Varicose veins of the legs: treatment with drugs and folk remedies at home

21 June 2022

Varicose veins are one of the most common pathologies of the human vascular system.

The favorite place for varicose veins are the lower extremities. Many modern treatments are aimed at combating varicose veins. Frequent medical clinics offer a variety of injection, laser and surgical procedures.

Provoking factors for the development of varicose veins

Despite the fact that the predisposition to varicose veins is genetic (if both parents in the family suffer from this disease, the probability of its occurrence in the offspring reaches 90%), the disease develops under the influence of external factors that increase venous pressure. Between them:

Overweight - a violation of lipid metabolism provokes a number of vascular diseases, including varicose veins.
Static loads - work sitting or standing. But walking, on the contrary, starts a "muscle pump" that stimulates blood flow through the veins.
High-heeled shoes - limit the work of the calf muscle, therefore reduce the activity of the muscle pump.
Chronic constipation - an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, and hence the pressure in the veins of the lower extremities.
Pregnancy and childbirth - all vital systems of the female body, including the cardiovascular system, work with increased stress during pregnancy and childbirth.

First of all, the venous valves cannot withstand a large load, which usually has to ensure blood flow in only one direction - from the bottom up. The valve begins to leak blood in the opposite direction (from top to bottom), and in the area bounded by it, the pressure inside the vein increases significantly: the vessel dilates, varicose veins appear. The valves in this area finally cease to perform their function, the venous pressure becomes even higher - the vicious circle closes and the changes begin to spread to neighboring areas.

Sooner or later, chronic venous insufficiency develops - a condition caused by constant stagnation of blood in the altered veins.

Symptoms

The symptoms of varicose veins are characterized by gradual progression. The obvious signs are not immediately apparent; at the first stage the disease is manifested by:

swelling of the legs, especially after a long stay in a sitting or standing position, which usually passes on its own in the morning - the first sign that the deep veins are not doing well;
cramps and tingling in the legs, especially often this symptom occurs at night and in the morning;
sensations of heaviness, burning, itching and pain in the legs, especially characteristic of the second half of the day;
the first visible signs are the characteristic red-blue vascular networks and asterisks, perfectly visible on the skin.

With the progression of varicose veins, additional symptoms appear

thickening and darkening of the skin of the lower leg: in this case it appears spots and scaling;
veins become painful when probing;
severe muscle pain, the intensity of which increases during walking;
the appearance of venous nodules protruding above the skin of the feet and legs.

If competent treatment is not prescribed even at this stage, the patient will inevitably face serious complications, which will be discussed a little later.

How to treat varicose veins?

Female legs are in a special risk group. According to statistics, more than 70% of all cases of varicose veins affect women. The disease not only adversely affects health. This significantly spoils the appearance, makes the fairer sex feel uncomfortable.

At the first signs of varicose veins of the legs (swelling, heaviness in the legs, swollen veins and spider veins), treatment should be started immediately. How to treat varicose veins in the legs in women? There are several ways:

use venotonic ointments and gels;
take pills to increase the tone of the veins;
use the advice of traditional medicine;
performs correction of the work of the veins with the help of medical procedures (sclerotherapy, laser coagulation);
radical solution to the problem surgically (phlebectomy).

Ointments, gels and tablets are quite effective in the initial stage of varicose veins. Traditional medicine can accompany a woman throughout the treatment period, supporting the body, regardless of the main therapeutic methods. Conservative, minimally invasive methods of treatment (sclerotherapy, laser exposure) are used in cases where varicose veins begin to actively progress. Surgery is a last resort when a woman's health and life are at risk due to serious venous pathology.

Medical treatment

Special drugs must be used in the complex therapy of varicose veins. For the most part, these are capsules or tablets that have a universal effect on the body. In particular:

Phlebotonics. These drugs increase blood flow, preventing the development of thrombosis and at the same time increase the tone of vascular walls. It will not work to remove varicose veins with such drugs, but they are quite capable of eliminating swelling of the legs, eliminating burning and pain. In case of varicose veins, 2 tablets a day are usually taken, and the duration of treatment is determined only by the doctor.
Blood thinners. Such drugs dilute the blood and support its better blood circulation, preventing the development of thrombosis. These drugs are prescribed only on an individual basis and the doctor determines the conditions of use.
Anti-inflammatory drugs. These include pills, ointments and gels that relieve pain, relieve swelling and prevent platelet aggregation. But more importantly, such drugs prevent inflammation of the veins, which leads to thrombophlebitis.

Medications are prescribed in cases where milder methods of exposure do not help. However, do not rush to resort to drugs, as they can harm not only the stomach but also the heart and liver.

Modern drugs for the treatment of varicose veins of the legs

Modern methods of treating varicose veins simply work wonders. To prescribe a suitable drug, you should consult a specialist.

Ointments and creams for varicose veins

They act as a prophylactic and auxiliary method for the treatment of the disease in the early stages. They help:

pain reduction;
swelling reduction;
improving the operation of the valve system;
increasing the tone of the vascular walls;
restoration of normal blood flow;
prevent the development of complications.

The only contraindication is that the ointment for varicose veins of the legs can not be used if there is a skin injury.

Surgical treatment of varicose veins

Some patients need improved and more radical treatment for varicose veins. Such tactics are most often associated with removing or blocking the affected veins.

These are open operations and minimally invasive procedures, which include:

Microsclerotherapy- Based on the name, the procedure is aimed at treating small varicose veins. The amount of injected chemical fluid is also small and the procedure gives the same results as sclerotherapy.
Sclerotherapyis a simple procedure that involves closing varicose veins by injecting a chemical fluid into a varicose vessel. Under the influence of the substance there is irritation and permanent blockage (clogging) of the vein. This type of surgery is most suitable for small and less pronounced varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is usually done every 4 weeks; during this period the patient's legs should be wrapped in elastic bandages, which reduce the severity of the pathological process.
Laser surgery- This treatment does not involve surgery or injection of liquid chemicals. A laser beam is used to remove varicose veins in the affected areas.
Endovascular surgery- As with ablative therapy, in this procedure the doctor must cut off the affected part, after which a surgical instrument is used to occlude the vein. This method of treatment is mainly intended to remove severe varicose veins, which contribute to the formation of wounds on the skin.
Endovenous ablative therapy- In this method of treating varicose veins, the doctor uses laser radiation or radio waves. Unlike light-powered laser surgery, this procedure generates heat, which causes the veins to dilate and close and eventually turn into connective tissue fibers. The doctor cuts the skin around the affected veins and then places a catheter, the tip of which delivers the heat needed for the healing process. As the procedure is not complicated, the only area that requires postoperative care is the affected tissue for pruning.

Tights and tights for varicose veins

Women are more prone to varicose veins than men. This is due to the hormonal changes they undergo during their life (pregnancy, menopause). The most convenient and simple method of treating varicose veins is to wear special tights or socks that protect the legs from pain, swelling and fatigue.

The effectiveness of compression underwear is due to the fact that it compresses the legs and this leads to compression of varicose veins. Wearing compression stockings is an excellent prevention of varicose veins. There are models of products designed to treat varicose veins in men and pregnant women.

Hydrotherapy

The treatment of varicose veins with water has been known since time immemorial. Under the influence of different temperatures, the veins narrow and dilate, which helps to increase their elasticity. Knowing this, modern doctors use hydrotherapy in the early stages of varicose veins, when vascular networks have just begun to appear on the skin.

In addition, depending on the existing problem, the baths can be local (only for the legs) or shared (for the whole body). The water temperature in such a bath varies from 20 to 40 ° C.

Active lifestyle

Avoid staying in one place for a long time, whether you are sitting or standing! Prolonged standing (sitting on a chair or standing) leads to the accumulation of blood in the legs.

If there is a break during work, try to use it for a walk. The fact is that during walking the muscles of the legs more efficiently direct blood to the heart. Whether you sit or stay at work a lot, try to rest every hour for simple exercises. Stand on your heels, then on your toes for 10 minutes. These exercises help to direct the blood upwards and reduce swelling.

Exercise at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes. This will help you stay in shape and even bend with a little extra weight. Walking is a particularly valuable exercise for the legs, because at each step the muscles of the legs affect the veins and so the blood rises.

Keep your legs as high as possible while resting

While resting, try to keep your legs as high as possible at heart level.

The cause of varicose veins is the tendency of blood to accumulate at the level of the legs. As they rise, the blood returns more easily to the heart and reduces the load on the venous vessels.

It is ideal to do this during a break at work or at home between tasks.

Foot massage

A light foot massage stimulates blood circulation. To do this, the muscles of the legs are massaged with two toes (but not the veins! ), Making movements from the heels to the thighs.

Do not keep your legs crossed

When sitting on a chair, it is strictly forbidden to keep your legs crossed. Holding one leg on the other creates additional unwanted pressure on the leg and limits the flow of blood through the veins.

Folk remedies for varicose veins

Especially effective is the treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies at home in the summer. Popular recipes are:

Horse chestnut flowers.Pour 50 g of flowers with 0, 5 liters of alcohol and leave to infuse for 14 days, shaking the bottle every day. Pass the resulting tincture through the net and use 1 tablespoon 3 times daily before meals with water. After one week of treatment, take a break for 2 weeks. Then repeat again.
Kalanchoe stopped.Wash the leaves of Kalanchoe pinnate and place them in a liter jar (the leaves should be half of the jar). Fill with 70% alcohol and insist in a dark place for 14 days. Shake the jar before applying. Lubricate your feet and legs every day before bed. The pain will disappear after the first application. If varicose veins occur, then it takes 4 months for treatment.
potatoes.Peel 5 potatoes and grate them. Grate the resulting puree and grease your feet. After 4 hours the pain will completely disappear and then rinse the potatoes with warm water.
apples.Put 3 apples in boiling 1 liter of water, cover and place in a warm place for 4 hours. Then, without removing the apples, break them, stir the solution and strain. Take by adding 1 tablespoon of honey, half a cup (50 g) in the morning before meals and at night before bedtime. The tool also cleanses the blood, improves sleep and appetite.
Garlic with butter.Take garlic with a white skin and grind it. Mix it with two parts butter. Apply on bulging veins at night, place parchment paper on top and secure with a bandage or warm scarf. Rinse in the morning and put something warm and soft on your feet.

Treating varicose veins at home is not always possible. In order for the therapy to be successful, it is necessary to consult a doctor and strictly follow his instructions.

Otherwise, such negative consequences of treatment as:

ineffectiveness of therapy and deterioration of the veins;
allergic reactions and intolerance to the means used;
skin burns due to improper application of compresses with burning substances;
vascular rupture and thromboembolism, if treatment is carried out against the background of existing contraindications.

Contraindications for the treatment of varicose veins include 3rd and 4th degree pathology. In this case, the disease can be eliminated only by surgery. Also, traditional medicine is not applicable at high risk of thromboembolism, exacerbation of vascular insufficiency, severe disease with calf muscle spasms, deposition of large amounts of blood in the affected vessels and a large volume of the affected area.

How to use apple cider vinegar for varicose veins?

Here are some simple tips and reviews on how to treat varicose veins at home with vinegar:

Moisten a cotton swab in vinegar, wipe your feet in problem areas. Repeat the procedure as often as possible, 5-7 times a day.
Take warm water in the bath, pour a liter of vinegar in it. Immerse your feet in the water, after half an hour complete the water procedures. Doctors do not recommend wiping your feet with a towel. It is better to lie down on the bed, raise your legs above your head (for example, lean against the wall) and let them dry naturally.
Fold the gauze in several layers, moisten abundantly with vinegar. Put your feet in problem areas, wrap with stretch film (or plastic bag), wrap with a warm scarf. Remove the compress after an hour.
You can also take apple cider vinegar by mouth. Mix a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of warm water, drink on an empty stomach half an hour before breakfast. It is important to remember that this recipe can not be used in medical therapy in the presence of problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Apple cider vinegar contains a large amount of vitamins, macro and micronutrients, minerals. They have a beneficial effect on the body, helping to effectively deal with varicose veins. Apple cider vinegar is not able to harm a person and with regular use the positive effect will be noticeable in a month.

Reviews

Female, 33 years old. "I treated varicose veins with apple cider vinegar and massage: I did daily half-hour wraps, followed by a 5-minute massage of the swollen veins for two months. First the morning pain in my legs disappeared, after three weeks the varicose veins disappeared, and now even the deep veins have disappeared. I am very glad that we managed to avoid surgery and now I advise all my friends to treat varicose veins with apple cider vinegar.
Girl, 21 years old. "After prolonged pain in my legs, I had to see a phlebologist. He suggested that I remove the varicose veins with laser surgery, and I overcame my fear and agreed. Laser removal of my varicose veins lasted 40 minutes under local anesthesia, and after the operation the swelling and bruising continued for another week. I am happy with the result of the treatment, I no longer have pain. "
Male, 40 years old. "A phlebologist recommended that I treat varicose veins with leeches. I'm not afraid of these creatures, so I easily agreed. The leech's saliva contains beneficial hirudin, which cleanses and dilutes the blood, slowing its clotting. The course of treatment was 8 sessions of three days. intervals. After a 3-month break I will take a second course, because after 2 sessions I noticed that the swelling in my legs disappeared, it became easier to walk. "

What will happen if left untreated?

There is an aphorism about varicose veins created by doctors - "A disease that manifests itself in the legs and shoots the heart. " In fact, this disease is not just an aesthetic problem that causes trouble and reduces quality of life. In the absence of qualified medical carevaricose veins are fraught with serious complications, even death.

So, the consequences of varicose veins of the legs can be:

thrombophlebitis - the disease is accompanied by the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the affected veins;
bleeding;
tissue malnutrition;
increased pigmentation;
increased thrombus formation is a complication, dangerous not only for health but also for life.

Separately, it is worth mentioning such a common "companion" of varicose veins in the legs as a trophic ulcer. The reason for its appearance is constant venous insufficiency and increased venous pressure.

Prevention

There is no doubt here that varicose veins can be cured. We will talk about what to do so that it does not have to be treated.

Hide in one drawer all the uncomfortable shoes, as well as shoes on a spire. It is permissible to wear only from time to time - for special occasions.
Remember to take 5-minute breaks when working on the computer for a long time. Special exercises can be done even in the office. If possible, try to go to work on foot.
If you are prone to constipation, do not leave this problem unattended. Due to the constant heaviness in the pelvis, blood circulation begins to suffer. Collaborate with friends of interest and regularly organize cycling, go to the pool, exercise in the fresh air.
Control your body weight. If necessary, review the diet. It should not contain a lot of fatty or fried foods.
After settling on the couch after a hard day, place a roller under your feet, about 15 cm high. This will normalize blood flow in the vessels of the legs.
If your profession includes a long stay on your feet and physical activity - take breaks to rest. If you are used to putting one foot on the other, try to control yourself. This habit can easily provoke inflammation.
Wear only comfortable, non-restrictive clothing. Don't buy too tight jeans or tight socks. This rule applies especially to women. Uncomfortable skinny jeans have a negative impact not only on the health of the feet, but also on the work of the genitourinary system.

Compression underwear is used not only for the treatment of varicose veins, but also for its prevention. So, for example, if a person in the family suffers from this disease, then during pregnancy, during flights and long trips by bus or train, in the learning process it is better for him to use compression stockings or wrap his legswith an elastic bandage.

When to see a doctor?

Contact a varicose vein doctor as soon as possible. The more advanced the disease at that time, the less likely the patient is to be completely cured. Ideally, if a person visits the clinic at the time of detection of the first signs: heaviness in the legs, flying pains when standing still for a long time, swelling.