What are varicose veins (VV)?
Blood flows through the veins of the legs from the bottom up, overcoming the force of gravity.Valves help them in this.For various reasons, the valve apparatus may not work and blood flow is impaired.Blood then begins to stagnate in the veins, causing the vein walls to stretch and nodules to form.
Signs of varicose veins
veins curl and protrude above the surface of the skin
pain in the legs
heaviness in the legs
burning sensation in the veins
night cramps
varicose veins
pigmentation and thickening of the skin
Causes of varicose veins
Who most often suffers from varicose veins?
Of the 100% of people suffering from varicose veins, 30% are women in adulthood, 50% have given birth and 25% are men over forty.In addition, the risk of the disease occurs after twenty years.However, despite these depressing statistics, there are quite simple effective ways to prevent varicose veins that we would like to talk about.First, let's list a few causes of varicose veins that will help you determine if you are at risk.
Heredity
The first and most important factor leading to varicose veins is heredity.In 70 percent of cases, the disease passes from mother to daughter.So try to find out if your grandmother and mother suffered from varicose veins, maybe someone even had an operation for it.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 danger point can be hormonal changes in the body (say, taking certain hormonal drugs).Endocrine changes and increased body weight also have a bad effect on the work of the valvular apparatus.This may be why pregnant women are at particular risk.
Regular overheating
High ambient temperatures can also lead to varicose veins - this becomes an additional burden on the veins.Therefore, too hot baths, saunas and exposure to the sun for more than 40 minutes are undesirable.
Uncomfortable shoes
You're also at risk if you wear high heels all the time (although completely flat soles aren't very good for your feet either).High-heeled shoes cause constant muscle tension and increase the load on the leg veins.A current 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 you smoke pose a risk, but there is definitely a link between varicose veins and smoking.
How are varicose veins treated?
Do not delay the treatment of varicose veins.A timely visit to the doctor will help detect signs of varicose veins at a very early stage.There are several modern methods for examining varicose veins, most of which are absolutely painless and safe.This is primarily an ultrasound examination (doppler).It shows the condition of the veins, the mass of circulating blood and the speed of circulation.
Preventing varicose veins at home is not that difficult, but in order for prevention to work, most of the recommendations of 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 lower leg muscles contract evenly and intensively.Competitive walking, running, cycling, skiing, horse riding, dancing are all very good for your feet.Remember: whatever sport you choose, your shoes should be loose and comfortable.The best sport for varicose veins is swimming: there is no pressure on the veins, they are like in weightlessness.A very affordable but effective way of prevention is walking.Even fifteen minutes a day will give positive results.
If you decide to train in the gym, follow a few basic rules:
Prefer 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 do sports, do not overdo it - the load will be useful when it gives pleasure, and the strength will benefit you for more pleasant things.When choosing a sport, remember that not every load is suitable for varicose veins.
Tennis, bodybuilding, volleyball and ice skating are not very useful for varicose veins - those sports that require sudden movements.They can not only not be useful, but even harm health.Even if you don't have time for regular exercise, don't despair.
There are simple exercises for the legs that do not require much effort, but are an excellent way to improve blood circulation.
It is especially recommended to do exercises for those who, due to their profession, are forced to spend a lot of time sitting or standing.Walk by rolling your foot from heel to toe.Then rise on your toes 20-30 times.Do several squats, during which you transfer the weight to the edges of the feet.
If you have to sit a lot, you can stretch your legs from time to time in the following way: lift your knees and move your legs back and forth, rotate your legs clockwise and back.Then bend and stretch your fingers until you feel a slight tension.Change your position more often and try to get rid of the habit of sitting with your legs crossed - this will squeeze the veins and, as a result, worsen blood circulation.
Take care of your feet
We are used to paying special attention to our face, but our feet also require 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 jet 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 lukewarm water and then apply the cream.These procedures relieve swelling, improve nutrition and blood circulation.After applying the mask, your legs should be elevated.
Try to make it a habit - when you relax, watch TV, it is better to keep your legs in an elevated position.Ideally, they will be located above the level of the heart.Doctors advise placing a pillow under your feet even at night.
Among folk remedies, there is a time-tested method for preventing varicose veins.Take a thick block of wood (an ordinary wax candle will do), place one leg on a chair, and then, pressing lightly on the skin, rotate it from the foot to the knee.Do the exercises with the other leg as well.This exercise is very useful for strengthening the blood vessels.You can help your feet relax after a hard day with an easy massage.Massage each toe, roll a rubber ball - "hedgehog" - on the floor with your foot.Even a few minutes of such exercises will perfectly restore blood circulation.
Watch your diet
Nutrition should be rational, since, as already mentioned, fluctuations in weight negatively affect the condition of the legs.The basic rule: a maximum of vegetables and fruits, a minimum of salty, fatty and smoked foods.Try to replace animal fats with vegetable fats, as they contain acids that improve blood flow.Eat more fiber - its benefits are proven by the fact that in eastern countries, where fiber is a staple food, varicose veins are practically non-existent.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 walnuts, 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 coffee consumption to one cup a day, as this drink is not harmless to blood vessels.
Dress appropriately
High-heeled shoes, as well as narrow shoes that press the foot or lower leg, have an adverse effect on the condition of the veins.Leave the narrow shoes for formal occasions, and for every day choose loose shoes with a small heel.If you notice symptoms of varicose veins, it is better to avoid tight clothing altogether, especially socks and stockings with thick elastic bands.
For both prevention and treatment of varicose veins, doctors recommend wearing special compression hosiery.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 unattractive bandaged legs have passed and today compression therapy uses massage socks and tights.Such products are much more convenient and practical, while not spoiling the appearance.They look like regular women's pantyhose or knee socks, but they are very tight in certain places.
It is recommended to wear elastic socks in the morning without getting out of bed, raising your leg at an angle of forty degrees.
Then the socks will be able to maintain the veins in a physiological state and ensure the flow of blood to the heart.Such products are sold in pharmacies and are worn for at least six months.
To the above, it is worth adding that varicose veins are not only an aesthetic problem, but also a serious disease, ignoring which can lead to complications.Therefore, you should seek professional help as soon as the first doubts appear, and the beauty of healthy feet will be a pleasant addition to your good health.