Varicose veins, the most common vein disorder, are enlarged, twisted veins, usually in the legs and feet, that are not transporting blood effectively. They appear as bulging, bluish cords beneath the surface of your skin. They affect about 60% of Americans. Women are more likely to have varicose veins than men are. In many cases, varicose veins are simply a cosmetic problem. But varicose veins can also cause pain and discomfort, and in some cases serious complications, such as phlebitis (inflammation of the veins), skin ulcers, and blood clots, can occur.
Varicose veins are accompanied by the following signs and symptoms:
Varicose veins develop when your veins stretch and their valves, which prevent backflow of blood, fail. Primary varicose veins result from weakness in the walls of the veins. They occur commonly as we age, and also in women during pregnancy. Secondary varicose veins are most often caused by problems with veins lying deep among the muscles, which carry about 90% of the blood returning to your heart. These problems include blood clots and the resulting diversion of blood flow, and can be serious.
People with the following conditions or characteristics are at risk for developing varicose veins:
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with varicose veins, you should see your health care provider. Your health care provider will conduct a physical exam of your legs while you are standing and also may perform tests to determine how well your veins are functioning and to distinguish between primary and secondary varicose veins. Your doctor may also perform an ultrasound test to look for blood clots.
Conservative treatment may be all you need. This may involve avoiding prolonged sitting, standing, or walking, getting regular exercise, losing weight, elevating your legs periodically, and wearing compression stockings.
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Regular exercise improves vein functioning, and weight loss and exercise lower the likelihood of blood clots.
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A comprehensive treatment plan for varicose veins may include a range of complementary and alternative therapies. Generally these therapies are aimed at preventing varicose veins from developing or current varicose veins from worsening, not making existing veins disappear.
Herbal remedies may offer relief from symptoms. Herbs are generally available as dried extracts (pills, capsules, or tablets), teas, or tinctures (alcohol extraction, unless otherwise noted). People with a history of alcoholism should not take tinctures. Dose for teas is 1 heaping tsp. per cup of water steeped for 10 minutes (roots need 20 minutes).
Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type. In homeopathic terms, a person's constitution is his or her physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual. Some of the most common remedies for varicose veins include Aesculus , Fluoricum acidum , Hamamelis , and Secale .
Cold compresses of witch hazel ( Hamamelis virginiana ) and yarrow ( Achillea millefolium ) tea may provide temporary relief from pain and burning.
Acupuncture and massage may help improve the overall circulatory system.
Varicose vein disease is a chronic condition, and new varicose veins often develop after treatment.
Walking after sclerotherapy is important to help promote healing.
If you've had surgical treatment, contact your health care provider if you develop severe pain, tenderness, swelling, scabs, or blisters.
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