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 that is characterized by a violation of the outflow of blood, which increases the pressure on the veins. The 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 on 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 the blood vessels of the lower extremities, the formation of knots on them, as well as to prevent a dangerous disease, the article will tell.
Why does varicose veins appear?
Enlarged veins in the legs occur for a number of reasons. They are not only a cosmetic defect, but also indicate serious problems with the outflow of blood. The 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 labor, causing heavy loads on the legs;
- an abundance of tasty, 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 muscular frame of the legs, caused by a lack of desire to regularly carry out 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 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 the menopause;
- gourmets and lovers of sweets, fatty foods, which leads to extra pounds;
- representatives of professions associated with prolonged standing, sitting on a chair in one position or moving heavy objects;
- athletes whose main load falls on their legs: weightlifters, runners, skaters, cyclists, rowers;
- fashionistas who prefer to create their stylish, attractive looks with high-heeled shoes, tight, tight clothes;
- people leading an inactive lifestyle;
Pregnant women are also at risk and may experience swelling of the veins in their legs. The increased 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 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, avoid the appearance of ugly knots, and the formation of blood clots. A severe course of the disease, for the treatment of which an urgent surgical operation is necessary, can be avoided.
How to prevent varicose veins?
Prevention of varicose veins involves a change in lifestyle and the implementation of a number of activities that should become a habit for potential patients of phlebologists. To avoid the development of a dangerous vascular disease, you should:
- exclude flour, sweet foods from the diet;
- limit the use of salt, smoked meats, alcoholic beverages, coffee, strong meat broths;
- to live an active lifestyle;
- conduct industrial gymnastics at workplaces associated with prolonged standing, sitting;
- to prevent the lifting of weights exceeding the permissible norms;
- 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, visiting baths, saunas;
- regularly attend gyms, fitness centers, swimming pools, go in for 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 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 the prevention of expansion, deformation of the 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. These include:
- Raising the legs up in a prone position on the floor and pulling the toes of the foot towards you, at least 10 times.
- Performing the "birch" exercise in 5 sets while holding the pelvis for 15-20 seconds.
- Raising the legs up while lying on the floor and performing circular movements with the feet in one direction, the other side 10-15 times.
- Raising socks, heels of the knees, at least 10 times with each leg, sitting on a chair.
- Sipping, standing on toes, up with the number of repetitions 10-20 times.
- Move the heels forward, backward 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 in the legs always healthy, lovers of alternative medicine recommend using baths, lotions, 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 chilled parsley broth with the addition of a few drops of rose oil;
- applying to the inflamed veins on the legs of 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 inflamed veins for several hours.
Remember, varicose veins are easier to prevent than to treat!