Varicose veins occur four times more often in women than in men.The variety of modern methods for treating varicose veins of the lower extremities allows you to choose the most effective strategy for solving the problem.
To normalize the condition of the veins, surgical, conservative, and non-surgical options can be used.
Some patients prefer folk remedies, but their use in most cases does not provide the necessary benefit, provoking further progression of the disease.
Laser treatment
Laser coagulation is an effective measure for suppressing the symptomatic manifestations of the disease.Under the influence of a laser beam, the problem vein is soldered and subsequently switched off from the circulatory system.During surgery, a conductor is introduced into the diseased vessel, through which obliteration is carried out.Over time, the operated vein is replaced by connective tissue.
EVLT provides an effective solution comparable to surgical vein excision, which is used for the disease.
The operation is characterized by a minimal level of trauma and takes about 40 minutes.The patient does not lose his ability to work.The next day he can return to his workplace.
The positive qualities of laser coagulation are:
- no incisions on the skin;
- short surgical time;
- accelerated rehabilitation period;
- the entire operation is carried out under constant monitoring of ultrasound equipment, which reduces the possibility of medical errors;
- after laser surgery there are no bruises or large hematomas.
The negative aspects of laser treatment of veins include high cost and the impossibility of performing surgical intervention on large vessels.With large veins, there is a possibility of complications: the vessel spontaneously unsticks and returns to the general circulatory system.
Radiofrequency ablation
An effective technique helps to get rid of vein disease, but in most countries it is not available to the general population.During the operation, a radiofrequency catheter is inserted into the damaged vessel, with the help of which the blood circulation in it is blocked.
Ablation is as effective as laser coagulation, but is used much less frequently.The positive qualities of the surgical tool are presented:
- the operation is performed in an outpatient setting;
- local anesthesia is used;
- no loss of performance;
- no need for surgical incisions;
- after the operation, the patient recovers within half an hour, and after a week can return to sports training;
- in the postoperative period there are no painful sensations and hematomas;
- the procedure has a high level of safety.
The negative aspects of surgical intervention are represented by the high price and the possible likelihood of thermal burns.On the day of surgery, the patient is unable to drive a vehicle or engage in work that requires increased attention.
Radiofrequency ablation is used less frequently than laser irradiation.
Drug therapy
Conservative methods for solving the problem of damaged veins involve the use of local medications: ointment, gel, cream, spray.The non-surgical direction uses:
- corticosteroids— in order to reduce the migration of leukocytes, suppress inflammatory reactions, allergic manifestations, and constriction of veins;
- anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs- relieve tissue swelling, are used to relieve pain, prevent platelet aggregation, relieve inflammation;
- antithrombosis medications— prevent the formation of blood clots, dissolve them in the veins;
- phlebotonics - substances increase the tone of the vein walls and improve local blood circulation.
In a conservative approach, anti-inflammatory, venotonic and blood-thinning oral medications can be used.
The non-surgical technique is carried out at the initial stages of the development of varicose veins, takes a long period and requires systematic use.
Conservative methods are not able to get rid of formed spider veins or large nodes.They are necessary to stop further progression of the disease and maintain the level of vascular tone.Correct use of the conservative approach eliminates the development of complications - thrombosis, trophic ulcerations, thrombophlebitis.
Traditional medicine
Home recipes are non-surgical tactics and do not provide an effective solution in the fight against vein disease.Common teas, infusions, decoctions, compresses and lotions have not undergone serious clinical studies and cannot be included in the subgroup of effective methods of conservative treatment of the disease.
Supporters of traditional medicine run the risk of developing venous disease, which will lead to the need for surgical intervention.Primary symptoms of varicose veins require professional help, and not “proven” folk recipes.
Attention!
Excessive enthusiasm for folk recipes can provoke complications in the form of trophic ulcers.
Stockings and tights for varicose veins
Compression hosiery is used at all stages of the disease.The conservative direction helps to stabilize blood circulation in problem veins and improve overall health.
Compression garments are selected by your doctor based on pressure and size.The technique is an effective measure for non-surgical restoration of blood flow in the veins, but does not guarantee 100% cure of the disease.
Hydrotherapy
The positive quality of water lies in the effect of compression and relaxation of veins.Non-surgical technique is used to improve vascular elasticity.
Effective conservative treatment is used only in the initial stages of the disease.
During the procedures, there is an alternating change in the temperature of the liquid - from low to high and vice versa.
Sclerotherapy
A non-surgical option for removing problem veins.A special substance is injected into the vessel, gluing it, and over time it is absorbed.Blood flow is redistributed along healthy blood vessels.
During one session, up to four injections can be administered, the number of manipulations is determined by the severity of the disease.After the procedure, compression garments are put on the lower limb, and the patient must walk in order to prevent the formation of blood clots in the veins.
Sclerotherapy shows sufficient effectiveness in accelerating blood circulation, suppressing swelling, pain, convulsive conditions, and increased fatigue.Initially, pigment spots may form along the vein, which spontaneously disappear over time.
The non-surgical method is effective, provides long-lasting therapeutic and cosmetic results, and if the operation is successful, lifelong.25% of patients with advanced forms of the disease do not receive complete relief from the disease.Their symptomatic signs of varicose veins are significantly reduced.
The technique is not applicable under the following conditions:
- with spontaneous allergic reactions to sclerosants;
- when carrying out conservative therapy - hormonal or anti-inflammatory medications;
- excess body weight with obesity of various degrees;
- if advanced forms of cellulite are recorded in the area of damaged veins;
- for inflammatory and purulent diseases of the epidermis;
- during the period of gestation;
- with thrombophlebitis.
The positive qualities of the non-surgical method are presented:
- outpatient type, lack of a long postoperative period;
- effective result - no scars or cicatrices remain on the skin;
- absence of severe pain during surgery;
- possibility of simultaneous treatment of several veins.
The disadvantages are the lack of guarantees for the preservation of lifelong results.To obtain it, you must get rid of the original source of the disease.Not all patients like to wear compression stockings around the clock, which can only be removed when performing hygiene procedures.
Surgical removal
Surgery is used when conservative, non-surgical therapy is ineffective.Phlebectomy is a radical solution to the problem of varicose veins, which involves their excision.
Like all surgical procedures, the operation requires a long recovery time.
Cryotherapy
It is effective in treating varicose veins.The basis of the operation is the reaction of problem areas to cold temperatures, carried out using liquid nitrogen.Third-party influence provokes the activation of protective mechanisms, accelerating the process of regeneration of cellular structures, increasing vascular tone, and stabilizing the performance of the circulatory system.
During the procedure, a sharp spasm of the veins initially occurs, followed by an instant expansion that improves blood circulation.Depending on the condition of the body and the course of the disease, five sessions of cryotherapy may be required.
Ozone therapy for varicose veins
Exposure to oxygen allows you to quickly achieve the desired results.Non-surgical treatment is carried out using a gaseous form of ozone supplied by specialized equipment.
The method allows you to enrich cells with oxygen, accelerate recovery mechanisms, and normalize the passage of blood through the veins.
Ozone therapy is carried out in several stages, the number of manipulations depends on the severity of the disease and the characteristics of its course.The minimum therapy regimen requires 6 sessions, the maximum includes 12 procedures.
Pressotherapy for varicose veins
Non-surgical tactics include the principles of massage sessions and improving the drainage functions of tissue structures.When carrying out the manipulation, a special suit is used, into which compressed air is pumped.The result of the impact is the normal movement of lymphatic fluid and blood along the highways, which makes it possible to normalize local blood circulation.
The technique gets rid of accumulated fluid that has a negative effect on the veins.After the first stage, patients note relief in the lower extremities: a decrease in pain, swelling, and cramps.The course of therapy is determined strictly individually, according to the indicators of the diagnostic examination.
Reviews
According to specialists and patients, each technique has a lot of positive and negative qualities.The only thing they differ on is the permissibility of using folk recipes.
Conclusion
Conservative, surgical, non-surgical tactics can help you get rid of leg pain, night cramps and swelling.The final choice of appropriate therapy remains with the attending physician.Phlebologists recommend not to get carried away with traditional recipes, but to seek professional help when the first clinical symptoms appear.