Varicose veins are a pathology that requires constant monitoring and compliance with medical recommendations.The symptoms of the disease (increased lumen of blood vessels, thinning of their walls, congestion) progress if all provoking factors are not excluded.
What is not allowed in the case of varicose veins is one of the main questions that interests the patient.Non-observance of the basic restrictions can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the therapy.
Ten main "no's" for varicose veins
- You can't rely on ointments and pills.There is no miracle ointment or magic pill for varicose veins.There are drugs that promote blood flow, there are substances that strengthen the vessel wall, but these are all temporary tools 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 they do not normalize the condition of the veins.
- You cannot self-medicate.Varicose veins are not a disease that can be cured or go away by itself.The problem does not "solve", so if you have symptoms of varicose veins, you should see 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.The secretion of the leech does not strengthen the venous wall and does not lead to the normalization of the condition of the vessels.
- Compression stockings should not be worn occasionally.The main requirement for patients with varicose veins is to wear compression stockings.It helps normalize blood circulation, and if you've had treatment (for example, sclerotherapy), compression stockings will help you heal.You must 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 it is uncomfortable to walk in it in the warm season, but all these points can be discussed with a phlebologist and you can find the most comfortable option.
- If surgery is recommended for you, it should not be postponed.Doctors note that varicose veins never go away on their own, and the condition of the veins only worsens over time.That is why, if a phlebologist recommended to operate now, it should not be postponed.
- Varicose vein massage does not improve the condition;moreover, massage of varicose veins is not indicated and may have a negative effect on the legs.Especially the massage, which is done with force, rubbing, and squeezing the legs.And while many patients report feeling relief after a massage, this may be because the swelling goes down after the procedure.But in the long term, massage can negatively affect the health of the veins.Especially when it comes to special types of massage, such as honey, cupping, vacuum, anti-cellulite.
- And going to the bath is not recommended either.Yes, in the case of varicose veins, a contrast shower is indicated - the temperature difference "trains" the vessel wall.However, the temperature contrast that usually occurs in the bath is too great and can have a bad effect on the blood vessels.Therefore, if you are diagnosed with varicose veins, it is better to forget about the steam bath.Or put it off until you have resolved your vein problems.A diagnosis of varicose veins does not mean that a healthy life is over.It is a chronic disease that has, however, been studied extensively.The serious vein removal surgeries performed several decades ago are a thing of the past: today, minimally invasive procedures that spare the veins are in the first place.Then follow the preventive measures.
- What foods should not be eaten in case of 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 thereby increase the load on the blood vessels of the legs.
- Animal fats.The intake of butter and fried meats is limited.The cholesterol in these products causes undesirable changes in the vascular system.
- Salty, spicy foods.Consumption of products belonging to this category leads to water retention in the body and the development of edema.This, in turn, increases the load on the vascular bed, which is absolutely unacceptable in the case of varicose veins of the legs.
- Alcohol.Contrary to popular belief about the beneficial effects of alcohol on blood vessels, you should not drink it if you have severe varicose veins.Consumption of alcoholic beverages leads to short-term dilation of blood vessels, followed by long-term spasm.The thin walls of varicose veins may not be able to cope with such a load: the veins are damaged and begin to bleed.In addition, alcohol consumption is not recommended due to the increased risk of blood clots.
- Coffee.The drink weakens bowel movement and can cause constipation, which is extremely undesirable in the case of rectal varicose veins (golden veins).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 they have varicose veins, they should not only drink coffee, but also chicory.Drinking a drink from this plant leads to blood thinning, dilation of already thinned blood vessels and an increase in the permeability of the walls.This significantly increases the risk of bleeding from the affected veins.For this reason, the consumption of chicory in large quantities is not recommended for the treatment of 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 to treat varicose veins lies in its effect on blood vessels, which is similar to chicory.
- Not all physical exercises are recommended for venous bed injuries.To understand what sports are impossible and even dangerous in varicose veins, you need to pay attention to the presence of force or impact loads.
Among the prohibited:
- weight-lifting;
- running - sprint, marathon;
- football, volleyball - allowed at the initial stage, but with the binding of the lower limbs.
Lifting heavy loads in a standing position is contraindicated not only in case of varicose veins of the lower limbs, but also in case of damage to the veins of the rectum.Strength exercises can lead to prolapse and strangulation of the hemorrhoid.In such cases, emergency surgery may be necessary.
What exercises should not be performed with varicose veins of the legs:
- squat;
- jumping (especially skipping rope);
- platform exercises (step aerobics).
- Do not take hormonal drugs without a doctor's prescription
This mainly applies to women using oral contraceptives.Some contraceptives are hormonal.Their use leads to thickening of the blood and therefore poses an additional risk of thrombosis.Hormonal contraceptives should only be taken after prior consultation with your doctor.