Many people know that varicose veins are a chronic disease.
in which the walls of the veins stretch and lose tone.Veins are visible on the surface of the legs, they look tortuous, lumpy, and spoil the appearance.But this is not only an aesthetic problem.With varicose veins, a person suffers from swelling, pain, cramps, and a constant feeling of heaviness in the legs.
Why is fluid retained in tissues?The cause of edema in varicose veins lies in increased pressure in the vessels where blood stagnates.To reduce this pressure, water escapes into the tissue surrounding the vessel, and the leg increases in size.And now in the evening, after a working day, it’s difficult for you to put on your favorite shoes.And after a while, swelling becomes your constant companions, not subsiding even in the morning.
What to do if your legs swell with varicose veins?
The first and most obvious answer to this question is to go to an appointment with a phlebologist.These specialists treat vein diseases.After a comprehensive diagnosis (necessarily including ultrasound), the phlebologist draws up a comprehensive therapy program, and it will be the most effective treatment for swelling of the legs due to varicose veins.
But treatment takes time, and we want to alleviate the condition, as they say, “right now.”Relieve the feeling of heaviness in the legs, look good at an event, get rid of discomfort... Therefore, we will give some recommendations on how to relieve swelling of the legs due to varicose veins:
- use ointments and creams that improve vascular permeability and have an anti-edematous effect.For example, these could be ointments made on the basis of heparin or natural venotonics - horse chestnut, Ginkgo Biloba, grape leaves.These ointments work especially well in the initial stages of varicose veins, and they can also be used to prevent edema.
- increase the amount of physical activity allowed for varicose veins.For example, you can walk part of the way from work to home (walking is a good exercise that makes your lower leg muscles work).Or go to the pool - swimming is very useful for varicose veins.The body in the water is in a comfortable horizontal position, and the load on the legs is combined with the massage effect of the water.
- Do a few exercises to help relieve swelling in your legs.For example, while sitting or standing, you can place your feet alternately on your toes and then on your heels.Walking on your toes relieves heaviness in the legs and “awakens” the muscles.You can make rotational movements with your feet or, with your bare feet, grab various small objects from the floor - pencils or ping-pong balls.And if you are at home, do a few exercises with your legs raised up - “birch”, “bicycle” or “scissors”.
- Contrast showers, contrast baths or massage with ice cubes strengthen the walls of blood vessels well.
How to treat swelling of the legs with varicose veins with folk remedies
Remember: not a single folk remedy, no matter how much it promises, can cure varicose veins.However, a few recipes will help you feel better.
First of all, this is the use of plants that have a diuretic effect.For example, you can make an infusion from young birch leaves.Or take whole parsley (along with the root), grind it in a meat grinder and pour boiling water over it.The strained infusion can be drunk.
Offers traditional medicine and foot bath recipes.For example, they can be made with the addition of sea salt and peppermint.Schisandra, chamomile and nettle tone the blood vessels of the legs, which can also be used to make baths.
And a little about compression
As we have already said, the main cause of edema with varicose veins is stagnation of blood in the veins, which leads to increased pressure in them.The best recommendation for anyone diagnosed with varicose veins is to wear compression stockings tailored to your size as recommended by your doctor.The special weave of threads in stockings and tights provides the correct pressure, which helps blood move up the veins and avoid swelling.
Regular implementation of these recommendations will significantly improve your swelling condition.Varicose veins will recede if you undergo comprehensive treatment, and daily exercise, wearing compression stockings and the right regimen will help maintain healthy and beautiful legs for many years.