A frequent foot disease after thirty years, and especially in women, is varicose veins. During the progression of the disease, the veins change shape, their elasticity decreases, and blood flow is disrupted. Often, the calf muscles of the legs and the back of the knee are affected.
Leg varicose veins: causes
Factors that lead to the occurrence of varicose veins in the lower legs include the following:
- overweight - puts a lot of pressure on the legs. This is especially true for obese people. Therefore, if you have problems with weight, we recommend that you exercise vigorously;
- pregnancy - especially in the last months, the load on the legs is quite significant and if you do not pay constant attention to rest, varicose veins can develop;
- work related to staying long on your feet. If it is not possible to change your job, you need to change your attitude towards it and try to reduce the load on your feet;
- the presence of tumors in the pelvic organs - difficult blood outflow;
- disease of the vein wall of the lower leg, which leads to tissue compaction and deterioration of blood outflow, and to the formation of blood clots;
- congenital venous valve insufficiency.
Attention! To prevent your feet from getting sore and not small bruises, we recommend that you pay attention to keep your feet healthy from a young age. Include moderate exercise in your daily routine and try to reduce the strain on your legs. Need to pay attention to the description of symptoms during the development of the stage of varicose veins on the lower leg.
Early stages of varicose veins in the lower extremities: characteristics of the development of the disease
First of all, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the course of the first stage of varicose veins may not be visible. Moreover, in the medical framework, there is also a zero level of varicose veins. During his journey, the patient complained of the same sensation as varicose veins. But during the examination, it is impossible to determine any symptoms of varicose veins. And treatment in this case is rarely prescribed, more often doctors recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle.
In the first stage, spider veins or tissues appear in the legs. Please note that there is no disruption of venous outflow at this stage. The patient seeks relief due to slight dilatation of the vein.
second stage varicose veins
In the second stage, the lack of a major vein trunk is added to all the symptoms that have been listed. In other words, in addition to heaviness in the legs and slight enlargement of the veins in the legs, swelling and bluish nodules may appear. Please note that the size of the knot may increase after long sitting or walking with heels.
The third stage of varicose veins: characteristics of disease progression
Treatment of the disease at this stage is, often, surgery. As for the symptoms of course, the swelling increased significantly, the feet appeared swollen even in the morning. Convulsions may appear. Often it reduces the calf muscles.
Attention! To get rid of the cramps, you need to stretch your legs and pull the stockings towards you. If the foot is not compliant, then give this position with the help of your hands.
The hallmark of the third degree is the appearance of trophic ulcers or discoloration of the skin.
Dermatitis or eczema may also appear. Another sign of the third stage of varicose veins is dry skin. The epidermis, as a result of circulatory problems, loses its elasticity and the surface becomes dry.
Varicose veins: how to treat the lower leg and its swelling
If you have been diagnosed with varicose veins, then regardless of the stage, the treatment will be the same. The only difference is in the duration of treatment.
Treatment for varicose veins can be varied. One of the most effective methods of treating varicose veins is massage. In order not to harm it, only a professional should do it. A properly done massage improves blood circulation in the lower part of a person’s legs. Special pneumatic massage is also used as a type of compression treatment. Thanks to him, the swelling of the legs becomes less, the outflow of blood veins is accelerated, and a general increase in blood circulation in the lower part of the legs is observed.
Physical therapy is also suitable for unloading the venous system of the legs. It is a kind of physical education for the feet done just before bed. You can show the exercises you need in any physical therapy room.
To reduce the symptoms of the disease and to prevent its severity, bandages and elastic stockings are used. Wearing compression socks allows you to stop the progression of the disease, increase blood flow in the legs and, most importantly, prevent the formation of blood clots. You need to pick up compression underwear at a specialty store.
Attention! It is better not to skimp on such socks. After all, if the fabric isn’t elastic enough, then you won’t be able to wear it.
For the treatment of varicose veins, blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics are used. It can be pills, injections. Treatment should be prescribed exclusively by a doctor and only after a complete examination. Self-medication is prohibited.
Popular methods of treating leg varicose veins include hirudotherapy. During the procedure, leeches, biting through the skin, inject hirudin into it, a substance that prevents blood from clotting. As a result, the number of blood clots decreases.
Treatment and relief of the course of the disease is possible with the use of creams, ointments, gels. You can buy it at any pharmacy and you do not need a prescription for this. In the final stages of the disease, a phlebologist will offer you an immediate solution to the problem.
Anyone who has been diagnosed with enlargement should follow a special diet. The diet should contain foods that are low in cholesterol and rich in protein and vitamins. In this case, the use of seafood in food also has a positive effect on health. Smoked meats, soups, marinades should be excluded from the products consumed, coffee and alcohol should be avoided.
The patient's diet should contain the following foods:
- legumes, sprouted wheat grains, liver, olive or corn oil are foods rich in vitamin E. It gives our veins elasticity;
- to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and veins of the lower legs, vitamins C and P (routine) are needed. Vitamin C is found in rose hips, sea buckthorn, cabbage, black currant and, of course, citrus fruits. And the routine is in the hips of the same roses, citrus fruits, black currants and black chokeberries. On the basis of these berries, compotes or decoctions can be made;
- bioflavonoids make it easier to move through the veins - eat 10 cherries and dark cherries in slices;
- Include fiber -rich foods in your diet to relieve constipation. After all, everyone knows that veins suffer from constipation;
- make sure to drink at least two liters of water. With the lack of water taken in, the blood becomes viscous and thus the load on our veins increases.
Need to say a few words about what will happen if the varicose veins do not heal in time. Remember that thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, eczema or trophic ulcers may appear as a result of the disease. Do not forget that with advanced varicose veins, pulmonary embolism may occur.
And the disease can cause sudden death. So, if you want to live a happy healthy life forever, then it is better to see your doctor on time.
After all, it is easier to cure the disease at an early stage, and surgery at the onset of the disease is an option. Don't get sick! Good luck!