Treatment methods for varicose veins differ in the intensity of their effect on the pathological problem and their effect on the human body as a whole. Varicose veins are swelling of subcutaneous veins with sharp blood circulation disorders. The venous plexus in the affected area becomes tortuous and acquires a bluish color.
Compression jersey
Shapewear is part of the therapy for varicose veins at any stage. In the early stages of the development of the pathology, compression socks can stop the progression of the disease and restore the beauty of the former feet.
There are several types of knitwear:
- knee socks, tights, stockings;
- elastic bandage.
All of them are classified according to the level of compression, manufacturing material and manufacturer. Since therapeutic underwear must be worn regularly, it is best if the type of compression is chosen by the doctor. Compression stockings and tights can be worn for prevention, especially if there is an increased risk of developing varicose veins.
Medicines
Conservative treatment refers to non-invasive correction methods. The average course is 2-3 months. During therapy, swelling and inflammation decrease, and venous prominence decreases. It is important to combine local and systemic treatment by wearing compression stockings. Drug correction allows you to remove varicose veins on the hands and legs due to possible systemic effects 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 remedies are:
- blood thinning;
- anti-inflammatory;
- phlebotonics.
Local therapy
As a local remedy for varicose veins, ointments, liniments, and gels are used for application on the surface of the skin. Local remedies are easy 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, meat broom);
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- hormones.
Treatment with leeches
Hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches) in phlebological practice is fully justified. The positive effects of therapy are due to the following positive aspects:
- elimination of tissue swelling;
- blood thinning;
- prevention of thrombosis;
- pain reduction;
- strengthens the vascular wall.
Carry out venosclerosis therapy
Common methods of treating varicose veins, used in the early stages of the disease. The effect of the procedure can be seen after 1-3 sessions. There are two different basic options for sclerotherapy.
Puncture method
It is a vein injection treatment in the affected area. In some instances, patients may be prescribed an IV. The following drugs are used for intravenous administration:
- platelet disaggregants (for blood thinning);
- thrombolytic agents (dissolve existing blood clots);
- medicine to improve blood microcirculation.
For severe forms of varicose veins, synthetic analogues of natural prostaglandin E are used1. Not all patients need puncture and injection treatment. The suitability of the method is determined by the doctor.
Radiofrequency ablation
This method was borrowed from heart surgery, where it is still successfully used to improve heart rhythm in affected areas of the heart. Radiofrequency ablation literally means vaporization of material. This method is based on the use of current with a force of up to 750 kHz. Current is delivered into the lumen of the vein using catheterization. Under the influence of the current at a temperature of 120 ºС, the vessel walls stick together.
Destruction differs from classic sclerotherapy because it is not necessary to introduce a special adhesive.
Surgical correction
Surgical treatment is a radical method of treating varicose veins if conservative therapy is ineffective and the pathology rapidly progresses to healthy areas of the lower leg.
The following methods are used for the complete recovery of the affected vein:
Phlebectomy. Surgery to remove the damaged vein. Duration – about 1. 5 hours, performed under general anesthesia. The recovery period can last up to 3 months. After surgery, there is a risk of permanent scarring.Electrocoagulation. This method is based on tissue cutting with moisture evaporation under the influence of direct current. The effectiveness of the method depends on the depth of exposure to high-frequency currents. Freezing is used in the treatment of blood vessels, warts, hemorrhoids, and papillomas.Cryosurgical treatment. It is a widely used treatment method. Treatment is based on the effect of high temperature on the affected veins. Under the influence of cold, the body begins to defend itself, which is expressed by the activation of regenerative processes in damaged tissue. To achieve the best results, 3-5 sessions will be required. It is used for reticular varicose veins (stage I), as well as for venous disease of degree 2 and 3.Scleroobliteration. A simple and effective procedure involving the puncture of varicose veins. At the site of injury, 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 consists of 5-7 courses, but after treatment the possibility of complete disappearance of the affected veins increases significantly.Perform endoscopic surgery. This method is one type of subfascial ligation. In other words, the affected vein is tied (cut) using an endoscopic instrument from a remote surgical approach. After the procedure there are no marks or scars left.Laser treatment. An effective, very precise and safe method to remove the affected vein. All treatments consist of local heating of the vein wall and subsequent sclerosis. The advantage of this method is that only one procedure is required.
Innovative treatments can be used to treat varicose veins in children with obesity and endocrine disorders.
Traditional method
There are several recipes used to increase the overall trophism of tissues and blood vessels:
- essential oils;
- apple cider vinegar;
- raw potato application;
- aloe juice for ulcerative formation;
- cabbage leaves;
- apitherapy – treatment with bee products.
It is possible to use drugs to improve immunity and increase vascular elasticity. Official medicine does not recognize such drugs as therapeutic and effective.
Way of life
If there are no varicose veins, some recommendations should be followed to prevent this disease. If you have varicose veins, changing your lifestyle and following your doctor's instructions will reduce the risk of pathology spreading to healthy veins:
- active lifestyle;
- eliminate bad habits;
- charging while standing for a long time;
- wear comfortable shoes (you can change the heels to wedges several times a day);
- balanced diet to avoid constipation;
- weight correction with increased body mass index;
- compliance with the drinking regime;
- regular exercise to treat varicose veins.
Varicose veins, when developed and without adequate therapy, 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 is a good idea to visit an endocrinologist and rule out various hormonal disorders.