What are varicose veins (VV)?
Blood flows in the veins of the legs from bottom to top, overcoming the force of gravity.Valves help them with this.For various reasons, the valve apparatus may not work properly and the outflow of blood is interrupted.Then the blood begins to stagnate in the veins, which leads to stretching of the walls of the veins and the formation of knots.
Signs of varicose veins
the veins twist and protrude above the surface of the skin
leg pain
heaviness in the legs
burning sensation along the veins
nocturnal cramps
dilated veins
pigmentation and thickening of the skin
Causes of varicose veins
Who suffers most often from varicose veins?
Of the 100% of people who suffer from varicose veins, 30% are women of advanced age, 50% have given birth, and 25% are men over the age of forty.In addition, the risk of the disease arises after twenty years.However, despite such depressing statistics, there are quite simple and effective ways to prevent varicose veins, which we would like to talk about.First, we list some causes of varicose veins that will help you determine if you are at risk.
Inheritance
The first and most important factor leading to varicose veins is heredity.In 70% of cases the disease passes from mother to daughter.Therefore, try to find out if your grandmother and mother suffered from varicose veins, perhaps someone even underwent surgery for this.If a genetic predisposition to the disease is revealed, you should think seriously before choosing the profession of a hairdresser, teacher or flight attendant.
Working conditions
The fact is that the second risk factor is prolonged standing, as well as sedentary and physically demanding work.
Hormonal changes
The next dangerous point may be hormonal changes in the body (for example, taking certain hormonal drugs).Endocrine changes and increased body weight also have a negative effect on the functioning of the valve system.This may be why pregnant women are particularly at risk.
Regular overheating
High ambient temperatures can also lead to the appearance of varicose veins: this becomes an additional load for the veins.Therefore, excessively hot baths, saunas and sun exposure for more than 40 minutes are not desirable.
Uncomfortable shoes
You are also at risk if you always wear high-heeled shoes (although even completely flat soles are not good for your feet).High-heeled shoes cause the muscles to be constantly tense and increase the load on the veins of the legs.A heel of 5 centimeters or more is considered high, and 2-3 centimeters is optimal.One last thing worth mentioning is smoking.It's hard to say exactly how many cigarettes pose a risk, but there is definitely a connection between varicose veins and smoking.
How to treat varicose veins
Do not delay treatment of varicose veins.A timely visit to the doctor will help detect signs of varicose veins in the very early stages.There are several modern methods of examining varicose veins, most of which are absolutely painless and safe.This is mainly an ultrasound examination (Dopplerography).It shows the state of the veins, the mass of circulating blood and the speed of circulation.
Preventing varicose veins at home is not so difficult, but for prevention to give results, most of the recommendations given by doctors must become a habit.
Do sports
The first thing that all doctors recommend, without exception, is exercise.It is better to choose a sport in which the muscles of the lower legs contract evenly and intensely.Walking, running, cycling, skiing, horse riding and dancing are very good for your legs.Don't forget: whatever sport you choose, your shoes should be wide and comfortable.The best sport for varicose veins is swimming: there is no pressure on the veins, they are like in the absence of gravity.A very convenient but effective way of prevention is walking.Even fifteen minutes a day will produce positive results.
If you choose to train in the gym, follow some fundamental rules:
Give preference to exercises without weights or with minimal weights (up to 1 kg).
Increase the number of repetitions, not the weight of the projectile.
Perform exercises on specific muscle groups at different times and alternate training days with rest days.
Wherever you train, don't overdo it: the load will be useful when it gives pleasure, and the strength will be useful for more pleasant things.When choosing a sport, remember that no load is suitable for varicose veins.
Tennis, bodybuilding, volleyball and skating are not very good for varicose veins, those sports that require sudden movements.Not only can they not be useful, but they can also cause harm to your health.Even if you don't have time to exercise regularly, don't despair.
There are simple leg exercises that don't require much effort, but are a great way to improve blood circulation.
Performing the exercises is particularly recommended for those who, due to their occupation, are forced to spend a lot of time sitting or standing.Walk by rolling your foot from heel to toe.Then stand on tiptoe 20-30 times.Perform several squats, during which you transfer your weight to the edges of your feet.
If you have to sit a lot, you can stretch your legs from time to time like this: raise your knees and move your feet back and forth, rotate your feet clockwise and back.Then bend and straighten your fingers until you feel a slight tension.Change your position more often and try to get rid of the habit of sitting cross-legged - this will compress the veins and, as a result, impair blood circulation.
Take care of your feet
We are used to paying special attention to our face, but our feet also need care.In the morning, rinse them up to the ankles with cold water from the shower for a few minutes.It is desirable that the flow is stronger.
Several times a week it is recommended to apply a mud mask to your feet for 20 minutes.Rinse off the mask with cold water and then apply the cream.These procedures relieve swelling, improve nutrition and blood circulation.After applying the mask, the legs should be kept raised.
Try to make it a habit: when relaxing, watching TV, it is better to keep your legs in an elevated position.Ideally, they will be positioned above the level of the heart.Doctors recommend placing a pillow under your feet even at night.
Among folk remedies there is a time-tested method of preventing varicose veins.Take a block of thick wood (an ordinary wax candle will do), place one foot on a chair and then, pressing lightly on the skin, roll it from the foot to the knee.Perform the exercises with the second leg as well.This exercise is very useful for strengthening blood vessels.You can help your feet relax after a hard day with a simple massage.Massage each toe, roll a rubber ball, a "hedgehog", on the floor with your foot.Even a few minutes of such exercises will perfectly restore blood circulation.
Check your diet
Nutrition should be rational, because, as already mentioned, weight fluctuations negatively affect the condition of the legs.The basic rule: a maximum of fruits and vegetables, a minimum of salty, fatty and smoked foods.Try replacing animal fats with vegetable fats, as they contain acids that improve blood flow.Eat more fiber: its benefits are evidenced by the fact that in eastern countries, where fiber is the main food, varicose veins practically do not occur.Large amounts of fatty, fried and spicy foods change the composition of the blood, which can lead to the formation of blood clots.Alcohol also has a negative effect on the veins.
Also try to eat foods containing vitamin P. These are mainly nuts, green tea and rose hips.Foods such as sprouted wheat grains, peas, beans, green onions will enrich the veins with nutrients and make them more elastic.
If possible, you should limit your coffee consumption to one cup per day, as this drink is not harmless to blood vessels.
Dress correctly
High-heeled shoes, as well as narrow shoes that put pressure on the foot or lower leg, have a negative effect on the condition of the veins.Leave the narrow stilettos for formal occasions and for every day choose wide shoes with a small heel.If you notice symptoms of varicose veins, it is best to avoid tight clothing altogether, especially stockings and socks with tight elastic.
For both prevention and treatment of varicose veins, doctors recommend wearing special compression stockings.This creates pressure on the veins from the outside, as a result of which blood stagnation decreases and the normal size of the veins is maintained.In the past, elastic bandages were used to achieve the same effect, but fortunately the days of legs being bandaged in an unsightly way have passed and today compression therapy uses stockings and tights with a massaging effect.Such products are much more convenient and practical, while they do not spoil the appearance.They look like normal women's tights or socks, but in some places they are very tight.
It is recommended to put on elastic stockings in the morning without getting out of bed, raising the leg at an angle of forty degrees.
Then the stockings will be able to keep the veins in a physiological state and ensure the flow of blood towards the heart.Such products are sold in pharmacies and worn for at least six months.
To the above it is worth adding that varicose veins are not only a cosmetic problem, but also a serious disease, ignoring which can lead to complications.Therefore, you should seek professional help as soon as the first suspicions arise, and the beauty of healthy legs will be a pleasant addition to your good health.