varicose vein disease
the disease has several nicknames: chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs, varicose veins, varicoses, varicose disease; you may encounter the abbreviation "CVD" or "CVI", in any case, complications of this disease such as venous thrombosis and vein inflammation (phlebitis) must be distinguished
stages of chronic venous insufficiency (CEAP classification)
w/o symptoms
spider veins
varicoses
swellings
hyperpigmentation
healed ulcer
active ulcer
what are the mechanisms and symptoms?
- the mechanism of the problem is the disruption of the flow of venous blood from the lower limbs to the heart, either through reflux (pathological return) or obstruction in blood flow, or a combination of them
- blood pressure increases in the veins, venous valves are damaged (these help the return of blood from the veins to the heart)
- the transfer of venous excess pressure to small vessels and capillaries gradually occurs, which results in the emergence of typical symptoms
- later, the skin's nutrition also deteriorates, its pigment darkening increases, the skin weakens and heals poorly
- symptoms: feeling of heavy and swollen legs, pain of various nature, itching (pruritus), tingling (paresthesia), restless legs, night cramps, fatigue, swelling
- complications: superficial varicophlebitis (inflammation of varicose veins), deep vein thrombosis, eczema with hyperpigmentation, chronic leg ulcer (leg ulcer), bleeding varices
follow the basic principles
High heels are a threat to the veins, due to the fact that with them the muscle pump is working in the calves, which helps move blood towards the heart, is weak.
A diet rich in fiber with enough natural minerals and vitamins, these are the building blocks of a healthy venous and entire vascular system.
Plenty of fluids, especially in the summer months, of which more is better than less. Coffee and tea drinkers, don't forget the dehydrating effect of your drinks. Alcohol in moderation does not harm blood vessels.
Regular preventive daily wearing of compression stockings benefits the veins and makes it possible to stabilize the progression of the disease.
Regular physical activity plus a healthy environment are prerequisites for a healthy vascular system.
Long-term sitting and standing at work, during long journeys, etc., must be interrupted by walking or stretching the legs with heel-toe exercises.
Alternating a cold and a warm shower for the legs helps to stimulate the smooth muscle of the blood capillaries and thus the circulation in the skin.
In higher stages of the disease, it is necessary to keep the skin of the legs supple and thereby prevent its drying and injury.
Even clothes that are too tight, especially at night, do not favor the free flow of venous blood from the legs.
Venous return during sleep can also be helped by exercises (cycling while lying down) before going to bed and placing the legs of the bed 10-15 cm higher.
You should also pay attention to extreme heat in spas and saunas, when blood accumulates massively in the extremities due to the heat.
A reduction in body weight contributes to the reduction of discomfort and the reduction of the volume of the venous system.