Methods for treating varicose veins differ in the intensity of their impact on the pathological problem and in their effect on the human body as a whole. Varicose veins are swelling of the subcutaneous veins accompanied by an acute circulatory disorder. The venous plexuses in the affected area become tortuous and acquire a bluish tint.
Compression jersey
Shapewear is an integral part of the treatment of varicose veins at all times. At the early stages of the development of 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-highs, tights, stockings;
- elastic bandages.
All of them are classified according to the degree of compression, material of manufacture and manufacturer. Since therapeutic underwear must be worn regularly, it is best if the type of compression is chosen by a doctor. Compression stockings and tights can be worn as a preventative measure, especially if there is an increased risk of developing varicose veins.
Drugs
Conservative treatment refers to non-invasive correction methods. The average course is 2-3 months. During treatment, swelling and inflammation decrease as well as venous protrusion. It is important to combine local and systemic treatment with wearing compression stockings. Drug correction allows you to eliminate varicose veins of the hands and feet due to the possibility of a systemic effect on the body.
Pills
Tablets are widely used in complex therapy. In addition to tablets, systemic treatment may include injections and capsules. Effective and well-known drugs are:
- anti coagulants;
- anti-inflammatory;
- phlebotonics.
Local therapy
As local remedies for varicose veins, ointments, liniments and gels are used to be applied to the surface of the skin. Local drugs are convenient to use in home therapy. Medicines relieve swelling and burning in the area of venous protrusion, reduce cyanosis and relieve pain.
The following popular drugs are distinguished:
- based on glycosaminoglycan;
- based on natural ingredients (horse chestnut, sweet clover, small broom);
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- hormonal.
Treatment with leeches
Hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches) in phlebological practice is fully justified. The positive effect of therapy is due to the following positive aspects:
- elimination of tissue swelling;
- anticoagulant;
- prevention of thrombosis;
- pain reduction;
- strengthen the vascular walls.
Carry out treatment for venosclerosis
A common method of treating varicose veins, used in the early stages of the disease. The effect of the procedure is noticeable after 1-3 sessions. There are two fundamentally different options for sclerotherapy.
Puncture method
This is a treatment by injecting the veins of the affected area. In some situations, patients may be prescribed intravenous infusions. The following drugs are used for intravenous administration:
- platelet disaggregants (to thin the blood);
- thrombolytic agents (dissolving existing blood clots);
- drugs to improve blood microcirculation.
For severe forms of varicose veins, a synthetic analogue of natural prostaglandin E is used1. Not all patients need puncture and injection treatment. The expediency of the method is prescribed by the doctor.
Radiofrequency ablation
The method was borrowed from heart surgery, where it is still used successfully to improve heart rate in affected areas of the heart. Radiofrequency ablation literally means the evaporation of a substance. The method is based on the use of current with a force of up to 750 kHz. Current is delivered into the venous lumen by catheterization. Under the influence of current at a temperature of 120 ºC, the walls of the vessels stick to each other.
Obliteration differs from classic sclerotherapy in that there is no need to introduce special adhesives.
Surgical correction
Surgical treatment is a radical method of treating varicose veins if conservative treatment is ineffective and the pathology quickly progresses to healthy areas of the lower extremities.
The following methods are used for complete restoration of affected veins:
- Phlebectomy.Surgery to remove damaged veins. Duration – approximately 1. 5 hours, carried out under general anesthesia. The recovery period can last up to 3 months. After surgery, there is a risk of permanent scarring.
- Electrocoagulation.The method is based on excision of tissues by 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, hemorrhoidal diseases and papillomas.
- Cryosurgical treatment.It is a widely used treatment method. Treatment is based on the effect of high temperatures on the affected veins. Under the influence of cold, the body begins to defend itself, which results in the activation of regeneration processes in damaged tissues. To obtain the best results, 3 to 5 sessions will be necessary. It is used for reticular varicose veins (stage I), as well as venous diseases of degrees 2 and 3.
- Scleroobliteration.A simple and effective procedure which involves piercing varicose veins. At the site of injury, a disruption occurs in the endothelial layer and fibrous tissue is formed. With proper compression, the damaged and fibrous vessel walls grow together and the vascular lumen is completely closed. The procedure includes 5-7 courses, but after treatment the likelihood of complete disappearance of the affected veins increases significantly.
- Carrying out an endoscopic dissection.The method is one of the types of subfascial ligation. In other words, the affected veins are ligated (cut) using endoscopic instruments from a remote surgical approach. After the procedure, no marks or scars remain.
- Laser treatment.An effective, very precise and safe method for removing affected veins. Any treatment consists of local heating of the vein walls and their subsequent sclerosis. The advantage of this method is that only one procedure is necessary.
An innovative treatment can be used to treat varicose veins in children suffering from obesity and endocrine disorders.
Traditional methods
There are several recipes used to improve the overall trophism of tissues and blood vessels:
- essential oils;
- apple cider vinegar;
- raw potato applications;
- aloe juice for ulcerative formations;
- cabbage leaf;
- apitherapy – treatment with bee products.
It is possible to use drugs to strengthen immunity and improve vascular elasticity. Official medicine does not recognize these 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 habits and following your doctor's instructions will reduce the risk of the condition spreading to healthy veins:
- active lifestyle;
- eliminate bad habits;
- charging while standing for long periods;
- wear comfortable shoes (you can alternate heels and wedges several times a day);
- a balanced diet to prevent constipation;
- weight correction with increase in body mass index;
- compliance with the drinking regime;
- regular exercises to treat varicose veins.
Varicose veins, when they progress and without adequate treatment, 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 pathology appear, it would be a good idea to consult an endocrinologist and exclude various hormonal disorders.