Varicose veins

Varicose veins are dilated veins with an enlarged diameter that lie beneath the skin layer and stand out in the skin. Any superficial vein can become varicose, but the phenomenon manifests itself especially at the calves. This is due to increased pressure in venous circulation due to vertical posture and walk. Varicose veins can cause discomfort or even pain, beyond the unsightly appearance. In some cases, varicose veins can also lead to more severe complications, such as varicose ulcers or blood clots.

Telangiectasis – spider veins

Another form of varicose veins is represented by spider veins, called in medical terms telangiectasis. These are small vessels that widen and become visible in the skin. Typically, these veins expand as a cluster, similar to a spider web. This type of varicose veins do not hurt, are much smaller than varicose veins and can occur in several areas of the body, but with predilection are observed on the face. Their treatment is cosmetic rather than medical.

Symptobms of varicose veins

Diagnosis of varicose veins is made when the patient presents one or more of these symptoms:

• Intensely colored veins in purple and dark blue
• Veins that appear crossed, spun, swollen
• Swollen ankles
• Pain or feeling of weight in the legs
• Burning sensation, pulsation, muscle cramps or swelling in the calves
• Pain amplification after the patient sits or stands for a longer period of time
• Itching around the veins
• Skin fading in the area where the veins are visible

Why varicose veins occur

The circulatory system consists of arteries and veins. The arteries carry oxygen-laden blood from the heart to all organs of the body, while the veins carry the blood with carbon dioxide back to the heart for recirculating. For blood to reach from the legs to the heart, the veins work against gravity. Thus, muscle contractions in the calves are similar to a pump that pushes up the blood, while the elastic walls of the veins lead it to the heart. Inside the veins there are small valves that open to allow blood flow to rise and close back, to prevent blood from descending under the action of gravity. When these valves weaken or are damaged, the blood flows back and can gather in the veins, causing them to widen and twist. This is how varicose veins appear.

Risk factors – who is more prone to varicose veins

Although varicose veins can occur at any person and age, they are more common at pregnant women, overweight people and the elderly.

The main risk factors for the development of varicose veins are:

• Age: with the age, the valves inside the veins wear out and lose. Thus, the blood begins to flow also down and is collected at certain points, where the veins widen.
• Sex: women are more prone to this condition due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopause. Estrogen and other female hormones contribute to softening the walls of blood vessels. In the case of veins, the effect is the appearance of varicose veins.
• Pregnancy: during pregnancy, the volume of blood in the body increases, to support the development of the fetus. The veins in the calf widen and varicose veins may appear.
• Family history: if you have people with varicose veins in your family, the chances of them appearing also in your case increase.
• Obesity: overweight people are more prone to varicose veins because the extra weight puts pressure on the veins of the legs and the chance of blood stagnating increases.
• Maintain posture for a long time: blood does not circulate well when you have to sit or stand for a very long time.

How to prevent varicose veins

Even if varicose veins cannot be completely prevented, certain actions or remedies that improve circulation and muscle tone in the legs reduce the risk of their occurrence and relieve symptoms. These include:

• Physical exercise: movement is a good remedy for preventing or relieving varicose veins. Walking improves circulation in the legs.
• Maintaining a normal diet and weight:: extra weight is a risk factor for the development of varicose veins, so it is good to keep it under control. In addition, the diet should be low in salt, to prevent water retention that leads to swelling of the legs.
• Appropriate clothing: very tight trousers and high heels favor the appearance of varicose veins because they make it difficult for blood to circulate. Doctors recommend low-footed shoes and loose clothing.
• Lifting of the legs: to improve circulation in the legs, it is good that they stay high above the level of the heart, a few minutes each day.
• Avoid maintaining the same posture for a long time: the more often the posture is changed, the more blood circulation is encouraged.

Treatment of varicose veins

Standard treatment for varicose veins can be both medicinal and surgical, but there are several natural remedies that reduce the severity of symptoms and discomfort caused by varicose veins.

• Apple vinegar: is an effective remedy for varicose veins, being a natural product that improves blood circulation. When blood flows naturally, the feeling of weight and swelling in the varicose veins disappears. Apple cider vinegar is used to massage areas affected by varicose veins, morning and evening, for at least a few months.
• Cayenne pepper: is considered a miracle treatment for varicose veins, because it is rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which support blood circulation, relieve pain and reduce inflammation of the veins. Add a dash of cayenne pepper powder to a glass of warm water and mix very well. It is consumed three times a day for at least two months.
• Olive oil: massage with olive oil performs lymphatic drainage and improves circulation in varicose veins. Mix equal parts of olive oil and oily vitamin E and massage the calves area twice a day for at least a month.
• Garlic: is an excellent remedy that reduces inflammation of varicose veins. In addition, it removes toxins from the blood and improves circulation. Six garlic cloves are cut and put in a jar together with the juice from three oranges and two tablespoons of olive oil. The resulting mixture is left for 12 hours after which it can be used to massage the areas affected by varicose veins. Massage is done with circular movements for 15 minutes. The area is then covered with a cotton cloth and thus left overnight.
• Forest thorn: this plant contains a compound called ruscogenin that helps reduce inflammation while the veins contract. Forest thorn supplements contain vitamins B and C, calcium, chrome, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium and zinc. All these nutrients help to tighten and straighten varicose veins and decrease inflammation in the legs.
• Nut tree of witches (Hamamelis virginiana): strengthens blood vessels and reduces symptoms caused by varicose veins. It is an astringent containing gallic acid and essential oils that reduce inflammation and pain associated with varicose veins. You can make lukewarm baths in which to pour 10, 20 drops of hamamelis water, or you can use compresses with hamamelis water, on the affected areas.
• Wild chestnut buds: wild chestnut has been known for hundreds of years for its anti-inflammatory properties. Its buds are used in the treatment of blood vessels, because they act as a vascular tonic and reduce the appearance of varicose veins. These properties are due to a substance called aescin that improves the elasticity of the veins and prevents the production of enzymes that affect the walls of blood vessels. Ointments with wild chestnut bud extract are used to massage areas affected by varicose veins, twice a day. Not suitable for pregnant women.
• Parsley: this vitamin C-rich plant is a powerful antioxidant that stimulates collagen production and supports cellular reconstruction. The parsley contains substances that strengthen the capillary vessels and reduce the symptoms associated with varicose veins. A bunch of parsley is simmered for 5 minutes and slipped after it has cooled a little. Add one drop of rose essential oil and one of marigold oil. The resulting solution is refrigerated for a few minutes. The area affected by varicose veins is then buffered with a cotton disc. The procedure is repeated daily for several months for visible results.
• Grape seed extract: studies have shown that grape seed extract can treat symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency due to the concentration of vitamin E and flavonoids. Supplements with grape seed extract are not indicated for people taking anticoagulant treatment.

In conclusion, natural remedies and a healthy lifestyle can relieve the symptoms of varicose veins. In more severe cases or when the aspect of varicose veins is deeply unsightly, drug or surgical treatment is recommended.