Varicose veins are one of the most common vascular pathologies. Every third woman and every fifth representative of the strong half of the world community faces such a problem.
This is a chronic disease characterized by a violation of blood flow, which increases the pressure on the veins. Blood vessels are equipped with valves that allow blood to flow only upwards so that it does not stagnate in the lower extremities. When the valves are disturbed, the blood flow becomes chaotic, after which varicose veins develop on the legs and treatment in this case should be carried out immediately.
In the absence of timely treatment of the disease, complications often develop, thrombophlebitis is diagnosed. There may even be a risk of death. How to prevent the deterioration of the blood vessels of the lower extremities, the formation of knots on them, as well as prevent a dangerous disease, the article will tell.
Why do varicose veins appear?
Varicose veins on the legs occur for several reasons. They are not only a cosmetic defect, but also indicate serious problems with blood flow. Factors that determine the development of varicose veins include:
- excess body weight, which increases the load on the veins of the lower extremities;
- addiction to bad habits, such as smoking, taking alcoholic beverages, drugs of natural and artificial origin;
- heavy physical work, causing heavy loads on the legs;
- an abundance of tasty, junk food;
- high frequency of stressful situations;
- genetic predisposition;
- hypodynamia, which creates favorable conditions for stagnation in the vascular system and deterioration of blood circulation in the patient's body;
- weak leg muscle frame, caused by a lack of desire to regularly perform gymnastic exercises and activate the work of muscle fibers;
- thin vessel walls.
Such reasons create favorable conditions for the expansion of large blood vessels of the lower extremities, the appearance of noticeable swollen nodes on them.
Who needs prevention of varicose veins and why?
Prevention refers to an effective and efficient way of preventing varicose veins. There are different categories of people at risk:
- women who have passed the age limit of 30 and are in menopause;
- gourmets and lovers of sweets, fatty foods, which leads to excess weight;
- representatives of professions associated with prolonged standing, sitting on a chair in one position or moving weights;
- athletes whose main load falls on the legs: weight lifters, runners, skaters, cyclists, rowers;
- fashionistas who prefer to create their modern, attractive look with high-heeled shoes, tight, tight clothes;
- people who lead an inactive lifestyle;
Pregnant women are also at risk and may have the problem of swollen leg veins. The increased content of hormones in their body, the development of the fetus leads to an increase in the volume of blood that is transported through the venous vessels. Prevention of the disease will help to avoid its development after childbirth. Timely prevention of varicose veins can significantly improve the condition of the veins on the legs, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, normalize blood circulation, avoid the appearance of ugly nodes and the formation of blood clots. A difficult course of the disease, for the treatment of which urgent surgical operation is necessary, can be avoided.
How to prevent varicose veins?
Varicose vein prevention implies a lifestyle change and a series of activities that should become a habit for potential phlebologist patients. To avoid the development of dangerous vascular disease, you should:
- exclude flour, sweet food from the diet;
- limit the use of salt, smoked meat, alcoholic beverages, coffee, strong meat soups;
- lead an active lifestyle;
- carry out industrial gymnastics at workplaces associated with prolonged standing and sitting;
- prevent lifting of weights that exceed the permitted norms;
- they consume a sufficient amount of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements;
- wear, at the first signs of varicose veins, compression underwear, the elasticity class of which is determined by a phlebologist;
- stop smoking, visiting baths, saunas;
- regularly attend gyms, fitness centers, swimming pools, swim, water aerobics, which are considered the best activities for the prevention of varicose veins;
- perform exercises recommended for improving blood circulation and available for home use;
- apply traditional medicine recipes to improve the condition of the veins on the legs.
Application of such simple recommendations is guaranteed to help eliminate the risk of developing a dangerous disease and the appearance of its characteristic signs.
Useful exercises for the prevention of expansion, deformation of the veins on the legs
Performing simple exercises for the prevention of vascular pathology of the lower extremities improves blood circulation in body tissues, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, removes congestion and prevents varicose veins. This includes:
- Lifting the legs in a lying position on the floor and pulling the toes towards you, at least 10 times.
- Performing the "birch" exercise in 5 series holding the pelvis for 15-20 seconds.
- Lifting the legs while lying on the floor and performing circular movements with the feet in one direction, on the other side 10-15 times.
- Lifting socks, heels of knees, at least 10 times with each leg, sitting on a chair.
- Sip, standing on your toes, increasing the number of repetitions 10-20 times.
- Move your heels back and forth 15 times with each leg from a seated position on a chair.
Recipes of traditional medicine for improving the condition of blood vessels
In order for the veins on the legs to always be healthy, fans of alternative medicine recommend the use of baths, lotions, rubs, compresses prepared according to the recipes of traditional medicine. The effectiveness of these methods has not been proven, so it is better to consult a doctor before using them. These methods include:
- rubbing problem areas with cooled parsley soup with the addition of a few drops of rose oil;
- applying green tomatoes, cut in half, to the inflamed veins on the legs, until a burning sensation appears;
- poultice made of calendula decoction, prepared from the flowers of the medicinal plant and water in a ratio of 1: 4;
- fat, consisting of 1 raw egg yolk, 1 tbsp. l. honey and 1 tbsp. l. of vodka and should be applied to inflamed veins for several hours.
Remember, varicose veins are easier to prevent than to treat!