What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins affect many people, particularly as they age. They result from damaged or weakened valves in the veins, which can cause blood to flow backward and pool in the veins. This action can cause the veins to become swollen, twisted, and sometimes painful. While varicose veins are generally not serious, they can cause discomfort and be unsightly, which is why many seek treatment.
Varicose veins are twisted and enlarged veins. Any superficial vein can become varicose, but the veins most commonly affected are those in your legs. That’s because walking and standing upright increases the pressure in the veins of the body. For many, varicose veins and spider veins (a common, mild variant of varicose veins) are only cosmetic concerns. For some others, varicose veins can also cause aching pain and discomfort. There are times when varicose veins may contribute to more severe problems. Treatment may involve corrective steps or procedures by your doctor to close or remove veins.
Varicose Veins Symptoms
Varicose veins may not cause any pain. Signs you might have varicose veins include:
– veins that are blue or dark purple
– veins that seem twisted and bulging; they’re often like cords in your legs.
– when debilitating symptoms and signs occur, they might include:
– throbbing, burning, muscle cramping, and swelling in your lower legs
– an achy and heavy feeling in your legs
– itching near one or more of your veins
– worsened pain that occurs after sitting or standing for a long time
– spider veins are smaller than varicose veins but similar. Skin discoloration around a varicose vein
– spider veins are located closer to the skin’s surface and are often red or blue.
– spider veins occur on the thighs, but may also be found on the face. They vary in size and frequently seem like a spider’s web.
Varicose Veins Reasons
Weak or damaged valves may result in varicose veins. Arteries transport blood from your heart to the rest of your cells. Veins return the blood from your body to your heart. The blood can then again be recirculated. To return the blood to your heart, the veins on your legs must work hard against gravity.
Muscle contractions in your legs act as pumps, and elastic vein walls help blood circulation to your heart. Your veins have tiny valves that open as blood flow toward your heart, and then shut to prevent blood from flowing backward. If these valves become weak or are damaged, blood may flow backward and rush back into the vein. This backflow causes the veins to twist or stretch.
Varicose Veins Treatment Options
There are several treatment options for varicose veins, ranging from lifestyle changes to surgical procedures. The treatment choice varies depending on the condition’s severity and the individual’s preferences and health status.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent and treat varicose veins. This includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, healthy weight, regular exercise, and avoiding sitting or standing for prolonged periods. It is also important to wear compression stockings, which can help improve circulation and reduce swelling.
Several medical treatments are available for those with more severe varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is a common procedure that involves injecting a solution into the affected veins, causing them to close and eventually fade away. This procedure is minimally invasive and typically does not require anesthesia.
Another treatment option is endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), which uses a laser to heat and close off the affected veins. This procedure is also minimally invasive and has a high success rate. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is another similar procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to close off the affected veins.
Surgery may be necessary for individuals with particularly large or complex varicose veins. The most common surgical procedure for varicose veins is vein stripping, which involves removing the damaged veins through small incisions. This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and requires a longer recovery than minimally invasive treatments.
It is important to note that while varicose veins can be treated, they cannot be cured. Even after treatment, new varicose veins may develop over time, so it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and continue wearing compression stockings.
Natural Remedies for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins grow when small valves within your veins stop working correctly. In healthy veins, you will find a set of little valves that are open and close to allow the blood to flow easily to the heart in one direction. If these valves become damaged or weakened, the blood flows backward, causing the veins to become swollen and enlarged. Numerous things can cause varicose veins, such as age, weight, long periods of sitting or standing, genetics, pregnancy, being female, etc. How can you care for your varicose veins at home and how to keep them in the long run?
– Garlic: Garlic is used for several conditions that are linked to the heart and the circulatory system. Garlic produces allicin and ajoene, which can be sulfurous compounds having the ability to boost blood circulation. They contribute to the avoidance of inflamed blood vessels and the prevention of blood clots. Garlic has very potent anti-inflammatory properties that are excellent for reducing the swelling of varicose veins and the discomfort they can cause. Additionally, garlic contains quercetin, a flavonoid that can help strengthen the veins and blood vessels, preventing them from suffering any harm.
– Lemons are high in vitamins A, C, B6, E, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, magnesium, copper, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, and protein. The high vitamin C helps protect cells from harmful free radicals and protects against oxidative damage. Furthermore, it helps avoid varicose veins, high blood pressure, and skin wrinkling according to research done by the American Society of Clinical Nutrition.
– Tomato seeds: Tomato seeds contain salicylic acid with properties similar to aspirin and function as an anticoagulant for improving blood circulation and preventing blood clots. Additionally, tomatoes are full of lycopene, which focuses primarily on our cell membranes and prevents damage to our own cells’ lipids. When applied to the skin topically, it reduces the veins’ appearance, affecting our membranes’ depth, strength, and fluidity, enabling nutrients to be absorbed and preventing toxins from entering.
– Olive oil: Increasing blood flow is essential when it comes to treating varicose veins. Olive oil has anti-inflammatory, toning, and calming properties that will decrease the size of dilated and enlarged veins and activate blood circulation after being absorbed through the skin. Olive oil contains a high content of essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and minerals. The high content of Omega-3 fatty acids boosts the passing of blood through the veins and restores the use of the unidirectional valves.
– Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper is considered a miracle cure for varicose veins. It contains vitamin C and bioflavonoids (an antioxidant that’s used to treat allergies, viruses, or arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions). It can also help reduce atherosclerosis, promotes fibrinolytic activity, and prevents variables that result in the formation of blood clots, all of which may help reduce and cure varicose veins.
– Carrots are a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A (from beta-carotene), potassium, biotin, vitamin K (phylloquinone)sulfur, and vitamin B6. They help in fixing skin tissue in the event of damage. It may penetrate the skin and assist it with recovering faster from outside wounds and injury.
– Parsley: Parsley is full of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins A, K, C, and E, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, calcium, iron, pantothenic acid, choline, folates, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and copper. Besides, it contains several flavonoid antioxidants that protect the cells from free radical damage responsible for blood-related issues. Parsley is abundant in vitamin C also contains potent collagen-producing properties. It’s also absorbed by the skin’s pores quite easily and helps reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes that make it a perfect home remedy for preventing and treating varicose veins.
– Apple cider vinegar contains high levels of enzymes, protein, and bacteria that are friendly. However, the main component in apple cider vinegar is acetic acid that can kill harmful bacteria or stop it from multiplying. Moreover, many animal studies have proven that vinegar can lower blood glucose, blood pressure, blood clots, and cholesterol.
– Aloe vera gel contains salicylic acid and antiseptic compounds that kill off the germs that cause acne that makes it a terrific natural remedy for breakouts and an exceptional cleanser for the skin. It’s also packaged with minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, and vitamins A, C, and E, that all work together to fortify the skin’s barrier.
– Rose Oil: Rose essential oil is created by extracting Rosa Damascena, and researchers have uncovered it comprises several therapeutic chemicals known to promote healing within the body. It improves blood flow, inhibits blood pressure, and strengthens blood vessels. It’s an effective essential oil for leg veins. By ensuring that the blood vessels remain healthy and unclogged, future occurrences of varicose veins will be avoided.
– Horse chestnut seed: Horse chestnut extract is an effective remedy for free radicals. Horse chestnut seeds are used for a long time to heal varicose veins due to their anti-swelling and anti-inflammatory properties. Horse chestnut seed is full of quercetin and kaempferol glycosides, two powerful antioxidants with extreme disease-fighting capabilities. Regular use of horse chestnut extract can cure chronic venous insufficiency. This benefit is because the infusion of the horse chestnut seeds is believed to prevent the breakdown of proteins inside the capillary walls.Â
– Marigold: Marigold, (otherwise called calendula) is an anti-inflammatory and can fight inflammation and infections. It contains flavonoids, triterpene, saponins, and carotenoids that are considered to act in numerous ways. This effect can include increasing venous tone, improving lymphatic drainage, and reducing capillary hyperpermeability. It can be taken as a drink or applied topically as an ointment to bring down swelling, ease pain, and prevent inflammation. Additionally, it has soothing and firming properties after being absorbed through the skin, decreasing the size of dilated veins, and triggering blood circulation in the affected regions. Massaging this as an ointment to the skin relieves pain and will stimulate the functions of the lymphatic system. This will enable the best elimination of these toxins from varicose veins.
Risk Factors
Some of the following factors can increase your risk of developing varicose veins:
– Age. The danger of varicose veins increases with age. Aging can cause wear and tear on in your veins and valves, which help regulate blood circulation. Finally, that wear causes the valves to allow some blood to flow back into your veins, where it collects rather than flowing to your heart.
– Sex. Women are more likely to develop the problem. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, pre-menstruation, or menopause might be variable because female hormones often relax vein walls. Hormone treatments (e.g., birth control pills) may increase your risk of varicose veins.
– Pregnancy. While pregnant, the quantity of blood in the body increases. This change supports the developing fetus but can also create an unfortunate side effect – enlarged veins in your legs. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also play a role.
– Genetics. If other family members had varicose veins, you will also have a higher chance.
– Obesity. Being overweight puts additional pressure on your veins.
– Standing or sitting for extended amounts of time. Your blood does not flow as well if you are in the same position for extended periods.
Complications
Varicose veins complications, although rare, can include:
Blood clots. Sometimes, veins deep inside the legs become enlarged. In such circumstances, the affected leg may become swollen and painful. Any lingering leg pain or swelling warrants medical care as it could indicate a blood clot – a condition known medically as thrombophlebitis.
Ulcers. Painful ulcers can form on the skin near varicose veins, especially near the ankles. A discolored spot on the skin generally begins before ulcer forms. See your physician at once if you suspect you have developed an ulcer.
Bleeding. Sometimes, veins near the skin may normally burst, causing only minor bleeding. However, any bleeding requires medical care.
When to see a doctor
Self-care – like exercise, elevating your legs, or wearing compression stockings – help you relieve the pain of varicose veins and might keep them from worsening. But if you are worried about how your veins look and feel and self-care measures have not stopped your condition from worsening, see your physician.
Conclusion
Varicose veins are a common condition that can be effectively treated through various methods. While lifestyle changes are often the first line of defense, medical treatments such as sclerotherapy, EVLT, and RFA can provide significant relief for those with more severe symptoms. In cases of large or complex varicose veins, surgery may be necessary. By working closely with their healthcare provider, individuals with varicose veins can find a treatment plan that works for them and helps them to live comfortably and confidently.
