Varicose veins are a pathology that requires constant monitoring and adherence to medical recommendations.The symptoms of the disease (enlarged lumen of blood vessels, thinning of their walls, congestion) 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 reduction in the effectiveness of therapy.
Ten important “don’ts” for 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 alleviate the condition: with the help of medications you can relieve swelling and pain, but they cannot normalize the condition of the veins.
- You can't treat yourself.Varicose veins are not a disease that can be cured alone or go away on its own.The problem will not “solve”.So if you have any signs of varicose veins, you need to 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 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 circulation 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 the blood vessels.
- Compression stockings should not be worn occasionally.The most important 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), compression stockings will help you recover better.You need to wear stockings or tights exactly according to the doctor's recommendation: 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 find the most comfortable option.
- If surgery is recommended to you, you should not postpone it.Doctors note that varicose veins never go away on their own and the condition of the veins only worsens over time.Therefore, you should not postpone the operation if a phlebologist has already recommended an operation.
- Massage for varicose veins does not improve the condition;In addition, massage is not indicated for varicose veins and can have a negative effect on the legs.Especially massage, which is performed with force, rubbing and pressing the legs.And although many patients report feeling relief after a massage, this may be because the swelling goes down after the procedure.However, in the longer term, massage can have a negative impact on vein health.Especially when it comes to certain types of massage, such as honey, cupping, vacuum, anti-cellulite.
- And going to the bathhouse is also not recommended.Yes, a contrast shower is indicated for varicose veins - the temperature difference “trains” the vessel wall.However, the temperature contrast that normally 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 vein problems.A diagnosis of varicose veins does not mean the end of a healthy life.This is a chronic disease, but one that has been well researched.Severe procedures to remove veins that were carried out several decades ago are a thing of the past: today, minimally invasive procedures that protect the veins are the priority.And then follow preventive measures.
- What foods should not be consumed if you have varicose veins:
- Sweet and mealy.The aim is not to completely exclude them from the diet, but rather to limit their intake.Excessive consumption of sweets and baked goods can lead to obesity, thereby increasing the strain on the blood vessels of the legs.
- Animal fats.The consumption of butter and fried meat is limited.The cholesterol contained in these products causes undesirable changes in the vascular bed.
- Salty, spicy food.Consumption of products in 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 is absolutely not allowed if there are varicose veins in the legs.
- Alcohol.Contrary to the opinion about the positive effect of alcohol on blood vessels, you should not drink it if you have severe varicose veins.Taking a drink containing alcohol leads to short-term dilatation, then 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.Additionally, 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 giving up coffee is extremely difficult, the 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 you should drink not only coffee but also chicory for varicose veins.Drinking a drink made 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 is not recommended for varicose veins.
- Celery.Although the plant is included in the list of dietary products, its use for venous pathologies is undesirable.The answer to the question of why you can't eat celery for varicose veins lies in its effect on blood vessels, which is similar to that of chicory.
- Not all physical exercises are indicated for damage to the venous bed.To understand which sport is impossible and even dangerous with varicose veins, you should pay attention to the presence of force or shock loads.
Those banned include:
- weight lifting;
- running - sprint, marathon;
- Football, volleyball – are allowed in the initial stages, but subject to bandaging of the lower extremities.
Lifting heavy loads while standing is contraindicated not only with varicose veins of the lower extremities, but also with damage to the veins of the rectum.Strength exercises can cause hemorrhoid prolapse and subsequent strangulation.In such cases, emergency surgery may be required.
What exercises should not be done if you have varicose veins on 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 is especially true for women who use oral contraceptives.Some medications used to prevent pregnancy are hormonal.Their use leads to blood thickening and therefore poses an additional risk of thrombosis.You should only take hormonal contraceptives after consulting your doctor first.