VARICOSE VEINS

The varicose vein is a common condition observed in practice whereby patients present with dilated, tortuous and elongated veins, especially on the legs. However, any vein in the body if gets twisted, stretched out or loses elasticity, could be labeled as varicose.

The veins have a certain valve-like mechanism which allows the blood to move upwards toward the heart. The valves have leaflets. When the leaflets lose their elasticity, the valves lose their capacity to push blood upwards; hence there is a back pressure which leads to further elongation of the veins. The veins also have reduced elasticity. As a result, the veins get ‘tortuous’ or twisted; as well as hardened. The veins, thus, become visible as zigzag vascular tubes, especially on legs.

Varicose veins affect especially the depending parts of the body that is lower limbs, which gets even worse when one tends to stand longer. People in the business of standing for long, such as salespeople, policemen, plastic surgeon (tend to stand for hours during surgery), etc. are a risk of developing varicose veins.

Causes of Varicose veins:

• Occupational: Standing long hours
• Genetic tendency
• Deep vein thrombosis: A condition which affects the valves of veins
• It might get triggered during pregnancy and due to obesity

Symptoms of Varicose veins:

• Painfulness of legs
• Visible tortuous veins on the legs (of affected parts) (See photo.)
• Swelling of legs and ankle
• Restless leg syndrome (due to pain.)
• Bleeding due to a minor injury

Complications of Varicose veins:

• Ulcer formation
• Bleeding
• If eczema on the affected parts, there may be infection leading to wounds which may take time to heal
• Thrombophlebitis: Due to clot formation in the veins, due to sluggish circulation

Treatment of Varicose veins:

a) Non-medical treatment:

Postural correction and changes form important part of treatment for varicose veins, as under:

• Always keep your legs elevated on a pillow during sleep (in case of varicosity of leg veins)
• Avoid long standing, form a habit of sitting down
• Ware suitable stockings

b) Surgical treatment:

Surgery may be indicated if varicosity is very severer.

c) Homeopathic treatment:

Homeopathy works very well for mild to moderate cases of varicose veins. It helps to reduce pain, control further varicosity, reduces swelling. Homeopathy also helps significantly in the cases which have varicose ulcers. Homeopathic treatment is strongly recommended for all cases of varicose veins except for those which are truly surgical in nature.