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 it's not just 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 varicose vein edema is an increase in pressure in the vessels where blood stagnates.To reduce this pressure, water escapes into the tissues surrounding the vessel and the leg grows.And now, in the evening, after a day's work, it is difficult for you to put on your favorite shoes.And after a while, swelling becomes your constant companion, not subsiding even in the morning.
What to do if your legs swell due to varicose veins?
The first and most obvious answer to this question is to go to an appointment with a phlebologist.These specialists treat venous diseases.After a comprehensive diagnosis (necessarily including an ultrasound), the phlebologist develops a comprehensive therapeutic program, and this will be the most effective treatment for leg swelling due to varicose veins.
But treatment takes time and we want to alleviate the situation, as they say, “right away”.Relieve the feeling of heaviness in the legs, look great at an event, get rid of discomfort... So we will give some recommendations on how to relieve swelling in the legs due to varicose veins:
- use ointments and creams that improve vascular permeability and have an anti-edematous effect.For example, these can be ointments based on heparin or natural venotonics - horse chestnut, Ginkgo Biloba, grape leaves.These ointments work particularly well in the early stages of varicose veins and 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 between work and home (walking is a good exercise that works the muscles in your lower legs).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 massaging effect of the water.
- Do some exercises to help relieve swelling in your legs.For example, while sitting or standing, you can place your feet alternately on your toes then on your heels.Walking on tiptoe relieves heavy legs and “wakes up” the muscles.You can perform rotating movements with your feet or, barefoot, grab various small objects from the floor - pencils or ping-pong balls.And if you are at home, do some exercises with your legs raised - “birch”, “bicycle” or “scissors”.
- Contrast showers, contrast baths or massages 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 promising, can cure varicose veins.However, there are a few recipes that will help you feel better.
First of all, it concerns the use of plants that have a diuretic effect.For example, you can make an infusion from young birch leaves.Or take whole parsley (with the root), grind it in a meat grinder and pour boiling water over it.The filtered infusion can be drunk.
Offers recipes for traditional medicine and foot baths.For example, they can be prepared 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 accompanied by varicose veins is the stagnation of blood in the veins, which leads to an increase in pressure in them.The best recommendation for anyone diagnosed with varicose veins is to wear compression stockings that fit your size, as recommended by your doctor.The special weave of the threads of the stockings and tights ensures correct pressure, which helps the blood to rise in the veins and prevents swelling.
Regularly implementing these recommendations will significantly improve your swelling condition.Varicose veins will disappear if you undergo comprehensive treatment, and daily exercise, wearing compression stockings and the right diet will help maintain healthy and beautiful legs for many years.