10 main things not to do with varicose veins

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WHAT CAN'T BE DONE WITH VARICOSIS?

In the era of Internet development, many myths arise on various topics, including health. Since information can be shared by anyone, medicine in general and phlebology in particular have not escaped this fate. So what really can't be done with varicose veins? Short and authoritative:

1. Do not deceive yourself with advertisements and neighbors' advice, do not engage in self-medication. If you have visible and tangible manifestations of varicose veins (which we talk about in other publications), you should contact a phlebologist. You may be developing a completely different disease that goes hand in hand with varicose veins, or you may be completely healthy. Only a specialist will be able to competently and qualitatively form a diagnosis and treatment plan. At the AngioLife vascular center, we use an individual approach to each patient, guided by our own experience and the venous protocol® developed by AngioLife.

2. It is not possible to postpone the procedures for the correction of "non-working" subcutaneous veins, if the phlebologist has prescribed them for you. It is necessary to understand that varicose veins are a chronic disease that does not require urgent measures, but the best results are easier to get with treatment in the early stages. 

3. The benefits of compression knitwear should not be neglected. If the mechanism of action of this product has not been explained to you, ask your phlebologist and he will tell you that when using it, the outflow of venous blood, the operation of the venous pump, and edema are significantly improved. Didn't feel any improvement after a few days of use? Most likely, you got the wrong jersey. With the right selection, knitwear brings relief and comfort. It is difficult to wear it, but this is not a reason to refuse compression treatment. Our specialists will choose a compression jersey for you, teach you how to put it on and take it off, and explain the nuances of care. It is advisable to use compression knitwear all the time when the weather permits. Discuss with your phlebologist the mode and periods of wearing and find the most convenient option for you.

4. You can't stand, lie down! Static loads are one of the cornerstones of varicose veins. Prolonged lack of leg muscle contraction leads to blood stagnation, progression of the disease, deterioration of the condition. If you sit or stand for a long time, it is necessary to force the muscles of the lower legs to contract every 30-45 minutes - walk for 1-2 minutes, or use a simple exercise: climb on your socks while standing in place and return to the starting position, which can be done alternately every foot, or both at once. Be in motion, if the schedule of the day allows - give your legs a horizontal position and one level with the heart, or higher, this will further improve the outflow of stagnant venous blood.

5. You can't rely only on gels and pills. Venotonic drugs (venotonic tablets) have a positive effect on the walls of veins, but they "work" only in combination with preventive measures, compression therapy, proposed methods of endovenous correction (laser, radiofrequency, bioglues, sclerotherapy). Gels and ointments do not affect varicose veins, they only remove skin manifestations, cool and soothe it.

6. In no case do not use hirudotherapy or, simply, treatment with leeches. There is an opinion that varicose veins can be cured in this way. However, in practice, with long-term use of this method, only the formation of trophic ulcers in the places of leech bites, as well as infection of these places, can be achieved. Everything is explained by the fact that the skin with varicose veins suffers from a lack of nutrients (due to venous hypertension) and such bites are equivalent to traumatizing the skin with any dirty sharp object. Should I put myself at even greater risk and complicate the further treatment of varicose veins? Definitely not!

7. Do not expose yourself to any kind of artificial heat. This applies to baths, saunas, hot tubs, showers and even thermal springs. Tanning in the sun is also undesirable. When the body is heated, the veins expand to give off heat, but this increases blood stagnation in the legs. Instead, it is better to use a contrasting shower, alternating cold water with warm.

8. It is not possible to engage in certain sports. First of all, lifting free weights in the gym is undesirable. Replace them with special simulators for each muscle group. For example, pressing, bending and stretching in simulators, lunges with small-weight projectiles, swings back from the position of support on the elbows and knees are suitable for training the legs. Running on a hard surface should be replaced by running on a track, soil, or grass. Football, volleyball, basketball and other dynamic types of exercise are definitely useful. Swimming and cycling work well, so do not deprive yourself of such activities.

9. Do not gain excess weight. Each extra kilogram of body weight increases the risk of developing many diseases. An increase in the fat layer leads to a rise in intra-abdominal pressure, which in turn slows down and worsens the outflow of blood from the legs. These factors have a negative effect on varicose veins. Eat more often, but in smaller portions, monitor the ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Weigh the food and try to estimate the number of calories so that their intake is less than the expenditure per day, online calorie calculators have been created for this. Normalizing body weight significantly improves the quality of life!

10. It is impossible to think that varicose veins can be treated at once. Varicose veins are chronic. This means that it is always necessary to engage in prevention after a diagnosis has been established by a doctor. The disease, as a rule, requires staged treatment, from the elimination of non-working valves to sclerotherapy of vascular meshes and preventive measures. Even after a successful procedure (laser, radiofrequency, bioglue), it is necessary to visit a phlebologist every year.

Pay attention to the health of your veins, which we are ready to take care of. We are waiting for you at AngioLife to treat varicose veins in Zaporizhzhia!