Many people know that varicose veins are a chronic disease.
in which the walls of the veins stretch and lose their tone.Veins are visible on the surface of the legs, they appear tortuous, bulging and detract from the appearance.But this is 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 liquid retained in tissues?The cause of edema in varicose veins is increased pressure in the vessels where the 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 day of work, it becomes difficult to put on your favorite shoes.And after a while, swelling becomes your constant companion, not decreasing 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 for an appointment with a phlebologist.These specialists treat venous diseases.After a comprehensive diagnosis (necessarily including ultrasound), the phlebologist draws up a comprehensive therapy program, which 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 situation, as they say, “right now”.Relieve the feeling of heaviness in your legs, look good at an event, get rid of discomfort... Therefore, we will give you some recommendations on how to relieve leg swelling due to varicose veins:
- use ointments and creams that improve vascular permeability and have an anti-edematous effect.For example, it can be heparin-based ointments or natural venotonics - horse chestnut, Ginkgo Biloba, grape leaves.These ointments work especially 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 home from work (walking is a good exercise that gets your leg muscles working).Or go to the pool - swimming is very helpful 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, sitting or standing, you can place your feet alternately on your toes and then on your heels.Walking on your toes relieves the weight on your legs and “wakes up” your muscles.You can make rotational movements with your feet or, barefoot, pick up 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”, “bike” or “scissors”.
- Contrast showers, contrast baths or ice cube massages strengthen the walls of blood vessels well.
How to treat swelling of the legs with varicose veins with folk remedies
Remember: no folk remedy, no matter how much it promises, can cure varicose veins.However, some recipes 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 the 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 recipes and foot baths.For example, they can be made with the addition of sea salt and peppermint.Schisandra, chamomile and nettle tone the blood vessels in 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 in 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 adapted to their size, as recommended by their doctor.The special weave of the threads in socks and tights provides the correct pressure, which helps the blood move up the veins and prevents swelling.
Regular implementation of these recommendations will significantly improve your bloating condition.Varicose veins will regress if you undergo comprehensive treatment, and daily exercise, wearing compression stockings and the correct regimen will help keep legs beautiful and healthy for many years.