Varicose Veins, Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, And Treatment!
Understanding Varicose Veins:
Varicose veins are veins under the skin of the legs, which have become widened, bulging, and twisted. They are very common and do not cause medical problems in most people. There are two main systems of veins in the legs:
- Deep veins: The leg muscles squeeze the deep veins during walking, carrying most of the blood back up the legs to the heart.
- Superficial veins occur under the skin which is less important and can form varicose veins. All of these veins contain one-way valves to ensure that the blood flows towards the heart. Failure of these valves allows blood to flow back down the veins and results in an overload of pressure when standing.
This excess pressure leads to the widening of the veins so that they do not close properly. Blood then flows back into the leg along these veins and causes varicose veins. Raised pressure in these veins also encourages the development of spider veins and discolored areas that look like bruises.
This health article focuses primarily on varicose veins in the legs,
but sometimes varicose veins form in other parts of the body. Hemorrhoids are a type of varicose vein that develops in the rectum. occur in the testicles and may be linked to infertility in men. Varicose veins can also develop in the , stomach, or liver. Other vein problems that affect smaller blood vessels are and spider veins.
Veins have one-way valves inside them that open and close to keep blood flowing toward the heart. However, weakened or damaged valves or walls in the veins can cause blood to pool and even flow backward. This is called reflux. The veins may grow larger and become distorted, resulting in varicose veins.
How Varicose Veins Develop:
Veins are blood vessels that carry blood from the lower body to the heart. When a person is standing up, his leg muscles would contract, causing blood from the lower body to be pumped to the heart through the veins. As blood is transported to the heart, valves located within the veins prevent blood from flowing downwards.
If faults develop in these valves,
blood may seep back into the vein and collect there. The result is venous insufficiency, a condition whereby blood travels not only towards the heart but also away from the heart (reflux) to the foot. The accumulated blood then enlarges the vein and it becomes varicose.
Veins that reflux are seen as incompetent,
or to have incompetent valves. As time passes, the pressure in the veins increases, progressively causing them to become swollen and varicose, though this may take place over many years. This backflow of blood is one of the causes of spider veins as well. Other reasons for the formation of spider veins include hormonal changes, inherited factors, and exposure to the sun.
Although the conditions for varicose veins to develop are largely unidentifiable, causes include congenitally defective valves, thrombophlebitis, and pregnancy. Prolonged standing and high pressure within the abdomen may also worsen the condition or add to one’s vulnerability for its development.
Causes of Varicose Veins:
Varicose veins and spider veins often run in families and there may be a hereditary component. Women are more likely to suffer from varicose veins and up to 50% of women may be affected. Hormonal factors including puberty, pregnancy, menopause, the use of birth control pills, and HRT affect the disease.
Pregnancy:
It is very common for pregnant women to develop varicose veins during the first trimester. Pregnancy causes increases in hormone levels and blood volume which in turn causes veins to enlarge. In addition, the enlarged uterus causes increased pressure on the veins.
Varicose veins due to pregnancy often improve within 3 months after delivery. However, with successive pregnancies, abnormal veins are more likely to remain. Other predisposing factors include aging, standing for long periods of time, obesity, and leg injury.
Signs and symptoms:
The most common signs and symptoms of varicose veins include:
- Bulging.
- Bluish veins.
- Skin ulcers and swelling around your ankles.
- Aching pain.
- a feeling of heaviness in the legs and feet.
- Itching around your veins.
- Fatigue.
- Changes in skin color.
- And nighttime leg cramps.
Sometimes varicose veins can limit your activities. Your symptoms may get worse when you sit or are on your feet for long periods, and they may get better when you lie down or put your feet up. If your veins don’t visibly improve and any pain persists, it’s time to see your doctor.
Depending on your symptoms,
your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, a procedure to remove or close varicose veins, compression therapy, or medicines.
The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms, improve appearance, and prevent complications such as serious skin ulcers or sores, deep vein thrombosis, skin color changes, and bleeding. Bleeding from varicose veins is a medical emergency. Seek immediate help if this happens.
Risk Factors:
In addition to genetics, there are other factors that can increase your risk of developing this condition. These include:
- Obesity: Extra weight on your frame creates added pressure for your veins.
- Gender: Females are more likely to develop varicose veins, possibly due to hormonal changes such as those involving pregnancy.
- Age: Normal wear and tear on your veins and valves can start to appear in your 30’s.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the volume of blood in your body increases. This change supports the growing fetus but also can produce an unfortunate side effect — enlarged veins in your legs. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may also play a role.
- Lack of movement: A sedentary lifestyle or standing for long periods of time can keep your blood from flowing as well as when you are moving around and changing positions.
- Family history: If other family members had varicose veins, there’s a greater chance you will too.
Complications:
Complications can include,
- Ulcers near your ankles or varicose veins: These are typically painful and you’ll want to seek medical advice.
- Blood clots: Varicose veins can sometimes, although rarely, result in blood clots which may appear as severe swelling. If sudden swelling appears, again, seek medical care quickly.
- Bleeding. Occasionally, veins very close to the skin may burst.
Diagnosis:
Treatment of Varicose Veins:
A. How do doctors treat Varicose Veins?
Treatments for varicose veins in the legs include:
- lifestyle changes.
- Medical procedures to remove or close them.
- Compression therapy.
- And medicines.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments or no treatment at all. There is a chance that new varicose veins may form even after treatment, or you may need to be treated more than once.
If you are pregnant, your doctor may recommend compression therapy and pain medicine to relieve symptoms of varicose veins, such as pain or heaviness in the legs.
1. Lifestyle changes:
2. Procedures:
B. Medicines:
Prevention:
Self-Care:
There are several things you can to do prevent varicose veins or keep them from worsening. These include:
- Exercising regularly.
- Wearing compression stockings (Yes, they’re still around).
- Elevating your legs for short periods several times a day.
- Avoiding high heels.
- Changing your sitting or standing position regularly.
- Losing excess weight.
- Sticking to a low-salt, high fiber diet.
Diet And Nutrition for Varicose Veins Disease:
Changing your diet can help reduce symptoms. Your doctor may recommend that you make changes to your diet.
A. Dietary Fiber and Varicose Veins:
Increasing the fiber content of the diet is a fundamental step in the treatment of varicose veins. A lack of fiber is more likely to produce straining during defecation leading to an increase of pressure in the abdomen that obstructs the blood flow up the legs. When this situation becomes chronic the vein walls become weakened eventually leading to varicose vein (and/or hemorrhoid) formation.
- It is recommended that the diet be high in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes and if necessary a fiber supplement such as psyllium husk of slippery elm bark may be used.
- The increased fiber will promote peristalsis and produce a softer stool so that straining is reduced.
- It is also very important to maintain a high water intake, especially when taking fiber supplements.
Here are a few of the top fiber-rich foods that can assist with keeping your vascular system functioning properly:
- Avocado.
- Leafy greens.
- Broccoli.
- Brown rice.
- Air-popped popcorn.
- Oatmeal.
- Lentils.
- Barley.
- Chia seeds.
Additionally,
constipation is another physical condition that places too much pressure on the veins. Certain foods make it difficult to empty the bowels, including dairy products, starches, chocolate, and red meat. High-fiber foods, such as walnuts, whole-wheat bread, peas, squash, and apples provide relief from constipation.
B. Drink More Water:
The adult human body consists of 55 to 65 percent water. It is something no one can survive without. This life-giving liquid provides multiple benefits, from lubricating joints to flushing out waste.
Additionally, water helps nurture the muscles that support your veins when they are under pressure. H20 keeps your veins healthy and strong, so it is important to keep water nearby. Drink water when you are tempted to grab a soda, milk, or alcohol.
C. Eat Fresh Fruits and Vegetables:
Fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with bioflavonoids, sometimes referred to as vitamin P. This powerhouse vitamin gives fruits and veggies their vibrant, rich colors, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that improve the health of your veins.
There is an abundance of this nutrient in:
- Spinach.
- Broccoli.
- Red bell peppers.
- Brussel sprouts.
- Sweet peppers.
- Garlic.
- Strawberries.
- Citrus fruit.
- Papaya.
- Mango.
- Teas.
If you want the most significant health benefit, eat these food items raw. Increasing your intake of foods that are rich in vitamin P is a vein-friendly way to eat.
D. Reduce Your Salt Intake:
The consumption of high-sodium food increases water retention, which places extra pressure on your veins. As salt is a common ingredient in almost everything we eat, you can control your intake by reviewing the nutritional facts on food packaging.
While you do not have to stop eating these edibles altogether, it does help to cut back. Other salty items include foods that are processed, pickled, and canned.
Nutritional Supplements for Varicose Veins:
A variety of nutritional supplements can be used to improve the health of the veins and enhance circulation.
- Vitamin B Complex helps to maintain the strength of the blood vessels.
- Bioflavonoids Vitamin C: Improves circulation, strengthens the vein walls, and promotes healing.
Dosage:
- Vitamin C: 1000-5000 mg daily.
- Bioflavonoids: 100-1000 mg daily.
- Rutin is a bioflavonoid frequently used in the treatment of varicose veins.
- It is found in high concentrations in citrus fruits, apricots, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, rosehips, and buckwheat.
Proanthocyanins and Anthocyanins:
- These bioflavonoids improve the structural integrity of the veins and the entire circulatory system.
Proanthocyanins and anthocyanins are found in high concentrations in blueberries, blackberries, cherries, strawberries, and hawthorn berries. - It is also possible to obtain these compounds via supplements of grape seed or pine bark extract.
Vitamin E:
- Vitamin E improves circulation, reduces susceptibility to varicose veins, relieves pain, and can sometimes correct varicosities.
- Dosage: 300-800 IU daily.
Zinc:
- Zinc enhances the healing and formation of collagen.
- Dosage: 50 mg daily.
Raw Food can Help too
A high fiber diet is the best thing for varicose veins, at least 30 grams per day.
- Vegetables.
- Carrot.
- Celery.
- Garlic.
- Onions.
- Ginger.
- Cayenne pepper.
- Fruit.
- Blackberries.
- Cherries.
- Bilberries.
- Pineapple.
- Citrus fruits (also nibble on the inside of the rinds).
You should avoid:
- Sugar.
- Salt.
- Alcohol.
- Fried foods.
- Processed and refined foods.
- Animal protein.
- Cheese.
- Ice cream.
Varicose veins cannot easily be prevented if you are in a job that demands a lot of sitting or standing or walking but you should think about how you can fit in rest periods or if you’re sitting all day, some exercise. Try the yoga and massage tips and add a fruit juice of berries to your diet as well as ensuring it is high in fiber.
If you find this article useful, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, as you might help someone in need. Thanks.
Disclaimer: “Nothing in this article makes any claim to offer cures or treatment for any disease or illness. If you are sick please consult with your doctor.”
References
