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Varicose veins

Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins that usually occur on the legs and feet. They may be blue or dark purple and are often lumpy, bulging or twisted in appearance.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

  • Visibly distended veins.
  • Large veins that you can see just under the surface of your skin.
  • There may be aching or tiredness, a feeling of fullness in the limbs.
  • The skin may have a tense or burning sensation. Muscle cramps may occur, especially at night.
  • Hemorrhage under the skin may cause the skin to discolor (light brown to bluish).
  • Veins may be abnormally large, bulging, and lumpy looking.
  • Dry, itchy and thin skin over the affected vein.
  • Discoloured skin in the area around the varicose vein.

Types of varicose veins

There are several types of varicose veins, they include:

  • Reticular varicose veins – these are red and are sometimes grouped close together in a network.
  • Trunk varicose veins – these usually look long unpleasant and long. They are near to the surface of the skin and are thick and knobbly.
  • Telangiectasia varicose veins – these are also known as thread veins or spider veins, these are small clusters of blue or red veins that sometimes appear on your face or legs.

Causes of Varicose Veins

Main Cause

The leaching of calcium out of the body causes varicose veins (and other conditions such as cramps, Charlie horses, loss of teeth, and nervous upsets).

Sub-causes
  • The valves of the veins no longer function properly. They become stretched from excess pressure.
  • The deep veins are surrounded by muscles which keep them in shape. But those close to the surface (sousaphones veins) are ones which develop these problems.
  • Contraceptive medications can induce varicose veins, as well as hormonal distillation just prior to menstruation.
  • They can occur during pregnancy (especially during the first 3 months). These will usually disappear after childbirth.
  • Straining at the stool, because of the lack of dietary fiber, causes constipation and can result in varicose veins, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, phlebitis, and hiatus hernia.
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Conventional Treatment for Varicose Veins

In the early stages: – using compression stockings, taking regular exercise and elevating the affected area when resting.

If there is little success from the early stages or if your condition is more severe, such as, blood clots, pain, or skin ulcers (sores) your doctor may recommend one or more medical treatment options which may include:

  • Endothermal ablation – where heat is used to seal affected veins.
  • Sclerotherapy – this uses special foam to close the veins.
  • Ligation and stripping – the affected veins are surgically removed.

Natural Remedies for Varicose Veins

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