In the modern world, a large percentage of the population suffers from varicose veins.This pathology was included in the list of “diseases of civilization” by the World Health Organization.The disease is more common in women due to lifestyle and genetic predisposition.The disease affects not only the elderly, but also young people.For varicose veins, contraindications and restrictions are quite extensive, non-compliance with which can lead to serious consequences.
When the first signs of varicose veins appear, you must be examined by a surgeon and strictly follow his instructions.There is no need to treat yourself, this can lead to irreversible changes.
Degrees
Varicose veins of the lower extremities appear gradually.There are 3 degrees.
Compensation stage.The legs become swollen and tense, especially after walking or standing for a long time.Possible burning and pain in the vessels of the lower extremities and cramps in the calf muscles.Later, a small vascular network appears, manifested as “stars”.It is advisable to minimize a sedentary lifestyle and engage in preventive exercises.
Women should avoid wearing high-heeled shoes.
Subcompensated stage.At this stage, the pain in the legs intensifies, cramps and swelling become more intense.The veins become even more noticeable, swelling to nodes with a bluish tint;the wall becomes thinner and the vessel may burst.The skin peels and itches in the affected area.It is impossible to comb the localized area, this can lead to microtrauma.It is better to avoid tight underwear and tight clothing.You should refrain from intense sports and heavy lifting!
Stage of decompensation.This phase is characterized by difficulty in the outflow of blood from the veins, which leads to severe swelling in the lower extremities.Long-lasting trophic ulcers and eczema may appear.This stage is often accompanied by inflammation and thrombosis of blood vessels.If the lumen is blocked by a thrombus, surgical intervention is required.During the decompensation stage, wearing compression garments is mandatory.Intense physical activity should be avoided.
Restrictions
In case of pain, the patient, if he is overweight, needs to lose weight.A diet is necessary to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood, which clogs the lumens of blood vessels and provokes the appearance of blood clots in them.
If you have the first signs of varicose veins - itching, burning, numbness in the muscles, you need to give up alcohol and reduce salt intake.These products contribute to the formation of lipoproteins on the walls of blood vessels and the development of atherosclerosis.
For varicose veins, it is recommended to choose comfortable, “correct” shoes.Wearing shoes that are too tight, especially high heels, contributes to congestion in the legs.
An orthopedic doctor will help you choose orthopedic insoles and recommend compression garments and special stockings.
If the integrity of the skin is compromised, hirudotherapy, acupuncture and physiotherapy are contraindicated.
Contraindicated procedures
For varicose veins, hot baths are not recommended; it is better not to visit baths and saunas.
In the initial phase of varicose veins, you can take a contrast shower and do foot baths.
At an advanced stage of the disease, you cannot do massages, especially cupping and honey.Wraps with various cosmetic preparations are prohibited.
Hair removal on the legs is possible in the absence of eczema and ulcers, but sugaring and wax strips should be excluded.
Warming compresses are contraindicated; they can aggravate trophic ulcers or cause allergies.
Prolonged exposure to the sun and solarium are extremely undesirable.Tattoos should not be placed on the affected areas of the body, especially if the integrity of the dermis is damaged; this can lead to serious complications.
In the stage of decompensation, warming physiotherapeutic procedures are not prescribed.Magnetic therapy and darsonvalization help in the initial stages.
Prohibited drugs
Women with varicose veins should not take hormonal birth control pills.They contribute to blood thickening and there is a risk of blood clots.
You should not take diuretics or other drugs that help remove excess fluid from the body; this can negatively affect the metabolic process.
Taking any medications must be agreed with your doctor.
Physical activity
For mild varicose veins, non-intense physical activity is recommended.Hiking and cycling, swimming, yoga and qigong exercises are useful.
If there is no bulging of blood vessels, you can practice callanetics and stretching.
In advanced cases of pathology, the following is strictly contraindicated:
- long-term static load;
- lifting weights over 5 kg, weightlifting and wrestling;
- outdoor sports games, such as football or volleyball;
- mountaineering and hiking;
- professional dance classes;
- fast running, especially over long distances;
- parachuting;
- stepaerobics.
Prohibited Products
It is vital for a person suffering from varicose veins to adhere to correct eating habits.
Exclude:
- fatty foods;
- pickles;
- smoked meats;
- marinades;
- canned food
Do not consume sweets, flour and butter products, products with a high content of palm oil.These foods provoke the occurrence of atherosclerosis.
The diet of a patient with venous disease should not include fast food, processed foods, carbonated drinks, coffee and strong brewed tea.
It is better to limit salt and hot or too spicy spices, celery and mint.
Dietary recommendations
With varicose veins, a sick person needs to eat small portions, but often, up to five times a day.It is especially important for overweight people to monitor their diet.Due to excess weight, they run the risk of thrombophlebitis with subsequent embolism of blood vessels.
Products should be subjected to gentle heat treatment, preferring baking, steaming and boiling.Smoking and frying food should be avoided.
A patient with varicose veins should drink the required amount of fluid per day, about 2.5 liters.If the drinking regime is not followed, the blood thickens and blood clots can form.
General recommendations
To improve the quality of life, a person suffering from venous insufficiency must adhere to certain rules:
- with advanced varicose veins, heavy physical activity is prohibited;
- sit and stand less, move more.If a person works while sitting, periodically get up and stretch;
- eliminate constipation, which leads to congestion in the pelvic organs;
- eat properly and fully, eat fresh vegetables and fruits to obtain the necessary microelements and minerals;
- if there is congestion in the lower extremities, it is necessary to wear compression garments;
- giving up alcohol, even in small quantities, and smoking.These bad habits lead to sclerosis of the lumen of the veins;
- taking anticoagulants as prescribed by a doctor;
- full sleep, at least 8 hours;
- elevated position of the legs while lying down;
- preventive gymnastics.
You can alleviate the symptoms of the disease with the help of tinctures based on horse chestnut, angioprotective and cooling ointments, and painkillers.To improve blood circulation, the necessary medications, vitamins C, E and P, and antispasmodics are used.
At the first signs of pathology, you should contact a surgeon or phlebologist.Self-treatment is completely unacceptable.
The use of pain-relieving ointments and tablets briefly alleviates a person’s condition, but does not cure it.Only a specialist can assess the extent of the disease and refer the patient for the necessary tests and diagnostic procedures.Based on the examination results, adequate therapy is prescribed.
In case of vein rupture or thromboembolism, surgical intervention is indicated, which cannot be delayed, becausethese conditions are life-threatening for the patient.