Varicose veins on the legs: treatment with medicines and folk remedies at home

21 June 2022

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

The most popular location for varicose veins is the lower limbs. Many modern treatment methods are aimed at combating varicose veins. Common medical clinics offer various 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 is 90%), the disease develops under the influence of external factors that create pressure inof vein increase . Among them:

Obesity - a violation of lipid metabolism provokes a number of vascular diseases, including varicose veins.
Static loads - work while sitting or standing. Walking, on the other hand, activates a "muscle pump" that stimulates blood flow through the veins.
Shoes with high heels - restricts the work of the calf muscles, and therefore reduces the activity of the muscle pump.
Chronic constipation - increase in intra-abdominal pressure, and therefore 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 loads during pregnancy and childbirth.

First of all, venous valves cannot withstand a high load, which is normally intended to ensure blood flow in only one direction - from bottom to top. The valve begins to direct blood in the opposite direction (from top to bottom), and in the area delimited by it, the pressure in the vein increases significantly: the vessel expands, a varicose vein appears. Eventually, the valves in this area no longer fulfill their function, the venous pressure increases even more - 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 altered veins.

symptoms

Symptoms of varicose veins are characterized by gradual progression. Obvious signs are not recognized immediately, at the first stage the disease is manifested by:

swelling of the legs, especially after sitting or standing for a long time, which usually goes away on its own in the morning - the first sign that the deep veins are not doing their job well;
Cramps and numbness of the legs, especially often this symptom manifests itself at night and in the morning;
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 nets and asterisks perfectly visible on the skin.

As varicose veins progress, additional symptoms appear

Thickening and darkening of the skin of the lower leg: in this case, spots and peeling appear;
Veins become painful when examined;
severe muscle pain, the intensity of which increases when walking;
the appearance of venous nodes protruding above the skin of the legs and feet.

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 do you treat varicose veins?

Women's legs belong to a special risk group. According to statistics, more than 70% of all cases of the disease affect women from varicose veins. Illness not only has a negative effect on health. It significantly spoils the appearance and makes the fair sex uncomfortable.

At the first sign of varicose veins in the legs (swelling, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, the appearance of swollen veins and spider veins), treatment should be started immediately. How to treat varicose veins in the legs in women? There are multiple possibilities:

use venotonic ointments and gels;
take pills to increase the tone of the veins;
use the advice of traditional medicine;
perform correction of vein work using medical procedures (sclerotherapy, laser coagulation);
radically solve the problem surgically (phlebectomy).

Ointments, gels and tablets are very effective in the initial stages of varicose veins. Traditional medicine can accompany a woman throughout the treatment period and support the body, regardless of the main methods of therapy. Conservative, minimally invasive methods of treatment (sclerotherapy, laser exposure) are used in cases where varicose veins are actively progressing. Surgical intervention is an extreme measure when a woman's health and life are at risk due to a serious pathology of the veins.

Medical treatment

In the complex therapy of varicose veins, special drugs are necessarily used. These are usually capsules or tablets that have a variety of effects on the body. Especially:

phlebotonics. These drugs increase blood flow, prevent the development of thrombosis and at the same time increase the tone of the vascular walls. Getting rid of varicose veins with such drugs will not work, but they are quite capable of eliminating leg swelling, burning and pain. For varicose veins, 2 tablets per day are usually taken, and the duration of treatment is determined solely by the doctor.
blood thinning medication. Such drugs thin the blood and promote its better circulation, which prevents the development of thrombosis. These drugs are prescribed only individually, and the doctor establishes the terms of use.
anti-inflammatory drugs. These include pills, ointments, and gels that relieve pain, reduce swelling, and prevent platelets from sticking together. But more importantly, such drugs prevent phlebitis, which leads to thrombophlebitis.

Medications are prescribed when milder methods of exposure do not help. However, do not rush to turn to drugs, as they can damage not only the stomach, but also the heart and liver.

Modern drugs for the treatment of varicose veins on the legs

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

Ointments and creams for varicose veins

They act prophylactically and as an auxiliary method of treating the disease in the early stages. They help:

Reduce pain;
reduce swelling;
improve the activity of the valve system;
increase the tone of the vascular walls;
restore normal blood flow;
prevent the development of complications.

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

Surgical treatment of varicose veins

Some patients require improved and more radical treatment for varicose veins. Such tactics most often involve removing or blocking the affected veins.

These are open surgeries and minimally invasive procedures that include:

microsclerotherapy- As the name suggests, the procedure is aimed at treating small varicose veins. The amount of chemical liquid injected is also small, and the procedure gives the same results as sclerotherapy.
sclerotherapyis a simple procedure that consists in closing a varicose vein by injecting a chemical liquid into a dilated vessel. Under the influence of the substance, irritation and final blockage (occlusion) of the vein occur. This type of surgical procedure is best for small and less prominent varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is usually performed every 4 weeks; During this period, the patient's legs should be wrapped in elastic bandages that will reduce the severity of the pathological process.
laser treatment– This treatment does not involve surgery or injection of liquid chemicals. A laser beam is used to eliminate varicose veins in the affected areas.
Endovascular Surgery– As with ablative therapy, this procedure requires the doctor to excise the affected part, then a surgical instrument is used to close the vein. This treatment method is mainly intended to remove severe varicose veins that contribute to the formation of sores on the skin.
Endovenous ablative therapy- In this method of treating varicose veins, the doctor uses laser radiation or radio waves. Unlike laser surgery, which uses light, this procedure generates heat, causing the veins to expand and close, eventually turning into strands of connective tissue. The doctor cuts open the skin around the affected veins and then inserts a catheter, the tip of which supplies the heat necessary for the healing process. Since the procedure is uncomplicated, only the affected tissue has to be treated for circumcision.

Stockings and tights for varicose veins

Women are more prone to varicose veins than men. This is due to the hormonal changes they go through throughout their lives (pregnancy, menopause). The most convenient and simple way to treat varicose veins is to wear special pantyhose or stockings that protect the legs from pain, swelling and fatigue.

The effectiveness of compression underwear is due to the fact that it compresses the legs, which leads to compression of varicose veins. Wearing compression stockings is a great way to prevent varicose veins. There are product models designed for the treatment of enlarged veins in men and pregnant women.

hydrotherapy

The treatment of varicose veins with water has always been known. Under the influence of different temperatures, the veins narrow and stretch, which increases their elasticity. Knowing this, modern doctors use hydrotherapy in the early stages of varicose veins, when vascular networks are just beginning to appear on the skin.

In addition, depending on the problem at hand, baths can be local (only for the legs) or general (for the whole body). The temperature of the water in such a bath varies between 20 and 40 °C.

Active lifestyle

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

If there is a break at work, try to use it to walk. The fact is that when walking, the muscles of the legs conduct blood to the heart more effectively. Whether you sit or stand a lot at work, try to take a break every hour for simple exercises. Stand on your heels and then tiptoe for 10 minutes. These exercises help move blood upwards and reduce swelling.

Exercise at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes each time. This will help you stay in shape and even squirm with some extra weight. Walking is a particularly valuable exercise for the legs, because with every step the muscles of the legs act on the veins and the blood rises.

When resting, keep your legs as high as possible

While resting, try to keep your legs as high as possible in relation to the level of your heart.

The cause of varicose veins is the tendency for blood to pool at the level of the legs. During their rise, the blood returns to the heart more easily and relieves the venous vessels.

Ideally, this is during a break at work or at home between tasks.

foot massage

A light foot massage stimulates blood circulation. This involves massaging the leg muscles with two fingers (but not the veins! ) and movements from the heels to the hips.

Don't cross your legs

When sitting on a chair, it is strictly forbidden to cross your legs. Keeping one foot on top of the other puts extra unwanted pressure on the leg and limits the blood surge through the veins.

Folk remedies for the treatment of varicose veins

Treating varicose veins with folk remedies at home in the summer is especially effective. Popular recipes are:

Horse chestnut flowers.Pour 50 g of flowers with 0. 5 liters of alcohol and leave for 14 days, shaking the bottle every day. Pass the resulting tincture through the mesh and use 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day before meals with water. After a week of treatment, take a break of 2 weeks. Then repeat again.
Kalanchoe pinnate.Wash the leaves of the pinnate Kalanchoe and put them in a liter jar (leaves should be half of the jar). Pour in 70% alcohol and insist in a dark place for 14 days. Shake the jar before applying. Lubricate your legs and feet every day before bed. The pain will go away after the first application. If varicose veins progress, 4 months are required for treatment.
Potato.Peel and grate 5 potatoes. Grate the resulting puree and spread it on your feet. After 4 hours, the pain will completely disappear, and then rinse the potatoes with warm water.
apples.Put 3 apples in 1 liter of boiling water, cover and put in a warm place for 4 hours. Next, without removing the apples, break them up, mix the solution and strain. Take by adding 1 tbsp. a spoonful of honey, half a glass (50 g) in the morning before meals and in the evening before bedtime. The tool also purifies the blood, improves sleep and appetite.
garlic with butter.Take garlic with white peel and grind it. Mix it with two parts butter. Apply at night to the protruding veins, put parchment paper on top and fix with a bandage or a warm scarf. Rinse off in the morning and put something warm and soft on your feet.

Treatment of 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 condition of the veins;
allergic reactions and intolerance to the funds used;
Skin burns from improper use of compresses with burning substances;
Vessel ruptures and thromboembolism, if the treatment is carried out against the background of existing contraindications.

Among the contraindications for the treatment of varicose veins are the 3rd and 4th degrees of pathology. In this case, the disease can only be eliminated by surgery. Also, traditional medicine is not applicable with a high risk of thromboembolism, exacerbation of vascular insufficiency, severe disease with spasms of the calf muscles, large accumulation of blood in the affected vessels and high volume of the affected area.

How to use apple cider vinegar for varicose veins?

A few simple tips and reviews on how to treat varicose veins on the legs with vinegar at home:

Dampen a cotton pad with vinegar and wipe your feet in problem areas. Repeat the process as often as possible, 5-7 times a day.
Take warm water to the bath and pour a liter of vinegar into it. Dip your feet in the water and after half an hour finish the water procedures. Doctors do not recommend wiping your feet dry with a towel. It is better to lie on the bed, raise your legs above your head (for example, lean them against the wall) and let them dry naturally.
Fold gauze in several layers, moisten generously with vinegar. In problem areas, put on your feet, wrap them with cling film (or a plastic bag), wrap them with a warm scarf. After an hour, remove the compress.
You can also take apple cider vinegar orally. Mix a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink on an empty stomach half an hour before breakfast. It is important to remember that this recipe cannot be used in medical therapy for problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Apple cider vinegar contains a large amount of vitamins, macro and micro elements, minerals. They have a beneficial effect on the body and help to effectively cope with varicose veins. Apple cider vinegar cannot harm a person, and with regular use, a positive effect will be noticeable after a month.

reviews

woman, 33 years old. "I treated varicose veins with apple cider vinegar and massaged them: for two months I did half-hour wraps every day, followed by 5-minute massage of the swollen veins. First, the morning pain in the legs disappeared, after three weeks the varicose veins disappeared, and now even those aredeep veins gone I am very glad that we could avoid surgery and now I advise all my friends to treat varicose veins with apple cider vinegar.
girl, 21 years old. "After persistent pain in my legs, I had to contact a phlebologist. He suggested that I remove varicose veins with laser surgery, and I overcame my fear and said yes. The removal of my varicose veins with a laser took 40 minutes under local anesthesia, and after the operation the swelling and bruising continued for a week. I am satisfied with the result of the treatment, I have no more pain. "
man, 40 years old. "A phlebologist recommended me to treat varicose veins with leeches. I'm not afraid of these creatures, so I easily agreed. Leech saliva contains useful hirudin, which cleans and thins blood, slowing its clotting. The duration of treatment was 8 sessions in three daysintervals. After a 3-month break, I will repeat the course, because after 2 sessions I noticed that the swelling in the legs subsided, walking became easier. "

What happens if it is not treated?

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

The consequences of varicose veins on the legs can be:

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

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

prevention

There is no question that varicose veins can be cured. We'll talk about what to do so that it doesn't need to be treated.

Hide all uncomfortable shoes and stilettos in a drawer. It is allowed to wear it only occasionally - on special occasions.
Don't forget to take a 5-minute break if you work on the computer for a long time. Special exercises can also be carried out in the office. If possible, try to walk to work.
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. Work with interested friends and regularly organize bike rides, go to the pool, do outdoor exercises.
Check your body weight. If necessary, check the diet. It should not contain a lot of greasy or fried foods.
Having settled on the sofa after a hard day, put a roller about 15 cm high under your feet so that the blood flow in the vessels of the legs returns to normal.
If your job involves long standing and physical activity, take breaks to rest. If you're used to putting one foot on the other, try to control yourself. This habit can easily cause inflammation.
Wear only comfortable, non-restrictive clothing. Do not buy jeans that are too tight or stockings that are too tight. This regulation applies in particular to women. Uncomfortable skinny jeans negatively affect not only leg health, but also the work of the genitourinary system.

Compression underwear is used not only to treat varicose veins, but also to prevent them. So, for example, if a family member suffers from this disease, then during pregnancy, on flights and long journeys by bus or train, during exercise, it is better for him to wear compression stockings or wrap his legs with an elastic bandage.

When to the doctor?

Contacting a doctor for varicose veins should be done as soon as possible. The further the disease has progressed at this point, the less likely it is that the patient will be completely cured. Ideally, if a person visits the clinic at the time of detecting the first signs: a feeling of heaviness in the legs, flying pains when standing for a long time, swelling.