Many people know that varicose veins are a chronic disease.
in which the walls of the veins become stretched and lose their sound.Veins can be seen on the surface of the legs, they look tortuous, lumpy and spoil the appearance.But this is not just an aesthetic problem.With varicose veins, a person suffers from swelling, pain, cramps and constant heaviness in the legs.
Why does fluid remain in the tissues?Edema of varicose veins is caused by increased pressure in vessels where blood stagnates.To reduce this pressure, water escapes into the tissue surrounding the vessel and the foot increases in size.And now in the evening, after a working day, it is difficult to put on your favorite shoes.And after a while, it becomes a constant companion of swelling, which does not subside even in the morning.
What to do if your leg is swollen with varicose veins?
The first and most obvious answer to this question is to make an appointment with a phlebologist.These specialists treat venous diseases.After conducting a comprehensive diagnosis (necessarily with an ultrasound), the phlebologist will draw up a comprehensive therapeutic program, and this will be the most effective treatment for leg swelling caused by varicose veins.
However, treatment takes time, and we want to alleviate the condition, as they say, “now”.Reduce the heaviness of the legs, look good at an event, get rid of discomfort... That's why we give you some recommendations on how to reduce leg swelling caused by varicose veins:
- use ointments and creams that improve the permeability of blood vessels and have an anti-edema effect.These can be, for example, ointments based on heparin or natural venotonias - 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 home from work (walking is a good exercise that works the lower leg muscles).Or go to the pool - swimming is very useful for varicose veins.In the water, the body is in a comfortable horizontal position, and the load on the legs is combined with the massage effect of the water.
- Do some exercises to reduce leg swelling.For example, while sitting or standing, you can alternately place your feet on your toes and then on your heels.Walking on your toes relieves the heaviness of the legs and "wakes up" the muscles.You can make rotating movements with your legs or grab various small objects from the floor with your bare feet - a pencil or a ping-pong ball.And if you are at home, do some exercises with your legs raised - "birch", "bicycle" or "scissors".
- A contrast shower, a contrast bath or a massage with ice cubes strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
How to treat leg swelling with varicose veins with folk remedies
Remember: no folk remedy can cure varicose veins, no matter how much it promises.However, some recipes will help you feel better.
First of all, it is the use of plants with a diuretic effect.For example, you can make an infusion from young birch leaves.Or take a whole parsley (including the root), grind it in a meat grinder and pour boiling water over it.The filtered infusion can be drunk.
It offers traditional remedies and foot bath recipes.For example, they can be prepared by adding sea salt and peppermint.Schisandra, chamomile and nettle tone the veins of the legs, which can also be used to make a bath.
And a little about compression
As already mentioned, the main cause of edema associated with varicose veins is the stagnation of blood in the veins, which leads to increased pressure in them.For anyone diagnosed with varicose veins, the best recommendation is to wear custom-fit compression stockings recommended by your doctor.The special fiber weave of stockings and tights ensures the right pressure, which helps the blood flow upwards in the veins and avoids swelling.
Regular implementation of these recommendations will significantly improve the condition of the swelling.Varicose veins will shrink if you undergo comprehensive treatment, and daily exercise, wearing compression stockings and a proper treatment regimen will help keep your legs healthy and beautiful for many years.