Treatment methods for varicose veins differ in the intensity of their impact on the pathological problem and their effect on the human body as a whole. Varicose veins are swelling of subcutaneous veins with a sharp blood circulation disorder. Venous plexuses in the affected area become twisted and acquire a bluish tint.
Compression jersey
Shapewear is an integral part of therapy for varicose veins at any stage. In the early stages of the development of the pathology, compression stockings can stop the progression of the disease and restore the former beauty of the legs.
There are several types of knitwear:
- knee socks, stockings, socks;
- elastic bandages.
All of them are classified according to compression ratio, production material and manufacturer. Considering that therapeutic underwear must be worn regularly, it is better if the type of compression is chosen by a doctor. Compression stockings and tights can be worn for prevention, especially if there is an increased risk of developing varicose veins.
medications
Conservative treatment refers to non-invasive corrective methods. The average course is 2-3 months. During therapy, swelling and inflammation are reduced and venous distension is reduced. It is important to combine local and systemic treatment with compression stockings. Drug correction allows you to remove varicose veins on the hands and legs due to the possibility of a systemic effect on the body.
PILL
Tablets are widely used in complex therapy. In addition to tablets, systemic treatment may include injections and capsules. Effective and well-known drugs are:
- blood thinners;
- anti-inflammatory;
- phlebotonics.
Local therapy
As local means for varicose veins, ointments, liniments and gels are used for application on the surface of the skin. Topical medications are suitable for use in home therapy. Medicines relieve swelling and burning in the area of venous extension, reduce cyanosis and relieve pain.
The following well-known drugs are distinguished:
- based on glycosaminoglycan;
- based on natural ingredients (horse chestnut, sweet clover, butcher's broom);
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- hormonal.
Leech treatment
Hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches) in phlebological practice is fully justified. The positive effect of the therapy is due to the following positive aspects:
- elimination of tissue swelling;
- blood thinning;
- prevention of thrombosis;
- pain reduction;
- strengthening of vascular walls.
Conducting venosclerosis therapy
A common method for treating varicose veins, used in the early stages of the disease. The effect of the procedure is visible after 1-3 sessions. There are two fundamentally different options for sclerotherapy.
Drilling method
It is a treatment by injecting veins into the affected area. In some situations, patients may be prescribed IV. The following drugs are used for intravenous administration:
- platelet disaggregators (for blood thinning);
- thrombolytic agents (dissolving existing blood clots);
- drugs for improving blood microcirculation.
For severe forms of varicose veins, a synthetic analog of natural prostaglandin E is used.1. Not all patients require puncture and injection treatment. The suitability of the method is prescribed by the doctor.
Radiofrequency ablation
The method was borrowed from cardiac surgery, where it is still used successfully to improve heart rhythms in affected areas of the heart. Radiofrequency ablation literally means vaporizing a substance. The method is based on the use of current with a strength of up to 750 kHz. Current is delivered to the venous lumen using catheterization. Under the influence of the current at a temperature of 120 ºС, the walls of the vessels stick together.
Obliteration differs from classic sclerotherapy in that no special adhesives need to be inserted.
Surgical correction
Surgical treatment is a radical method of treating varicose veins if conservative therapy is ineffective and the pathology progresses rapidly in healthy areas of the lower extremities.
The following methods are used for the complete restoration of the affected veins:
Phlebectomy. Surgery to remove damaged veins. Duration - about 1. 5 hours, performed under general anesthesia. The recovery period can last up to 3 months. After surgery, there is a risk of permanent scars.Electrocoagulation. The method is based on the removal of tissue with the evaporation of moisture under the influence of direct currents. The effectiveness of the method depends on the depth of exposure to high-frequency currents. Coagulation is used in the treatment of blood vessels, warts, hemorrhoids and papillomas.Cryosurgical treatment. It is a widely used treatment method. The treatment is based on the effect of high temperatures on the affected veins. Under the influence of cold, the organism begins to protect itself, which is expressed by the activation of regenerative processes in damaged tissues. To achieve better results, 3-5 sessions will be needed. It is used for reticular varicose veins (stage I), as well as for venous diseases of the 2nd and 3rd degree.Scleroobliteration. A simple and effective procedure involving the puncture of varicose veins. At the site of injury, a breakdown occurs in the endothelial layer and fibrous tissue is formed. With proper compression, the damaged and fibrotic vessel walls grow together and the vascular lumen is completely closed. The procedure consists of 5-7 courses, but after the treatment the chances of the complete disappearance of the affected veins increase significantly.Performing endoscopic dissection. The method is one of the types of subfascial connection. In other words, the affected veins are ligated (cut) using endoscopic instruments from a remote surgical approach. After the procedure, no marks or scars remained.Laser treatment. An effective, very precise and safe method for removing affected veins. The entire treatment consists of local heating of the venous walls and their subsequent sclerosis. The advantage of the method is that only one procedure is required.
The innovative treatment can be used to treat varicose veins in children with obesity and endocrine disorders.
Traditional methods
There are several recipes that are used to improve the general trophism of tissues and blood vessels:
- essential oils;
- apple cider vinegar;
- applications for raw potatoes;
- aloe juice for ulcerative formations;
- cabbage leaves;
- apitherapy – treatment with bee products.
It is possible to use drugs to increase immunity and increase vascular elasticity. Official medicine does not recognize such drugs as therapeutic and effective.
Way of life
In the absence of varicose veins, a number of recommendations should be followed to prevent the disease. If you have varicose veins, changing your lifestyle and following your doctor's instructions will reduce the risk of the pathology spreading to healthy veins:
- active lifestyle;
- elimination of bad habits;
- charging while standing for long periods of time;
- wearing comfortable shoes (you can alternate heels with wedges several times a day);
- a balanced diet to prevent constipation;
- weight correction with increasing body mass index;
- compliance with the drinking regime;
- regular exercises for the treatment of varicose veins.
Varicose veins, when they progress and without adequate therapy, can be dangerous due to the risk of blood clots, trophic ulcers, and even gangrene. Varicose veins often coexist with diabetes mellitus, so when the first symptoms of the pathology appear, it would be good to visit an endocrinologist and rule out various hormonal disorders.