of this process is 20 minutes. |
| mugwort | Relieves inflammation, thins blood, improves circulation, and relieves pain. | Pour in 2 tbsp.Dried mugwort with a cup of kefir.Soak natural fabrics in the mixture.Apply the compress to the affected area and hold it in place.Leave on for 20-30 minutes. |
| raw potatoes | Helps strengthen vein walls and improve blood circulation. | Grate raw potatoes.Apply the paste to the foot and secure it with a bandage.Leave for 5 hours. |
| longevity flower | Relieves inflammation, accelerates the regeneration process and eliminates swelling. | Wash and chop a few longevity leaves.Pour in 500 ml of vodka.Take 7 days off.Apply the prepared tincture to the painful area of the leg. |
Leg varicose vein ointment
Use varicose vein ointment when one or more veins are visible.Topical medications do not eliminate the disease, they only reduce the severity of symptoms.If your veins are swollen and bulging, contact a phlebologist.Doctors will recommend the use of ointments and gels in the early stages, but the basis of stopping the disease is prevention and elimination of risk factors.
List of ointments for treating varicose veins in the legs:
- Heparin ointment- Inexpensive ointment based on sodium heparin.Anticoagulants not only thin the blood but also reduce pain.
- Tresevectin— Increases the tension of blood vessel walls and has anti-inflammatory, decongestant and thinning effects.Prevent the formation of blood clots.
- Medications containing leech extract.The ointment improves blood circulation, eliminates swelling and pain, and increases the tension of blood vessel walls.
Pills to treat varicose veins in legs
In addition to ointments, tablets can also be used in the early stages of varicose veins.Intravenous agents, anticoagulants, antioxidants, and antiplatelet agents are used to treat varicose veins.
Varicose vein pills:
- Diosmin- Prevents blood vessel dilation, increases vein wall elasticity, reduces blood stagnation, and helps normalize blood circulation.
- dipyridamole— Improve blood microcirculation and prevent thrombosis.
Under no circumstances should you choose your medication on your own.Tablets for the treatment of varicose veins in the legs have numerous contraindications for use and can only be prescribed by a treating physician.
How to relieve pain from varicose veins?For pain in the legs, you can use drugs with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects - diclofenac, indomethacin, nimesulide, ibuprofen, paracetamol.To relieve fatigue, lie down for a few minutes, raising your legs above heart level and placing a pillow under them.
compression garment
When treating varicose veins, it is important to wear special compression garments.Socks, knee socks, stockings, and tights have varying degrees of compression that create the necessary pressure on the veins, which helps the muscle pumps push blood up, improving circulation in the legs.
Additionally, compression wear takes the load off your veins, so your legs are less tired and less swollen at the end of the day.
You should not choose a compression garment on your own without consulting a phlebologist.If you notice symptoms of varicose veins, contact a specialist; the doctor will examine the condition of the veins and choose the level of compression and type of product taking into account personal characteristics.
Compression level:
- Class 1 - Pressure does not exceed 23 mm Hg.Art.Prescribed in the early stages of varicose veins.
- Level 2 - Compression force is approximately 33 mmHg.Art.For the treatment of moderate varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.
- Level 3 - Compression force is approximately 45 mm Hg.Art.For the treatment of severe venous insufficiency.
- Level 4 - Pressure exceeds 50 mmHg.Art.Used in severe stages of the disease.
Massage treatment for varicose veins
Massage is another way to treat early-stage varicose veins.However, without proper technique, the surgery can cause more harm.Massage must be performed by a qualified expert.
Can varicose veins in the legs be massaged?
Foot massage for varicose veins can only be done in the early stages of the disease.Surgery for trophic ulcers, thrombophlebitis, and skin diseases is prohibited.General contraindications include elevated body temperature, infectious diseases, and inflammatory processes.You should not perform anti-cellulite massage on varicose veins, especially with a vacuum cup.
To treat varicose veins, lymphatic drainage massage can be performed.It improves blood circulation and lymphatic flow, eliminating swelling, fatigue and pain.
When performing a lymphatic drainage massage, start by slowly rinsing the skin.Then move smoothly from calf to calf, gradually increasing the pressure.
You can also use hydromassage with alternating water temperatures.Exposure to cold and warm water can increase the tension in blood vessel walls and improve blood circulation.
Laser treatment of leg veins
The process of treating varicose veins with laser is called laser coagulation.This is a modern way of preventing blood from flowing downward.Laser can increase the tension of blood vessel walls and normalize blood circulation.
The principle of this technology is based on the thermal effect of laser on the inner surface of veins and blood.Steam bubbles form in the blood.The steam comes into contact with the walls of the veins, damaging and "charring" them.The resulting blood clot is replaced by connective tissue and the channel is sealed.
Contraindications for laser coagulation:
- The venous trunks are markedly dilated;
- foci of inflammation in the intervention area;
- thrombophilia;
- Chronic ischemia of lower limbs;
- Diseases that require priority treatment.
Surgery to remove varicose veins in legs
The disease can be cured with conservative and minimally invasive treatments, but can only be completely eliminated with surgery.
The main surgical procedure for eliminating varicose veins is phlebectomy.During the surgery, the damaged veins are removed, which allows blood circulation in the deep veins to be normalized.
Indications:
- extensive varicose veins;
- dilated saphenous vein;
- Impaired blood flow;
- trophic ulcer;
- Thrombophlebitis.
Contraindications:
- Advanced varicose veins;
- cardiac ischemia;
- Serious infectious diseases;
- second half of pregnancy;
- old age.
Rehabilitation after Leg Phlebectomy
The operation time is 1-2 hours.The first time it is done, the patient does it under the supervision of a doctor.After a few hours, he was allowed to move his legs.The stitches are removed after 10 days.
During the postoperative period, patients will need to wear compression stockings and perform special exercises.During recovery, it is important to accustom yourself to normal physical activity, which will keep your blood circulating but not severely strain your veins.
Prevent varicose veins in legs
Prevention plays an important role in the treatment of varicose veins.If there are genetic predispositions and other risk factors, and after laser treatment and phlebectomy, it is especially important to follow certain rules to prevent recurrence of the disease.
To prevent varicose veins, you can use folk remedies and topical medications to increase the tension of vein walls, improve circulation and relieve swelling and fatigue in the legs at the end of the workday.We describe all these means in the article.
Lifestyle, gymnastics and diet
To prevent the occurrence of varicose veins, it is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle.Quit bad habits, which include not only drinking and smoking, but also overeating.Obesity is one of the risk factors for varicose veins.
Eat a balanced diet and eliminate greasy, fried, salty and spicy foods.Include more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
If you want to prevent varicose veins, don't forget about gymnastics and light exercise.To speed up blood flow in the lower limbs, legs should be used during gymnastics.Cycling is an excellent exercise for preventing varicose veins.
Wear comfortable shoes.If you are susceptible to this condition, contact a phlebologist.Your doctor will help you choose a compression garment.
Preventing varicose veins during pregnancy
Pregnant women are at greater risk of developing varicose veins.To prevent the development of diseases during pregnancy, follow simple prevention rules:
- Wear compression stockings or stockings.
- Exercise to improve blood circulation in your legs.
- Don't stand or sit in one position for long periods of time.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
- Sleep on your left side; this position keeps you from pinching the veins on your right side that carry blood out of your lower body.
- 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 condition that, if left untreated, can lead to dangerous complications, including:
- Thrombophlebitis;
- Dislodged blood clots and obstruction of venous cavities; Pulmonary embolism;
- trophic ulcer;
- swelling in various parts of the body;
- dermatitis;
- Compress the subcutaneous fat in the diseased area.
what to remember
- Varicose veins are varicose veins that occur due to a decrease in the tone of the blood vessel walls.
- In the initial stages of varicose veins, you can use ointments, tablets and folk remedies.This disease can only be completely cured through surgery.
- If you have symptoms of varicose veins, consult a phlebologist.He will choose the appropriate treatment.
Varicose veins are a chronic condition in which veins stretch or lengthen.Varicose veins occur not only in the veins of the legs (but this is the most common form), but can also occur in the blood vessels of other internal organs.At-home treatments are very similar for all forms of varicose veins.
The diagnosis of the disease is made by a phlebologist or vascular surgeon, who also decides how to treat the disease in a given case.Pathological treatment is based on two methods: conservative treatment of varicose veins at home and surgical intervention.
Varicose veins Depending on the degree of development of venous pathology, home treatment for varicose veins can be:
- Primary treatment is only given in the early stages of the disease.Seeking medical help when you have mild swelling in your feet or a blood vessel pattern in your legs can allow you to treat the condition at home.
- Adjuvant therapy - In the advanced stages of the disease, when the developed pathology requires specialized treatment, home exercises aimed at improving blood flow are a necessary complement to the primary treatment.
- Preventive measures to prevent further development of pathology after surgery.
The basis of varicose veins is weak connective tissue in the vein wall, so the main purpose of conservative treatment of the disease is to strengthen the vein wall.This treatment is very important and can treat varicose veins anywhere: in the veins of the legs and internal organs.
In addition, treating varicose veins in the legs at home requires a series of additional measures:
| take medicine | Strengthen blood vessel walls |
| Take vitamin supplements | |
| change your diet | |
| Use topical medications | |
| vein gymnastics | Improve venous blood flow |
| Wearing a compression garment | |
| Exercises to promote blood flow | |
| Keep your legs elevated while sleeping | |
| Workflow optimization | Reduce the load on leg veins |
| lose excess weight | |
| special physical exercise | Strengthen calf muscles |
| lifestyle changes |
Measures aimed at strengthening blood vessel walls
These methods aim to improve the permeability of the vein wall and increase its tension and elasticity, which are the main directions for the treatment of varicose veins (including leg varicose veins).
It includes:
- Treat with diosmin, troxerutin, aescin and other drugs.Varicose veins can only be treated with these medications as prescribed by your doctor, who will choose the medication and determine the frequency and duration of administration.
- Treatment is performed with products based on traditional medical formulas.
- Take vitamin preparations - The vitamins that have been shown to have the greatest impact on blood vessel wall permeability are: rutin (vitamin P) and ascorbic acid.Therefore, the combination of these two vitamins is widely used to prevent and treat the disease.
- Use ointments and gels.
Folk Recipes
How to treat varicose veins at home using folk remedies:
| Horse Chestnut Flower Alcohol Tincture | Take 50 grams of flowers and inject 500 ml of ethanol with a concentration of 50%.The mixture is infused for two weeks, shaken daily, and then filtered.Take 30-40 drops before meals, 3 times daily for 30 days. |
| Nettle leaf infusion | Take 2 tablespoons of dried nettles, pour 200 ml of boiling water and leave for 1 hour.Filter the infusion and take 60 ml 3 times daily.The course of treatment is 30 days, followed by 15 days of rest, repeated twice. |
| Infused hop cones | Pour two tablespoons of dried cones into 200 ml of hot water, simmer over low heat for 10 minutes and strain.Infuse 200 ml, 2-3 times daily.Remember, it can cause drowsiness. |
| apple cider vinegar solution | Add 10 ml of apple cider vinegar to 200 ml of water and drink it morning and evening.This recipe is contraindicated in people with peptic ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract. |
Get rid of varicose veins by running
It is possible to run with varicose veins in phases one and two.It is recommended to avoid putting too much pressure on the legs and give priority to jogging and walking.Jogging is not recommended in the presence of blood clots and in advanced stages of the disease.
Varicose veins can be eliminated by running only at the very beginning of the disease, when the veins have not yet stretched.At this stage, the disease has no clinical symptoms.Therefore, the patient is simply unaware that classes need to be started.When varicose veins are diagnosed, jogging can no longer completely cure the condition.
When to contact a phlebologist?
Varicose veins should be treated as early as possible.The more severe the disease is at this point, the less likely the patient is to be completely cured.It is ideal if a person goes to the clinic at the first signs: heaviness in the legs, severe pain when standing for a long time, swelling.
Nutrition and diet for varicose veins
With varicose veins, diet plays an important role in stabilizing the patient's condition and restoring vascular tone.
Recommended meals:
- seafood (mussels, shrimp, squid);
- Fruits rich in vitamin C (kiwi, black currants, citrus fruits);
- Blood thinning products (garlic, lemon, onion, cherry).
Dietary restrictions are equivalent to a regular moderate diet.Alcohol, salty, spicy, sour and other irritating foods are prohibited.You also shouldn't drink large amounts of coffee, tea, and other diuretic beverages.
Precautions
The basis for preventing varicose veins is to abandon a sedentary lifestyle and allostatic load on the legs.It is recommended to jog short distances or walk several kilometers every day.During the workday, you should take short breaks to do leg exercises specifically.In addition, you must eat the foods described in the previous section and wear compression pants if necessary.Moderate compression can help improve blood flow in superficial veins.
Although varicose veins may seem safe, they are a condition that can be life-threatening to humans under certain conditions.This is especially true for later stages of pathological development, during which vessel walls become thinner and their integrity is easily compromised.Therefore, treatment with traditional recipes should be started as soon as possible.To avoid mistakes and using incorrect treatments, you should consult your doctor before starting.