Varicose veins are a pathology that requires constant monitoring and following medical recommendations.Symptoms of the disease (increased lumen of blood vessels, thinning of their walls, congestion) will progress if all provoking factors are not excluded.
What is not allowed for varicose veins is one of the main questions that interests the patient.Failure to comply with basic restrictions can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of therapy.
Ten main “don’ts” for varicose veins
- You can't rely on ointments and pills.There are no miracle ointments or magic pills for varicose veins.There are drugs that facilitate blood flow, there are substances that strengthen the vascular wall, but all of these are temporary means that can be used in addition to the main treatment.They alleviate the condition: with the help of drugs you can relieve swelling and pain, but do not normalize the condition of the veins.
- You cannot self-medicate.Varicose veins are not a pathology that can be cured on its own or that will disappear on its own.The problem will not “resolve”, so if you have signs of varicose veins, you need to consult a doctor.
- You cannot treat yourself with leeches.There is a strong belief that varicose veins can be treated with leeches.We do not recommend that you try this method.At least consult a specialist, in this case a phlebologist.Yes, leeches secrete substances that reduce blood clotting.This facilitates blood flow, but has no effect on varicose veins.Leech secretion does not strengthen the venous wall and does not lead to normalization of the condition of blood vessels.
- Compression stockings should not be worn occasionally.The main requirement for a patient with varicose veins is to wear compression stockings.It helps normalize blood circulation, and if you have undergone treatment (for example, sclerotherapy), then compression hosiery helps you recover better.You need to wear stockings or tights exactly as recommended by the doctor: if you do this from time to time, the therapeutic effect will disappear.Of course, it is difficult to put on knitwear, and in the warm season it is uncomfortable to walk in it, but all these points can be discussed with a phlebologist and the most convenient option can be found.
- If surgery is recommended for you, you should not postpone it. Doctors note that varicose veins never go away on their own, and over time the condition of the veins only worsens.That is why, if a phlebologist recommended that you have surgery now, you should not postpone it.
- Massage for varicose veins does not improve the condition; moreover, massage for varicose veins is not indicated and can have a negative effect on the legs.Especially massage, which is done with force, rubbing, squeezing the legs.And although many patients report that they feel relief after a massage, this may be due to the fact that swelling decreases after the procedure.But in the longer term, massage can negatively affect the health of the veins.Especially if these are specific types of massage, such as honey, cupping, vacuum, anti-cellulite.
- And going to the bathhouse is also not recommended.Yes, for varicose veins a contrast shower is indicated - the temperature difference “trains” the vascular wall.However, the temperature contrast that usually occurs in a bathhouse is too great and can have a bad effect on the veins.Therefore, if you are diagnosed with varicose veins, it is better to forget about the steam room.Or postpone it until you solve your vein problems.A diagnosis of varicose veins does not mean that a healthy life is over.This is a chronic disease, which, however, has been well studied.Serious operations to remove veins, which were performed several decades ago, are a thing of the past: today, minimally invasive interventions that spare the veins come into first place.And then follow preventive measures.
- What foods should not be consumed if you have varicose veins:
- Sweet and floury.This is not about completely excluding them from the diet, but about limited intake.Excessive consumption of sweets and baked goods can lead to obesity and, therefore, increase the load on the blood vessels of the legs.
- Animal fats.The intake of butter and fried meats is limited.The cholesterol contained in these products causes undesirable changes in the vascular bed.
- Salty, spicy food.Consumption of products from this category leads to water retention in the body and the formation of edema.This, in turn, increases the load on the vascular bed, which absolutely cannot be allowed for varicose veins in the legs.
- Alcohol.Contrary to the opinion about the beneficial effects of alcohol on blood vessels, you should not drink it if you have severe varicose veins.Taking an alcohol-containing drink leads to a short-term dilation, then a long-term spasm of blood vessels.The thin walls of varicose veins may not be able to cope with such a load: the veins become damaged and begin to bleed.In addition, drinking alcohol is not recommended due to the increased risk of blood clots.
- Coffee.The drink weakens intestinal motility and can cause constipation, which is extremely undesirable for varicose veins of the rectum (hemorrhoids).If it is extremely difficult to give up coffee, intake is limited to 2 cups per day.
- Chicory.This plant is actively used as a harmless coffee substitute.However, not all patients know why if you have varicose veins, you should not drink not only coffee, but also chicory.Drinking a drink from this plant leads to blood thinning, dilation of already thinned blood vessels, and an increase in wall permeability.This significantly increases the risk of bleeding from the affected veins.For this reason, drinking chicory in large quantities for varicose veins is not recommended.
- Celery.Despite the fact that the plant is included in the list of dietary products, its use is undesirable for venous pathology.The answer to why you can’t eat celery for varicose veins lies in its effect on blood vessels, which is similar to chicory.
- Not all physical exercises are indicated for damage to the venous bed.To understand what kind of sport is impossible and even dangerous to engage in with varicose veins, you should pay attention to the presence of force or impact loads in it.
Among the prohibited:
- weightlifting;
- running - sprint, marathon;
- football, volleyball - are allowed at the initial stage, but subject to bandaging of the lower extremities.
Lifting heavy loads in a standing position is contraindicated not only for varicose veins of the lower extremities, but also for damage to the veins of the rectum.Strength exercises can lead to prolapse and then strangulation of hemorrhoids.In such cases, emergency surgery may be needed.
What exercises should not be done with varicose veins of the legs:
- squats;
- jumping (especially on a skipping rope);
- exercises with a platform (step aerobics).
- Do not take hormonal medications without a doctor's prescription
This mainly applies to women using oral contraceptives.Some medications to prevent pregnancy are hormonal.Their use leads to blood thickening and, therefore, creates an additional risk of thrombosis.You should take hormonal contraceptive medications only after prior consultation with your doctor.