Varicose veins are a pathology that requires constant monitoring and following medical recommendations.The 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.
Top Ten Things Not to Do with 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 these are temporary means that can be used in addition to the main treatment.They relieve the condition: with the help of medications, swelling and pain can be relieved, but they do not normalize the condition of the veins.
- You can't self-medicate.Varicose veins are not a pathology that can be cured on its own nor will it disappear on its own.The problem is not “solved”, so if signs of varicose veins appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
- You can't 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 with 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 normalize the state of blood vessels.
- Compression stockings should not be worn occasionally.The main requirement for a patient with varicose veins is the use of compression stockings.It helps normalize blood circulation and, if you have undergone treatment (for example, sclerotherapy), compression stockings will help you recover better.You should wear stockings or pantyhose exactly as the doctor recommends: if you do it 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 them, but all these points can be discussed with a phlebologist and the most convenient option can be found.
- If surgery is recommended, you should not postpone it.Doctors note that varicose veins never disappear on their own, and over time the condition of the veins only worsens.Therefore, if a phlebologist recommended you have surgery 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 the massage, which is done with force, rubbing, squeezing the legs.And although many patients report feeling relief after a massage, this may be because the swelling subsides after the procedure.But in the long term, massage can negatively affect the health of your veins.Especially if it is specific types of massages, such as honey, cupping, vacuum, anti-cellulite.
- And it is also not recommended to go to the bathhouse.Yes, a contrast shower is indicated for varicose veins: the temperature difference "trains" the vascular wall.However, the temperature contrast that usually occurs in a bathhouse is too great and can have a negative 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 resolve your venous problems.A diagnosis of varicose veins does not mean that a healthy life is over.It is a chronic disease that, however, has been well studied.Serious operations to remove veins, which were performed several decades ago, are a thing of the past: today, the first place is minimally invasive interventions that preserve the veins.And then follow preventive measures.
- What foods should not be consumed if you have varicose veins:
- Sweet and floury.It is not about excluding them completely from the diet, but rather limiting their intake.Excessive consumption of sweets and baked goods can lead to obesity and therefore increase the load on the blood vessels in 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 and spicy food.Consumption of products from this category causes water retention in the body and the formation of edema.This, in turn, increases the load on the vascular bed, which cannot be allowed at all in the case of varicose veins in the legs.
- Alcohol.Contrary to the opinion about the beneficial effects of alcohol on blood vessels, it is not advisable to drink it if you suffer from severe varicose veins.Drinking a drink containing alcohol causes short-term dilation and then prolonged spasm of blood vessels.The thin walls of varicose veins may not be able to withstand such a load: the veins are damaged and begin to bleed.Additionally, drinking alcohol is not recommended due to the increased risk of blood clots.
- Coffee.The drink weakens intestinal motility and can lead to constipation, which is extremely undesirable for varicose veins of the rectum (hemorrhoids).If you find it extremely difficult to give up coffee, limit your intake to 2 cups a 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 causes thinning of the blood, dilation of already thinned blood vessels and increased permeability of the walls.This significantly increases the risk of bleeding from the affected veins.For this reason, it is not recommended to drink chicory in large quantities for 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 to damage the venous bed.To understand what kind of sport it is impossible and even dangerous to practice with varicose veins, attention should be paid to the presence of force or impact loads in it.
Among those prohibited:
- weightlifting;
- run - sprint, marathon;
- football, volleyball - are allowed at the initial stage, but subject to taping of the lower extremities.
Lifting heavy loads while standing is contraindicated not only for varicose veins of the lower extremities, but also for damage to the veins of the rectum.Strength exercises can cause prolapse and then strangulation of hemorrhoids.In such cases, emergency surgery may be necessary.
What exercises should not be done with varicose veins in the legs:
- squats;
- jumping (especially on a jump rope);
- platform exercises (step aerobics).
- Do not take hormonal medications without a doctor's prescription.
This mainly applies to women who use oral contraceptives.Some medications to prevent pregnancy are hormonal.Its use causes thickening of the blood and therefore creates an additional risk of thrombosis.You should take hormonal contraceptive medications only after first consulting with your doctor.