Varicose veins in the legs: causes and prevention

leg pain with varicose veins

Varicose veins are one of the most common vascular pathologies. Every third woman and every fifth representative of the strong half of world society faces such problems.

This is a chronic disease characterized by a violation of the outflow of blood, which increases the pressure on the veins. Blood vessels are equipped with valves that allow blood to flow only upwards so that it does not stagnate in the lower part of the leg. When the valve is 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.

If there is no 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 in the lower part of the legs, the formation of knots in them, as well as to prevent dangerous diseases, the article will tell.

Why do varicose veins appear?

leg pain with varicose veins

Enlarged veins in the legs occur for several reasons. They are not only cosmetic defects, but also indicate serious problems with blood flow. Factors that determine the development of varicose veins include:

  • overweight, which increases the load on the veins of the lower legs;
  • addiction to bad habits, such as smoking, consuming alcoholic beverages, drugs of natural and synthetic origin;
  • heavy physical labor, causing a heavy load on the legs;
  • many tasty and unhealthy foods;
  • 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 leg muscle skeleton, caused by the lack of desire to regularly do gymnastic exercises and activate the work of muscle fibers;
  • thin vessel walls.

Such reasons create favorable conditions for the expansion of large blood vessels on the lower part of the legs, the appearance of noticeable swollen nodes on them.

Who needs varicose vein prevention and why?

Prevention refers to effective and efficient ways to prevent varicose veins. There are various 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 related to prolonged standing, sitting on a chair in one position or moving weight;
  • athletes whose main load falls on their feet: weightlifters, runners, skaters, cyclists, rowers;
  • fashionistas who prefer to create their stylish and attractive appearance with high-heeled shoes, tight and tight clothes;
  • people who lead an inactive lifestyle;

Pregnant women are also at risk and may experience swollen veins in the legs. The increased content of hormones in their bodies, the development of the fetus leads to an increase in the amount of blood transported through the venous channels. Prevention of this disease will help 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. Severe disease course, for the treatment of which requires immediate surgical operation, can be avoided.

How to avoid varicose veins?

Prevention of varicose veins involves changes in lifestyle and the implementation of some activities that should become a habit for potential phlebologists. To prevent the development of dangerous vascular diseases, you should:

  • excluding flour, sweet foods from the diet;
  • limit the use of salt, smoked meat, alcoholic beverages, coffee, strong meat soup;
  • to lead an active lifestyle;
  • carrying out industrial gymnastics in the workplace related to long standing, sitting;
  • to avoid weight lifting beyond the permitted norm;
  • take sufficient amounts of vitamins, minerals, trace elements;
  • wear, at the first signs of varicose veins, compression underwear, elasticity class determined by a phlebologist;
  • stop smoking, visit baths, saunas;
  • regularly attend the gym, fitness center, swimming pool, go in for swimming, water aerobics, which are considered the best activities for the prevention of varicose veins;
  • perform recommended exercises to improve blood circulation and are available for home use;
  • applying traditional medicine recipes to improve the condition of the veins 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 on the lower legs improves blood circulation in body tissues, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, removes congestion and prevents varicose veins. This includes:

  1. Lift the legs up in a prone position on the floor and pull the toes towards you, at least 10 times.
  2. Perform the "birch" exercise in 5 sets while holding the pelvis for 15-20 seconds.
  3. Lift the leg up while lying on the floor and make circular movements with the leg in one direction, the other side 10-15 times.
  4. Raise socks, knee heels, at least 10 times with each leg, sitting on a chair.
  5. Inhale, stand on the toes, rise with the number of repetitions 10-20 times.
  6. Move the heel forward, backward 15 times with each leg from a sitting position on a chair.

Traditional medicine recipes to improve the condition of blood vessels

foot bath for varicose veins

To ensure that the veins in the legs are always healthy, lovers of alternative medicine recommend using baths, lotions, rubs, compresses prepared according to traditional medicine recipes. The effectiveness of this method has not been proven, and it is better to consult a doctor before using it. These methods include:

  • rubbing the problem area with cold parsley soup 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;
  • compress from calendula decoction, prepared from medicinal plant flowers and water in a ratio of 1: 4;
  • ointment, consisting 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!