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Do you wake up at night due to calf cramps? Instead of wasting money on magnesium preparations, check if you are suffering from chronic venous insufficiency.
– In the case of calf cramps, we often use magnesium. Meanwhile, it is usually completely unnecessary. It is enough to lie down with your legs up for 15 minutes a day and put a blanket under the mattress on which we sleep in the place where the legs lie, so that a 15 cm hill is formed – says Dr. Jacek Tulimowski. He adds that if this does not help, we need to see a doctor because we may suffer from chronic venous insufficiency, and then no amount of magnesium will help us.
Symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency
Initially, it is just a feeling of heaviness in the legs, mainly in the evening. Then pains in the ankles and shins, swollen ankles, pains inside the calf while standing or sitting, and persistent night cramps of the calves begin to bother. A little later, vascular spider veins and varicose veins appear. Spider veins are not the first symptom of the disease in all patients, often discoloration on the back of the foot near the ankle appears first. Sometimes, although very rarely, the disease begins with an ulcer on the legs.
Chronic venous disease is a consequence of the regurgitation of blood caused by damage to the valves. Crescent-shaped valves are placed in the veins. They open as blood moves towards the heart and close in reverse flow. So they only let blood in one direction. If the valve is inefficient, it allows it to flow in both directions. Retracting blood collects in the veins of the legs furthest from the heart and pushes the walls of the veins apart. As a consequence, varicose veins develop. The disease development is fostered by genetic conditions and an unhealthy lifestyle.
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A civilization disease
Chronic venous insufficiency is a disease of civilization. It affects 40-60% of women and 20-40% of men. Leg varicose veins are more common in women, especially in the reproductive age. The condition is hereditary. If each parent had varicose veins, the risk of developing varicose veins in children is 90%. In the case where changes were found in one of the parents, the probability that they will occur in the daughter is 62%, and in the son – 25%. The symptoms of the disease increase with age.
Doppler examination
If you develop symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, seek the advice of your GP who may refer you to an examination or specialist. The most common method of diagnosing venous diseases is a Doppler examination. It is a type of ultrasound. A special device allows you to locate the site of valve damage. The doctor can also examine the veins by touch. Sometimes the so-called Schwarz’s test, which involves putting a pressure bandage on the patient in the groin area. Then the capacity of the surface venous circulation can be determined.
Treatment of venous disease
Venous disease should not be taken lightly. It should be remembered that the very first signals should prompt you to visit a doctor and start effective treatment. The already started disease process cannot be completely undone, but it is worth stopping or slowing it down. Let us remember that the emerging spider veins is not only a cosmetic problem, but the beginning of a serious disease that requires treatment. The disease leads to the development of varicose ulcers. Ulcers that do not heal can become infected. Another complication, usually occurring only after many years of untreated failure, is progressive skin changes in the form of discoloration, hardening of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
In chronic venous insufficiency, diuretics are used that have a dehydrating effect, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs that strengthen the vein walls, improve vascular elasticity and tone, and seal them. Some of them contain butcher’s broom extract showing a very beneficial effect in the case of varicose veins. Importantly, this extract can be used during pregnancy and lactation. Arnica, mistletoe, ginkgo, hawthorn, melilot and rue also have beneficial effects. There are also ointments available to reduce the discomfort associated with the symptoms of heavy legs.
Compression therapy
Another method of treatment is the compression method. The use of tourniquets, special tights or knee-length socks can also be an element of disease prevention. Such treatment is used in pregnant and lactating women when surgical methods are inadvisable. It is also applicable in the states of chronic venous insufficiency not qualifying for surgery. Compression products are manufactured in various sizes and have different degrees of compression. Ask your doctor what to choose.
Sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicose veins
Doctors noticed that varicose veins decreased or disappeared completely after the inflammation. Sclerotherapy to induce controlled varicose veins by injecting various types of local agents into their interior. This method is used to treat micro-varicose veins and varicose veins of medium size. Most often it is a multi-stage treatment, when spider veins and micro varicose veins occur in many places and a series of treatments is necessary. The first effects are usually visible after one or two months.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins
In addition to classical surgery, there are many new surgical techniques for the removal of varicose veins – cryosurgery, a method using high-frequency current or laser. Surgical treatment is aimed not only at removing varicose veins, but also at removing ineffective veins, both visible and invisible. Most often, a vein is removed by making two cuts to the skin at the beginning and end of the vein. Then a special probe is inserted into the vein and after passing it to the opposite opening, the vein is removed. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The patient can immediately walk on it.
Varicose veins prophylaxis
In addition to genetic factors, the development of the disease causes a sedentary lifestyle, spending many hours in one position, smoking, wearing too tight clothes and uncomfortable shoes, as well as too frequent sunbathing, hot baths and a sauna. In preventing the development of varicose veins, it is extremely important to maintain an appropriate weight and exercise. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods. Varicose veins are also favored by frequent leg crossing. Let us be moderate in using sunbaths, saunas, solariums and hot baths. Avoid high heels and tight, poorly fitting shoes, tight pants. A good way to improve blood circulation is to use alternating cold and warm baths, place your feet 10-15 cm above your torso while you sleep, and take a cool shower in the area of your shins before going to bed. While resting, it is good to raise your legs higher.
To prevent problems with blood circulation, you can use Antibacterial bamboo terry socks without pressure with aloe vera, which are comfortable and have a positive effect on the efficiency of the veins.
Text: Halina Pilonis
Varicose veins – a problem not only cosmetic – read more