Varicose veins are a pathology that requires constant monitoring and compliance with 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 in varicose veins is one of the main questions that interest the patient.Non-observance of the main restrictions can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the therapy.
Ten essential things not to do with varicose veins
- You cannot 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 these are temporary means that can be used in addition to the main treatment.They relieve 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 heal itself or disappear by itself.The problem will not "solve", so if you have signs of varicose veins, you should consult a doctor.
- You cannot heal yourself with leeches.There is a strong opinion 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.The leech's secretion does not strengthen the venous wall and does not lead to the normalization of the condition of the 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 to normalize blood circulation and if you have undergone treatment (for example sclerotherapy) then compression hosiery helps you to recover better.You should wear socks 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 comfortable option can be found.
- If you are recommended for surgery, you should not delay it.Doctors note that varicose veins never disappear on their own, and over time, the condition of the veins only worsens.Therefore, if the phlebologist recommends an operation now, you should not postpone it.
- Massage for varicose veins does not improve the condition;In addition, massage for varicose veins is not indicated and can have a negative effect on the legs.Especially a massage that 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 the swelling decreases after the procedure.But in the long term, massage can negatively affect vein health.Especially if these are specific types of massage, such as copper, cupping, vacuum, anti-cellulite.
- And going to the bathroom is also not recommended.Yes, a contrast shower is indicated for varicose veins - the temperature difference "trains" the vascular wall.However, the temperature contrast that usually occurs in the bathroom 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 bath.Or put it off until you get your vein issues resolved.A diagnosis of varicose veins does not mean that a healthy life is over.It is a chronic disease, but one that is well studied.Serious operations to remove veins, which were performed a few decades ago, are a thing of the past: today, minimally invasive interventions that spare the veins are in the first place.Then follow the 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 limiting their 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 oil and fried meats is limited.Cholesterol contained in these products causes undesirable changes in the vascular bed.
- Salty, spicy food.The 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 cannot be allowed in the case of varicose veins of the legs.
- alcohol.Contrary to the opinion about the beneficial effect of alcohol on blood vessels, you should not drink it if you have severe varicose veins.Taking an alcoholic drink leads to a short-term expansion, then a long-term spasm of the blood vessels.The thin walls of varicose veins may not be able to cope with such a load: the veins are damaged and begin to bleed.Also, 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 substitute for coffee.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 thinning of the blood, expansion of the already thinned blood vessels and an increase in the permeability of the walls.This greatly increases the risk of bleeding from the affected veins.For this reason, it is not recommended to drink chicory in large quantities with varicose veins.
- Celery.Despite the fact that the plant is included in the list of dietary products, its use is undesirable in 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 find out what kind of sport is impossible and even dangerous to do with varicose veins, you need to pay attention to the presence of force or impact loads in it.
Among the prohibited:
- weight lifting;
- running – sprint, marathon;
- football, volleyball - are allowed in the initial stage, but are subject to dressing the lower limbs.
Lifting heavy loads in an upright position is contraindicated not only for varicose veins of the lower extremities, but also for damage to the veins of the rectum.Strength training can lead to prolapse and then strangulation of hemorrhoids.In such cases, emergency surgery may be required.
What exercises should not be done with varicose veins in the legs:
- squats;
- jumping (especially skipping rope);
- platform exercises (step aerobics).
- Do not take hormonal drugs without a doctor's prescription
This applies mainly to women who use oral contraceptives.Some drugs to prevent pregnancy are hormonal.Their use leads to thickening of the blood and therefore creates an additional risk of thrombosis.You should take hormonal contraceptives only after prior consultation with your doctor.