What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted bluish veins that run just beneath the skin surface. The word varicose comes from the latin word varix meaning twisted. They commonly affect the legs and feet although they can appear anywhere. Varicose veins are categorized are Superficial Varicose Veins and Deep Varicose Veins

Superficial varicose veins are visible and can be painful and disfiguring. However they are generally harmless. Superficial varicose veins are surrounded by flooded capillaries. When they get swollen, they can inhibit circulation to the extent of causing swollen ankles, itchy skin and pain in the limb. A very mild form of superficial varicose veins are spider veins. Hemorrhoids are also a form of varicose veins.

Deep varicose veins affect the deep venous network. They are generally not visible but can cause inflammation and pain throughout the leg. Blood clots can form. Thrombophlebitis or deep vein inflammation in the thighs and pelvis can lead to pulmonary embolism which can be a fatal condition.

Who can get affected by varicose veins?

There are more than 20 million people with varicose veins in the US alone. Women are twice as susceptible than men. Nearly 10% of adult men and 20% of women get affected by varicose veins which is a very common condition.

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Prominent dark blue blood vessels

Swelling and pain in the legs, feet and ankles after standing for a while

Superficial varicose veins are present themselves as bulging, ropelike, bluish veins

Heaviness or aching in a limb without any visible blue vein may indicate a deep varicose vein

Severe varicose veins are indicated by ulcerous skin, discolored and peeling skin and constant pain.

You should call your doctor if:

The skin has ulcers, is discolored and bleeding

The varicose veins are red. This could be a sign of a serious blood circulation problem called phlebitis

You cut a varicose vein.

What causes varicose veins?

Veins push blood through valves which alternately open and close. Surrounding muscles help in this blood flow. When there is a chronic increase in blood pressure, the vein gets dilated and the vein walls are pushed apart. The valves cannot seal properly and the muscles find it difficult to push the blood forward. The blood begins accumulated in the veins causing them to bulge and contort. SUperficial veins have less muscular support than deep veins and are more likely to become varicose.

Any condition that puts excessive pressure on the legs or abdomen can cause varicosity. Some of the factors that can lead to varicose veins are

Standing for long periods of time

Pregnancy

Obesity

Sedentary lifestyle

Chronic constipation

Tumors

Excessive physical activity that puts pressure on the legs

Veins also weaken with age

How are varicose veins treated?

For superficial and mild cases of varicose veins, alternative therapy and herbal treatments are best.

Elastic support stockings can be used to relieve discomfort

Spider veins can be removed by simple laser treatment

Sclerotherapy where a chemical is injected into a vein to collapse it, is also used so it can no longer trsnsport blood

In severe cases, vein stripping or surgical removal of varicose veins is adopted.
It should be noted that treatment of a vein cannot prevent new veins from becoming varicose so it is important to adopt measures for future prevention

What are some natural ways to prevent and treat varicose veins?

Exercise regularly to keep leg muscles toned and blood circulating

Bring weight under control

Your diet should be low in fat, sugar and salt

Drink plenty of water

Quit smoking. Smoking contributes to elevated blood pressure that can aggravate varicose veins

Wear support stockings

While sitting or resting for long periods of time, elevate your legs

If you have varicose veins, put your feet up a few inches above heart level to let gravity drain pooled blood from legs

Hospital style beds that can be elevated and Water beds can prove comfortable

Incorporate bioflavonoids in your diet either in the form of supplements or by taking fruits such as oranges, apricots, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, rosehips and buckwheat.

Herbs such as Arjuna and Guggul are highly recommended to maintain healthy blood circulation and vein health. The ayurvedic formulation Pilex is considered beneficial in maintaining vascular and vein health.

References:

The Medical Advisor - The complete guide to Alternative & Conventional Treatments

Pub Med

Himalaya Herbals Company

Products for Vein Health

Pilex
Pilex Tablets are useful in supporting veins

Pilex Gel
Pilex Gel provides topical relief for rectal veins

Guggul
Guggul promotes healthy blood circulation