This is how you “work” for varicose veins

Varicose veins are the result of a disease state inside the human body. They appear in various parts of his body, but most often concern the legs, whose aesthetic appearance is mainly sought after by women. Advanced medical technologies help them in this unequal fight. However, exploring the problem and prophylaxis is a better choice than subsequent treatment, so it is worth learning the key information. What do these visible veins mean? Can you “earn” them? How to prevent these ailments?

1. Varicose veins most often appear on the legs. This is not only an aesthetic problem, but also a health one
2. Many people ignore the first signs of varicose veins, i.e. the feeling of heaviness in the legs, tingling and throbbing
3. We explain who is most at risk of varicose veins and what habits increase the risk of their occurrence
4. More information can be found on the Onet homepage

General characteristics and classification of varicose veins

Varicose veins are tortuous, dilated veins. The blood flowing through them flows the other way round and sometimes it also gets stuck, forming clots. Specialists of phlebology clinics, where minimally invasive, effective methods of treating varicose veins are made, pay attention not to treat them as a disease, but a symptom, because they are a mechanism that discharges increased venous pressure in the vascular system. These veins changed by degeneration can occur almost everywhere, so it’s worth knowing that they are divided into varicose veins:

1. kończyn dolnych,
2. esophagus
3. anus,
4. bladder
5. uterus and vagina,
6. perineum and vulva,
7. the seed cord.

Another classification concerns the way they develop and allows you to divide them into two types, among which varicose veins are distinguished:

1. primary, i.e. formed under the influence of various negative factors and human behavior conducive to their development;
2. secondary, which are caused by diseases that damage the valves and cause reflux in the venous system resulting in an increase in blood pressure.

In addition, the types of these unsightly veins are also divided according to the clinical symptoms, among which they can be distinguished:

1. telangiectasia – small vessels, commonly known as spider veins, occurring on the thighs and the lower legs with particular intensity around the knee pits and ankles;
2. chronic venous insufficiency,

and varicose veins:

1. reticular – small vessels that attack a large part of the lower limb,
2. main venous trunks – visible vessels appearing on the shins with a tendency to enlarge,
3. other veins – vessels with a size much larger than, for example, varicose veins.

Zobacz: What are cardiovascular diseases?

Varicose veins of the lower limbs and their complications

A venous disease that most often affects the legs should always be recognized by a specialist. Diagnostics with the use of Doppler ultrasound is based on the assessment of blood flow in large arteries and veins and the indication of possible diseases. This enables the doctor to choose the best treatment route. Many people ignore the occurrence of varicose veins. Unfortunately, with time, they make themselves felt, and the growing problems become more and more bothersome. Their initial phase manifests itself in the form of:

1. a feeling of heaviness in the legs,
2. “Restless legs” that make it difficult to fall asleep.

The next stage in the development of these dilated venous vessels is:

1. burning and burning pains, 
2. itching
3. tingle,
4. pulsation,
5. muscle cramps
6. swelling of the ankle and shin.

The intensity of the feeling of pain is very subjective here, because it depends on the size and visibility of the patient’s varicose veins. Treatment taken too late may cause numerous health and even life-threatening complications. The most serious complications of such changes are:

1. inflammation of the surface veins, even leading to pulmonary embolism,
2. deep vein thrombosis, i.e. venous thrombosis,
3. hemorrhage from bursting varicose veins,
4. purpura, i.e. red spots sometimes merging into larger spots, creating petechiae that heal hard to heal.

What do varicose veins «like»?

Many doctors and researchers believe that certain types of varicose veins are a genetic condition associated with abnormalities of the venous walls, which include the tendency to stretch them. Another group of specialists considers this a myth, as does fighting vein problems in women only after having children, or the fact that varicose veins like to come back despite being cured earlier. Contrary to these discrepancies, everyone is unanimous when it comes to certain “preferences” of varicose veins.

Every second woman and every fifth man over 40 years of age suffer from this civilization ailment. There is no doubt, therefore, that these venous ailments especially “liked” the female sex. They develop under the influence of many unfavorable factors, often independent of the human being, and sometimes he himself causes the development of these diseases more or less consciously.

The leg varicose veins that are visible to the naked eye are a consequence of hypertension in the veins and also the effect of their damage. Factors that cause them include professional duties related to prolonged standing or sitting, or hormonal disorders. Pregnancy, during which the blood volume increases and the enlarged uterus puts pressure on the veins, also causes problems in the area of ​​the lower limbs. Moreover, old age is conducive to the development of this onerous symptom.

Another group of causes of venous leg problems is the result of many years of “efforts” of their owners. It is associated with an unhealthy and unhygienic lifestyle that manifests itself in:

1. lack of exercise,
2. keeping the leg crossed over the leg in a sitting position for many hours,
3. failure to follow a properly balanced diet and deficiencies of fiber and vitamin C, 
4. long and frequent walking in shoes that are too high,
5. common heavy lifting,
6. smoking cigarettes,
7. drinking alcohol.

Esophageal varices, i.e. venous abnormalities forming in the lower part of the esophagus, arise when blood has difficulty circulating due to liver diseases. It may be related to her type B and C viral inflammation, autoimmune ailments, drug-induced damage or problems in the biliary tract. These dilated veins are also the result of congenital metabolic ailmentswhich include Wilson’s disease or genetic diabetes. Liver damage caused by alcohol abuse or obesity-related one of the two types of diabetes are diseases caused by negative human activity.

Hemorrhoids, also known as rectal varicose veins, are a painful and extremely troublesome ailment. Unfortunately, they are a symptom of not only a change in the rhythm of bowel movements or pregnancy, but most of all bad habits of their owners, and they include:

1. obesity, 
2. low-fiber diet,
3. staying in a sitting or standing position for too long,
4. alcohol abuse.

In the case of varicose veins of the vagina, bladder or spermatic cord, it is not easy to find factors caused by irresponsible human activity. However, in the case of uterine varicose veins in addition to genetic conditions and postpartum complications, a woman’s lifestyle has a significant impact on their appearance and is often associated with:

1. overweight,
2. lack of physical activity,
3. chronic constipation which is also the cause of inadequate diet,
4. frequent baths in too hot water.

Also read: Varicose veins – symptoms, treatment, surgery

Effective ways to prevent varicose veins

Knowing the already mentioned factors influencing the formation of varicose veins with the naked eye, it can be seen that careless, human actions contribute to them to the same extent as those independent of their conduct. High body weight, inadequate diet, stimulants, lack of exercise or excessive effort and bad habits combined with too late undergoing detailed examinations are “work” aimed at obtaining venous ailments.

Changing the lifestyle and cultivating good habits has a positive effect on the better condition of the veins, so it protects against severe complications caused by related diseases. When telling you to stop varicose veins, you need to implement strong health provisions and follow them consistently.

Systematic movement and a well-thought-out diet are the most important issues. Half an hour of exercise each day (walking, cycling, climbing on your toes), eliminating salt from meals and replacing highly processed foods with healthy and high-fiber foods (nuts, groats, bran, vegetables) can do wonders.

Sitting position is extremely important in the prevention of varicose veins. Replacing the habit of crossing one leg over one leg alternating lifting of the heels and toes ensures a much better blood supply to the legs. In addition, short breaks for the so-called bone extension or the use of a footrest are an antidote to many hours of sitting or standing, which gives the possibility of varying the support of each foot there. Lying down for about a quarter of an hour during the day with raised legs above the heart level improves the outflow of blood flowing from the lower limbs.

1. Also read: Neglect of varicose veins of the lower extremities – what is the risk?

For the sake of the veins, you should take care of the appropriate wardrobe. So let’s remove too tight clothes from it, and also minimize wearing very high heels. It is also good to stock up on anti-varicose underwear, which brings relief to your legs and guarantees great comfort for your feet also during long journeys. Currently on the market you can buy the one that serves both for the prevention of varicose veins and for supporting their treatment.

1. Check: Compression stockings – indications, size selection, method of use

It is also worth using various preparations containing rutin and diosmin, which support the veins and have an anticoagulant effect. They are used in the prevention and treatment of varicose veins. They improve the tension of the venous walls of blood vessels, provide much better circulation, and relieve frequent swelling of the lower limbs.

It is enough to follow these few basic rules. Then the wrongdoing that promotes the development of various vein problems turns into “work” against them. It is conducive to the perfect condition and aesthetics of the legs, and then their view and exceptional efficiency please people for many years.

We encourage you to listen to the latest episode of the RESET podcast. This time our guest is Marek Rybiec – businessman, as one of 78 people from all over the world, he completed «4 Deserts» – ultramarathon taking place in extreme places around the world. She talks to Aleksandra Brzozowska about the challenge, mental strength and mindfulness training. Listen!