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 get stuck in the lower extremities. When the valves are disturbed, the blood flow becomes chaotic, after which the development of varicose veins in the legs occurs, and treatment in this case must 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 condition of the blood vessels of the lower extremities, the formation of nodes on them, as well as to prevent a dangerous disease, the article will tell.
Why do varicose veins appear?
Varicose veins in the legs occur for a number of 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 delicious and unhealthy foods;
- 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 muscle frame of the legs, caused by the 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 the large blood vessels of the lower extremities, the appearance of visible swollen nodes on them.
Who needs varicose vein prevention and why?
Prevention refers to an effective and efficient way to prevent varicose veins. There are different categories of people at risk:
- women who have crossed the 30-year mark and are in menopause;
- gourmets and lovers of sweets, fatty foods, which leads to extra pounds;
- representatives of professions related to prolonged standing, sitting in a chair in one position or moving weights;
- athletes whose main load falls on their feet: weightlifters, runners, skaters, cyclists, rowers;
- fashionistas who prefer to create their elegant, attractive looks with high-heeled shoes, tight and tight clothes;
- people who lead an inactive lifestyle;
Pregnant women are also at risk and may experience the problem of swollen leg veins. The increase in the content of hormones in their body, the development of the fetus leads to an increase in the volume of blood transported through the venous vessels. Prevention of the disease will help to avoid its development after birth. Timely prevention of varicose veins can significantly improve the condition of the veins in the legs, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, normalize blood circulation, avoid the appearance of ugly joints and the formation of blood clots. A serious course of the disease, for the treatment of which an urgent surgical operation is needed, can be avoided.
How to prevent varicose veins?
Prevention of varicose veins involves a change in lifestyle and the implementation of a series of activities that should become a habit for potential patients of phlebologists. To avoid the development of a dangerous vascular disease, you must:
- exclude flour, sweet foods from the diet;
- limit the use of salt, smoked meat, alcoholic beverages, coffee, strong meat juices;
- to live an active lifestyle;
- to perform industrial gymnastics in workplaces associated with prolonged standing, sitting;
- to prevent the lifting of weights that exceed the permitted rates;
- consume a sufficient amount of vitamins, minerals, trace elements;
- wear, at the first signs of varicose veins, compression underwear, the elasticity class of which is determined by a phlebologist;
- stop smoking, visit baths, saunas;
- regularly attend gyms, fitness centers, swimming pools, swim, water aerobics, which are considered the best activities for preventing varicose veins;
- perform exercises recommended to improve blood circulation and available for use at home;
- apply the recipes of traditional medicine to improve the condition of the venous vessels in the legs.
The implementation 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 preventing the expansion and deformation of veins in 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, eliminates congestion and prevents varicose veins. This includes:
- Lifting the legs up in a lying position on the floor and pulling the toes towards you, at least 10 times.
- Performing the exercise "birch" in 5 groups holding the pelvis for 15-20 seconds.
- Lifting the legs up while lying on the floor and performing circular movements with the legs in one direction, on the other side 10-15 times.
- Raising the socks, the heels of the knees, at least 10 times with each leg, sitting on a chair.
- Sipping, standing on the toes, with the number of repetitions 10-20 times.
- Move the heels forward, backward 15 times with each leg from a sitting position on a chair.
Recipes of traditional medicine to improve the condition of blood vessels
To keep leg veins always healthy, fans of alternative medicine recommend the use of baths, creams, rubbing, compresses prepared according to traditional medicine recipes. The effectiveness of these methods has not been proven and 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 to the inflamed veins on the legs green tomatoes, cut in half, until a burning sensation appears;
- a compress from a decoction of calendula, prepared from the flowers of a medicinal plant and water in a ratio of 1: 4;
- ointment, which consists of 1 raw egg yolk, 1 tbsp. l. honey and 1 tbsp. l. vodka and should be applied to the inflamed veins for several hours.
Remember, varicose veins are easier to prevent than to treat!