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 this problem.
This is a chronic disease characterized by a violation of blood flow, which increases pressure in 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 the development of varicose veins in the legs occurs, 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 condition of blood vessels of the lower extremities, the formation of knots in them, as well as prevent a dangerous disease, the article will tell.
Why do varicose veins appear?
Enlarged veins in the legs occur for a variety of reasons. They are not only a cosmetic defect, but also indicate serious problems with the outflow of blood. 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, drinking alcohol, drugs of natural and artificial origin;
- heavy physical work, causing heavy loads on the legs;
- an abundance of tasty and unhealthy 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 muscle structure of the legs, 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 knots in 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 passed the 30-year mark and are in menopause;
- gourmets and lovers of sweets, fatty foods, which lead to extra pounds;
- representatives of professions associated with prolonged standing, sitting in a chair in one position, or moving weights;
- athletes whose main load is on the legs: weight lifters, runners, skaters, cyclists, rowers;
- fashionistas who prefer to create their elegant and eye-catching looks with high heels, tight, tight clothes;
- people who lead an inactive lifestyle;
Pregnant women are also at risk and may have the problem of swollen veins in their legs. As the content of hormones in your body increases, the developing fetus leads to an increase in the volume of blood carried by the venous vessels. Prevention of the disease will help to prevent its development after childbirth. 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, prevent the appearance of ugly knots and the formation of blood clots. A serious course of the disease, for which an urgent surgical operation is required, 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 prevent the development of a dangerous vascular disease, you must:
- exclude flour, sweet foods from the diet;
- limit the use of salt, smoked meats, alcoholic beverages, coffee, strong meat broths;
- live an active lifestyle;
- perform industrial gymnastics in workplaces associated with prolonged standing, sitting;
- prevent the lifting of weights that exceed the permitted standards;
- consume a sufficient amount of vitamins, minerals, trace elements;
- use, at the first signs of varicose veins, compression underwear, whose elasticity class is determined by a phlebologist;
- stop smoking, visit baths, saunas;
- regularly attend gyms, gyms, swimming pools, practice swimming, water aerobics, which are considered the best activities for the prevention of varicose veins;
- perform exercises recommended to improve blood circulation and available for home use;
- apply traditional medicine recipes to improve the condition of 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 the prevention of expansion, deformation of veins in the legs
Performing simple exercises for the prevention of vascular pathology of the lower extremities improves blood circulation in the tissues of the body, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, eliminates congestion and prevents varicose veins. These include:
- Raise your legs in a prone position on the floor and pull your toes towards you at least 10 times.
- Performing the "birch" exercise in 5 sets while holding the pelvis for 15 to 20 seconds.
- Raise your legs lying on the floor and perform circular movements with your feet in one direction, the other side 10-15 times.
- Lift socks, heels from knees, at least 10 times with each leg, sitting on a chair.
- Drinking, standing on tiptoe, with the number of repetitions 10-20 times.
- Move your heels back and forth 15 times with each foot from a sitting position on a chair.
Traditional medicine recipes to improve the condition of blood vessels
To keep the veins of the legs always healthy, lovers of alternative medicine recommend the use of baths, lotions, rubs, compresses prepared according to traditional medicine recipes. The effectiveness of these methods has not been proven, and it is best to consult a doctor before using them. These methods include:
- rub the problem areas with cooled parsley broth with the addition of a few drops of rose oil;
- apply to the inflamed veins on the legs of green tomatoes, cut in half, until a burning sensation appears;
- a compress of 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. I. honey and 1 tbsp. I. vodka and should be applied to the inflamed veins for several hours.
Remember, varicose veins are easier to prevent than to treat!