Treatment methods for varicose veins differ in the intensity of their influence on the pathological problem and their effect on the human body as a whole. Varicose veins are swellings of the subcutaneous veins with a severe circulatory disorder. The venous plexuses in the affected area become tortuous and take on a bluish color.
Compression jersey
Shapewear is an integral part of varicose vein therapy at every stage. In the early stages of pathological development, compression stockings can stop the progression of the disease and restore the former beauty of the legs.
There are different types of knitwear:
- knee socks, tights, stockings;
- elastic bandages.
All of them are classified according to the degree of compression, material of manufacture and manufacturer. Since therapeutic underwear needs to be worn regularly, it is better if the type of compression is selected by a doctor. Compression stockings and tights can be worn as prevention, especially if there is an increased risk of developing varicose veins.
Medication
Conservative treatment refers to non-invasive correction methods. The average course lasts 2-3 months. During therapy, swelling and inflammation decrease and vein bulging decreases. It is important to combine local and systemic treatment with wearing compression stockings. Drug correction allows you to remove varicose veins on the hands and feet, since a systemic effect on the body is possible.
pills
Tablets are often used in complex therapy. In addition to tablets, systemic treatment can also include injections and capsules. Effective and well-known medications are:
- Blood thinner;
- anti-inflammatory;
- Phlebotonics.
Local therapy
As local remedies for varicose veins, ointments, rubs and gels are used to apply to the surface of the skin. Local medications are convenient in home therapy. The drugs relieve swelling and burning in the area of venous bulging, reduce cyanosis and relieve pain.
The following popular drugs are distinguished:
- based on glycosaminoglycan;
- based on natural ingredients (horse chestnut, sweet clover, butcher's broom);
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- hormonal.
Treatment with leeches
Hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches) has its justification in phlebological practice. The positive effect of therapy is based on the following positive aspects:
- elimination of tissue swelling;
- blood thinning;
- prevention of thrombosis;
- pain reduction;
- Strengthening the vascular walls.
Carrying out venosclerosis therapy
A common method of treating varicose veins that is 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
It is an injection treatment of the veins in the affected area. In some situations, patients may be prescribed infusions. The following drugs are used for intravenous administration:
- Antiplatelet agents (used to thin the blood);
- Thrombolytics (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 require puncture and injection treatment. The suitability of the method is prescribed by the doctor.
Radiofrequency ablation
The method is borrowed from cardiac surgery and is still used successfully to improve the heart rhythm in the affected areas of the heart. Radiofrequency ablation literally means the vaporization of a substance. The method is based on the use of electricity with a force of up to 750 kHz. The current is directed into the vein lumen using catheterization. Under the influence of electricity at a temperature of 120 °C, the vessel walls stick together.
Obliteration differs from classic sclerotherapy in that the introduction of special adhesives is not required.
Surgical correction
Surgical treatment is a radical method of treating varicose veins when conservative therapy is ineffective and the pathology quickly spreads to healthy areas of the lower extremities.
The following methods are used to completely restore affected veins:
- Phlebectomy.Surgery to remove damaged veins. Duration – approximately 1. 5 hours, performed under general anesthesia. The recovery period can last up to 3 months. After the operation there is a risk of permanent scarring.
- Electrocoagulation.The method is based on tissue removal 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, hemorrhoid diseases and papillomas.
- Cryosurgical treatment.It is a widely used treatment method. The 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 is manifested in the activation of regenerative processes in damaged tissue. To achieve optimal results, 3-5 sessions are required. It is used for reticular varicose veins (stage I) as well as for 2nd and 3rd degree venous diseases.
- Scleroobliteration.A simple and effective procedure that involves puncturing varicose veins. At the site of injury, the endothelial layer is destroyed and fibrous tissue is formed. With proper compression, damaged and fibrous vessel walls grow together and the vessel lumen is completely closed. The procedure consists of 5-7 courses, but after treatment the likelihood of complete disappearance of the affected veins increases significantly.
- Performing an endoscopic dissection.The method is one of the types of subfascial ligation. In other words: The affected veins are surgically tied off (cut) remotely using endoscopic instruments. No traces or scars remain after the procedure.
- Laser treatment.An effective, highly precise and safe method for removing affected veins. Each treatment involves local heating of the vein walls and their subsequent sclerosis. The advantage of the method is that only one procedure is required.
An innovative treatment can be used to treat varicose veins in children with obesity and endocrine disorders.
Traditional methods
There are several recipes for improving the overall trophism of tissues and blood vessels:
- essential oils;
- Apple Cider Vinegar;
- raw potato applications;
- Aloe juice for ulcers;
- 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 such drugs as therapeutic and effective.
way of life
If varicose veins are not present, a number of recommendations should be followed to prevent the disease. If you have varicose veins, making lifestyle changes and following your doctor's instructions will reduce the risk of the disease spreading to healthy veins:
- active lifestyle;
- elimination of bad habits;
- charging while standing for a long time;
- Wear comfortable shoes (you can alternate heels with wedges several times a day);
- a balanced diet to prevent constipation;
- Weight correction with increased body mass index;
- compliance with the drinking regime;
- regular exercises to treat varicose veins.
If varicose veins progress and are not adequately treated, they can be dangerous due to the risk of blood clots, trophic ulcers and even gangrene. Varicose veins often occur at the same time as diabetes mellitus. Therefore, when the first symptoms of pathology appear, it would be a good idea to visit an endocrinologist and rule out various hormonal disorders.