Varicose veins are among the most common vascular pathologies. Every third woman and every fifth representative of the strong half of the world community face such a problem.
This is a chronic disease characterized by a violation of blood outflow, 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 limbs. 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 nodes on 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 number of reasons. They are not only a cosmetic defect, but also indicate serious blood flow problems. 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, involving heavy loads on the legs;
- an abundance of tasty and unhealthy foods;
- high frequency of stressful situations;
- genetic predisposition;
- hypodynamia, which creates favorable conditions for the stagnation of the vascular system and the 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 vascular walls.
Such reasons create favorable conditions for the expansion of 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 passed the 30-year mark and are in menopause;
- gourmets and lovers of sweets, fatty foods, which leads 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 their legs: weightlifters, runners, skaters, cyclists, rowers;
- fashionistas who prefer to create their elegant and attractive look with high-heeled shoes, tight and tight clothes;
- people leading inactive lives;
Pregnant women are also at risk and may encounter the problem of swollen veins in their legs. 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 childbirth. Timely prevention of varicose veins can significantly improve the condition of the veins of the legs, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, normalize blood circulation, prevent the appearance of ugly knots and the formation of blood clots. A severe course of the disease, for the treatment of which urgent surgical intervention is required, 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 must:
- exclude flour, sweet foods from the diet;
- limit the use of salt, smoked meats, alcoholic beverages, coffee, strong meat broths;
- lead an active lifestyle;
- performing industrial gymnastics at workplaces associated with prolonged standing or sitting;
- prevent the lifting of weights exceeding the permitted standards;
- consume a sufficient amount of vitamins, minerals, trace elements;
- wear, from the first signs of varicose veins, compression underwear whose elasticity class is determined by a phlebologist;
- stop smoking, visit baths, saunas;
- regular attendance at gyms, fitness centers, swimming pools, 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 recipes of traditional medicine to improve the condition of the venous vessels in the legs.
The implementation of these simple recommendations is guaranteed to help eliminate the risk of developing a dangerous disease and the appearance of its characteristic signs.
Useful exercises to prevent 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:
- Raise your legs while lying on the floor and pull the toes of the foot towards you, at least 10 times.
- Perform the "birch" exercise in 5 sets while holding the pelvis for 15-20 seconds.
- Raise your legs to a lying position on the floor and perform circular movements with your feet in one direction, the other side 10-15 times.
- Raise 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 foot from a seated position in a chair.
Traditional medicine recipes for improving the condition of blood vessels
To keep the veins of the legs always healthy, lovers of alternative medicine recommend using baths, lotions, frictions, compresses prepared according to the recipes of traditional medicine. The effectiveness of these methods has not been proven, and it is best to consult a doctor before using them. These methods include:
- rub problem areas with chilled parsley broth with the addition of a few drops of rose oil;
- apply to the inflamed veins of the paws 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. I. honey and 1 tbsp. I. vodka and should be applied to inflamed veins for several hours.
Remember that varicose veins are easier to prevent than to treat!